Chapter Twenty Three

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Veronica POV:

"What was with that text this morning?" Chandler questions as we walk out to her car. School ended about five minutes ago, and she offered to drive me home. "It was two a.m. As much as I love you, I'm usually asleep at two a.m. Was something wrong? Why were you making sure the door was locked?"

"Nothing was wrong," I lie. 'Nothing except some kid threatening one of us or both of us and following us around yesterday.' "I just wanted to make sure you were safe. I worry."

"I know you do," she says with a smile, planting a kiss on my head. "Thank you."

"Sure," I say, my cheeks hot. Whether from the kiss or from lying to my girlfriend, I'm unsure. Either way, I'm blushing now, and the smirk that appears on Chandler's face seems to confirm it. As we're getting in the car, Duke approaches us. She has a genuine smile on her face. That's new.

"Hey," she says, nodding to Chandler.

"Hey," Chandler replies. "What's up? Do you need something?"

"Well, um... There's going to be a party tonight at my place," she answers. "Kurt and Ram are not invited. They don't even know about it. Everyone else will be there, though. Except for the freshmen. Fucking freshmen." She says 'freshmen' with extreme distaste. None of the seniors like the freshmen. They're just annoying, shorter, practically pre-pubescent teenagers who block the hallways.

"No Kurt and..." Chandler's voice trails off. She refuses to say his name. I know that's what stopping her. She continues. "They won't be there? You're sure?"

"I'm positive," Duke replies. "Veronica, you're totally invited, too. What would a party be without the power couple of Westerburg High?"

"Thanks, Heather," I say, smiling politely at her.

"Of course," she replies sweetly. I'm seeing the nicer side of Heather Duke. This is nice for a change.

"We might make an appearance," Chandler tells the other Heather. "Thanks for the invitation."

"No problem," she says, and with another smile, she's gone.

"What do you say, Sawyer?" Chandler asks. "Do you want to go to a party tonight?"

"Let's do it," I reply with a grin. Why not? As long as there's no Kurt and Ram, there's no one to hurt Chandler. This will be good for us. Date night always is.

***

Duke's house is far bigger than I had pictured.

I walk in, arm in arm with Chandler. The place must be three stories. It's certainly not as big as Macnamara's house, but goddamn. No wonder Duke's mom was able to pay for implants.

The music inside of the house is so loud it's like the house itself is pulsing. Chandler seems to be enjoying herself already. I know she doesn't really like parties, but maybe it was because she was always afraid of Kurt and Ram. Maybe now she can have a little peace of mind. This must be nice for her. It must be more comfortable, anyway.

There are kids dancing in the middle of the house, a full bar off to one side (Duke's parents', I'm sure), and tables with food lining the walls. I make my way over to the food with Chandler at my side. There's a bowl full of what looks to be chips, so I get a plate for myself and for Chandler, putting chips on both and handing her one. 

"Thanks, babe," she says, kissing my cheek. She's become very affectionate lately. I'm starting to think that these pregnancy hormones are getting to her. She seems ready to walk over to the bar, but I gently take her by the wrist, stopping her. I move a hand to my stomach, shaking my head. I can hear her groan in protest even over the loud music. No alcohol while you're pregnant.

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