Love Sucks

Double Meanings - Chapter Two

“You'd be surprised what poison is often hidden in the most beautiful camouflage.”

Evelyn Klebert, Ghost Soldier

***

Abbi felt exhausted, and it wasn't even ten-thirty yet. She had been presented a number of times too many boys, all asking if she would care to dance. And how could she refuse without sounding rude?

About an hour ago, Abbi had distinctly decided that there were two types of people in the crowd occupying the ball. On one side, were the average, ordinary faces in pretty but plain dresses, whom she could guess were here on circumstances similar to her own. And the others, Abigail assumed, were the upperclassmen of California; every single one of them irked her. With their proper way of discussing things, and their overly expensive attire and attitudes.

Somehow, they didn't seem right, especially now as she stared at one of them at this moment. He was charming enough. The rich boys kept popping up left and right, all trying to speak with her. It was hard not to notice the fact that they were all wealthy socialites.

The current boy's name was Patten, she had remembered as it being such an unusual name. He wasn't as outlandishly beautiful like the rest and he liked to joke around; everything he said was either an insult to fellow guests, or a "Yo Mama" joke that was highly offensive to any ones "Mama". But on a better note, he was endearing. With sparkling hazel eyes, dark hair, and high cheekbones, he could've made a nice male model.

"So ... wait a minute, why were you running naked down Wilshire?" Abbi asked, her tone laced with mystification, she might have gotten lost in Patten's constant ramble of words.

Patten sighed, but his grin was still planted on his face.

"Because, that old man had some exotic drinks in his medicine cabinet. Next thing I knew, I was in the Police Station charged with public nudity, and stealing gold sandals." He said thoughtfully, his expression a picture of utter adoration. "It was a confusing day, my friend." He then looked up at her and smiled widely.

Abbi was nodding softly, trying to hide a smirk beneath her fingers. "It was confusing enough to just listen to it ... " She muttered, amused.

"Indeed." Patten mused, before turning on Abbi with another rush of excitement. "Have you ever been skiing with no clothes on?"

Abbi was taken aback, but no longer found it surprising. She shook her head.

"Well, apparently the Swiss find it disrespectful to have everything hanging out. I was told to have a four year reprieve from ever entering Switzerland."

Abbi laughed. "From what I gather, Mr. Patten ... you really do enjoy taking off your clothes." She commented, her mouth turning up into a sly limper. Patten leaned back in his chair and grinned his usual grin.

"Well, My dearest Abigail, firsts things first; the first matter of me not having clothes on was not in my own control, and secondly; I do prefer to take not only my own clothes off, but others as well." He winked.

Abbi returned his wink, then pointed dramatically to a rather gauntly boy, with large front teeth and unruly red hair. "Then you should totally think about that dude. He's been giving you The Look for the past five minutes; practically begging to have his clothes ripped from him."

Patten glanced back, gave one look at the boy, and laughed loudly. Some people turned to stare at him. "Ah, I think I like you, Abigail Worthington." He beamed.

Abbi was about to respond, before Patten's face suddenly dropped into a deadly cool calm, while his eyes ungratefully became reserved as he stared at something above her head.