Again

Chapter 8.

"I refuse to go in there."

I cross my arms in front of my chest, pouting my lips in the most childish way. How did I not realize where we are going? I hate surprises, I like to have things a certain way and when you're surprised you never know what happens. You can't plan it through, so anything could happen.

"Of course you are! This is going to be fun!" Heather says, already climbing out of the car. I face expression turns into a grimace.

Finn's hand finds mine and he squeezes it sweetly. "It's okay, really."

I pull my hand out of his. "Did you know about this?!" I ask vigorously.

He bites his bottom lip, and I think I even see a little bit of guilt sparkling up in his eyes. "I knew we weren't going to the movies..."

"I can't believe this!" I unbuckle my seatbelt and climb out. "I will hate you for this!"

He laughs. "C'mon it's just a party, you're overreacting."

I bite my lip to keep myself from talking. Without another word, I walk into the damn frat house, searching for my friends. I feel Finn's hand finding my arm. His hands are massive almost, cool and soft for a boy. He gently squeezes it.

"Did you come here before?" I ask over the loud music. How can anyone stand this music a long term without destroying their ear drum?

He shakes his head. "No," he bends down a little to reach my ear, so he does not has to scream. I can feel his lips lightly touching my ear as he speaks.

"I'll get us something to drink. Please, stay here," he asks politely. Finn is will always be one of the most polite persons, even though he likes to swear. It's a weird combination.

I nod and he disappears in the crowd. Bodies push against me and I look around, hoping to see a familiar face. People give me weird looks, looking me up and down. I soon start to feel uncomfortable in my own sling so I move out of the kitchen. I end up in the main area of the big house, standing on my toes, in hopes to see over the crowd.

For a moment I consider just driving away. But I can't without my friends, and Finn has the car keys anyway. I am only about ten minutes on this party and already don't like it. Is this what college is? Because if so, I don't think I would like to go.

This is not how I planned my birthday to be.

''Mia, oh there you are!'' someone shouts over the loud music. I smile slightly as Em approaches with two drinks in her hand, handing me one.

I shake my head, pushing the cup away from me. "I don't drink," I say.

"Oh come on, M. You gotta loosen up a little!" and with that she gulps down the rest of, whatever that liquor is.

She stumbles forward, the back of her hand wiping in one smooth movement over her mouth. I remember the words of Heather in the cafeteria, how she explained that she would not like to go with Emma, since she gets drunk easily.

Wonderful, adds my subconscious sarcastically.

I hold her by her shoulder and press her back against the wall, to support her.

"How many of these did you have?!"

She shrugs. "I lost track," she mumbles, smiling at me. I widen my eyes. "Anyway, we found some people and we want you to come!"

"Where is Heather?" I try to ignore her good drunken mood.

"With the others! Now come,'' she laughs. I roll my eyes as she pulls my arm through the crowd. I had to think about my mother, and the disappointed look that would spread on her face if she saw me right now. This is definitely not how she raised me. But that's the point isn't it? Doing something other than what my mother would approve.