Mind full of monsters

Party Disaster

"Party?!" I cried, "are you kidding me?!" Rhoda laughed loudly at my reaction, plucking a dress off the rack before putting it back. "Chill, it's no biggie, just a good way to meet some new people, and boys," she winked, pulling two dresses from the rack and comparing them to me, seeing my horrified face she added, "look, it'll be fine, you have me and Ryan to look after you,  Ryan even said he would escort you the whole time," determination burned in her eyes. I sighed, I clearly was not going to win this argument so I grabbed a dress and stormed into my bathroom.

"You look stunning, turn" Rhoda breathed as I turned at her command. She'd insisted on doing my makeup when she saw all I had to offer. My hair had been tightly curled, apparently bringing out the silver, with a glittery winged liner and nude lips - paired with my white Rolex, white strapless dress and white wedge sandals, according to Rhoda I looked like an angel. Rhoda had also chosen to dress herself in my clothes, picking out a long sleeved blue dress, a chunky belt, grey heels and a silver alice band because apparently we lived in the eighties. "Come now, our ride has arrived, my brother is outside," she called after checking her phone.

Brother... But I refused to cry.

"Hey angel," Ryan smirked as he waltzed over to us. He pulled me in for a hug that I gratefully accepted. "You didn't get a choice, did you?" Ryan asked, I shook my head sadly and we both laughed, clearly Rhoda was known for getting her way. He slipped his arm around my waist and guided me inside the mansion someone called home. "Whose house is this?" I queried, Ryan whispered in my ear, "Caleb and Theo's," I looked at him puzzled, "Theo is Caleb's seventeen year old brother," answering my unspoken question, "speak of the devil," he nudged me just as someone tapped my shoulder. I turned to see a boy with messy brown hair and brown eyes smiling sweetly at me, "Alright mate," Theo said, shaking Ryan's hand. "And, who is this?" He asked, turning his attention to me. "This is Kai, the new exchange student and your brothers new interest," Ryan explained, bitterness lacing his voice as he explained the last part. Theo's smile faltered as well as if they shared a sombre secret. "Well, I'm sure we can keep him at bay, don't you worry Kai," Theo said, breaking the silence, he kissed my hand before sauntering back off into the party. I looked at Ryan and he just shrugged.

Rhoda came catapulting at me from the corner of my eye as I stood at the drinks table, pushing me to stumble over my own feet, luckily into Ryan who steadied me. "Come with me - no boys," she exclaimed, too happy for my light-headedness, staring down Ryan until he backed away with his hands up in defence. "Come on, time to mingle!" Rhoda said, dragging me through the crowd. Just as we made it to the side of the room, a door swung open and Caleb was pushed out with not just a grin on his face but multiple hot pink lipstick stains on his face. "Stop harassing the girls," Rhoda scolded, pointing towards as mirror, Caleb turned and admired the markings and laughed. "God, such as playboy," I muttered sourly under my breath. Rhoda rolled her eyes and pulled me inside.

"Rhoda!" One of the girls squealed as we entered the, pink room? The other girls turned to me, blinking as they took me in. "Rhoda, like, where did you find her?" Finally spluttered one of the girls. Rhoda giggled, releasing her friend who politely smiled at me with big blue eyes.

Blue eyes...

Holy crap! She was one of the girls from the casino. "Bathroom," I garbled as I quickly yanked open the door. I ran through the crowds, carefully avoiding the touch of anyone. I glanced around momentarily, locking eyes with Ryan who furrowed his eyes in confusion, before I spotted the door.

I stepped out into the wild, but welcome, wind as I panted heavily. "Hey angel, wait up," Ryan called, emerging from the crowd, hastily pulling off his jacket before dutifully draping it across my shoulders. Just like Hayden did. "Not cold," I said, shrugging it off. "I came out to cool down," I lied. Relief flooded his face as he let out a breath I didn't see him holding. "I thought you were running," he laughed, running a hand through his spiked hair. I forced a laugh too, racking my brain for another excuse. "I'll be back inside in a minute, I just need a breather," I replied coolly. Ryan nodded before turning on his heel and weaving back into the sea of people. As soon as he was out of sight, I legged it. Running down the long driveway with trees towering each side, straight through the metal gate - not pausing for a second. I kept running until I ended up on the familiar road where I finally slowed down and casually walked the rest of the way.

-

I fired up my computer, still clutching my hot chocolate, Kelly wasn't here and honestly? I was grateful for the quiet. I gently sipped the scorching liquid, the warmth sending tingles all over my body. I pulled open my emails and instantly regretted it, all my old friends - even Jamie - had emailed me. They all wanted to know how amazing everything was. A few of Haydens friends had emailed me as well, wondering why he hadn't gotten back to them. I closed them and decided to shop instead, assuming retail therapy was the answer, but soon my feet grew restless and I began to hate everything I saw.

I was lying down on my bed, listening to music, when Kelly walked in. I took out my headphones and she sighed at me. "Not good?" she asked. I nodded just as my phone rang, saving me from having to explain. I answered it without even looking at the caller ID. "Hello?" I asked, not paying much attention. "Where the hell are you? Ryan said you were just taking a breather," Rhoda's usually frilly voice was now clipped and angry. "I went home," I replied calmly, not even fazed by her tone. I sat up and Rhoda began to lecture me so without a second thought, I hung up. "A little rude," Kelly said, failing to hide her amusement. I shrugged, I knew I would have to deal with her, but, not right now.