Love Is Symphony |✓

| 30 |

The party was already in full swing when I arrived. Donned in a new pair of skinny jeans and a black shirt, I stood outside with my sweaty palms, trying to calm down my nerves.

The rapidly multiplying crowd let out another loud cheer from the inside. Instinctively, I turned to look at Gary's huge family home. A two-story, Mediterranean house with brown, clay roof and shingles, and huge wooden windows. In daylight, it probably was one of the best houses around the neighborhood. Tonight however, it looked exactly like a wild college-fraternity party with bright fairy lights, a long line of cars and an energetic crowd.

Okay. I can do this.

With another loud exhale, I headed up straight for the doors and pushed myself into the crowd of huddled bodies, and was surprised. The party looked a lot different from the inside. It still held that young and hip vibe that college students had, but there was a certain decorum to it that I couldn't pinpoint.

The lights were surprisingly just dimmed, casting an enchanting glow to glittered skins. The couches weren't pushed aside to make room for dancing bodies. Trash was minimal, and there weren't any making-out couples that were secluded in corners. Gary's family home looked exactly like what a family home should be—except for the huge crowd that gathered themselves in smaller groups here and there, the loud music and the smell of perfume, sweat, and beer all mingled together.

The laughing students didn't look like what the movies depicted them to be—caged animals who have been freed for the first time, and now experiencing their first party with free and cheap booze. They carried themselves with an air of experience and maturity, a lot less jumpy compared to what I assumed they would be.

"Serenity!" Phoebe came bouncing towards me. She pulled me in a tight hug that I winced through, and Jason sent me an apologetic smile from over his girlfriend's shoulder. Phoebe smelled of beer and a mild hint of flowers. She was also very drunk. "I'm so glad you made it! I got worried when you didn't reply. I thought I texted the wrong number."

Phoebe finally pulled herself away from the hug but kept her hands placed on my shoulders. She had her hair up in a messy ponytail and a bright pink kiss mark that had smudged decorated her left cheek. "Yeah. I thought I'll just show up. Nice party."

She waved her hand and pulled me along with her toward the yard where the music was faint and there wasn't much people, only a group of three men who were all nursing their own beer.

"Nah, it's Gary's party. I just helped him find a DJ."

"Where is he by the way? I haven't paid for the scarf yet. I tried Googling its price, but I guess I got the spelling wrong."

"Ser, that's what we have Siri for! Just say the word and she'll deliver. You don't have to type it down. I think that's even applicable if you have the Google app on your phone. Just speak. By the way, let's ignore that scarf issue. I think Sean isn't coming. Jason said he has an emergency meeting with his management, so we're on the clear."

The relief that came was immediate. There was a high chance that you weren't coming—you made sure that I was aware where you were despite my unresponsiveness—but hearing another person confirm it really helped in easing my nerves.

"That's great to hear." I scanned the place for anyone who appeared to be watching us, curious if the person Phoebe promised to be here was just a few breaths away. No one paid us any interest. "Is he here?"

Her brows furrowed. She looked lost. "Who? Sean? Is he coming?"

I tried to ignore the fact that she couldn't keep a straight thought. At least she wouldn't be the one I'd talk to tonight.