When You Least Expect It

16

It was a losing battle trying to avoid dressing up. Ashley wasn't hearing it. I mean if Corey is going to is it going to kill me? I don't know how she ever convinced him to do it but she did. They are going as a deer and hunter, it kind of makes me wish I wasn't single. Sure, it's cheesy but it's cute. And seeing how excited Ashley was that Corey was doing it for her just made it harder. Sometimes I wish I was the reason someone was so happy.

It took some convincing but she found me a police uniform with a fake mustache and dark glasses. I figured if nothing else it would be good for laughs. Jason got roped into going as Raggedy Andy with Riley. I laughed so hard my stomach hurt when he walked out, the funniest part is that he didn't even care. Riley was dressed as Raggedy Ann and took about a million pictures of them together. It was cute honestly, she bragged on him for not resisting. Still, it was hilarious. Every time I see Jason in that red wig I can't help but laugh at him.

Taylor is telling me about his plans for Christmas when I first spot Whitney. I have to suppress a gag when Travis comes in behind her yelling and being... well Travis. They're dressed as Ken and Barbie. Whitney has on a hot pink one piece bathing suit with Barbie written in sparkly silver cursive across the front and leg warmers, her hair is curled, her makeup flawless. As much as I hate to admit it, she looks amazing. Megan comes up to get Taylor and I realize I've zoned out.

I pull my attention away from Whitney and listen as Megan whines because Taylor isn't wearing his hat. They're dressed as scarecrows.. Well Megan is. Taylor is just wearing a plaid button up and jeans, which is why she's upset about the hat I guess. She glued on pieces of hay and a fake crow, Taylor hates it.

"Babe! No one knows what you are if you don't wear your hat. You just look like a regular person-uhhh. I wish you would let me do your makeup." She stomps her foot and I have to hide my smile.

Taylor rolls his eyes and puts the hat on his head, "The hat is dumb Meg. I could just say I'm a farmer or something. Can't we just enjoy the party. I already told you I'm not wearing makeup. I didn't want to dress up in the first place."

She crosses her arms, "Fine, then don't wear the hat I worked so hard on making you. But don't expect to roll in this hay later either." With a huff she turns and walks away.

"Fucking hell. I guess I'll talk to you later." He pushes off the counter he was leaning against and yells after her, "Meg wait. I'll leave the damn hat on. Wait!"

I chuckle shaking my head, I guess being tied down isn't just fun and happiness, then again I would've probably just worn the hat. People are just having a good time, most everyone is dressed up, but it's really just been a chill night. It's nice. Wish Katie would've came though. She's off with her now "official" boyfriend at another party. It sucks but I'm genuinely happy for her. I'm going to miss having fun with her though, I didn't have to work for it. Time to broaden my horizons maybe.

Looking around I feel a little awkward. I think more people are here with a date than not. There are always people hugged up together at these things but this one is different. I start to question whether I should head home or not.

When Ann stumbles into the room I wish I had. I'm talking to Jason and Riley when she makes her appearance. I don't know why she keeps getting so fucked up. I mean yeah, other people are drinking but most everyone is just casually sipping a drink and hanging out. She can't even hardly walk. I feel obligated to help her, someone has to. When she bumps into the wall I offer her my hand and she waves me off.

"Derek," my name is barely recognizable in her slurred speech. "Don't. You don't like me. I'm fine. I don't even need help."

"I do like you Ann. But you need to sit down before you hurt yourself. Come on, let me take you home or something."