Confessions of a Bitch

Small Town Parties

It's 7:05pm when Hotpants and I pull up outside the shed, beside the dingy primary school. By the looks of things, the party started way before we arrived. I can hear the bass through the thick walls of the car, and can't help but roll my eyes. Let's just hope this party is not a disaster, or even worse, some boring American inspired party.

"So, how long are we staying here for?" David asks, after turning off the engine.

I shrug my shoulders. "Depends on how it goes. Maybe around ten?"

"Got it." He steps out of the car and I follow suite, making sure to put my phone in my jacket. I cringe at the winter breeze, as I close the car door. My dress, (the one I bought at Target, hours earlier), whips around my thighs. I wriggle my toes in my docks. Even David couldn't talk me into wearing some heels for this party. Heels are for night clubs, not small town parties.

I turn towards David while he locks the car. "You ready?" He nods, and I shove some loose strands of hair behind my ears. "Alright, let's go." By the looks of things, it's going to be a slut fest tonight.

The shed is average sized, and I can see the rust spreading through the metal like a virus under the moonlight. A couple of girls are outside, laughing, taking selfies and getting pissed. The noise from the shed gets louder and louder as we get closer towards it, and I brace myself for what could go down, once we enter the place. Damn me for befriending Lily. Damn Lily for inviting me to this frigging party.

What had happened to staying low?

Hotpants opens the shed door and ushers me inside. As expected, the party is a riot. There are bottle of alcohol everywhere. Some people stand in the corner with their mates, doing shots. About fifty people make a mosh pit on the dance floor, and fluro lights flash across the place. I find it hard to believe the party started at seven.

"Well, this makes me feel right at home!" Hotpants yells over the music. I roll my eyes. We're definitely leaving here by ten. I glance around the room, one more time. Hotpants and I, stick out like some thumbs. While everyone else dances, or partakes in x-rated things, like the girls and boys in the other end of the shed, we stand near the dance floor, like statutes.

"We should really do something," I say.

"That was exactly what I was thinking. When was the last time you partied?"

"A little while ago," I reply. I spot a table of food near the drinks and hurry towards it. I barely got a bite out of my sandwich before leaving Bob's place, thanks to David and his constant banter about getting to the party on time.

I pick up a small meatpie and inspect it, before putting it in my mouth. It's cold and tastes average; but it would have to do. David is about reaching out for some finger food, when I hear the unmistakeable sound of Lily's squeal behind me. "Rose!"

Hotpants jerks his hand away from the foot, as if he had just been stung by a bee, and we both turn around. I muster the biggest smile possible, on my face. "Hey! Happy birthday!"

Lily grins. "Thank you." She looks at my empty hands for a brief moment, and my heart sinks a little. I forgot to get her a present. Shit. "Well, how are you enjoying the party?"