The Badboy Smokes

Chapter Four

Jenna, Kaylee, and I finally carpooled and got over to Montgomery's house by midnight, which is late enough that a ton of people are already here. Cars line up and down the road, and for it being somebody's house, it's surprisingly hard to find parking.

You could hear the music from the street and see the people milling around the lawn and the patio from a ways away. It seems pretty intense going into it, but it's something I grew used to last year when I was into this stuff. However, this isn't my ideal setting anymore--probably a symptom of the stupid things I did last year because of these things. This time I told them I wouldn't get drunk, so I'm sure I'll be okay.

"This will be great," Jenna says, grabbing my arm, "It's been so long."
"God, I know," Kaylee answers, "I'm so excited."
"I'm only here to drive," I say, mostly reminding myself, but Kaylee smacks my arm.
"So boring," She says, then starts walking to the door.
"I hate you both," I say, before stepping onto the lawn and weeving into the huge house.
We drop our belongings in the big walk-in closet right by the threshold of the house with all the other coats.

The best thing about Montgomery's house is it's location--it's way too big for a three person family, which is cool, but it's also in the middle of nowhere. It's hard to get out here, but nobody is around to bust us or complain about the music or the seizure inducing lights or the drunk teenagers prowling through the bushes, naked. A bad thing is that the house is so large that it's very easy to get lost. One time last year, I got so lost that I had to call my, now ex, boyfriend to come find me. It wasn't my proudest moment. But I feel that I've been here enough, now, to know my way around a little.

The inside of the house reeks of alcohols, different scents of vape, and body odor. Jenna takes a big whiff and sighs with a satisfied smile.
"Reminds me of the good ol' days," She says, patting me on the back.
"Those days," I start, "were in no way good."
"They were great," Kaylee answers, then waves at someone, "I'm gonna go get drunk and laid."
"Use protection," I call as she runs away.

Jenna turns to me and puts her hands on my shoulders and stares at me.
"You're gonna be okay by yourself, won't you?" She yells over the music.
"Yes," I answer, placing my hands on her shoulders to return the gesture.
"No alcohol," Jenna says.
"No alcohol," I repeat.
"Good?"
"Good."
"Okay." She smiles before disappearing into the kitchen in search for alcohol.

I showed up in what I wore to school today, except with my hair down and makeup (by Jenna), which I suppose isn't a classy thing to do, but a couple other people I recognize did the same. Besides, everyone is too drunk to notice.

"Looking good, Beautiful," Someone behind me says before grabbing my ass.
I whip around with surprise to see Markus standing behind me with a small grin.
"You shouldn't be walking around alone," He says, cracking a smile that's only creepy because he's being creepy.
"I'll take good care of you," He says, and grabs my arm.
"No," I yell over the music, trying to pull my arm away, "I'm fine on my own."
"Oh come on, we used to have so much fun together," Markus says, pulling me through all the people who do nothing because they think nothing.
"Get away from me," I retort, using my other hand to try to pry him off my forearm.

"Awe," Markus says, jutting out his bottom lip, "Do you not like me anymore?"
"Jesus Christ," I state, "Grow up. Let go of my damn arm."
I try pulling away, but I don't work out--ever--so it's not much good. Finally, he's pulled away from me and in front of me is a dark figure, sticking out amongst the colored lights.
"Do you ever fuck off, Markus?" He questions, his voice almost relieving to hear.
"What's the fun in that?" Markus retorts and pushes Jayce's shoulder.
"I don't mean to start anything, but--" Jayce says, cutting himself off to shove Markus back, so he hits the wall and falls to the floor.