A Deadly Affair

Eight

I've been friends with Maya since I was in first grade. She moved to Collar Grove with her grandma after her Dad went to prison and her Mom left her on her Mother's doorstep. Maya's never known them, but she doesn't really care to either. She said all she knows is that her Dad was in some gang in New Jersey, and that he got into some trouble with the leader so he turned himself in to the police so they couldn't kill him. That's all she knows, because that's all her grandma knows. Maya's strong, and she doesn't back down from anyone, unlike me, which is why I ended up shopping on my only day off.

"I think red is your color, Jules. It goes well with your porcelain skin and dark hair." She comments as she rifles through a rack of sweaters while I sip my coffee.

"I need to save money, MJ." I repeat for the fourth time during our shopping spree. It's not that I'm hurting for money, but I also want to save for a new car. I love the one I have, but Miles knows what it looks like so I've decided to buy a new one; specifically with tinted windows.

"C'mon, Jules. You need a cute outfit for tonight." She says this as if I should know what tonight is. She huffs at my confusion, before shoving a handful of clothes into my arms. "A party. Sort of like a reunion at Mack's new bar. He's a professional trainer now, supposedly gets a lot of his money from Youtube videos, and decided to try his hand at business I guess." She shrugs, as I juggle the clothes and my coffee in my hands.

"How long has it been open?" I frown, I really need to check facebook more.

"Like a year, I think. It's huge, and the only bar worth going to around here. It's like the bar in that movie Roadhouse with Patrick Swayze." She rambles, a frequent trait of hers, as she pushes me toward the dressing room.

"What if Miles is there?" I ask flatly, feeling my anxiety spark at the thought of seeing him. I haven't told Maya about the encounter the other night, because I know she'll want to castrate Miles.

"I already checked with Mack, he said he hated Miles, and there's no way he'll get in." She assures, patting my shoulder. "Josh is coming too," She adds with a grin, knowing Josh wouldn't let Miles get near me, as he too has always hated the spoiled rich kid, as he describes him.

"Fine," I sigh, as I head into the dressing room to try on the clothes she handed me. I hate parties: but it isn't often that I get to go out besides to dinner or a movie, and it'll be good to see all of my old friends. Still, the thought of Miles hovers over me like a dark cloud; as usual. I wish I didn't have to live my life in fear of him: but there's no time travel machine for me to warn my past self, so I'm stuck, unless Miles decides to grow up. I shove all thoughts of him aside: I can't continue to let him rule my life. I nod to myself in the mirror; I'm going to that party.

I swallow as I check the outfit in the mirror again. Maya and I decided I should go casual, so I decided on a red cropped, sweater, skinny jeans and my favorite tan booties. I throw on my winter coat, feeling comfort in the fur underneath before sliding my phone in my pocket and spritzing on some perfume. I have decided I officially do not want to go: but I also made a promise to my best friends. Sighing, I smooth out my curls, then grab my keys and head into the living room. Ryan said he was working tonight, so I scream when I find a male standing in our kitchen, until he turns around quickly and I realize who it is.

"Ben!" I clutch my heart as though I can tame it from beating so rapidly.

"Sorry!" He rushes forward, probably afraid I may faint- which is a likely outcome. I wave him off, taking some deep breaths. "I have a key." He informs me sheepishly, rubbing the back of his neck. I nod, that would have been a nice bit of information for Ryan to divulge. I save it to bring up later; along with the kiss we shared. This morning, I expected an awkward moment or two: but he wasn't even here. I found a note on the bathroom mirror telling me that he had to work all day and wouldn't be home until late. I was highly disappointed.