Café Luna

8

The drive was long but seemed short to my shot nerves. I wasn't feeling nervous about the party, it was more like I was uneasy about the whole situation in general. Several foreboding emotions lay nestled in the pit of my stomach, swirling into deeper apprehensions and foreshadowing motions. There was no doubt that Mason's words had left an imprint in my mind.

He had spoken with such surety and a matter of fact voice daring me to prove other wise. I couldn't help but bite my lip deep in thought as I steer right onto a rather rough road surrounded by woods. I slow continuing on the path to make sure not to disturb the cupcakes. He wouldn't be crazy enough to follow us to the party, would he? Don't be ridiculous Hay. Nobody has time to do that. You better focus on driving or you'll drive us all off the path.

I swirl out of my tiring thoughts and pay more attention to where I'm going. Berry was right, it was really dark outside so I needed to be extra careful. I follow closely behind the Porsche with little difficulty considering how late it was. Maybe all this drama is making me more alert.

"Hay, it's been a considerable amount of time since my last visit to the Owen's lodge. Have they updated anything?" Trevor attempts small talk to break the silence in the car.

I think back to my most recent visit which was probably last summer, "Umm, no not really. The cabin still looks out over the lake but they added a zip line that begins from the house dropping out about ten meters from their floating dock. They also remodeled the cabin so there are now approximately seven bedrooms and an industrial size kitchen that opens up to the living room. That's about it I believe; well, other then all their new toys I suppose."

He looks over at me confused, "Toys?"

From the backseat Dylan plops his head between the front seats, "Yeah, Michael and Tricia were both given jet skis for their last birthday. The newest and fastest models too."

Trevor scoffs quietly while crossing his arms, "What more could they possibly need? They were already given nice cars for their sixteenth birthdays."

I smirk from my seat as I follow Stacy onto the lengthy driveway, "They also officially inherited the cabin and the first thing they did was give it a technological makeover. We're talking flat-screen TVs, Jacuzzi tubs and showers, a sauna, and my personal favorite, an outdoor and indoor fully functional standardized speaker system. Just wait until you see the party lights, remodeled deck for dancing, and the new revolutionized pool they built in. It's made to center around the back deck, going along in a sort of lazy river. The floor of the pool has neon lights that change to the beat of the music, it's actually pretty cool."

I park the car off between some trees already noticing the multitudes of fairy lights strung through the tall branches of evergreens. Loud music seemed to be emitting from every direction without sounding too fuzzy or overly loud. It was oddly clear and easily heard over the cheering of many people.

I barely power off the car when Dylan opens his door with a pair of swim trunks in hand, "Too bad none of you brought your bathing suits. I bet you anything that the pool will be in full use."

I give myself a final once over in the rear view mirror before tentatively stepping out of the safety of my car. For someone of a somewhat high status, I still managed to feel oddly out of place. There were several people mingling and drinking either out of red solo cups or almost empty beer bottles. I recognized most of them from my high-school but there were still a few faces that were unrecognizable.

Walking around to the trunk, I pop it and we each grab a box before I lock it and tie the keys securely around my wrist. There was no doubt that this party contained more than its fair share of pickpocketers. "Hailey! I didn't think you would show up!" I peek over the box I'm holding to see Michael wearing nothing but a red pair of swim trunks. His muscled chest glistened in the light and his dark blonde hair dripped to the side as he swung it out of the way.