Up in Flames (Flames #1)

Four

Lovely (with Khalid) by Billie Eilish

By 8.15 on Saturday night, I have already switched outfits what feels like a million times. Akio and Tali are probably on their way, considering they said they would pick me up at 8.30. Nothing that I have in my closet compares to the photos Tali sent me yesterday of the outfits she was considering for tonight. Instead, I was forced to settle on a flowing black skirt that flows to my knees, coupled with a red cap-sleeved shirt which I tucked in to the waistline of the skirt. My footwear choices were sorely limited, so I stuck with a pair of black low-top converse. Not the prettiest outfit, but comfort always had to come first.

I was blotting my face with a paper towel and applying another coat of setting spray when my phone began singing a happy little tune from where I had left it charging. Without even glancing at the screen I grabbed a little bag I had left ready for the night, and grabbed my phone and keys. I locked the door and jogged down the stairs, waving at Akio and Tali as they sat waiting in the car for me. I hopped in the backseat quickly and did up my seat belt, waiting for the car to start moving.

"Are you sure this is a safe neighbourhood for you to live in alone?" Akio asks me, his eyes peering out at the group of men smoking and drinking out of one of the ground level apartments, spilling onto the pavement. Chances were Grumpy Greg was there too - I hope he slept there tonight instead of snoring through the wall between our apartments.

"It's fine - they're all harmless and pretty much passed out any time I'm awake anyway," I say lightly, trying to brush off his concern. Secretly, it lights a fire inside of me to know that he cares enough about me.

"Seriously, Ly, this place looks super dodge. Anytime you're coming back late you should just come and spend the night with me - I'd feel better about it anyway." Tali's voice is coated in concern too, and I just want to reach through the front seats and squeeze the life out of her. Luckily, I refrain and instead give a noncommittal mumble and silently urge Akio to put his foot on the accelerator and take us away from here. He must've heard me, because he speeds out of there like there was a hellcat ready to climb up his behind. Although that could've been because of the growing crowd of men stumbling towards his car as they eyed it greedily.

We're barely in the car for 5 minutes before Akio pulls the car to a stop a few blocks from campus. I peer out the window, looking for the party.

"Is the party here? I thought it was on campus?"

Akio snickers while Tali and I hesitantly get out of the car and stand together on the pavement.

"Look at you kids, thinking you're going to be able to park your car on campus when there's a party. Silly children," He says this last part over his shoulder as he begins walking towards campus. With an unspoken look at each other, Tali and I shrug and hurry to catch up to Akio. I find it much easier in my converse, while Tali is cursing and stumbling in her high heels. I snicker internally, congratulating myself on my fashion choice.

Akio is definitely right - the closer we get to campus the more cars are packed into the streets, even going so far as to block driveways and double park cars where at all possible. From a block away I can hear the music booming out onto the street, and the sound of laughter and conversation joins it the closer we get to the party. I feel overwhelmed before I've even officially entered the party, the loud noise enough to have me slowing my steps enough to fall behind Akio and Tali, who are busy bickering with each other.

As they enter the party easily, showing their tickets on their phones, I trail behind them. I stop before I'm close enough to be asked for a ticket, and just close my eyes and breathe in and out. I let myself slowly adjust to the wall of noise coming at me from inside, and to the thought of all the people inside. A warm hand slips in mine, and my eyes fly open in surprise. I follow the hand all the way up to Akio's smiling face. A hand settles on my opposite shoulder, and I look to meet Tali's eyes. It's comforting to see the same terror I feel reflected in her gaze.