The Positively Private Pandemonium Of Penelope Parker

Leather. Trousers.

Kit was so surprised by my last statement we sat on her bed for three minutes before she began to speak.

"How in fuck did you get in with AVERY WILLIS ?!"

"Well..." I told the story but left out the part about Avery being bi. I wasn't just going to blurt that out... even to my best friend.

"That's crazy! Can I come?"

"I'd like you to but I'm not even sure I was supposed to tell you." Kit's face faded from excitement to disappointed.

"Oh... I understand."

"But I'll tell you everything. I promise." I could tell she was bothered. But I'd been crushing on Avery since Yr3. I couldn't let my only chance just slide away.

"Just one thing." Kit looked up. "Can I borrow some clothes?"

I shouldn't of asked her for clothes. Katherine Jabari somehow mangled me into leather trousers (so bloody tight) and a black halter top with the back looking like a noughts and crosses grid. I kept with my converse and all my black studs in because whatever. Kit had done some weirdo plait thing that was surprisingly impressive. Also for a change, I had make up on. I looked... I looked...

"Cool."

"Cool? I look like a goth Cara Delevingne on drugs."

"Cara Delevinge is on drugs."

"Whatever." I fussed over myself in the mirror checking my figure.

"Pennie." I turned around, almost smacking myself in the face with my fancy plait as I did. "Chill. It's just a party. You know I'm always on the other end of a phone."

"You sound like my Nan."

Just be cool ok? I'll be here checking everyone's Snap for drugs when you're there."

"Thanks Kit." I hugged my best friend tightly. I was grateful for everything she did for me even If I didn't tell her. "Snap you soon." I left her with as a smile as I walked out the door.

I could hear the party before I saw it. Jessica Finch was known as the sluttiest drunkest funniest girl in school. She was 5"5 and ginger and if that doesn't describe her character, then I don't know what will. I stood outside the house, hearing the chants and crashes. "Fuck it." I spoke as I walked in. People from every school in the county were drinking from plastic cups. I looked around. No Avery. Where was he? The noise was deafening. Some teens were playing beer pong on a tennis table. There was a few couples in the corners sucking face (which if you don't know is snogging like there's no tomorrow). I considered calling Avery but voted against it. Some kids started chugging in the kitchen. I pushed away from it all and into a bathroom; I slammed the door behind me. I walked to the mirror and stared at myself in it. I was still me, as I'd always been but I looked different. I wasn't a party girl. I wasn't a druggie girl. I wanted Kit and I wanted home.

My phone beeped. It was Kit DM-ing me. It was Jessica Finch's story. She was in the basement filming a drinking competition of who can last longer. "Oh shit." I commented as I went to the basement. I pushed past the crowds and into the stairs. I'd missed the game but I saw the winner. She was walking around collecting her money. Alice Jenkins.