Beyond Words | ON HOLD

Chapter 3

The party was in full swing as Aria pulled in. Regrets immediately started flooding in, and she put her hand on the clutch, ready to back out.

"Nope" Alex commanded, grabbing her hand. "What!" Aria protested. "We drove all the way out here, you are coming" he instructed, getting out the car and motioning for her to do the same.

She sat in a grumpy silence for a while, before reluctantly getting out. "Well done!" She glared at him, "stop talking." He laughed and led her towards the party.

"Hey Brett" Alex called, walking away. "ASSHOLE!" She yelled after him, crossing her arms in frustration. Her brother had just left her stranded at some rando kids party.

She walked slowly into the house. Immediately Aria was hit with the overwhelming stench of alcohol. There were teenagers everywhere, drinking, dancing, making out. Everything you'd expect at a high school party.

Hunching her shoulders together, She squeezed past everyone and push my way to the kitchen. There were less kids in here, surprising since this is where the booze is.

Aria fixed herself a class of juice and stood awkwardly, not sure where to go. Deciding to explore, she went out into the back garden and saw Alex making out with a chick.

Aria gave a contemptuous snort, he looks like he's trying to absorb her face. Rolling her eyes, She turned around and went back inside, not wanting to interrupt him.

The smell was too much for her, so she resolved to go onto the front lawn. Teenagers are walking around, solo cups everywhere, including the ground. People sitting on the floor standing up, clustered around trees.

She couldn't see Maya anywhere, so sent her another message and turned her phone off. Looking around, she spotted a few of Alex's football buddies and decided to chill with them before a guy steps in front of her.

Aria looked up and her heart skips a beat as she sees Zachary Anderson, staring down at her, beer in hand.
"Hey" he slurs. She guesses that he's drunk. She gives him a small smile before trying to push past, but the small movement makes him sway.

He starts leaning forward and Aria automatically sticks out her hand, to try and stop him from falling. He regains balance and his cocky smile returns. She creases my face in confusion, before realising her hand is on his chest.

Aria blushes profusely as she snatches her hand back, hiding it behind her back. "You're gorgeous babe" he says, his eyelids fluttering. "And you're drunk" she concluded. "So" he teases, smirking.

She rolls her eyes but he doesn't falter. "Why don't we go out some time" Aria pulls a face. He leans in really close, so she can smell the beer. Trying not to gag, she looks at him straight in the eyes. His gaze lingers before a yell comes from a few metres away.

Surprise comes over her like a wave as in a split second Alex is next to Zach, sending a flying punch right into his jaw. Her eyes widen in shock and fear as Zach straightens up, his eyes alight with fury.

"Alex what are you doing!" Aria yells. He doesn't seem to hear her, his fiery eyes zeroed in on Zach's. "Stay the fuck AWAY FROM MY SISTER" he growls. "The fuck man! I wasn't even touching her."

Aria knows Alex is too pissed to listen to reason, but she's rooted to the spot as Alex tackles Zach to the ground, not gently like he does to her, but with the intention of hurting him. They start rolling on the ground, punching each other.

Her cries of help are drowned out in they're furious yells. Brett comes running over with some of the other guys on the team. He gives her a slightly confused look and Aria just shrugs, fear controlling her. Brett knows how much Alex hates Zach.