COMPLICATED.

CHAPTER 20

ARIA

I can't get Nick's angry face of my head.
I've never seen him so pissed with me in all these years.
It's all so strange.
How things change within a few days!
Let's not beat about the bust, we're friends.
I have to forget about the kiss once and for all before ruining our friendship.
But it's all already changing , and I don't know how to behave.
I'm fucking up everything, I know.
I'm this now and I'm not gonna change.
I'm gonna forget what happened. Sooner or later.
<< Damn girl , you think too much!
I'm talking to you since before and I'm sure  you haven't heard anything I said! >> Aria exclaims in an attempt to bring me back to reality.
We've been in her car for I don't know how many minutes and I haven't even noticed. We're in front of the gas station, she's  probably already gassed up.
How embarrassing! She'll think I don't care about what she says.
<< I'm so sorry, you're right. It's just that it's been a long day and discussions with Nick only make things worse. Sorry, what were you saying? >>
<< Are you always apologize for anything 'wrong' that you do? Then what should I say?! I always screw up and I never apologize! Forget everything and everyone, even Nick, if he cares about you everything will be solved, you're not a couple! >> she says, rolling up between her fingers one of her long black locks.
I've always wanted black hair, they have that mysterious thing. I find them fascinating.
But no, I find myself with super blonde hair and green eyes, classic.
Thanks mom and dad.
Wait, what did Aria say?
A couple? Me and Nick?!
I open wide my eyes and move frantically in my seat.
Aria notices my exaggerated reaction and laughs out loud.
<< Oh oh! Something tells me that you are! >>
You're no longer my savior.
I have to say something.
<< N-no, that's a bullshit! We're f-friends, nothing more! >>
Why am I stuttering?!
<< Of course you do. I'll pretend to believe you! But tonight don't think about anything, just have fun. And tonight you're with me, I'm the funniest person in the world! >> she replies jokingly.
As she speaks I notice her english accent, I've never heard it before.
<< Wow, what an accent! Are you English? I didn't know that! >>
<< Yes, I am. >> she answers hastily.
<< And how does London look? I bet it's beautiful! >>
Perhaps she can give me some more information that I might need in the future.
She shake her hands even more on the steering wheel.
She seems nervous.
<< It's a city like any other, let's not get bored talking about these things, we're almost to our destination! >>
Evidently she doesn't want to talk about it, I don't want to insist.
It's my first 'friend',  I wouldn't want to lose her already because of my curiosity.
<< Alright. >> I respond trying to make a smile.
I realize that we have finally arrived in the richest neighborhood of New York, where there are the largest and most beautiful houses.
Not that I complain about my mansion, I feel lucky, but I don't pay any attention to these things.
The others, however, can't wait to be on these parties because, at least for one night, they have the opportunity to find themselves in the absolute luxury.
Idiots.
Seth's house is the biggest of all.
There's already a lot of people out in the garden.
There are all the senior kids, the most popular ones, I think.
I roll down the window, I hear loud music.
It's one of the few parties I go to, so I notice everything.
We find parking right in front of his house even though there are some luxury cars parked everywhere.
A doubt continues to torture my mind.
<< I'm curious, how do you know Seth? I mean, he's the captain of the basketball team and you don't seems a big fan of them...>>
How can I explain to her that she doesn't seem snobby enough?
<< You mean how do I know him even if I'm not a goose like their cheerleaders? >> she grins.
Awkward.
I nod slowly. I can't find any other words to say it in a kinder way.
<< Let's just say it's my 'friend'... he prefers the company of 'bad girls'>> she replies by winking at me.
Ah.
She laughs.
<< Don't worry, you're safe with me! I like you, we'll have no problems. >>
She lowers her rearview mirror and checks for the last time her black heavy  makeup  in the eyes.
Together we look like day and night, but I'm not like before... I'm starting to look more and more like her, and it doesn't scare me, I actually like it.
<< Ready? >> she says opening the door.
I take a big breath
<< Yes. >>
We get out of the car and head towards the crowd.

It seems to be at one of the famous American Pie parties.
I went around the house to get confirmation.
In the kitchen there are those who prepare cocktails and serve beer, not to mention those who drink shots from the naked body of a girl lying on the counter.
There are cheerleaders dancing in the living room, or rather rubbing up against basketball players.
I wanted to sit on the couch before but it was already occupied...by who had been making out for hours.
The upstairs rooms are all occupied, there's no need to know why.
Outside the bathroom there's a crazy row.
In the garden there are those who play beer pong in a table, and in the pool who plunge into underwear.
Yes, American Pie.
We go back to the kitchen and I'm already exhausted of everything.
<< Aria , where the hell did you take me? >>
<< C'mon Emma! Have fun, it's just begun! >> she exclaims making spins around herself. Exactly. It has just begun and I already want to run away.
She continues her discourse of encouragement.
<< Usually it's not like this ...>>
<< She's right, actually it's even worse. Hi gorgeous! >> Seth says, coming out from Aria's shoulders.
They kiss passionately right in front of me, with no problems.
Okay, now I officially want to leave.
Aria pretends to be shocked and pulls him away with a push.
<< Seth! Control yourself, you'll scare her! >> says pointing at me.
<< And you're rude! Can you introduce me to your new friend? I want to meet the girl who can stand you! >>
Mh, he's not so bad! And I thought he was a snob like everyone else!
Aria introduces us and we shake hands cordially. We're not at a business meeting.
Emma, you'll hold your forked tongue tonight.
Try to be friendly, at least today.
<< So you're the famous Emma Hamilton? The asshole's girlfriend? >>
Correction, you're an asshole.
And anyway, I'm not his girlfriend anymore.
<< Seth! Are you crazy?! >> Aria yells.
<< What's wrong?! I didn't say anything bad! >>
She snorts and looks at him badly.
<< Emma, if you want us to go away I understand, nobody can keep his mouth shut here! >>
" You're stronger than this "
<< Seth! >> I scream to overwhelm the high volume of music.
<< Pour me a drink, something strong. >>
They're both amazed.
Yeah, I'm surprised too.
<< Well done girl! >> Aria exclaims dragging me in front of the counter.
Let's start this party.