COMPLICATED.

CHAPTER 21

TRUTH OR DARE?

My head is spinning, the music is too loud, the song 'Like a G6' of the Far East Movement echoes in my ears.
I think I'm officially tipsy.
<< Shots, shots, shots! >> a group of guys shouts behind me, among them there's also Aria who jumps of joy repeatedly, this movement makes me even more nauseous.
Seth keeps pouring me vodka into some cups he's sitting on the counter.
Aria makes me drink five more, but I shake my head to say no, but it's the rational part of me that refuses, 'cause the next thing I know is that I find myself finishing them in the blink of an eye.
My throat burns, but it's not a bad feeling. I feel free and, finally, like all the other girls of my age.
<< I think that's enough for now! >> Seth says, taking away others from me to other people.
<< Nooo you're so bad, I want more of this ! >> I exclaim out loud.
God, why I have this high-pitched voice?!
I'm not tipsy, I'm drunk, and a lot .
<< Girl, you've had two drinks and I don't know how many shots, it's enough that you haven't passed out yet! Come on, let's get out of here. >>
Aria takes me by the hand and in a few seconds we are in the living room, inside the dance floor. << It's new to see you so sociable! >> I say 'dancing' around her.
<< It's new to see you so drunk! How long have you not been drinking like this?! >>
Uhm, ops.
<< Since forever . This is thee...let's see...the first time I get drunk, yes, I'm sure! >>
I think I am, also because I no longer have control of the words that are coming out of my mouth.
The intermittent lights of the room reflect Aria's shocked face.
Despite all the makeup she' s a beautiful girl.
I want to be like her.
<< This is a mess! For today you're done drinking, tomorrow you'll have a bad headache. How do you feel? >> she says by leaning his cold hand on my forehead.
How am I?
<< I feel awesome! Come on, let's enjoy the party, the effect will pass in a few hours, in the movies it always happens! >>
Aria laughs a lot.
<< I swear, I adore you, you live in a parallel universe! Don't worry, I'll save you. Let's dance! >>
Dancing? No, absolutely not.
<< No way, I don't dance. >>
That's out of the question.
<< Come on! You don't have to twerk like this! >> she says disgusted by looking at the cheerleaders around us.
<< You just have to move while staying in your place, shake your hips sometimes, shake your hands a little bit and you're done. Follow me, it's easy. >> Aria starts dancing and I try to imitate her until I memorize the simple steps. She takes me by the hand and we completely occupy the dance floor.
I've never felt this way, it's liberating, not caring about everything and everyone, at least for a few hours.
For now I'm not Emma, the paranoid troubled girl.
I'm just a girl dancing at an awesome party.
Aria keeps making funny faces while we dance, probably to make me feel less embarrassed, and I can't help but laugh.
<< Hey, I think you've made a good impression...>> she tells me looking at someone behind my back.
I turn around and I find myself in front of Seth and of a tall, blonde guy looking at me from head to toe.
He wears a jacket with a Tigers patch. Basketball player.
<< Nice moves , blondie! You'll have to teach me one day. >> he says smiling.
Wait, does he make fun of me?! You picked the wrong day.
<< It was a joke? Because it's not very funny. If you want I'll teach you some of mine, so you'll look nicer. >
Tonight I'm wild, alcohol makes me brave.
The boy is blown away while Aria and Seth laugh their heads off.
<< I'm sorry for him Em, he can't flirt , this is Jack, my right hand, one of the strongest of our team >> says Seth leaning a hand in his friend's arm.
<< I would like to say that it's a pleasure, but it's not.>> I reply annoyed.
<< I can always change your mind. >> he whispers lasciviously in my ear.
Get off my back, you're boring me.
Seth approaches Aria and coughs in an attempt to break this tense moment.
<< Anyway we're here because we want to ask you if you want to play Truth or Dare in the garden. There's already a lot of people. >> Ha, ha , ha. Hell no.
<< What a stupid game! >> I say snorting.
<< You're right. >> Aria exclaims .
Good girl, I can always count on you.
<< That's why we will participate. Show us the way. >>
I refuse categorically! I DO NOT move from here. Aria notices this and that's why she drags me towards the outside of the villa.
<< Aria please, I hate these games. >>
<< Look, don't think about anything today, have fun, it's an innocent game, nothing will happen, it'll be the usual silly things. We are the most antisocial people in this party, at least just for one night , we'll try to have fun. >>
Aria's speech makes its way into my mind.
It's true, when will I get a moment like this again?
And I'm having fun , what's the worst thing that could happen?
<< Alright, let's go. >> I say by rolling my eyes.
Aria smiles at me and we immediately get to the table where everyone is already gathered to start playing. Among them I see someone in particular, the most odious person in this world.
Sasha.
That's what could happen.

<< Sasha what a surprise! Are you alone tonight? Leo is not here with you? >> Aria mumbles to her.
She's defending me.
Forget about it, I don't want any drama, I'm done with this.
<< No, he wasn't feel very well and he preferred to stay at home, but he was very sorry that he couldn't be here with me. >> she replies without taking her eyes off me.
My blood boils and my anger grows.
I can't keep my mouth shut.
<< The truth is, he's already tired of her. >> I chant to everyone but I speak indirectly to her.
<< He got tired of you a year ago since you didn't give him what he wants! >> She yells back.
Ugly bitch, HOW DARE SHE ?!
I get up quickly from the chair to jump on her but I get stopped by Seth.
<< Girls, let's calm down for a second okay?! We're playing and...>>
<< Yes, you're right. Can I start? >> Sasha exclaims interrupting him.
I have to stay calm, I will not give her this satisfaction.
I sit back on the chair and finally the game begins.
Sasha turns the bottle that , I don't know how, points to me.
Coincidence? I don't think so.
<< Emma, I didn't really expect this...Truth or dare? Let me guess, truth? >>
Honey, I'm not so predictable.
<< Dare. >> I answer by challenging her with my eyes.
<< That's new! Let's see, I dare you to...kiss Jack. >>
What a bastard, surely she saw me talking to him before.
Everyone stares at me.
Jack smiles at Sasha.
I remain still while Aria tries to avoid this embarrassing situation.
<< Sasha, I don't think it's...>>
<< I'll do it. >> I say to Jack.
The guy sitting next to me gets up to make room for him.
Okay, here we go.
Emma , you can do it. It's easy, just a couple of seconds and everything will be over.
He puts his hand on my cheek and move the hair from my face.
His lips are one millimeter from mine. I get closer to him but I get stuck by arms that pull me back with force.
Even though I'm drunk, I recognize his grip immediately.
What the hell is Nick doing here?!
<< The game ends here for you. Let's go. >> he orders to me through gritted teeth.
I can't say anything. I am speechless for the first time since I arrived here.
<< You! Stay away from her. >> I understand from the looks that he gives to Jack that there is some hatred between them.
I've seen this side of Nick with Leo before, it's gonna get messy, but I'm not gonna let it go.
<< You're not ordering anything to anyone, I'm staying here, go away. >>
That'll teach you.
Nick stares at me, he's really pissed.
Suddenly he loads me on his shoulder and takes me away from here, ignoring my screams and my fists on his back.
How shameful!

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