Serenity

Nine (Part 2)

It wasn't as much of a struggle to get out of the house as I thought it would be.

Normally my dad would ask a million questions about where I was going, but I guess since this was my senior year at a whole new school, my parents were cutting me a little slack.

Alaina came and picked me up in her red, Volkswagen beetle at eight on the dot. She was dressed in a sparkly silver tank top that revealed a lot of her olive toned skin, and a matching skirt that showed off her smooth legs.

Her long, dark hair that I had only seen straight for the time being was now bouncy and full of long, curls.

I was dressed in a red crop top tee that showed a little cleavage, and a pair of light blue high-waisted shorts with a couple rips here and there.

I thought about straightening my hair, but then I thought about the humidity in the air and how my hair would puff back up in a nanosecond. I just decided to leave it in its natural, curly state.

I wasn't exactly sure how to dress because I'd never been to a house party before, but Alaina assured me that I looked great.

We pulled up to Trey's house after about 15 minutes, and cars were parked all the way down the block.

Alaina pulled her car into his driveway where he'd had her a spot blocked off. I was thankful we didn't have to walk so far.

"Wow, there's a lot of people here," I said in amazement.

"Right. Practically the whole school. Trey swore it was invite only, but I know they didn't pass out this many invitations," she said shaking her head.

"Let's go inside."

She grabbed my hand and led me up into the house. We greeted some people who were outside on the lawn.

"Bout time yo fine ass got here," Trey said before leaning down and kissing Alaina on her glossy lips.

"You know we had to be fashionably late," she joked.

"Hey Diamanté. Glad you made it. Malik said you didn't wanna come."

"I didn't at first, but Alaina convinced me. Where's Malik anyway?"

"He's somewhere around here. I'll let him know that you're here," he said excusing himself.

"Let's go get drinks," Alaina said dragging me to the kitchen.

I wasn't much of a drinker so I was hesitant on what to try. I also didn't know what my limit was, so I was afraid to get drunk and make a fool of myself.

"What do you like?" Alaina asked grabbing two red solo cups.

"Uhh..."

"You're not a drinker are you?"

"Not at all," I admitted, causing us both to laugh.

"I'll fix you up," she said as she began mixing this and that.

"Ayeee, Diamanté!" Malik yelled as he walked toward me.

"You couldn't resist huh, shorty? I knew you'd come," he licked his lips and flashed a smirk.

"She didn't come for you, and she ain't your shorty, so go somewhere else with that before Courtney shows up," Alaina snapped.

"Who's Courtney?" I asked.

"No one," Malik said.

"His girlfriend," Alaina said.

They both spoke at the same time while glaring at each other.

"I thought you said you didn't have a girlfriend," I said to Malik.

"I don't. She just a liability at this point," he said, his whole mood had changed from excited to annoyed within an instant.

"Well you need to make sure your liability is in check because I'd hate to have to check her tonight," Alaina said, handing me my cup.

"She ain't even here," Malik said, smacking his lips.

"I'm pretty sure she'll show up," Alaina said waving Malik off. "I don't want no problems Malik."

"Whatever, g. I'll catch you later Diamanté," Malik said before walking off.

Once he was out of earshot, Alaina began talking again.

"I don't know if he's tried to work his magic on you already, but I'd stay clear if I were you," she said.

"Why?" I asked curiously. "I thought he was cool."

"I mean, he is cool if he ain't tryna get in your pants. Malik is a player, and you're the perfect person to prey on because you don't know him well enough," she explained.

"Malik is in a relationship with Courtney, but he openly flirts with other girls as if he's not. Some of these girls fall in his trap, and some of them just wanna bone him for the hell of it. I just don't want you getting tangled up in all that mess," she explained before taking a sip of her drink.

I didn't know what to think anymore, but I guess I should believe Alaina. I mean, she would know the facts, right?

My dad's words played in my head about boys only wanting one thing, and I started to feel a little stupid because this whole time, I thought Malik and I were becoming close acquaintances at the least.

I took a sip of my drink and made a face at how strong it was. I just wanted to enjoy the rest of my night with no problems from anyone.