Oddball

Chapter Six

Originally, I planned to arrive at 8:30. But instead I arrive at 9:00. Milo's house is lit up like a Christmas tree. Lights are flashing and strobing like crazy. I park at the curb and get out of the car. I'm nearly hit by a pick-up truck that comes screeching to a stop. A group of boys piles out of the back of the truck and go running into Milo's house. It's a large, cabin-like house that sits isolated in the front of the woods.

I lock my car and head into the house. I squeeze through the hoards of teenagers and make my way to the backyard. Little white lights are strung all across the backyard. The hot tub and pool are filled with people, even though it's cold outside. I pull the sleeves of my sweater over my hands and continue on walking, searching for Willow. I walk towards the back fence and see a girl sitting by herself on a chair swing. I head towards her but Milo catches me by the arm.

"Payton! Hey! You look good!" He says, smiling at me.

"Hey." I smile back. "You look... You."

"Thanks?" He laughs and puts his arm around me, turning me around and attempting to lead me back to the house. "Wanna go up to the living room?"

"Sure, but hold on. I was just gonna go talk to Willow. She's here, you know." I say, taking his arm off my shoulder and turning around.

"Payton, seriously?" Milo steps in front of me and I can now smell a hint of alcohol on his breath.

"Just wait. You're being impatient." I roll my eyes and walk off, leaving Milo to go mingle with others.

He storms off and grumbles to himself, ignoring the three girls who walk after him. I amble up to Willow and she instantly lights up, ridding me of my annoyed mood. She stands up and pulls me into a hug. I sit down beside her and look around.

"Fun party." I say dryly, laughing awkwardly after my sentence.

"It's okay. I've never been to a party. Is this really what it's like?" She asks me.

"Well, usually you get drunk and dance and make decisions you regret the next morning." She giggles at my response, causing me to flash a satisfied smile.

"Seems like Milo really wanted to be with you." Willow points out.

"He gets like that. He's so... Impatient sometimes. He's got a short temper." I shrug and shake my head, "But he's okay when you get to know him."

"He used to give me hell in 9th and 10th grade. But, I let bygones be bygones. There's no point in holding grudges." She informs me, looking up at the little white lights.

"You're so... You're just so... It's almost like you're not a teenager. You're some wise, 180 year old philosopher in disguise." I chuckle.

"I just think that life is valuable and shouldn't be wasted on such trivial things." Willow turns back to face me with a matter-of-factly expression on her delicate, pale face.

"Okay, let me ask you this," I begin as I grab a beer from the nearby cooler and crack it open, "How come you think that there's so much more to life than just parties and friends and school? I mean, you're only 17. You're not an adult, but you already worry about 'wasting your life' and stuff like that. So, how come? Why? Why worry?"

Realizing that was probably the most she's ever heard me speak, Willow knits her blonde eyebrows closer together.

"For example... See those girls over there?" I continue, gesturing to a few girls who are drinking, laughing, and having a good time, "They aren't worried about tomorrow. Or yesterday. They're focusing on today. Right?"

Willow nods and gives me a quizzical, perplexed look.

"But you worry about tomorrow. You are constantly using today to think about tomorrow." I tell her, "Why is that?"

I bring the can to my lips and take a short drink as Willow musters up her thoughts. The cold alcohol slides down my throat and brings goosebumps to my arms.

"I don't worry. I just think that every moment should be cherished and appreciated. What if tonight is your last night on Earth? Would you be satisfied with how you spent your time?" She retorts, raising her eyebrows at me.

"You're right." I nod and take another drink, looking out to the party.

"Let's go somewhere." Willow says, suddenly standing up.

I lift my eyebrows back at her as we lock eyes. She pulls me to my feet and opens her palm.

"What?" I ask, laughing a bit.

"Let's go somewhere. I know where. Come on." She tells me, taking my hand and leading me back to the house.

I bump into Milo, who turns and snatches me up by the wrist. He tugs me back and pulls me into another vicious hug.

"Payton! Come here!" He slurs loudly.

"I'm gonna go." I gently push him away, feeling pain in my wrist from his harsh grip. "With Willow."

"Really? That stick in the mud?" He turns to Willow and literally spats on the ground in front of her.

She steps back and everybody begins laughing and cheering on Milo. Being stirred on, he walks towards her and pushes me back.

"I didn't even invite you. What are you doing at... At my party?" He raises his voice, pointing a finger at Willow.

"I was just leaving." Willow tells him with a strong, stern voice.

"Good. Get... Get out!" He shouts.

Willow turns and hurries out the door, pulling her beanie down. I push past Milo as he tries to grab me again.

"Get the fuck off of me, pig." I growl, running after Willow.

When I get outside, she's halfway down the driveway. I call her and she turns to face me.

"Look, I just shouldn't have come. I'm going to go." She tells me, looking down at the ground.

I can hear the shakiness in her voice. I take her into my arms and hold her tight. Her frail body conforms to mine and she wraps her skinny arms around my waist. I slowly pull back from the hug and place a hand around her waist, escorting her to my car. We get in the car and I ask her where to go.

She directs me to her house and tells me I can spend the night if I'd like. The whole way home, I hold her hand gently and feel myself becoming elated and happy for no good reason at all. Suddenly, it hits me.

I'm falling for Willow.