A Change Of Scenery

The party

As I wiped the sleep from my eyes the next morning, I couldn't help but think back to last night.

He says everyone leaves.
I used to believe that too.

But now I realize, the ones who you mean the most to will always be there no matter what.
And that's just what I'm going to do.
I'm going to stay.

As I stood by my locker, I soon realized Mr. Moody wasn't showing up.

The day passed by quickly and I didn't see Landon at all.

After theater, I went to get on the bus.
I sat there speculating about tonight.
I wonder if the party is still on.

I pulled out my phone to text Landon
"Party still on?"

"Yes. Will you still be there?"

Of course, I was going to be there but he didn't have to know that just yet.
"Idk maybe."
I replied and put my phone away.

*At The Party*

As I wandered into the enormous house I was abruptly conscious of how barren it appeared. 

Did anyone even live here?
There was music and food, people in costumes, and intoxicated people everywhere.

I didn't observe Landon anywhere.
I made my way upstairs, in search of him.

As I passed by bedrooms with barely any signs of life I finally came upon a manish room.

I stepped through the door,  noticing it was empty.

I walked around the room noticing novels, games, movies, and a dark red guitar.

As I noticed a bathroom, with a light on and a shut door I thought he must be in there.
I then settled down on the bed.
I soon heard the bedroom door close, and looked up to a big burly guy smirking from the door.

"Excuse me, why are you in here?" I said with venom in my voice.

"I thought I saw a cute girl make her way into this room alone"
he gestured,
"thought you might want some company."

He had a strange look on his face and I could clearly tell he was drunk, by the way he slurred his words.

He came closer to the bed where I was sitting and laughed a strangely evil laugh.
"You really are attractive, baby girl.
What's your name?"

Him calling me babygirl.. It made me sick, only Landon called me that. I shuttered

He slid his arm tightly around my waist.
"None of your business!"
I struggled to get away from his grasp but failed miserably.

He came closer to my face and my heart started to beat out of my chest.

As he leaned in closer, I counted to three in my head.

On three I reached over to the bedside table and grabbed a lamp ready to swing, but I never got the chance.

I heard the bathroom door swing open and a few curse words from a familiar voice.

In one swift movement, the dude was now on the ground, and I was in Landon's arms.
"What. The. Fuck." He snapped.

The guy shook his head a few times apologizing to Landon.
"It's not me you need to apologize to.
Now, get the fuck out of my house."

I sat there for a while longer as Landon paced the floor.
"I should have heard sooner.
I should have been here quicker. I'm sorry."

He turned toward me.
"If he had hurt you. I..
I would have killed him"
his eyes were the darkest I had ever seen them.

I stood to face him.
I put my hands on both of his cheeks.
"Hey, you were here.
You stopped him.
Thank you."

He looked into my eyes and pulled me close.
"Can I kiss you"
he said breathing heavily.

"Do you even have to ask" and with that he kissed me with such passion my head was spinning.

We sat on the bed across from each other.

My mind still racing from that kiss.
We could hear the booming noises coming from downstairs.

"I know I should stay away from you, but I can't.
And quite frankly I don't want to." He said more to himself.

"So don't" I sighed.

"First I need you to know something. There are a lot of things you need to know actually, but first," he breathed "I live here with my Uncle and his wife. Not my parents. I only moved here a few months ago, so I guess i'm kind of the new kid too."

He took a deep breath.

"My parents abandoned me when I was young.
I went searching for them but they didn't want anything to do with me. However, I did find my uncle.
There's a lot more to the story, but that's why I say everyone leaves.
I wasn't good enough for my own parents.
I'm sure as hell not good enough for you."

He pinched the bridge of his nose, as if he had a headache.

"But I want to be.
I want to be good enough for you."

I rested my forehead on his.
"You are good enough.
You are amazing.
If you could see yourself through the eyes of others, you would realize.
You're funny, smart, fun to be around, and if I do say so myself unbelievably sexy.
Don't ever feel like you're not enough.
I have a past too, but I know I'm more than my past.
And so are you."

He looked into my eyes and smiled.
"Thank you"
He whispered.

"And don't think that sexy comment went unnoticed."
He winked and I slapped the back of his head.
"Shut up pretty boy"

He gasped and clutched his chest dramatically. "Pretty boy? That's what you think of me? I'm not soft."

We both laughed and finally made our way downstairs together. Ready to make the best of this Halloween night. 

Hand in hand.

I stayed the night, that night.
He slept on the floor, I in his bed. I swear I got the best sleep of my life that night.

I felt safe.