"Rickyyyyy!" my best friend Madi slurs her words, falling into my arms. She dragged me to this party, which usually I would be okay with because we go to parties all the time, but this is different. We don't know anyone here. Well, I guess Madi knows people. We're here because the guy she's been talking to all summer invited her. I still haven't met the guy and I don't particularly care to at this point.
"Okay, Madi. I think you've had enough," I push her off of me, slightly irritated.
"You haven't even met Ashton yet," she pouts, "stop standing in this dark fucking corner and come dance with me!"
I give in, knowing that if I dont, I'll never hear the end of it. I allow her to drag me out of the corner and deeper into the dark house. It's smokey and I'm almost positive I'll have second-hand high by the end of the night. Music blares throughout the building, sounding like it's coming from within the four walls themselves. Couples walk up and down the stairs hand in hand or tounges in mouths.
When Madi and I reach the middle of the dance floor, Mr. Brightside by The Killers begins to play and we're beyond extatic. We're jumping up and down to the beat of the song, one of our favorites. My ears are buzzing and I start to break a sweat from all the movement and the body heat around me. I'm starting to actually enjoy myself. I can't tell if it's the atmosphere that I'm truly enjoying or if it's the second-hand high kicking in.
As soon as the song ends Madi pulls me towards the kitchen. I'm fumbling around and giggling now, Madi right there along with me.
"Ashton!" she yells, throwing herself into a tall, long haired boy's arms. He's cute, good for Madi.
"Hey, precious," he smiles, kissing her forehead. I feel like I'm going to throw up.
"Ashton this is Ricky. Ricky, Ashton," Madi finally intorduces us.
"Nice to finally meet Madi's mystery man!" I laugh. Ashton laughs too and introduces me to all of his friends except one. My eyes fall on him and my heart begins to race. He's tall, like Ashton but he's not tan like Ashton. His skin is a milky white, a huge contrast to his black hair. His lips are a light pink and they look almost washed out againt his skin. We make eye contact and his eyes are a piercing green, they make my knees wobble.
"And who are you?" I ask, confused as to where the burst of self-confidence came from. He smirks, taking a sip of the beer in his hand and his whole demeanor makes my body sort of numb.
"Michael."
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