She Wears the Pants

The Last Party

Being in the center of the blue strobe lights was like being in the middle of a twinkling city at midnight. It was the personification of something we all wanted, but couldn't describe, the thrill we chased to the end of our existence.

The music blared in sensual slow beats as clusters of people scattered throughout the house. I was mesmerized by the ambiance, and the idea of what tonight could be. The party had a strange unique order to it, as several seniors headed to the bar, and the DJ stood by the pool, casting his spell.

As I looked around at the half intoxicated people, and lustful glares it dawned on me,...everyone was trying just as hard as I was to be cool.

Faya walked over to us. I noticed her new haircut, a short trendy bob, that made her look more bitchy than usual.

"Hey nice fit" she mumbled, handing me a red cup.

It still threw me off that Faya, my arch nemesis since elementary had changed her tune, and was a lot nicer to me these days.

Outside of her curvaceous body, and ripped jeans I noticed that her usual Falcon eyes looked sad. It was like falling through a tunnel, as it slowly crumbled apart.

Apparently I wasn't the only one who noticed.

Jodie grabbed the cup Faya was chugging down her throat, "Wow pace yourself, you don't want to drink yourself to death" she warned.

Faya sniffled, her fair complexion pale in the dim lights, "you don't know me" she staggered, crying softly.

Jodie held her up, looking at me with apologetic eyes.

"Go take care of her" I encouraged with a warm smile, "I'll be okay by myself" I promised.

Faya brushed away the streams of tears quickly, but then clutched her stomach, "Jodie get me to a bathroom quick!" she hiccuped.

Jodie pushed past me, dragging Faya by her crop top.

I shivered under the open sky, watching people play beer pong, cards, and spin the bottle in their groups. I looked at my dress wondering where I fit in.

I turned, going back inside. The rooms were small and muggy. Perhaps it was because their were way too many people and not enough windows, or maybe it was the marjuana we were all hotboxing.

I made my way toward the kitchen, disappointed that I had not seen one familiar face yet, including Kevins.

I poured myself some punch, smiling and sitting stiffly as I tried to avoid the occasional awkward eye contact with someone whose face was attached to a living vacuum or a groping pair of hands.

I cringed, as a football player drunkenly peed on the couch instead of the plant he was aiming for.

As time passed, I began to worry that maybe Kevin wasn't coming, and for each new thought I poured myself a drink.

"Grace!" a voice screamed above the music.

I turned around, feeling the world tilt with confusion as I stared into the bubbly blue eyes of my savior.

"Tthhhaaaivvvavbbbee" I laughed, and slurred.

Thai held my hand, guiding my steps. I didn't have to be drunk to know her face was long with disappointment.

"Whaatyoou doing here?" I pointed up.

Thai handed me a slice of pizza, "eat, Kevin came and got me. He was my ride since we live on the same side of town."

My heart soared at the sound of his name, and my head swiveled as I looked around, "oooh Kevin's here! I need to tell him how I feel."

Thai squeezed my arm, "Pay attention Grace, it's important!" she lectured, "I heard that he's playing you. He heard you were getting revenge on him from Jodie, and he decided to one up you. This has all been one sick game. I warned you..."

Thai's voice droned on, all I could hear was the shatter of my heart against the ripples of the pool, and the DJ playing slow songs.

"I don't believe you!" I sobbed, unable to  hold back the hurt.

Truthfully this is what I deserved, and if Kevin was teaching me a lesson it sure hurt like hell to learn.

Thai wiped my tears trying to clean me up, "I'm sorry, it's true..." she whispered, "look he doesn't even like you that way. I wouldn't lie" she swore, pointing her finger up.

My eyes followed her direction, and there was Kevin. His back was turned so he couldn't see me, but I saw him. He was holding Faya in his arms, and not in a comforting way, but with deep passion.

I was jealous of the way his coffee eyes glazed over her womanly body as he pressed his lips against her cheeks and whispered in her ear. Faya swayed under his spell, gripping his muscles tightly. Then to my horror Kevin took Faya's hand and led her upstairs away from the party.

My lips quivered, "What's upstairs?" I asked, afraid of the answer.

"Just a bedroom" Thai sighed.

I whimpered as a sledge hammer hit my chest, and pain squeezed the tears out of my eyes.

I staggered around feeling dizzy, "let's find Jodie!" I bellowed.

It wasn't hard to find Jodie, she was the only blue hair freak dancing on top of the tables in the center of the party.

I motioned for her to get down.

Jodie smiled, "Whooo you are as drunk as a skunk, and hi Thai!" she giggled, pulling us both into her arms.

I pushed her away, "Is it true you told Kevin about my revenge plan?' I yelled getting straight to the point.

Jodie's face said it all, as she looked at me with remorse, "yes!" she blurted out, "but I'm sorry I just couldn't let you play him. He's so sweet and genuine," she rambled out.

"Fuck you!" I spatt.

Thai stood between us, as Jodie sobbed with her pathetic apology.

"Did you know he was planning on playing me too?" I asked, crossing my arms.

Jodie's shoulder dropped as if I had crushed her with a bolder, "yes" she admitted meagerly.

I turned to Thai tears spilling out of my eyes, "walk home with me please" I begged.

Thai lead the way without any hesitation.

I could hear Jodie bawling as we walked away, but I didn't care. She was dead to me.

As we walked into the cold, quiet night, I could feel the ruins of my heart crumbling. Somehow this betrayal hurt, more than the idea of losing it all. It was like crushing paper, no matter how much you smooth the sheet out, it will never be the same fine, smooth, texture again.

I tried my best, to win but that was my mistake the idea that love could be a game. The city in all it's momentous hues settled in broken waves of grey light, behind my tears and disappointment.

Like a ruined beauty I tried to reach for you, and love did not succeed.