The Gayt Gatsby

Old Sport

Nick's POV

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I moved back to New York City after the war to Long Island. 

My new house was located in the West Egg, and it looked quite unimpressive placed between two mansions which, may I point out, were not mine. 

Oh well, it would have to do. I must admit, it was actually quite cozy looking from the outside with vines and trees overgrown around it and a stone path leading up to the door. 

I glanced at my neighbors mansions, and wondered what it is you do with all that space. How much stuff would you need to have to fill up all those rooms?

I looked back at my cottage sized house, sighed, and walked in. I unpacked sloppily, as I wanted to check in with Daisy and Tom to see how they were doing as soon as I could. 

When I left the house to go on a walk, I found a letter on my doorstep. Curiously, I picked it up and opened it. 

How could anyone know I was here already? That was impressive. 

I unfolded the piece of paper, and I couldn't help but admire the handwriting, a light, spidery cursive that sweeped gracefully across the page. 

It read: "I noticed you moved in this morning, and thought I might have the honour of inviting you to my party tonight at 7 o'clock. I imagine you'll find the house; it'll be the one with the people surrounding it. I look forward to finding out your name, old sport. See you tonight. -Jay Gatsby"

It seemed as if I didn't have a choice. I was going to a party that night. Well, that was quick. Also convenient- now I didn't have to make the effort of meeting my neighbors- the planning was done for me.

I walked back inside to put the letter on my desk. I was still going to visit Daisy and Tom, as the setting might not be as wild as a party, and I couldn't be sure they were going to be there.

I went to East Egg where my cousin and her husband were located in another impressive mansion. I was starting to feel very out of place, surrounded by houses a hundred times bigger than mine.

Daisy greeted me as I walked inside and hugged me. "It's so nice to see you again, Nick! I can't wait to show you the baby."

She rushed off, presumably to grab said baby. 

There was a woman sitting on the couch looking generally unamused, probably bored. She hadn't so much as looked at me since I walked in. 

Tom walked up to me and patted my shoulder. "Welcome back, Nick." 

I looked him over and noticed how toned his muscles were. I'd be lying if I said he wasn't a little bit attractive. Daisy had good taste- at least when it came to looks. 

"Thanks," I said watching Daisy enter the room again, this time holding a baby. 

We chatted and Gatsby, my new neighbor, got brought up in conversation. The unamused woman, who I now knew to be called Jordan Baker, announced that she was going to his party that night as well. 

"So what's Gatsby like?" I asked Jordan, who was sitting upright, her hands unnaturally stiff in her lap. She was an enormous contrast to Daisy, who was constantly chatting, smiling, and gesturing freely. 

She gave a small almost imperceptible shrug and answered, "Interesting. I've only seen him a few times, but he doesn't really draw attention to himself, that's for sure. I don't think that many people can really say they've had a full conversation with him."

I nodded, already intrigued by this man. I had just arrived here and already got a party invitation. What was he doing? Standing on his porch and watching the streets?

"Well, this is perfect! You two can go to the party together!" Daisy chimed in. 

The phone rang and Tom left the room to answer it. At the same time, Daisy took the baby and took it back upstairs. 

Jordan was smirking slightly, making me ask, "What?" 

She put a finger on her lips. "Be quiet," she whispered. "I'm trying to listen."

I could hear Tom talking from the other room, but I couldn't make out anything of much interest.

Jordan shook her head. "You'd think she'd at least have the decency not to call at this time." 

At this point, I was completely confused. "What?" I asked again just before Daisy entered the room again looking upset, her arms crossed. 

I got the idea it had something to do with whoever Tom was talking to on the phone. 

The tension in the air got thicker, and I was glad when the time came for Jordan and I to leave. 

Jordan drove, and it was honestly quite concerning. She didn't slow at all on the turns and I found myself pressed against the car door as we sped through. 

"You probably need to be more careful, you're a terrible driver." I finally said, as she drove way too close to a pedestrian for my comfort.

She shook her head. "I don't."

"What?" I asked, probably for the millionth time that day. 

"I don't need to be more careful," She said, seemingly annoyed by how slow I was. "An accident involves two people- so as long as everyone else is careful, there won't be any accidents." 

My eyebrows furrowed. "And what happens when someone else isn't careful?"

"That shouldn't happen," She said offhandedly as we arrived at Gatsby's mansion. 

I was just glad we made it alive. Not to mention surprised. 

There were people gathered inside and out of the house, which was lit up brightly and I could hear music as we walked up to it. 

Jordan joined a group of women to chat and I was left to wander around, taking in the sights. It was an impressive house, well cared for, and huge. 

I watched all the people, wondering which one of them was Gatsby. 

Then someone tapped me on the shoulder, making me jump slightly. I turned to see a man holding a wine glass. 

"You're my new neighbor, I saw you move in," he said, flashing a smile that made me feel like I was the only being on the planet, the only one that mattered. 

"I am. You must be Gatsby then," I stated, smoothing out my hair with my hand. 

"I am," He echoed, and his eyes twinkled in the light, which I have to admit was quite captivating. "And you're Nick. Back from the war, I see."

I raised my eyebrows and nodded slightly. "How did you know?" I asked, now even more confused than I already was. Today was certainly a very disorienting day. 

"You'll find out soon enough, old sport." He winked and raised his glass toward me before turning and disappearing. 

I didn't see him again for the rest of the night and I went home, now even more intrigued by Gatsby.

I snorted to myself, thinking about how he'd referred to me as old sport; twice. He was certainly weird, and a mystery I was determined to solve. 

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I wrote this for a school project (lmao don't ask) and I'm not sure if I'll continue it, but maybe I will, I don't know. But it's here, so I hope you enjoyed it so far.