Goodbye Kiss

Chapter 4:

Arielle's POV:

Eight p.m. rolled by pretty fast and I was scrolling through my instagram feed when Chase texted me. "I'm here." the text read. I hopped off my bed and grabbed my purse before heading out. I was home alone that evening. My parents were both still at work, and I had texted them earlier that I wouldn't be home. I opened my front door to find a black range rover parked in front of my house. And in it sat Chase Evans who was too busy fiddling with his radio to even notice my presence. I contemplated going with him for a second, my mind reminding me that I met him less than 24 hours ago but  I eventually locked my door and made my way to his car. To be polite, I knocked on the window of the passenger seat next to him, smiled and waved slightly before getting into the car. The soft rock music that was playing his car was abruptly interrupted by the sound of plastic wrappers being crushed by my feet as I got in. Gross! My feet was basically entrenched in a pile of thrash. I frowned and bit my tongue as I refrained from commenting on how messy he was. I turned to face him, "Uh Hi", I said. "Hey" he responded without glancing my way.  "So where are we headed?" I asked, leaning my head against the headrest. "You'll see." he said, starting the ignition and driving off.

The 30 minutes ride was awkward, but in my defense I did attempt to break the ice by initiating a conversation by commenting on his music choice. "You listen to Arctic Monkeys too?" I asked at one point, surprised that he shared similar taste in music, "They're my favorite band." I added. But Chase mere nodded, appearing highly uninterested in engaging in a conversation and so I gave up. I was beginning to rethink my decision of agreeing to coming to this "bonding session" or whatever with him. He clearly had no intention in what he previously claimed was the purpose of tonight, to "Get to know each other better, formulate chemistry blah blah blah.". I couldn't believe I even bothered to dress up for this. If he didn't care about good impressions, then why should I?

But to say I was bewildered when we pulled up to Austin Bailey's house, would be an understatement. There were plenty of people at the front of his massive home, people drinking champagne by a ridiculously grand fountain that greets one before they enter his house. Chase parked the car and got out without a word. I followed suit, "What are we doing here?" I asked. "Birthday boy invited me to his party, thought I would come to make some new friends, but I don't know anyone here, so I need you to introduce them to me.". I was stunned. So he had intended for me to be his guide to popularity in Riverside High, gosh another guy who craves attention and innately feels the need to fit in with the crowd.

"Look, I didn't agree to this. And if you think that I would be the one that would help boost you to popularity then you are SO wrong. I don't know half the people at this party and I don't even know you. I met you less than 24 hours ago and I've somehow become your guide to stardom at Riverside High?" I asked, agitated.

"Woah chill out, I just thought it would be easier to bond in crowds. Like you said we don't even know each other. Don't you think it would be easier to get familiarized with each other, around people you know. AND it's my first day of school. This party is my shot at making some friends for the rest of the school year. Thought I was killing two birds with one stone. Didn't know your reaction would be so hostile" he said.

I remained silent. I had not expected the night to go quite like this. "Since we're already here, just take it as you're doing me a favour, would you?" he asked. Just then a  voice called out, "ARIELLE!!!" I turned in the direction of the voice and see Emily, dashing down the pavement towards me, her boyfriend Finn following behind. "What are you doing here!" she asked excitedly, her voice an octave higher than usual. Before I could answer, Chase spoke up, "I brought her here. Hi I am Chase." he said. "Oh hey new boy, I'm Emily." she said. Finn finally catches up, "Babe let's go, we're kinda late." he said, hurrying her. Emily drags me along and the four of us walked into Austin's mansion.