pull me back | a drag me down spin off

【thirty one】

My heart rate picks up as I look around the crowded beach house. The music volume is increasing by the second, I can't hear myself think. More people keep piling into the house, and half of them aren't even acknowledging my birthday. I thought this party was supposed to be for me.

Letting out a long and defeated sigh, I try to make my way over toward the kitchen. The bass of the rap song blasting from the speakers is hurting my ears.

There's a game of beer pong going on in the living room, and a bunch of drunk lacrosse players attempting to do keg stands. I've never seen a party this wild before. People keep coming in and out the front door.

I squeeze through the crowd of people and head over to the counter. Taking a red solo cup, I grab a bud light and pour the foamy liquid into the plastic. I gulp it down and turn my head to the left. A group of UCLA cheerleaders and taking selfies in the corner of the kitchen. Go figure.

I feel so isolated at my own party. Riker hasn't spoken to me since this morning, and I think he's being ridiculous. He's making me resent him more.

I also haven't seen Jesse or Theo since the party first started. It's easy to get lost in the large crowd, anyway.

"Is there any tequila in there?" A voice appears in front of me.

I turn my head and see a girl with light blonde hair pointing toward the fridge. She's wearing a tight black mini skirt and push up crop top. It looks extremely tacky. Her green eyes are glossy as they bore into mine.

"Oh, uh, I'm not sure." I step to the side and allow her to check for herself.

"I guess it's time to look." A giggle escapes her lips.

"Knock yourself out." I nod.

"Cute dress." She eyes my silky blue outfit. I've been wanting to wear this dress for awhile, and thought it was appropriate for tonight.

"Thanks." I shrug and keep my eyes pinned on her. She fumbles for the refrigerator handle.

"Isn't it a little too fancy for an end of the lacrosse season party?" She chuckles, keeping her stare on my dress.

"A what? I'm wearing this because it's my birthday. This party is for me." I explain to her.

"Says who?" She furrows her eyebrows. Her words are slurring really bad.

"Says Riker?" I ask in the form of the question.

"Riker?" She giggles and shakes her head. "Riker planned this party for the lacrosse team. Their season just ended."

"I think you're a little too drunk. Riker planned this party for my birthday." I roll my eyes.

"Why would he do that?" She seems totally confused. I watch her tilt her head and look at me with a dumbfounded expression.

"Because we're kind of together." I stand up straight and look into her tipsy eyes.

A loud laugh automatically escapes her mouth. "I'm sorry, what? Who even are you?"

"I'm Grace, who the fuck are you?" I go back at her.

"I'm Blair, the girl that has been screwing Riker the entire lacrosse season." An evil smirk forms on her lips.

My heart drops into my stomach as I continue to stare at her. The more I look at her, the more familiar she becomes. She was at Riker's last party.

When we played truth or dare she admitted that he was the last person she had sex with. She also made out with him in front of me before I stormed out.