The Exception

Chapter 26: So, This Weekend Is Either Going To Suck Or Rock

The whole week passed, and with Ellie's help, I managed to avoid Evan mostly. Other times, I scooted quickly past, and Evan didn't seem to stop me. Maybe my strategy was working...

"Earth to Agnus," Keith waved at me, and I shook my head.

"Sorry,"

"Nervous for the party?"

I shrugged. "It's been a while since I've actually been invited to one, so..." I glanced at Keith, who looked up the moment I was quiet. 

"Yeah?"

"And you?"

Keith smiled and shook his head. "I have one every now and then,"

"With yellow ducklings and bubbles?" I asked and he grinned.

"No, but I'm planning on it sometime," Keith placed a book on the counter and turned around. I fished out a rubber duck from my bag I was carrying and placed it on the book. I waited for him to turn around, and as soon as his eyes caught sight of the duck he shook his head.

"What?" I asked laughing.

"You are unbelievable..."

"Well, I had to find some way to convince you to come," I said with a shrug.

Keith picked up the duck and shook his head again. A smiled plastered on his face. "I'm keeping this..."

"Good, because if someone found that in my bag, I'd never live it down," I glanced at the clock. "Closing time?"

Keith nodded "Yeah, and it look's like Ellie is determined to get you there on time."

I turned around and smiled as I saw her waving at me. "See you there?"

"With my rubber duck, nothing will stop me now," Keith winked and I shook my head.

"I've come to believe you are still a child," I said and walked out.  Ellie gave me a huge hug. "Is candy boy coming?"

"Yeah," I said and climbed in the car. "Is Tyler coming?" 

Ellie squealed. "I can't believe it, but yes!"

                                                                                                 ***

We arrived at their house, and music was already blasting through the area. I climbed out and grabbed my bags. Ellie grabbed my pillow, as I had planned another sleepover. 

"Is Evan singing?" I asked in surprise. Ellie rolled her eyes.

"It was his one condition to get some of the popular people over," she said. "Including Bradley and Bradley invited Tyler, etc..."

"I see," I responded. We placed my bags in her room, and I quickly changed into my black swimsuit.

"Sexy," Ellie teased me and I blushed. 

"Let's get going shall we? I'm dying for a juice...it's really hot..."

"How bout something stronger?"

My eyes widened. "Noooo way, I had enough of a hangover last time,"

Ellie laughed and we headed downstairs. Surely enough it was occupied with half of the school people. Next to the pool was the live band, and I spotted Evan. He was shirtless, ripped and singing in full passion. His hair was slick and wet, and girls crowded around the stage. I swallowed hard as I saw him. Butterflies swarmed in my stomach, and I shook my head. I was being stupid...again. I was still crushing hard...

That was exactly why I had to avoid him. 

"Hey, Agnus, looking good," Tyler appeared and I smiled.

"Hey, Ellie's been looking for you..."

"I'm sure she has," Tyler said and winked. "And I've been looking for you..." 

My smile dropped. "Tyler..."

"TYLER!" Ellie squealed and gave him a hug. "So good to see you here."

"Good to be here," Tyler responded, and I took this time to slip away, grab some juice and head towards the pool. As I grabbed my glass, I felt someone behind me and turned around.

"You know I've met some pretty average ghosters...and they quake in comparison to you...what did I do to make you hate me so much?" Evan asked and I sighed.

"Look, I'm sorry...it's just..."

"I swear if you say busy, I'm throwing you into that pool," Evan responded. "No remorse...at all..."

I smiled, trying to hide my nervous heartbeat. He was so close, and he was so cute. He smirked, as if reading my thoughts.

"You're still scared I'm gonna break your heart...princess..."

"It has crossed my mind, you have a reputation," I responded.

"I thought I won you over with that kiss," Evan winked and I blushed. Typical.

"Look, don't get me wrong, that...moment, was bliss, but I'm scared that is all it was to you..." I tried to pass him.

"Agnus," Evan spoke. I knew I should keep walking, but my feet froze and I turned around.

"You forgot to fill your glass,"

I stared at my empty cup and shook my head. "Yeah, it slipped my mind."

Evan smirked again, and I dropped the cup. In one quick swoop he caught it, and I looked at him. "I don't know...of any of this...I'm not convinced."

Evan handed me the glass, leaned over to me and whispered in my ear. "Give me chance to show you."

"Hey, Evan! We need you for another song bro!" One of the band members called out to him. He winked at me. 

"Later princess," he ran off, and I watched, frozen in place. Then I spotted my good friend, Keith. He waved at me and walked. I grabbed a second cup.

"Just in time," I said. "Bring the duck?"

"Maybe," Keith responded as he grabbed the glass and started to fill it with juice.

"You look stiff..." I said. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing," Keith shook his head.

"Now who's lying?"

"And I'll make it up to you, I swear, but this is a party, and I am not party pooper..." he clinked his glass with mine. "Want to go for a swim?"

"Sure," I said and started walking.

"Do you want me to fill your cup?"

"Right," I said as my cheeks turned crimson red. "That will be great."