The Exception

Chapter 37: A Party Without A Fight I Guess Isn't A Party At All

"Show you off....tonight I want to show you off...eh, eh,eh" Evan began singing.  "What you got...a billion could have never bought."

I started singing with, and Evan smiled at me. It was so strange, standing on this stage, and people were watching us. However, I never really struggled as much with stage fright to sing as when I was playing the violin.  I spotted Ellie, who was dancing alongside Tyler. Maybe, just  maybe, I was wrong in reading in the situation with Tyler. It was very possible, that he really liked Ellie.

I carried on dancing, but blushed as Evan removed his jacket and started dancing. He was so good, but I was really scared to do the same. However, I started swaying my hips, and people cheered. 

After singing a second song, "Counting Stars" by One Republic,  I climbed off, and smiled as the people were clapping and cheering. My eyes caught Sally who only shook her head and walked off. I sighed, deciding not to be brought down by anyone or anything tonight. However, as soon as I thought of it, my mind drifted off to Keith, who had probably locked up shop now, heading home.

"Earth to Agnus," Ellie grabbed me into a huge hug. "You were amazing,"

"Yeah, but only if your brother is with me," I admitted. "I do not have the prettiest of voices..."

"Maybe, but you sure can keep a tune, and that, my girl, is a skill in itself," Ellie winked. She gave me  cup and I sniffed.

"Has this got alcohol?"

"Maybe a little," Ellie pouted. "So what? You're bound to find alcohol in most parties...might as well make use of it...."

"And how much have you had?" I asked.

"Maybe quite a few...and after that beer pong game...oooh, you should play," Ellie grinned at me.

"Thanks, but I'll pass," I placed the cup she gave me on a counter and carried on watching Evan sing. One thing that scared me was how so little alcohol had such a huge affect on me on my first date of Evan. Besides, that hangover on top of was not really worth it for me. However as Evan sang his fifth and last song, I needed to visit the bathroom.

I walked around the house, and up the stairs.  "Finally," I muttered as I found the bathroom. After a quick visit, I left and headed back downstairs.

I bumped into one of the boys, and scrunched my nose up. He reeked of alcohol.

"Hey girllll," the boy slurred and I looked up.

"Tyler..." I said softly. "Hi, I need to go..."

Tyler grabbed my arm and my heart started to race in panic. "What's the rush? You're here...I'm here...we're here together..."

"And you are very drunk," I said and pushed him softly away. "Let me go."

"Come on, just one kiss...you know I've always had a sweet spot for you gurlll," Tyler slurred.

"I have a boyfriend," I spoke more firmly. "And even if I didn't, no, I'm not making out with a drunk."

Tyler gripped both of my arms, and started to squeeze. "Just one kiss."

I gritted my teeth as I drove my knee up. Certainly enough, it hit the target, and Tyler stumbled back. I ran down the stairs, and swallowed hard as I heard rushed footsteps behind me. I reached the rest of the crowd, and I crashed straight into someone.

"Hey, easy princess," Evan spoke. "I've been looking all over for you."

I breathed a sigh of relief. "Trust me, I'm really glad to have found you..."

"COME ONE GURL! Just one kiss!" Tyler yelled at me, and I turned around horrified. I thought he had at least some sense not to try anything in public, with the crowds, especially in front of Evan. I watched as Evan's face became stone cold. He stared at Tyler who was still approaching us.

"What did you say to her?" Evan spoke as he pushed me back and walked towards Tyler.

"Come on, boy, you only know she's with you for your good looks, charm, and voice...she doesn't care...and we can share..."

"Tyler, you're drunk," I said. "You're not thinking clearly."

"Oh, his intentions are clear enough all right," Evan spoke softly to me. 

"Come on, girl, just one kiss," Tyler took a step closer, but Evan pushed him back.

Tyler's face switched from drowsy to enraged. "You think you have  right to all the girls? You come in here, waltzing with some fancy smanchy singing skills? "

"At least I'm not as pathetic and self-deprecating as you are. You are a walking, talking example of why society as a whole has no hope for millennials...."

"You think you're so clever? With your stupid insults, and..."

"Insults? It's the truth, and if you touch my girl again, you will regret it..."

"What? Are you gonna put me in the hospital like those other losers?" Tyler slurred. "Alright, if I can't have her...I'll just do your sister. She's so in love with me after all."

I glared at him, and before Evan could react I was right at Tyler and pulled a punch. My fist made contact with his cheek and staggered back.

"You stay away from her!" I snapped, but pain shot through my wrist and I grunted. 

Tyler jumped up, and looked like he was about to pounce on me, however, as he trampled forward, he was smacked down. I looked at Evan who only shook his wrists. "We need to find Ellie and go."

"Ok," I agreed, trying to ignore the throbbing pain and walked alongside the singer. We made our way through the crowds, and I spotted Ellie dancing in the centre.

I touched her arm and she smiled at me.

"Hey boo! Have you seen Tyler? I want to daaaance with him,"

"We need to go," I said.

"What? Noooooo," Ellie pouted.

"Right," Evan tossed Ellie right over his shoulder, and she screamed and kicked. However, no one really interfered, because they knew she was drunk, and he was her brother.

Evan popped her into the back of her car and drove back to their house. I looked back and shook my head. "I can't believe I did that."

"You were amazing..." Evan spoke, and I only nodded. Never before, would I have even considered to punch someone, no matter the insult. Something changed in me. And that scared me...a lot.