20 Days To Fall In Love

#8 - Too Far

Chapter 8 - Too Far
published: Monday, 3 May 2020

"You're sure it's this one?" Matthew said sarcastically, staring at the house pulsing with multicoloured lights. He could hear the music from within the car.

"Come on, it'll be fun," Ethan insisted.

He and Frederick almost dragged Matthew out of the car.

"I know you don't usually do house parties," Ethan told him.

"Bars are much better," Matthew protested as the three of them made their way down the sidewalk.

"Bars are expensive," Frederick corrected. "At least here everything's free."

Matthew pulled a face as he reluctantly followed his friends into the driveway. "If someone throws up on me, we're leaving."

Even as he stepped into the house, Matthew regretted letting his friends talk him into this. The house was nice — as evident from the large pool in the backyard and the glitter-covered car in the front. Apparently it was a wealthy freshman who owned the place and wanted to get in with the older students.

The interior of the house wasn't too different from other house parties Matthew had been too. Lots of people making out — on the bannister, against walls, on the couch. Disposable cups were strewn everywhere, and pools of beer collected in places.

"Is that..." Matthew turned to see Ethan squinting. "Is that who I think it is?"

Following Ethan's gaze, Matthew allowed himself a grin when he saw Maya and Elizabeth leaning against a wall, talking to each other.

"Maya! Elizabeth!" Matthew called, sauntering over to them. "Have you guys met my friends? This is Ethan and Frederick." The guys waved in greeting.

Elizabeth smiled and waved back. Even though they'd basically spent the entire day together at James' party, Matthew guessed she'd gone home to change right after. The floral-print dress hung down to her knees and hugged her at the waist.

"I am looking out for potential dates," Maya announced.

Matthew frowned. "What happened to the motorbike guy?"

"Urgh, he was so boring," Maya complained. "All he did was talk about his cats." When he raised his eyebrows, she nodded emphatically. "I know!"

"I told her to go over to that guy," Elizabeth gestured discreetly to a boy standing by the snacks table. "He's a freshman. Would probably date her in a heartbeat."

"But he's a child," Ethan spluttered.

"But he's cute," Maya corrected, handing Elizabeth her cup. She proceeded to brush out her hair and readjust her tank top. "See you guys."

Matthew watched in amusement as Maya swept over to the guy, laughing at something he said.

"She's a pro at this," Elizabeth sounded almost envious. "I could never do that."

Matthew snorted. "Yeah, because everyone's too scared to ask you out if you keep saying 'no'."

"Especially to the good ones," he added, pointing to himself.

She rolled her eyes in response. "Don't kid yourself."

A hand roughly pulled Matthew by the shoulder. He staggered backwards to see the culprit; a nervous freshman.