Always Adam

Chapter 19

The weekend rolls around and Ava and Nat invite me to a party. I thought about the last party I was at and decided that I would not even look at a stupid boy. Nat and Ava come to get ready at my place and plan to stay the night. I was both nervous and excited for the party. The November weather was turning cold, but Nat and Ava weren't about to let that stop the outfits they wanted to wear. Nat looked all legs in her jean mini skirt. That girl was tall. She told me she was just shy of six feet. She towered over me once she put her three inch heels on. She wore a long sleeve blouse and a black bra. You could see the bra under her shirt. With a few buttons undone she looked hot.

Ava was wearing a very tight, short black dress. She pulled her hair up high on her head giving her a Cleopatra look once she wrapped a braid around it. She chose three inch heels also. When it came to me, I wanted to wear jeans, but they wouldn't let me. I finally managed to get them to approve a tight pair of black skinny jeans. I choose a light pink cashmere sweater since Ava and Nat said no coats. I put on ankle boots and was satisfied with my look.

The party turned out to be down at the river. I didn't realize it until we pulled in. They had fire lit and there were so many people hanging out. "You didn't tell me it was outside," I whined. "I'm going to freeze," I said wishing I had brought a jacket. "You'll be fine. Besides a jacket would ruin the outfit," Ava says taking my hand. She pulls me towards the fire. My thoughts are of Nikki. I wonder how Adam would feel if he knew we were here. Ava hands me a beer as some girl comes over to talk to her. I stand staring into the fire.

I jump when I feel someone touch my shoulder. I turn to find the boy who Carlos sits next to in my business management class. He's about Adams height. I only recognize him in the dark because of his copper colored hair. He smiles at me and says "Hi, I'm Kirk from your business management class," He holds his hand out to me. "Carly," I tell him shaking his hand. "You're also the new girl right," he says moving closer to me. I nod my head yes. "You're a legend. Kicked out of your school. Fighting with Natalie on the first day," he says with a laugh. I know he's just being a guy, but knowing Nikki disappeared at one of these parties puts me on edge. Did someone do something to her or did she drown.

Kirk is talking, but I'm not listening. I look around but can't see Nat or Ava. Not knowing anyone else at the party I am not having fun. I try to focus on what Kirk is saying but can't. Finally, I say "It was nice to meet you Kirk. I need to find my friends. Maybe I'll see you later. If not I'll see you in class Monday," I say. I walk off looking for Nat or Ava. An hour later and two more guys, I've had enough. I'm cold and slightly scared. I try calling both Nat and Ava, but don't reach them. The place is creeping me out. I can still see the haunted look on Adam's face when he talked about Nikki disappearing. I finally break down and call Adam.

"Carly," he says when he answers. "I'm sorry Adam. I came to a party with Nat and Ava and I can't find them. I need a ride home. I don't want to be here," I say. I'm not sure at that point what he can do to help since I'm guessing he doesn't have a car. "Where are you," he asks. "Down at the river." "Damn it Carly," he says clearly upset. "I didn't know we were coming here. I swear Adam. They just told me a party. I thought it was at someone's house. I didn't even bring a jacket." I can here Adam moving and looking for something. "Stay by the fire and wait for me. Do not drink anything that anyone gives you. Do not go anywhere with anyone. I'm on my way," he says and the phone goes dead.

I do as he says. I am standing by the fire talking to Kirk again waiting. Kirk gave me his letterman jacket and I have it draped over my shoulders. It seems he plays football also. He seems nice. He doesn't hit on me. He's just talking to me. We're discussing our partners project. "Hey Adam," Kirk says when Adam comes up behind me. "Kirk," he says taking Kirk's jacket off my shoulders and handing it back to him. "Let's go," Adam says taking my hand in his. I turn to Kirk and say "Bye. Thanks for the jacket loan." He nods and walks off. Adam leads me to a car. It's an old mustang and it's almost as gorgeous as he is. I can't be sure in the dark, but it looks to be in excellent condition.