Gifted

Chapter Twenty-Five

It was a quiet, uncomfortable ride to the factory; luckily, it wasn't a long one. The second we pulled onto the secluded road that led straight back to the dilapidated building; we could feel the bass. Music was pumping; the dirt parking lot had cars everywhere, and kids were getting out in groups. Gray found a parking spot and we started to unload. There was so much excitement in the air; my Senses were going full tilt.

Chase stayed right by my side, which I could tell annoyed Nolan. We pushed our way inside. Bodies were writhing. It was so hot and packed I barely pushed through the crowd. If it hadn't been for Nolan leading the way and Chase following so closely I would have easily been lost in the crowd. We pushed our way up onto a concrete platform area. I took in the scene with amazement. There was no way there were just MAC kids here. There was a balcony area overlooking the sea of people. I briefly wondered how the windows weren't shattering the music was so loud until I realized they had long been broken. Kenzie and I found a broken metal bar, we draped our sweaters over.

Nolan asked if anyone wanted anything. I told him to grab me something to drink, and Chase glared at me. I just ignored him, if I was going to shun responsibility for the night; I wanted to live life to the fullest. I'd never really drunk much before. I'd had wine at special occasions, but that was about it. I felt like tonight was an opportunity to detach myself from all the newly formed stress in my life, and I intended to take advantage of that!

It took a while for Nolan to come back with two beers, and I grimaced at the bitterness after taking a sip. We were the only two drinking. Kenzie and Gray were cuddled up watching the crowd and Chase sat there like a disgruntled bodyguard. It angered me that he wasn't even talking to me. In fact, it was like he barely noticed me at all. I chugged the beer as I thought about his indifferent attitude toward me. I was a fool to think I could get his attention. Now that I knew his intentions he didn't have to keep up the charade. I slammed down the rest of the beer without even tasting it and handed the plastic cup back to Nolan. He lifted an eyebrow. I wanted to numb my Senses. I wanted for one night not to feel the pain. Especially, since the pain was staring me right in the face and was hell bent on ignoring me.

I was surprised to notice how well I was learning to control my Senses, a short while ago this place would've crippled me.

"You might want to slow down," Chase said. He only met my face briefly.

I was in no mood to be lectured tonight. I shrugged, hopped off the platform, grabbed the cup and started pushing through the crowd in the direction I had seen Nolan leave. I wasn't really worried about getting hurt or pushed around in the crowd. I was more worried about someone running into me and wondering why I looked like a rock, but felt like a mountain. I felt someone grab my hand and pull me. Nolan was guiding me toward the kegs.

"You're a big girl Morgan; I'm not going to tell you what to do." Nolan shouted in my ear, "I just want to make sure you know what you're getting yourself into."

I filled up, but didn't feel like being near Chase, so I hung around the keg area with Nolan. The kegs were in a smaller area that opened up off the main floor. It was smaller, and the ceilings were lower. If you walked past the kegs, the room actually had breathing room. It was a nice break to be away from the strobe lights. I let myself relax and could feel the beer start to kick in. I finished off that cup also.

"Take it easy," Nolan warned again. I shot him a death look, and he held his hands up in defense.

"Whatever," was all he said.

I refilled and then told Nolan we should find the others. I actually felt guilty about ditching Kenzie. He grabbed my hand and started leading me back through the crowd. They were still on the same platform; Kenzie had started dancing. Chase was on the floor leaning against the concrete with his arms folded across his chest. I ignored him on my way back to join her. The beer relaxed me just enough and I totally let loose. I started moving my hips to the music. Kenzie and I laughed and danced the night away.