Lily's Summer of Precarious Happenings

Chapter Three

"Are you okay if I leave you here while I get us drinks?"

At least I thought that's what she was saying. It was a little hard to hear over the music blasting and the hoards of recent graduates swarming throughout the dimly lit mansion in clusters of writhing and slurred conversation. The best I could do was read her bright red lips, straining for and syllables I could audibly make out in the house party that was vaguely reminiscent of a night club.

I motioned awkwardly around myself, trying to convey that being left alone to be jostled back and forth by drunk strangers was not how I wished to spend my evening. Kennedy had already forced me into the dress, and even convinced me to let her do my makeup. That was the extent of her permissible efforts, however, as I insisted on wearing my hair down and straight, refusing any form of heel/torture device on my feet.

We had arrived only minutes prior, and Kennedy had informed me that having a drink would help me "have fun". I didn't like that her idea of fun meant I had to be inebriated and essentially out of control of my bodily functions.

She had jokingly called me a "buzzkill", and insisted that I needed to trust her.

Kennedy grabbed my wrist, yelling something over her shoulder I couldn't quite catch, and pulled me gracefully through the crowd. I wasn't sure how long I had spent staring at her quizzically, but I assumed she decided to take me along with her.

We finally arrived at a kitchen somewhat similar to my Aunt and Uncle's, although the island was littered with bottles of all shapes and sizes. It was slightly quieter, and a couple people lingered around the large keg in the corner.

I didn't have time to appreciate the new calm that the room brought, because soon Kennedy was pulled into a hug by a huge boy. "Wesley," She laughed, throwing her arms around the giant.

He pulled away and held her by her shoulders, a sloppy grin plastered on his boyish face. "Damn, you look good, Ken."

"I always do!"

"And who's this fine lady?" The boy looked at me, and I realized that the slight haziness clouding his blue eyes meant he was more than a few drinks in.

"This is Lily, the girl I was telling you about."

"The dairy farmer!" He exclaimed, his face lighting up.

"No, Wes." She patted him on his massive arm, "She's from Wisconsin. Not a dairy farmer."

"Oh," His features fell, "I really love cheese."

"I do too?" I offered clumsily. "Your house is really cool." I wasn't sure why my main conversation piece as of late had been complimenting peoples' houses. It seemed easy enough, and took the attention off talking about myself. I guess that's why it held so much appeal.

"Hey, thanks." He looked back at Kennedy, "She's nice. Is that a Midwestern thing?"

"I don't know, it might just be a Lily thing."

I smiled genuinely, grateful for Kennedy. We really did have an enjoyable day together, even if it was filled with my least favorite pastime. I realized that we were complete opposites, but so far, it seemed like we clicked better than anyone I had met back home.

"Something's wrong here." The tipsy boy motioned between us. "Ah, yes. There's no drinks in your hands!"

Kennedy laughed cheerfully, clapping her hands together and following him deeper into the kitchen. I followed, and accepted the concoction that he came up with for the two of us. One sip had me sputtering and rasping for water.