The Girl With The Dice Necklace

Chapter 9- After-Party Thoughts

     "Hey! We lost you and didn't know what happened to you!" Ronnie yelled over the music, with Amber trailing behind her.

"What's wrong? You're bright red?" Ronnie asked, looking at my embarrassed face. Before I could say anything Amber cut in.

"She's blushing! Because that guy over there talked to her!"

"What's the big deal? Guys talk to Audrey a lot. A hell of a lot more than girls talk to her." Ronnie said to Amber.

"I'm right here!" I interrupted as they talked right in front of me.

"The big deal is that he talked to you during the slow song!"

"Well it's not like he asked me to dance." I said defending myself-- or maybe I was defending him more. I'm sure he didn't want people thinking there was something between us. Who would want to have anything to do with me like that? I barely even knew him! "Him", I hadn't even asked his name!

"Besides, I was awkward and stuttered and-- oh why does it matter?! He was just being friendly!" My voice raised frustratedly. The truth is, I didn't know if I wanted a boyfriend, but whether or not I did it wouldn't matter because I would be a loner the rest of my life anyway! So I might as well just pretend I'm fine with it.

"At least I didn't suddenly hook up with my ex!" I yelled over the awful music, directed toward Amber. "You really are a slut!" I joked with Amber, referencing her costume.

"Hey-- he asked me!"

"After you dumped him? God bless the brave soul...!" I said dramatically, earning a laugh from Ronnie.

"Whatever! I had a good time and wasn't nervous!" Amber pointed out. I rolled my eyes and we laughed it off.

The DJ said his last words as the dance ended. Exhausted, sweaty bodies exited the venue and emptied out into the chilly October air. The cold, energizing breath of fresh air felt good at first, but then turned into a shiver and desire for a coat. Street lights shone through the thick darkness and most kids waited by the curb to be picked up. Amber, Ronnie and I said our goodbyes and ending "Happy Halloween!"s as we walked home in different directions.

I was glad I had gone to the party. I hadn't been bullied or picked on like at the horrid winter dance last year. My luck wasn't nearly as bad as expected, aside from the stuttering and spitting out words. But my constant nerves around new people were even worse. Although he did smile at my flaws and stutters and my awkward quirkiness. I walked home shivering, but glad I had gotten to spend the night with some friends.