the list / mileven short story.

three.

CHAPTER THREE;
GO BE MIKE WHEELER.

"oh yeah, who's ready to get fucked up?! or fucked, whatever comes first," dustin, who was already tipsy from pre-gaming at the apartment, yelled as they entered the packed house party not too far from campus.

el scowled at the scene in front of her as she stood between the two boys. she had forgotten how much she hated big parties. she hated chaotic atmospheres.

the music was always too loud, she couldn't even hear herself think. most of the time, this time included, the houses were dark and the only source of light came from led lights and cheap strobes.

plus, parties were always so hot and stuffy. she already felt like she was suffocating in her black jean jacket.

not to mention how bad it always smelled. the combination of weed, alcohol, hot breath, sweat, and perfume was quite undesirable. she knew eventually she'd grow nose-blind to it, but it was certainly pungent upon first arrival.

she glanced up to mike, surprised to find his gaze already settled on her. her hand subconsciously drifted to the hem of her eggplant purple minidress, tugging it down slightly.

catching it, he offered a sheepish smile. he asked, "are you drinking tonight?"

she shrugged, having not thought about it. "are you?" she knew they didn't have to worry about assigning a designated driver since the boys' apartment was only a few blocks away.

he shook his head. "no, but i'll get you one. come on," he guided her past the stairs and toward the back of the house, careful not to bump into any unbalanced bodies.

she looked back to get dustin, but he had already vacated his earlier spot. he always disappeared at parties and showed back up a few hours later, usually cross-faded.

when he saw how crowded the entryway to the kitchen was, mike grabbed el's hand to pull them through without getting separated. she cursed the flutter of her traitorous stomach, knowing it meant so much more to her than it did to him.

"what do you want? you like coconut, don't you?" he asked as they arrived at the island of booze, booze, and more booze. when she nodded, he crinkled his nose in distaste but grabbed the bottle of malibu and a solo cup. "say when," he instructed before he started to pour the rum.

once the cup was a little over halfway filled, she stopped him, "when."

he raised his brows, surprised at the amount. she snatched a black cherry flavored white claw off the counter and poured until her cup was full, downing what was left in the can. he chuckled under his breath and passed her the cup before grabbing a soda can for himself.

she smiled shyly before sipping her drink. just as the taste hit her tongue, her eyes caught two girls staring at mike. her sip turned to a gulp.

his eyes widened slightly. he'd hardky ever saw el drink more than beer or seltzer. "thirsty?" he mused, but then he followed her gaze to the two girls lingering at the breakfast bar.

one had long black hair, the front two strands dyed a vibrant red, and the other with a platinum pixie cut.

he looked back at el, ignoring the girls. she swallowed and said, "you don't have to stay with me, you know? you can go and have fun. i know max told you guys to look out for me since she's not here, but i'm fine on my own, really. you should go be sociable."

"are you trying to get rid of me?" he teased, having already forgotten about the two girls that were practically undressing him with their eyes.

she barked a laugh and nodded. "yes, you caught me. now, go. go be mike wheeler."