Chasing Astrid Malone

12. PITTY PARTY

Cameron led me by the hand up to the front door and walked right in. I envy how he can walk into a room and own it as if the world belongs to him. He doesn't seem to question or overthink everything like I do.

"Beck! Over here." Someone was calling him over from in the kitchen. He pulled me along with him.

"Hey, dude, what's up! Where were you today? The coach was pissed you missed another practice." I recognized him as one of the football players. They were all yelling over the music to Cameron and hadn't even noticed me standing behind him.

Cameron pulled me forward and put his arm around my waist. "You guys know Astrid right? Astrid this is Dan, my best friend." Dan was about the same height as Cameron, but that was the extent in similarities. Dan was tan with black hair and dark brown eyes, he was dressed in skinny jeans with a GUCCI shirt.

"Hey Astrid, you are far too beautiful to be hanging out with this dude. Why haven't we met before?" I'd assume it's because I take AP classes and he doesn't, but I don't want to bring attention to my being a nerd.

"Fuck off, Dan. She's MY date tonight."

"OH SHIT, your dating now bro? I get it, look at her. I just never thought I'd see the day. Let's do a shot to celebrate!"

"Not tonight Dan, but if Astrid wants to..." Cameron looked down at my wide eyes. "One shot will help you relax, I'm starting to think you may need it to get through tonight." He laughed but looked apologetic.

Considering the number of people staring at us, including some really pissed off looking girls, he could be right.

"Ok, but just one."

Way to go Astrid. That wasn't even peer-pressure, more like peer suggested, and I'm underage drinking. Dan handed me a plastic cup with a clear liquid at the bottom. I was about to bring it to my nose when Cameron stopped me.

"Don't smell it first, or you won't drink it. Just throw it back real fast and swallow it down quick." I did it just how he instructed. It burned my throat and nose, I could feel the burn all the way down to my stomach.

"That's my girl. Let's go out back and get some air." I felt the warmth from my belly start to creep into the rest of my body, so I nodded looking forward to getting outside.

We walked through a slider door, out into the yard. "You ok?" I was starting to feel warm and my muscles relaxed. Cameron's gorgeous face looking down at me with concern made me feel good. This isn't at all what I thought drinking would feel like but I really liked it. I smiled up at him and pressed myself into his chest, wrapping my arms around his waist.

"So you're a lightweight then. Got it. No more Vodka for Astrid." He was laughing but I was deciding he was wrong, I'd like more of this feeling, and another shot would give it to me.

"Hey, Cam, when you're done wasting time on that prude, come find me. Dan's parents have a water bed." I turned and saw Molly Devoe glaring at me. Cam spoke before I could even process what she just said.

"Go fuck yourself, Molly." Cam started pulling me away from her but I turned back and met her gaze. I couldn't help myself I didn't even know what I was about to say but I opened my mouth and yelled it.

"If you had even a shred of self-respect, you would see how trashy you just made yourself look. Not to mention pathetic." Molly lunged at me, but Cameron pushed her away.

"You can walk away Molly, or I can tell Dan to kick your trashy, pathetic ass out" he smiled using my insult against her again. She practically turned as red as my dress and walked away.