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Chapter 7 - Ch. 6 - Party Talk

*** Tuesday | English

As I made my way to Mrs. Wilson's, I met up with Dakota in the hall and we walked together since we had the same class.

"Did you hear about the new school year party on Friday?" Dakota asks as we sit down in our seats.

I nod, pulling out my composition book and placed it onto my desk. "Yeah, Ayden told me last night-- or, well he asked me to go with him."

"Oooooh somebody's getting close." She perks up a little, leaning in more.

My cheeks instantly turn red and I shake my head throwing my hands up in front of me innocently. "It's not like that Kota! He's straight! We're only going as friends."

She gives me a questionable look, her eyebrow raising in curiosity. "Hmm.. if you say so Ziek."

She doesn't continue, leaving me to wonder what left her with such a curious expression.

"Wait- what do you mean by that-" I cock my head to side, giving her an oblivious look.

"Oh nothing, just-- I think he has a lot more secrets than he lets on..." She rubs her chin inquisitively. "And you of all people must know that I am the master of spotting a closeted gay from a mile away."

I laughed a little. "Yeah you may be right about that, but seriously I promise he's straight!" I rubbed the back of my head awkwardly before trailing off. "...Don't let my delusions get to me more than they already have..." I mumbled under my breath quietly enough where Dakota couldn't hear.

"Okay everyone, we're going to be writing our first essays today."

The classroom faded into silence as everyone started to focuse on the teacher at the front of the room.

"I want you all to write about something important in your life. Something that made you who you are today. Maybe that something helped you find out who you are as a person, maybe it's about somebody else in your life who you look up to." She pauses for a moment before continuing. "It can be whatever you want it to be about. You must write a five paragraph essay and submit it to me before midnight on Friday. I'll give you today, tomorrow and Fridays class period to you guys to work."

I took out my laptop and pulled up a Google doc, before brainstorming what to write about.

What is important in my life?

My friends? My family? My identity?

I decided not to get too mushy about sensitive details involving my life. Instead, I chose to talk about my friends.

They're definitely important to me. I zoned in on my writing, focusing on every word as it was typed onto the digital page.

Before I knew it the bell had rung for class to be dismissed. Dakota and I packed up our laptops and headed out together.

I waved to her as she left to her next class, then I headed towards mine.

*** Science

As promised, Mrs. Kyle gave us the hour to work on our presentations again.

Ayden and I had been working on our slideslow, talking amongst ourselves casually as class went on before Rory's voice catches my attention. He was leaning over the desk talking to Ayden, but gave me a nod to acknowledge me.

"So... don't tell me you're planning on going to that lame ass school party. You're not... right?"

Ayden shrugs. "Well I was going to, why did you have something better in mind?"

"Actually, yeah. There's another party that's gonna be going on at the same time, except there will be drinks and shit." He grins excitedly. "You should come with man."

Ayden looks at me and then back at him before questioning, "Can anybody come?"

"I mean yeah, it's an open house party."

He turns back towards me and hesitates before asking, "Do you wanna come with?"

"Sure," I replied a little too quickly. I'd never even been to a party before-- let alone a high school one-- and no, the school ones don't count.

Part of me was actually really excited to be going to a real party, but another part of me was nervous.

What if something bad happens? What if I do something super embarrassing in front of everybody or even worse-- Ayden? Also now that I think about it... if I get drunk or high I cant go home like that so what would I even do?

"Sweeeeet. I'll text you the details man. See you guys there."

After Rory left to go back to his partner to work, Ayden turned towards me.

"Parties really aren't my thing but I figured it would be fun to do something less stressful." He taps his finger on the desk. "That and.. Rory always drags me along to these kind of things." He takes a deep breath before continuing, "Thanks for wanting to come with me."

He stares at me with those big blue eyes that make me feel like I'm staring into the deepest depths of the sea.

So dark and mysterious.

"Of course. I really don't mind! It's always fun being around you, and I'm sure it'll be worth it! We can even invite Dakota and Skyler too!" I smiled widely.

"Skyler?" He gives me a confused look.

"Oh- yeah! I didn't get to tell you guys about her yet- I met her in music class yesterday! She's pretty cool. I invited her to eat with us so she'll be joining us during lunch today and you and everyone else can meet her."

Ayden smiles before responding. "I'm down to go as a group if everyone else is."

By the time class was over we had completed our presentation for the next day.

Well at least that's finally done. One less thing to worry about.

"I'll see you in gym Ez." Ayden says ruffling the back of my head, followed by Rory; whose eyes were focused onto his Gameboy.

*** Social Studies

The day always drags on when there's so much on my mind and no distraction from it all.

All the things I wanted from Ayden wasn't possible and wouldn't be possible. I had to accept that, so why couldn't I just get over these feelings? Why can't I stop thinking about him? Every time I see him, or hear his voice, or look into his eyes... I feel myself falling deeper.

I need a distraction. Anything to get my mind off of this.

The lesson Mr. Johnson had prepared was boring as usual. Don't get me wrong, he's a nice guy but he really doesn't know how to make things interesting. Everyone had the same exact blank, tired and bored expression on their face. Most of the people had been occupied with other things like talking amongst themselves or doodling on their notebooks. A few others had even been texting underneath their desks.

I decided I should text Ayden and figure out the plan for Friday in case things didn't go as planned.

E: Hey, I just wanted to figure out the plan for Friday in case we decide to drink or something- I can't go home like that my parents will kill meee 💀

I send the message and a few moments later my phone buzzes in my hands.

A:You can stay at my place if u want

A: We have a spare bedroom for u to use too :)

Staying... over at.... Ayden's?

My face starts to feel warm again and I try to hide my face with the hood of my hoodie.

E:Will your parents.. not care?? 😅

I bite my lip anxiously, trying my best not to overthink, thinking maybe I shouldn't do this.

A:They always go out of town on the weekends for their job. We'll just have to sneak u in on Friday night

Oh god, what am I getting myself into?

E:Umm... you sound like you've done this before lmao

A: Haha maybe a few times.... mostly sneaking out tho 😶

A:Have u snuck out before?

I hadn't. I wouldn't usually admit it but, I am a goody two shoes. Although as of late-- you probably wouldn't think that about me right now.

Not sure if it was the raging hormones boiling inside of my body or of it was all the pent up tension between me and Ayden, but it made me do things that I would never normally do.

E: No...

The bell rings, causing me to jump a little in my seat. I quickly stuffed my notebook into my bag and started heading towards the locker room.

My phone buzzes again in my hands.

A: Don't worry, I won't let u get in trouble

I quickly gave his message a like and smiled a little to myself with light blush dusted across my cheeks.

I know he's just a nice guy but he's always so sweet to me.

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