by Raathi Chota
“Hey, babe, lunch is almost ready.” He put the pan on the stove then took another fish and put it in.
“I didn’t know you cooked,” I said as he approached me and pecked my lips.
“Yeah, well, when your dad owns seafood restaurants, and your mom loves cooking, you’re bound to learn something.” He chuckled.
“Okay, DJ is set up, and we’ll do the lighting later. Now, where’s the food we were promised?” Liam asked as he sat next to me.
“Almost done, bro,” Benny replied as he took the fries out of the oven then went back to the stove. Five minutes later, we were in the kitchen eating Benny’s fish and fries. It was superb, especially the fish, yet Liam stole my fries. “You guys have to go and get the drinks, right?” Benny asked Melissa and Nick.
“Yeah, we’ll take Lana with us so we can drop her at home to get ready,” Melissa said with a wicked look in her eye.
“And you three.” Benny pointed at Tyler, Liam, and Aidan.
“We get the fireworks!” Liam cheered.
“Oh no,” I mumbled.
“Wha—it’s not like when we pull up the driveway fireworks will be going off in the car,” Aidan said.
“Hopefully not.” Nick sighed.
“Tyler, I trust you, dude. There’s a lot of fireworks,” Benny said.
“Tonight’s going to be freaking lit. This house is gonna be packed,” Aidan cheered.
“Can we have throwback songs? That’d be cool,” Liam said.
“Yeah, dude and EDM,” Tyler added. We talked about tonight and the events that would happen. Once we were done, I drove with Nick and Melissa. Nick said he’d drop me at home with Melissa then get the drinks. Apparently, Liam’s cousin Bethany supplied them with alcohol. When we’re done, he’d come and get us. Melissa explicitly stated that she wanted to be at my house when I chose an outfit.
***
When we got to the house, I wasn’t surprised to see Levi, Blake, and Keene. We walked upstairs and into my room. I shut the door, then opened my closet.
“I haven’t been to a party in like…forever,” I muttered.
“Don’t worry, I got it covered. You take a nice shower while I get ready, then I’ll pick out something for you,” Melissa said as she took out underwear for me. It had to be the black lingerie that Levi found in my drawer when he came here. I walked into the bathroom and locked the door.
Once I finished, I wrapped a towel around my hair. I put on my underwear, then wrapped the towel around me. I slowly put on my contacts because I didn’t want to wear glasses. I walked out to see Melissa dressed in a red jacket, black dress, and white heels. Her hair was curled up as she stood in front of my mirror and did her makeup.
“Wow, you look beautiful,” I said as I dried my hair.
“Thanks, and you will too. Your outfit is on the bed,” she said. I took the towel off my head and walked to the bed. A black leather jacket, tight white crop top, black shorts, and the red heels she got me for Christmas was placed there.
“It’s still winter.” I looked at the shorts and crop top.
“Yeah, but we’ll be indoors, and you look hot in black. Trust me.” She grinned, then looked around my room.
“What are you looking for?” I asked.
“I just didn’t come to help you out. I came because I want to see this so-called Bucket List that you and Levi created,” she stated with a grin. I let out a sigh as I walked to my closet and bent down to reach the last drawer. I took out the list and stared at it with a sigh. There were a few things ticked off. Whenever Levi came, we’d finish it, but it didn’t look like we’d do it since he’d leave tomorrow. I handed it to Melissa as I got dressed. As she read it, she laughed at some of the things.
The Bucket List
Levi / Lana
Bathe elephant: - / -
Whale watching: - / -
Night at the museum: - / -
Make soap: √ / √
Attend a street fight: √ / -
Go to a paint party: - / -
Be in the newspaper: - / -
Read a book before the movie: - / √
See a movie in black and white: √ / √
Volunteer: √ / √
Give blood: - / -
Donate: √ / √
Buy matching shoes: - / -
Dress in sexy lingerie: - / √
Get a tattoo piercing: √ / √
Indoor swimming pool at night: - / -
Meet Oprah: - / -
Shave head or someone else’s: √ / -
Wear colored contacts: - / -
Don’t fall in love: √ / -
Sleep on a haystack: - / -
Milk a cow: - / -
Drive a Harley Davidson: - / √
Bodyshot: - / √
Say ‘Hello’ in 80 Languages: - / √
Help homeless person: √ / √
Pose with a wax figure at Wax Museum: - / -
Climb a tree: √ / √
Professional Photoshoot: - / -
Smoke a cigarette or use a hookah: √ / √
“You can immediately point out who wrote what.” She pointed to “read a book before the movie,” and I rolled my eyes. She put the list on my desk, then helped me get ready. My hair was left loose, but Melissa curled it a bit. Even though I got a haircut a month ago, it grew a lot.
“What’s wrong?” I asked as she looked at her phone.
“Nick’s outside. He wants me to come now since they want the drinks.” She sighed, then grabbed her things. “The trunk and backseat are loaded, so you’ll have to get a ride with one of the guys. I’m sorry, girl,” she cooed, then eyed me up and down before she left. “You look hot, though.” I let out a sigh as I did my makeup, which was a soft, smoky eye. I put on the chain, which completed the outfit, then grabbed my phone. When I walked downstairs, I saw Keene on his phone. He looked up and took in my appearance. He slowly nodded his head in approval as I reached the bottom of the stairs.
“You look lovely. I like that thing going on with your eyes.” He pointed to the smoky eye.
“Thanks, you look good too.” I laughed as I looked at his outfit that consisted of a red baseball tee, grey tight sweatpants, and Vans.
“All right, let’s g—” Levi stopped mid-sentence as I spun around to look at him. We took in each other’s appearances. He wore a black leather jacket, white tee, black jeans, and high-top Vans.
“Nuh-uh, you two aren’t going anywhere,” Jade’s voice echoed. Levi spun around to face his mother. I gripped on my leather jacket as Mom and Jade approached us.
“You two are not going. Remember last year when you two went out to a party?”
“This is Benny’s party, Mom, plus it’s New Year’s Eve,” I whined.
“Nope, unless you get someone else to supervise you, none of you are going,” Jade said as she gestured to the three of us. Mom and Jade walked upstairs and left us in a pissed mood. Blake came from the kitchen with a cinnamon roll in his hand.
“What if we sneak out when they’re watching their soap operas?” Levi chuckled.
“No.” I shook my head because I didn’t want to sneak out anymore.
“Got any other ideas, princess?”
“They say we can go if someone else takes us.” I smirked at Blake. “I know just the person they’ll approve of.”
Chapter Fourteen
Lana
As expected, Mom and Jade were fond of the idea that Axel was with us. Blake and I found it weird and decided to question Axel and Levi while we drove to the party. They said they met at a party and quickly changed the subject. I glanced at Keene, who sent me skeptical looks. Of course, he’d know because he knew Axel and Levi.
We arrived at Benny’s house and noticed the party already started. Since its winter, everyone was in the house, which only made it congested. It was easy to walk since the entry had been cleared of snow.
“Gotta admit Nielson throws a lit party,” Levi said as we looked at the house with
the bright lights.
“Name?” the bouncer asked.
“Levi Radcliff.”
“Nope.”
“Of course,” Levi muttered as he stepped aside. I sighed as I stepped forward and looked at the scary bouncer.
“Lana Willson.”
“Enjoy the party,” the guy said.
I pointed behind me and said, “They’re with me.”
“One only,” the guy said as I turned to look at them.
“Don’t worry, I’ll get in.” Levi smirked as he took out his phone. I looked over to Keene, who put his arm around Levi, stating that he wasn’t going anywhere without him.
“I’m not going anywhere without my brother,” Axel said as he playfully hit Blake’s back. I groaned as I looked at the party, then at them. They turned their heads simultaneously to a tall girl who wore a midnight blue dress and black heels. We watched as she gave her name to the bouncer, then walked in. “Love you, brother. See you on the other side,” Axel said as he swung his arm around my shoulder and we walked in. “Love you, man!” he said as we entered the house. People surrounded the place, either dancing, talking, or mingling. “Well, pumpkin, we have arrived. Don’t know when I’ll see you but just remember…” He trailed off as girls walked past us. “Actions speak louder than words.” He smirked, then followed the girls.
I playfully rolled my eyes as I walked through the crowd of people. On the way, I danced since the whole crowd jumped to the beat. I finally reached the kitchen and saw familiar faces.
“There she is!” Ethan cheered as he pointed at me with his Solo cup. I smiled as I walked over to Benny, who sat on a chair. A hard look filled his features as I sat on his lap. Ethan handed me a drink, and I thanked him.
“You’re looking beautiful tonight,” Benny said as he put an arm around my waist.
“Thanks.” I smiled as he kissed me.
“Hey, what’s with the bouncer?” Miranda asked as she sat on the counter with Marcus next to her.
“Freaking Park Town High don’t like losing, so they heard we’re throwing a party,” Benny said.
“Yeah, this place might be crawling with them.” Ethan laughed as we looked at the living room.
“Cool party, though. Love the throwback songs,” Marcus cheered. As we talked over the loud music, I turned my head to see Carter walk in. He wore a gray sweater, yet there was a big mark on it as he walked to the island with a paper towel.
“Dude, what happened?” Benny asked.
“I was talking to this chick, and she dumped her drink on me,” he said as he wiped his sweater.
“What’d you tell her?” Marcus asked.
“Well, we were off to a great start, then I sort of told her a dirty pickup line.”
“Reminds me o—where’s Sam?” I turned to Benny, who facepalmed.
“I knew I forgot something,” he said as I gaped at him.
“Dude, how do you forget your own brother?” Marcus laughed.
“Never saw him the whole day. He’s probably in his room.” Benny shrugged as Aidan entered the kitchen with Tiffany. Miranda and I sent Tiffany a wink, and she nervously shook her head too. “Dude, have you seen Sam?” Benny asked Aidan, who gave a drink to Tiffany.
“Are you talking about that kid who walked up to me and said a creepy pickup line?” Tiffany asked. Ethan asked her what he said, and my eyes widened because I never thought the twelve year old was capable of such dirty things, then I remembered he had Carter as a friend.
“The kid’s gotta step up his game. He’s almost thirteen!” Carter pointed out as we looked at him.
“Oh my god. If anyone sees him, drag him to his room and shut the door,” Benny said.
“That won’t stop him,” Aidan mumbled as Miranda let out a gasp.
“Let’s dance! I love this song!” She beamed then hopped off the counter with Marcus. I stood up and pulled Benny out of his seat as we joined Miranda and Marcus. Tyler controlled the music as he jumped with the crowd. Benny and I danced in the middle of the crowd with everyone else. He placed his hands on my waist as I swayed. I laughed as we made silly dance moves with Marcus and Miranda. Everyone sang and danced as Benny pulled me closer. I spun around and swayed my hips against him, then closed my eyes. I felt his breath on my neck as I threw my head back. When I opened my eyes, I noticed someone’s gaze on me. He leaned against the wall from across the room as he sipped his beer. He looked so familiar. I felt Benny kiss my neck, and I shut my eyes and danced. The song ended, and I opened my eyes to see that the guy was gone. Weird. I spun around to face Benny, who still had his hands on my waist. He gave me a quick kiss, then dropped his hands as I stepped back.
“I need to use the bathroom quick,” I yelled over the loud music. He gave a quick nod as he pointed upstairs. I gave him the thumbs up as I walked off the dance floor and strolled to the stairs. The hallway barely had light, yet I noticed the tall blond walk into a room with a girl. I walked into the bathroom and locked the door. I sat on the toilet and took a piss as quickly as I could. I caught the movement as the bath curtain pulled open. I immediately closed my legs as I whipped my head to see Levi in the bathtub, shirtless.
“Man, you piss loud,” he stated.
“What the hell? You almost scared the shit out of me!” I yelled. The other side of the bathtub’s curtain pushed open to reveal a shirtless Blake, who laughed.
“Literally!”
“What the heck are you guys doing in the bathtub naked? Are you d—”
“No, and we have our underwear on!” Blake said as he sipped his beer.
“Are you guys drunk?”
“Not yet,” Levi said as he drank his beer.
“We lost a bet, so we have to stay in this bathtub for five minutes half-naked.” Blake pointed to their clothing beside the bathtub.
“How are you keeping time?”
“Carter’s outside,” Levi said as I bit the inside of my cheek. I remembered when Carter walked into a room with a girl. I took toilet paper and was ready to clean myself, yet I felt their eyes on me. I looked up and motioned for them to look away. Levi groaned as he pulled the curtain so they couldn’t see. I cleaned myself as quick as possible then put on my panties along with my shorts. I took out my phone, then put on my camera before I flushed the toilet. Blake pushed the curtain again as well as Levi. I quickly took a photo before they reacted.
“That’s going on Instagram.” I looked at the photo.
“Hey!” Blake said as I put my phone in my pocket, then washed my hands.
“No, no, you still got a minute left,” I lied. “Well, see you guys.” I slowly backed away. As they sipped their beer bottles, I quickly grabbed their clothes and ran out of the bathroom.
“Lana!” Blake yelled, and I heard them behind me. I quickly looked over my shoulder to see them half naked as they ran toward me. I ran into the first room that was open, and I straightaway regretted it since it was Sam’s room. Sam casually laid on his bed, surrounded by girls who looked my age and older. They were engrossed in what he said, but when I entered the room, they turned to me.
“There she is!” Sam pointed to me as I gripped the clothing.
“You’re right, she is pretty,” one of the girls said as they eyed me.
“Well, thank you.” I dramatically flipped my hair as Blake and Levi ran into the room with their shoes in their hands.
“Are you guys gay?” a girl asked, and Blake facepalmed.
“No, she just took our clothes when we were in the bathroom,” he said as the girl raised her brow.
“Dude, that came out wrong.” Levi laughed.
“We lost a bet, okay? We’re not gay, and what the heck are you girls doing in Sam’s room?”
“This cute boy was just telling us about her,” another girl cooed as she pointed at me.
“There you are, princess.” Levi smirked as he walked closer to me.
“Who you calling princess? She’s my queen,” Sam exclaimed as I furiously shook my head and
tossed their clothing to them.
“What the fuck? Who gave this kid alcohol?” Blake asked as he looked at the girls, who threw their hands up in innocence. I awkwardly stood in the middle of the room and noticed Sam took a picture of me. Once Blake and Levi were dressed, a girl pointed at the three of us.
“You’re all matching!” She giggled to the leather jackets. I had the sudden urge to cringe as I looked at Blake’s outfit. He wore something like Levi, except he wore a gray tee and combat boots.
“Okay, I’m going now,” I stated, then walked out. Blake and Levi followed behind as we walked down the hallway. “Where’s Keene?”
“He’s in the basement with Jaden,” Levi replied as my eyes widened.
“Jaden’s here? How di—”
“He knows most of the bouncers in Illinois, hence his awesome parties, so I called him.”
“Wow, okay,” I stated. I continued to walk until I reached downstairs while Blake and Levi went to the basement. I glanced up and saw Tiffany by the DJ; a few feet away from her was Aidan.
“Hey, Lana!” she yelled over the music.
“Hey, you enjoying the party?” I asked. She nodded, then awkwardly turned to Aidan. A table was nearby, so I grabbed a quick drink. “Are you guys a thing?”
“No, no, we’re just friends. Taking it slow.” She smiled.
“Cool, but you guys are cu—” I cut off when Benny appeared next to me with a cup in his hand. When I glanced up, I noticed how his jaw was tightened. “What’s wrong?”
“Ethan and I just kicked a guy out from Park Town High. It was not easy since he was drunk as fuck,” he muttered then took a swing of his drink. When I looked over his shoulder, I saw the guy from earlier. He danced with a girl, yet his eyes were on me. I shifted uncomfortably, and Tiffany must’ve noticed.
“Girl, you okay?”
“Yeah, err…that guy keeps on staring at me, yet he looks so familiar,” I said, then sipped my drink. Benny spun around and squinted his eyes at the guy. His face went blank as he pulled me closer to him.
