The Society

by Jodie Andrefski

  A glance at the clock reminded me that Jeremy would be there soon to pick me up. He wasn’t as exciting or dangerous as Ransom had initially seemed to be, but he gave me something Ransom never offered—genuine caring. A small smile crossed my face thinking of all the times Jeremy had stood by my side through the years.

  Any time I’d ever tried to thank him for it, he’d brushed it off, assuring me that I’d been there for him as many times as he’d been there for me. Once again it hit that I couldn’t fathom life without him.

  Maybe part of the reason I’d gravitated toward Ransom was because I felt I didn’t deserve someone like Jeremy. But I was slowly realizing, true friendship and caring isn’t about what we deserve…because we all screw up and make mistakes. The real measure of friendship is being there for each other through them, and loving each other anyway. Anyone can be there through the easy times; you know it’s real if someone is still there after it all crashes down.

  Jeremy was always there. I owed him so much, and I resolved in that moment to be a better friend to him. He deserved it.

  I hopped up from my desk and went to the bathroom to use it one final time. After I finished, I stood in front of the bathroom mirror, eyeballing myself critically. Not perfect, but it would do.

  The sound of tires crunching in the gravel carried through the tiny bathroom window, even though it was closed against the chill night air. A quick peek from behind the floral curtain revealed Jeremy hopping out of his car.

  I sucked in a breath. He looked hot, like, with a capital H—Hot. With his interests, I’d expected a box painted like a robot, or maybe a Stormtrooper, or the tenth Doctor in a suit and trench coat. Well, Jeremy in a suit and trench coat wouldn’t be too bad, but even that image was nothing compared to the reality walking toward my front porch.

  He wore dark tight jeans, and some kind of billowy long-sleeved white shirt opened at the neck. His eyes were covered by a black mask, and he had what looked like a long sword attached to his belt. Zorro, maybe?

  I stared as he sauntered up the path leading to the trailer. I stood on tiptoe and tried to crane my head at a different angle so I could watch him walk up the steps, but he’d disappeared from my view. Jeremy brought sexy back in a big way in that costume. As much as I’d tried to deny it, I’d been noticing lately how cute he was, but this side of him? It made cute sound like a ridiculous description.

  I glanced at my reflection and wished I’d chosen a different outfit. All the girls at the party were bound to be wearing sexy nurse costumes, or sexy policewoman costumes complete with handcuffs. Sexy anything costumes…with skirts barely covering their asses and cleavage spilling out of their tops.

  I tried in vain to spot some cleavage in my reflection. It was useless. I’d need two Wonderbras on my best day to look like they did. I’d always been happy with my barely-there boobs before, but right then I’d consider making a crossroads deal for a larger cup size.

  There wasn’t time to do anything about it. Aunt Lor called to me, telling me Jeremy was here, like I wasn’t already well aware of that fact, as evidenced by my flushed cheeks and rapid heart rate. The ribbons of curls that I’d painstakingly put in my hair now seemed stupid, childish.

  I smoothed the front of my costume and fidgeted with the twined piece of thick rope I’d fashioned into a long, loose belt. I reached out to turn off the light and stepped into the hallway to meet Jeremy.

  Thirty

  It’s the end of the world as we know it.

  —R.E.M.

  Jeremy kept looking over at me as we drove to Pete’s house. I played with the rope around my waist, trying not to appear self-conscious. Finally, I couldn’t take it any longer.

  “What?” I burst out.

  His eyes widened. “What, what?” he asked.

  “You keep staring at me.”

  He jerked his head away from me to face the road. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to.” His fingers tightened on the steering wheel, and a muscle in his jaw twitched.

  I sighed. “I look ridiculous, I know, but it was the best I could come up with.”

  His head whipped in my direction again. “Are you kidding me?” He’d taken the black mask off to drive, and his brows rose up to meet his long bangs.

  “Well, yeah. I didn’t bother trying to put together a real outfit since I wasn’t even planning to go after everything that happened.” I crossed my arms in front of my chest and turned to stare out my window. I should have just stayed home.

  “Sam, you look amazing.”

  Heat skittered up my neck and filled my cheeks. I bit my lip and peeked over at him. “Really?”

  “Really.” He nodded, and I could see him swallow.

  “Thanks.” I smiled shyly and my heart squeezed in my chest.

  Jeremy winked.

  My toes curled in my sandals and I fought to suppress a cheesy grin. Maybe the outfit wasn’t as bad as I thought. I’d grabbed a sheet from the linen closet and kind of draped it around me, then pinned two of the ends over one shoulder with this fancy jeweled pin Aunt Loretta said I could borrow. From there, a piece of rope slung loose over my hips, tied in a simple knot with long ends hanging down.

  A piece of thin leafy garland wrapped around my head like a crown, over the long curls that took me almost an hour to get right. I’d slipped elaborate gold candelabra earrings in each lobe, and used a deep red lipstick, kohl eyeliner, and heavy mascara.

  I wasn’t sure what to call the finished product, but I guess that didn’t really matter. The look Jeremy gave me made the hour spent on my hair totally worthwhile.

  We made it to Pete’s in less than twenty minutes. Landscaping lights guided our way up the long driveway leading to his house. We had to park halfway up the drive since cars and SUVs lined the road on either side, the vehicles hanging partway over into the perfectly manicured grass.

  I stepped out of the car and gaped.

  Music thundered from wide-open patio doors. Kids spilled out of the house, onto the large wooden deck, and the bright lights shining inside enabled me to see the packed living room. Orange twinkle lights hung from shrubs and two tall maple trees. A stuffed man dangled from a rope from the taller tree. Someone had already wrapped a red bra around his neck.

  Jeremy chuckled. “Well, when Pete finally throws a party, he throws a party.”

  I stared. Shouts and laughter rang in the night air.

  He laughed at my shocked expression and slipped on his thin black mask once more. “C’mon, what’ve we got to lose? I don’t know about you, but I can definitely use a night with no stress and just fun.” He reached his hand out to me.

  I raised an eyebrow but took it. “Why do I think we’re going to regret this?”

  We made our way up the hill. Pete’s house was a huge white colonial and could easily fit five of Aunt Lor’s trailers inside. Probably more. And that wasn’t even including the three-car garage.

  Jeremy pushed through the crowd on the steps leading up the deck, headed inside. I followed behind, being sure not to let go of his hand. After a few odd looks from some girls clustered together holding red plastic cups, I stared at my feet as we made our way in. I told myself to ignore them, but it didn’t completely work.

  My stomach twisted, and I self-consciously played with my belt with my free hand. Jeremy peeked over his shoulder at me and smiled, which made me feel marginally better.

  “My man! You’re here!” Pete walked over, painted completely green and wearing some scrap of cloth around his waist like an oversized diaper.

  My eyes bugged out, and I couldn’t help but crack up. He clapped Jeremy on the back, then flexed. “What do you think?”

  I couldn’t believe it. Mild-mannered Pete, dressed like the Hulk. Talk about priceless. Jeremy laughed along with me. “Whoa! Now that’s a costume.”

  Pete grinned. “Yeah, I know. Blame her.” He nodded his head to the left. Celia bounded over, beaming.

  “Don’t you love it? I got washable spray paint. It took
me three coats to get it right.” She ran her hand up his arm and squeezed his tricep. “I think he looks amazing.”

  Pete leaned down and kissed her, his eyes adoring.

  Celia looked great. I guess I didn’t get the memo that the cool kids were doing superhero themed. She wore a very official-looking Batgirl costume, sexy without looking slutty.

  I smiled at her. “You both look fantastic.”

  She preened, obviously thrilled. It was nice seeing her that way, seeing both of them like that. So relaxed and happy. I turned to Jeremy and included him in my grin, glad he’d talked me into coming. He was right—tonight would be fun.

  “I like your costume too,” Celia said. “You too, Jeremy.”

  “Okay, who’s ready for a drink?” Pete asked.

  Jeremy squeezed my hand before letting go. “I’ll help Pete. Be right back.”

  I smiled as Pete pulled him away into the crowd.

  “This is seriously amazing.” I turned back to Celia. “Did you do all of this?”

  She looked around the room. Black netting draped just about every available surface. Cobwebs clung in the corners and dripped from lamps; tall electric candles dotted the tables and shelves.

  She nodded. “Well, Pete helped some, but mostly he told me to do what I liked.” She giggled. “And it sure made it nice that he gave me a credit card to buy what I needed.”

  My eyes widened.

  She laughed. “It’s not like he has to pay for it. It’s his mom’s. She was so thrilled that he was being social.” She made air quotes. “She was more than willing to fund whatever we needed.”

  I shook my head and laughed. “I’ll feel sorry for her when she gets the bill.”

  “But we couldn’t get a decent band on such short notice, so canned music it is.” She pouted.

  “I don’t think anyone minds.” I gestured to the crowd.

  “Well, I better circulate a little, make sure everyone’s having a good time.”

  I nodded. “Go ahead. I’m sure Jeremy will be back soon.”

  Celia melted into the masses, leaving me standing alone. I glanced around, trying to spot someone else to talk to. Kids danced at the far side of the long room. Some couples draped all over each other, making out.

  I’d been right. Most of the girls seemed to be in a competition to see who could wear the least amount of clothing without being outright naked. None of the guys seemed to mind. Even though it was only a little before ten, a lot of the kids already seemed hammered.

  No one paid any attention to me. I tried to look into the next room to spot Jeremy. All I could see were people laughing, drinking, and having a good time. I pushed off the wall I’d been leaning on and headed toward the kitchen. Just as I rounded the bend, someone came from the opposite direction and ran directly into me, spilling beer down the front of my costume.

  “Oh shit! Sorry about that.”

  I recognized him immediately. Seth Walters, the guy who’d almost landed on my lap at the pep rally. I could tell exactly when he recognized me as well. He looked stricken.

  “Oh wow. I keep running into you, don’t I?”

  I shook my head and offered a tight smile. “Don’t worry about it.”

  He looked down at the sticky mess on my chest and stomach and cringed. “I’m really sorry.” He reached out to wipe the mess with his bare hand.

  I stepped back and blocked his movement. “Um, seriously, it’s fine. No big deal.”

  Seth apparently realized what he’d been about to do and stared at his hand before quickly dropping it.

  “Well, can I at least get you a drink or something?” He shrugged, a grin popping through as he waved his now empty cup. “After all, I need one again anyway.”

  “Thanks, but someone’s getting one for me.”

  “Ya sure? I don’t mind.”

  Two guys came up behind him, shoving him closer to me. “Dude, come on. We’re playing quarters over in the den.”

  He raised an eyebrow and motioned to his cup, mouthing, “You sure?”

  I waved him off. “I’m good, thanks.”

  “Come on!” The bigger guy grabbed Seth’s arm and pulled him away. He gave me a final grin before allowing them to lead him off.

  The damp cotton now clinging to my skin felt sticky and cold. And gross. I looked down. Fabulous.

  Where was Jeremy?

  By now, I was actually more than ready for that drink, but I couldn’t spot his messy hair in the crowd anywhere. I smoothed the sheet the best I could, trying to reposition the draping to cover the stain. It didn’t work. I sighed. Oh well, I’d get my own drink.

  People swarmed the kitchen. Bottles of rum, vodka, and schnapps lined the slate counter, and two kegs stood next to the center island. I pushed my way through the crowd and reached to grab a cup, and I saw them.

  Jeremy and Abby.

  She’d gone with the Cat Woman costume after all. And as much as I hated to admit it, she looked incredible. The black leotard covered her tall lithe body like a second skin. Tiny pointed ears poked from her wild mass of hair, and delicate whiskers were drawn on her cheeks.

  A long tail draped over her left arm, as her other hand reached toward Jeremy. She ran her fingers across his chest playfully as she leaned in, whispering and giggling. I hated her with a blind passion in that moment.

  I hated the look on Jeremy’s face even more. He was smiling while Abby practically crawled all over him.

  Pain jolted through me. I knew I shouldn’t have come. I didn’t belong here. And it wasn’t like I could walk up to Jeremy and tell him I wanted to leave. He was obviously having a great time.

  I clenched my hands at my sides and tried to fight back tears.

  Fine. I didn’t need him anyway. I turned away before he caught me watching. Someone had lined rows of shots in small plastic cups along the bar. I grabbed one, not caring what it contained. I whipped my head back and downed it in one gulp.

  It burned its way down my throat, and I swore it hit my stomach with a sizzle. I grabbed another and swallowed it just as fast. Two guys watched me, smiling and nodding. Whatever. I drank another. The one guy cheered.

  I stepped into a corner with a rum and Coke and spied on Abby and Jeremy for a good ten minutes until I couldn’t take it anymore. I gulped the last of my drink and grimaced before turning away, grabbing a cup of beer setting on the counter.

  “Hey! That’s mine!”

  I ignored the voice and kept going, headed back to the living room.

  Music still blared, and if anything the room seemed even more crowded than before. Pete and Celia seemed to have vanished. Probably upstairs in his bedroom. At least someone’s love life didn’t suck. I stumbled over a foot and laughed. “Has anyone seen a big green guy?” I called out to no one in particular.

  No one answered.

  I raised my cup above my head, sloshing beer down my arm in the process. “Here’s to no one!” I took a long drink. “And here’s to sucky parents!” I got a few cheers for that one, so I took another giant gulp.

  “And here’s to girls with big boobs!” Lots of cheers for that one, so I finished the contents of my cup.

  This blew. I’d lost Jeremy to a cat. And everyone had someone but me. I spotted an empty chair in the corner of the room, sank into it, and immediately wished I’d thought to refill my beer before I’d sat down. The kitchen seemed so far away to go get another.

  Someone perched on the arm of my chair.

  I squinted, trying to make out if I knew him or not. Both of him smiled at me.

  “Hey there.”

  I cocked my head, studying him.

  “I think we’re in computer lab together.”

  I stared some more. “Are we?”

  He laughed this deep rumble. “Yeah. You’re Samantha, right?”

  “Sam.” It seemed like I should know him, but I just couldn’t remember his name.

  “I’m Brad.”

  I nodded. Okay.

  “So, what ar
e you drinking?” He motioned toward my empty cup.

  I stared at it, and shrugged. “Dunno. Don’t care.”

  “Well, can I get you another?” He leaned a little closer, still smiling.

  “Um…sure, why not.” I handed my cup to him.

  He winked. “Be right back.”

  He stood and headed to the kitchen, where Jeremy had gone. He’d promised to be right back too.

  I didn’t want another drink, especially not with some guy named Brad. I sighed and shook my head. The spinning room didn’t help matters any.

  Music pounded and people laughed and shouted, while I just wanted to lie down, somewhere quiet. I pushed up from the chair and walked toward the wide staircase. Please let there be an empty room.

  I made it up the stairs without any major accidents. No one spilled anything else on me, and no one bothered to ask where I was going. I thought I heard Jeremy calling my name, but when I looked back, I didn’t see him, so I kept trudging forward.

  The first door I tried proved locked. The second door stood open, but I could make out two bodies pressed together on the bed despite the lack of lights. “Taken,” I muttered to myself and moved down the hall.

  I spied one more door on the right side. Closed.

  I pressed my ear against it, but couldn’t hear anything. Just as I reached out to grasp the knob, I heard a scream. I jumped back and tripped on my sheet, falling backward in the process. I stuck my hand out to break my fall, but still landed hard on my butt.

  “Ow.” I looked at my hand even though it was my behind that hurt.

  Another scream shot through the closed door.

  I leaned forward. I recognized something familiar about the scream, high pitched, a girl’s. It almost sounded like…

  The blood drained from my face.

  I knew who was screaming. Worse, I had a good idea why she was screaming.

  But I’d canceled it. I’d told him not to go through with scaring her. I’d put it on the damn website. I stood up, still shaky, although the situation knocked me sober instantly. I reached out my hand again, ready to turn the knob, and stopped. Maybe it was just some kids screwing around.