by Kim Pritekel
But just for a moment.
I took the sandwich from it’s clear plastic baggie, and began to eat as I read, chewing slowly as I became further and further involved in the story and its characters.
"Hey." My head shot up, eyes wide.
"You know, I think you have this weird sort of sick desire to sheer off as many years of my life as you can." Haley grinned.
"Sorry. Maybe if you didn’t get so involved in," she lifted the book in my hand to see the title, "‘Bag of Bones,’ you’d hear me." I glared, put my book aside. "I didn’t know you were into Stephen King."
"I’m guessing there’s a whole bunch of stuff you don’t know about me."
"This is true. Well, one less mystery, I suppose." She smiled at me as she knelt down. "Well, I just wanted to let you know that I’ll be picking you up at seven-thirty tonight. Cool?" I nodded. Just when I’d hoped she had forgotten.
"Okay. I’ll be ready."
"You sure about that?" She wiggled her eyebrows. "It is going to the dark side, you know."
"Yeah, yeah. I’m sure it will be a hoot." Her face sobered.
"Andi, if you don’t want to go,"
"No, Haley, really." I put a smile on my face. "I’m looking forward to it."
"Really?" She brightened again. I nodded.
"Yeah, completely."
"Great. I’ll see you then, okay?" She stood, "Oh, I won’t be able to give you a ride home tonight. I have to leave early for the dentist."
"Hey, no problem." I smiled reassuringly. "I’d rather walk in the snow than go to one of those evil creatures, so I’d say I still have the long end of this stick." She grinned and walked away.
* * *
The leaves had begun to change on the trees at the end of September, so now the trees were nearly bare as the snow fell, gentle, large flakes of white to cover the ground and houses. Already there was a good four inches on the ground, and it didn’t look like it was going to stop soon. Eight to twelve inches were expected by tonight.
"Hi, honey." I was met by a monster hug at the door by my mom.
"Hey," I returned the hug, missing it as she’d been working double shifts for the past week. I had spoken with her once since Monday night. I stomped the snow off my shoes at the front door as my mom took my backpack from me.
"My god, how all you kids aren’t permanently lopsided I’ll never understand." She heaved the bag to the couch, and turned back to me with a smile. My eyes narrowed as I made my way to the kitchen.
"Why does it look like you just ate a monstrously tasty canary?" I opened the fridge and grabbed a bottle of sunny delight, popped the top and guzzled half.
"Well, Clive asked me out again." She jumped up to sit on the counter, lightly banging her heels against the cabinet below. I took notice of this before my eyes raised to her face, which was glowing.
"Happy news." She nodded.
"We’ll see how it goes this time. Here," she reached for my drink, which I gave to her. After taking a large sip, she handed it back.
"Has he left Diane yet?" My mother sighed, looking down at her hands. I felt like a shit. "I’m sorry, mom. I didn’t mean to stomp all over your news." I walked over to her and hugged her, giving her a huge smile. "I’m really happy for you. You need to have some fun, and you deserve it. If it’s meant to work out with Clive, it will." She looked up at me, smiling.
"Thanks, honey. I’m just lonely, I guess. He’s a good guy, just can’t quite make up his mind. I’m not looking for another ring, honey. Just someone to do things with, you know?" I nodded.
"Well, then I think it’s great. I know you guys have a ton of fun, and if that’s what you’re after, then I’d say you’re getting it."
"Thanks, babe." She hopped down from the counter and hugged me. "So what’s on your agenda for tonight? Another Playstation marathon?" she smiled. "Chris is over Brian’s again."
"Oh, well, I have a party to go to." Her eyes opened in surprised.
"Really? Where?"
"Well, it’s at a guy from school’s house, and I’m going with Haley."
"The girl who flipped over my brownies,"
"That would be her." She patted my shoulder.
"Well be careful, honey. If you drink, please be smart about it."
"Oh, don’t worry. You know I’m not into all that."
"You weren’t into parties, either. You are a normal kid, Andrea, whether you allow yourself to be or not. I expect that. Just be smart."
"Thanks."
Alone in my room, I sat at my computer to check my email. I had three hours to kill before Haley would be here, and I had no idea what to do with myself. What does one wear to a high school party? What’s expected of you? Do you bring anything? The last party I had been to was in Mrs. Smuther’s class in fifth grade. We had had to bring cookies for the entire class on the last day, our graduation from elementary school. Somehow I don’t think bringing a batch of Pillsbury’s would do it.
Reading an email message from my Sabum Nim for an earlier class tomorrow, I played a game of Literati with some unknown person sitting at their computer, probably in Japan or something.
I hated when I felt this way, a million choices of things to keep my occupied, yet nothing appealed. I played the computer game out of boredom, not any real need to get my ass kicked. I felt restless, nervous, full of energy, but wanting nothing more than to curl up in bed and hide. There was no way I could skip out on this; Haley had been so nice, and it just wasn’t right. Plus, it had seemed to me that she was really excited for me to go. Was it all a ruse? Had she invited me only for me to find that I was the party favor? The entertainment for the masses? What better fun than to play Pin the Tail On Andi.
Running my hands nervously through my hair, I sighed. Why, oh why did I agree? Never in my life had I given in to peer pressure. Why now? And for such a stupid thing.
"I’m disappointed in you, Andi." I muttered, ending my game of Literati and turning the computer off.
A workout, yeah, that would be good.
* * *
I stepped out of the shower, steam rolling through the air all around me as I wrapped my body in a towel. I sat on the closed toilet seat, grabbing a comb to attempt to rid my hair of the tangles that inevitably took hold.
It had been wise to work out, the exertion relaxing me and clearing my head. This was not the end of the world, and I was doing it to be nice to a nice person, plain and simple. This was one night out of my life, and though I’d never get the time back, I never had to do it again.
Yeah, maybe you’ll believe all this crap someday.
With a sigh I stood, dried myself off and brushed my teeth. I wanted, for some reason, to look my best. I wanted to make some sort of a statement, though I had no clue what that was. I had decided earlier that I would dress as I normally do, a tank and jeans, though these jeans would actually fit me, unlike the ones I wore to school, which were about a size or two too large for me. I always felt a need to hide myself from the judging eye of my peers, never allowing them to see what I was really made of.
I smoothed my hands down my tank, which was tucked into my button flies. It was green and ribbed, hugging my form well. I looked at my hair, still damp, but falling into place. I wore my blue and green Nikes, and was ready to go. I’d take a jacket with me, but one that could easily tie around my waist.
The clock told me it was seven-twenty six, so Haley would be here any moment. I decided to chat with my mom, who would be leaving at eight, to help further calm me.
"Well, look at you, honey." She smiled when I walked into her bedroom where she was carefully applying make-up at her vanity table. She was such a pretty woman naturally, I never understood the need for that stuff. My skin had never touched it, nor would it.
"Thanks. I decided to go casual." I sat on the end of her bed, looking at her reflection in the mirror.
"Oh, is that what it’s called? I thought what you wore to school was casual."
"Nah, that’s called
sloppy."
"Oh. Thanks for the clarification." She smiled at me. I leaned back, holding myself up on my elbows.
"So where are you two lovebirds going?"
She sighed, closing her compact and grabbing a tube of lipstick.
"I think to dinner and then a show, but I’m not sure. He’s being vague."
"Well, maybe then he has something special in mind, eh?" My mom shrugged with a smile.
"Maybe."
Downstairs I heard the doorbell.
"Your limo’s here." My mom said, turning on the seat.
"Yeah." I stood, kissing her on the cheek. "You guys have fun and be careful."
"You, too, honey. I love you."
"Love you, too."
Haley stood on the front porch wrapped up in a heavy winter jacket.
"I take it you’re a little cold." I grinned as I opened the door.
"You could say that." She looked me over, seeing the heavy, hooded sweat jacket covering the tank. "Are you going to freeze in that?"
"Nope. I’ll be fine."
"Okay. Ready?"
As I’ll ever be. "Yep."
The Martin house was large, which was not a surprise. Brad’s parents were some of the wealthiest residents of Winston. Cars lined the streets, and loud music could be heard pounding out of every possible crevice. The first two of the three stories were completely lit up as figures moved in front of the windows, people milling about outside, or heading in.
People we passed said hi to Haley, or stopped to chat for a second, all the while looking at me with unasked questions in their eyes. I was actually shocked by how many times I got looked up and down and leered at. That was new.
Finally we made our way into the house, bodies pulsing everywhere, dancing, talking, laughing, drinking.
Here we go.
"Hey, girl! There you are." Haley’s arm was grabbed, and I turned to see it was Kelly. She smiled at her friend, then looked at me, brows drawing in confusion. She looked at Haley, but before she could say anything, Haley chimed in.
"This is Andi Littman. She came with me." Eyes still narrowed and suspicious, Kelly nodded and turned to the group she was talking with. "Come on," Haley said, tugging me with her to join in. I looked around the group, recognizing all the faces who seemed to find mine most interesting. Tommy Gauna smiled at me, his blue eyes twinkling. He’s always seemed nice to me, though as gay as the day is long. He knew more about fashion and dressing than Ivana Trump. Brad Martin stood with his arm around his latest squeeze, Katie Heinz, also with eyes on me, though they seemed to travel a bit further down than Tommy’s did.
"So, are you new here?" I turned to see Heather Michaels standing next to me, a beer in her hand. "I mean, I’ve heard you’re a transfer."
"No. I’ve been around." I shouted, trying to be heard above the newest song, three times louder than the last.
"Wow. I’ve never seen you before." I just smiled. Losing interest, she turned to the crowd, joining in whatever they were laughing about. I looked to Haley, not wanting to hang on to her like a puppy, but it felt better knowing where she was at all times.
"Are you okay?" she asked after awhile, bending down to be heard. I nodded. "I’m sure this is boring as hell, why don’t you go mingle? There’s plenty of people here." She indicated the full house, and more people pouring through the door as it got later. I nodded with a forced smile.
Truth of the matter was I was bored out of my mind! I walked around with the untouched drink that someone had handed me, in my hand. I had no idea what it was, and sure as hell wasn’t about to find out.
Throbbing bodies were everywhere, getting more and more amorous with the larger intake of liquor. My god. Did these things eventually turn into super-sized orgies? I just wanted to find a place where only I was, and not a bunch of sweaty, smelly bodies. I was also tired of getting propositioned by guys I’d never seen before. I was beginning to think wearing these clothes was a mistake. Better to hide it all.
I found my way up the stairs and saw a slew of closed doors on either side of the hall, and figured that just about any one of those would make a great hideaway.
Reaching out, I tried the knob of the first door to find it locked. Okay, one down, seven to go. The next was unlocked, but when I opened it, I was struck dumb. A girl lay completely naked on the bed, the guy trying to quickly tug at his shirt, his pants already halfway down his legs, his intent quite clear, and quite large.
Oh, god.
I quickly closed the door, trying to not bring any attention to me, or disturb the lovers. I didn’t want that guy anywhere near me with that thing. I made my way to the very last door at the end of the hall when it opened and a girl stepped out. She gave me a crooked, sloppy smile as she stumbled past me. I watched to see if she’d even remain standing to the stairs or if she’d collapse into a pile of alcoholic goo. Nope, she made it. Darn.
I walked into the room, clicking the light on to see I was in a bathroom, empty, peopleless, and vomit smell free.
With a sigh, I sat on the toilet, setting my cup of whatever on the counter. I didn’t have to go to the bathroom, but what a great way to hide. I closed my eyes and leaned my head against the shower door. This was madness. Why did anyone come to these things on purpose? It was pointless, was absolutely no fun, and was very destructive from what I’d seen done to Brad’s house so far.
I heard the knob rattle, thanking every god I could think of that I locked it. Then the person began to knock.
"Busy," I yelled. The pounding stopped for a minute before I heard someone whine.
"Come on, I gotta go." I chuckled. Why on earth hadn’t I thought to bring a video camera as blackmail? Such a lost opportunity.
"You’ll have to wait. Gotta big one on the way," I yelled again. Let them try to decipher that in their drunk mind.
I finally made my way downstairs, figuring a half an hour was about all I would get away with. I spotted Haley and her entourage and walked over to them.
"There you are. I’ve been looking for you," she said. "Are you okay?" I nodded.
"Yeah, I’m fine. What’s up?"
"Well, my friend Ryan was looking for you."
"Who?"
Haley turned away, and began to scan the crowd. She spotted whoever, and yelled over to him. Within a few moments a tall, good-looking blonde guy was looking at me.
"Hey," he said with a grin. I gave him a small wave. "I saw you earlier, and um, wanted to know if you wanted to dance?"
Oh, boy. I looked at Haley to see her grinning at me like a proud mother. She gave me a thumbs up. Yay, she approves.
"Um, sure." He grinned again, and lead me to a somewhat clear spot of the floor. He began to dance, and I stood there feeling like an inept idiot, and looking much like one, I’m sure, but soon enough I found the beat and joined in. He actually was a cutie, and a nice guy. He told me all about playing on the baseball team for Winston, and how great it felt to win "the big one" last year, and how much he looked forward to training come spring. I also heard all about how he had just bought himself his dream car, a 1983 Camaro and how he was rebuilding it with his dad, and that I should go for a ride in it sometime. I nodded politely, absolutely no interest in riding in his anything.
"Can I have your number?"
"Sure." What!? Shit. I had only been half listening to him. Now I was stuck.
"Great!" He reached into his back pocket to take his wallet out, and brought out a receipt to write on. "Do you have a pen on you?" I looked down at myself.
"Where would I keep it?" He grinned, nodded, holding up a finger to tell me he’d be right back. I stayed where I was, beating myself for not the first time that day. Within a few seconds he was back.
"Okay, what is it?" Instead of attempting to yell over the party, I took the paper and pen from him and wrote it down, grimacing with every number.
"Here you go." He looked at it, then smiled.
"Thanks. I’ll call you soon." I nodded with a smile. Yeah, y
ou do that.
He told me he was leaving, offering to take me home. I quickly got out of that trap, and headed back to Haley. She still stood with her friends, all of them, except her, getting more and more loaded. Heather actually looked sick. When I joined the group, Haley turned to me with a grin.
"So, how did it go?" I shrugged, noncommittal.
"Okay."
"Just okay? He’s really cute, and a really nice guy, and it just went okay?" Shrug. Haley shook her head. "Look, these three here are getting pretty wasted, and I think they should get home. I can either leave you here and pick you up after I drop them off, or take you with me now and get you home and out of your living hell." She smiled, and I looked down, feeling sheepish.
"Um, I’ll go now." I looked up at her, hoping she wasn’t mad. From the understanding look on her face, I knew it was okay. She turned back to the group, and said her goodbyes, disentangling Heather from the guy she was making out with. Wow, she was so gone.
So, Haley, Kelly, Heather and Meghan and I headed outside. I had never been so excited to see Haley’s car in all my life. Now I understood why I had never gone to a party before, and never would again.
Kelly went for the front passenger seat, and Haley said nothing, so I climbed in the back with Heather crammed between me and Meghan. She turned to me, looking into my eyes.
"Hi." She smiled. I was nearly suffocated by the amount of alcohol on her breath. I smiled.
"Hello."
"I like you." Heather grinned, looking like a six-year-old, her long, brown hair in her eyes. She tried to blow it away, but all she succeeded in doing was blowing more obnoxious breath into my face. Coughing quietly, I turned to look out the window at the passing winter wonder land. Haley and Kelly talked quietly in the front, and Meghan had fallen asleep, her face pressed to the window. Heather began to sing, well she tried to, anyway, songs from the night. I felt like I was in a funhouse with no door.
