CHAPTER 4 THE PARTY

"I Love Luke!" Emily bursts into my room without warning, and I can't help but laugh as I turn to her.

“What did he do now?”

“He invited me to a party and got me this gorgeous dress!” she replies with enthusiasm, placing a box on my bed and unveiling the beautiful outfit. “It’s stunning,” I whisper, and she beams with delight.

“Come with us,” she urges, raising my eyebrows in response. I doubt it’s a smart idea—Luke and you... “Please,” she insists. “My mom won’t let me go if I say it's with a guy I just met on Monday.” I sigh, “Alright, I’ll go, but if I find it dull, I’m leaving whenever I want.” She smiles and leaps on me happily, making me chuckle, “Okay, that’s enough affection for today.” She sits up again.

“Choose something really nice to wear. You might even find your next boyfriend there,” she continues as she stands. “You could even lose your little flower!” she exclaims, and my eyes widen. “Oh, be careful! The hole is closed! But you can unlock it with your magic key, King Emily Hawk!” I joke, and she bursts into laughter.

“Make sure to wear nice lingerie!” she says playfully before exiting my room. I’m grateful my mom and Bob are occupied with work. Oh, she reenters, catching my raised eyebrows. “And be ready by eight, okay?”

“The party is an hour away, and you might want to bring a swimsuit,” she adds, and I nod. “See you later.” Then she leaves, and I hear the front door shut. I glance at the clock: it’s seven fifteen. Sighing, I turn on my speaker and play some music at a volume that might annoy the elderly neighbors.

But I don’t care. I check through my closet, pulling out clothes.

I change into red underwear, an orange skirt, and a brown jacket with the Canadian flag on it. I accessorize with two chokers that came with the jacket. After glancing in the mirror, I apply a bit of makeup: mascara, lipstick, and some blush. I sweep my hair to one side and smile at my reflection.

I check my watch: seven forty. I head downstairs and find my brother making out with a girl while his friends are playing video games.

They all look up at me, and I wave. “Damn, you always find the best girls!” a guy exclaims. I chuckle and shake my head, grabbing a bottle of water. “Have you hooked up with her yet? Can I go next?” She is my fucking stepsister…he growls and continuing to kiss the girl.

“Nice to meet you,” I say, opening my bottle and taking a sip. “Lucas, I’m heading out—could you tell Mom? I’ll be sleeping at Emily’s.”

“Yeah, whatever.”

“Where are you off to?” a guy with brown hair and blue eyes asks, flashing a charming smile. “Just a party, not much info,” I reply, and he nods.

I quickly run back upstairs to grab my phone and add finishing touches to my makeup. After applying deodorant and a generous spray of perfume, I pack fifty dollars and my phone into a small bag. I slip on my black heels and make my way downstairs again.

I hear some whistles as I laugh, spotting a guy stroll out with a camera. “Come on, girl, give me some poses,” he says, and I shake my head with a smile. “There’s a cool car outside; mind if I take some pictures of you there?” he asks, and I laugh again.

“Okay.” We step outside, and the car is indeed impressive—an old model, but revamped.

I pose in front of it, grinning at the camera. “Get in the car,” he says, and I widen my eyes.

“But we don’t know whose it is!” I exclaim, and he rolls his eyes. “It’ll just be for a few photos, come on.” Reluctantly, I comply.

With no roof on the car, I lay back and smile for the camera.

I’ve always enjoyed taking photos; being a model has been my dream for as long as I can remember, and the experience is exhilarating! “Amazing!” he cheers, and I chuckle, slightly covering my face. “Come here; I think your friends have arrived,” he says, helping me out and kissing my cheek. “I’ll send you the pictures through your brother.”

After he leaves, I laugh and rearrange my hair. So far, the evening has been great.

I spot Luke’s car pulling up and hop in while waving as we start to drive. “What were you doing with that car?” Emily asks, laughing and stuttering.

“A friend of Lucas wanted to take some photos of me with it. He had a nice camera,” I explain, and she nods. “Whose party are we going to?” I inquire, and Luke laughs.

“Robin Laretto’s,” he replies, causing my eyes to widen. “Oh no!” I blurt, and they laugh. “But you’re dressed perfectly for it!” Emily adds. I feel breathless—Robin Laretto, a guy two years older, drives me wild. I bite my lip.

“Think he has any interest in you?” Emily ask. “He told me to fuck off a while back,” I continue, and Emily rolls her eyes.

“That was just once, nearly five years ago—come on!” she exclaims. “Besides, you’ve become stunning; you’ll blow his mind,” she says, making me sigh and nod.

I can’t wait to arrive. Fifty minutes later, we’re outside Robin’s house, and I step out, exhaling deeply.

The sun was gone, but the party lights are bright.

I follow my friends inside, observing everyone drinking and dancing. There’s a pool, though it isn’t too crowded. I bite my lip.

Then I see Robin laughing with his friends, and I gulp as I follow Emily. Suddenly, I feel a hand grip my wrist.

I turn to see who has grabbed me.