Chapter 44

We all froze when we caught each other’s eyes. They stood awkwardly like children that got caught doing something they shouldn’t, scratching their necks and napes.

“H-hi, guys!” I recognized them as the classmates I tolerate. I invited them so that the party could have some people who didn’t mooch up to me or actively hate me.

“Princess Selina,” one girl said, stepping forward. Her smile was awkward, but kind. I think her name’s Grace. “We were just... um...”

It was painful to watch her try to explain what they were doing in the shrubbery. They stunk of alcohol, cigars, and something grassy and sweet. They don’t look wasted or tipsy, though, and the girls don’t look disheveled. So they drank and smoked in the garden. Big deal. I know some people who’ve done worse things there.

“Are you enjoying the party?” I finally asked to end her suffering.

“The party’s lame,” came a male voice from the back of the group, half-hidden by tall vegetation.

“Paddy!” Grace scolded him before turning to