35: You knew

The music is loud, too loud. It’s barely 8:30 pm but the smell of alcohol clogs the air. Drunk teenagers of varying degrees crowd the mansion, a few students are dancing on a pool table. One of the females from school is getting ready to strip, the boys surrounding the table are encouraging her with whistles and catcalls. 

Maria drags me into a quieter area before the live show starts, we meander through sticky bodies to the kitchen. I will never get naked in front of anyone but I don’t have a problem watching other people do it. 

Half-empty red solo cups are on the countertop, I avoid touching them as Maria waltzes to the tall fridge like the landlady. I shake my head at her behaviour but she ignores me. Someone clears their throat from the door, our heads snap to the door and Maria turns into a blushing queen. She’s a goner with Daniel. 

Red dots appear on Daniel’s cheeks when their eyes meet, he stops in front of us with