At the party

Shirley’s POV

The party was like nothing I had ever experienced. The music thumped through the house, making my chest vibrate with every beat. Lights flashed across the room. I held tightly Kelly’s hand, feeling both nervous and excited. This was my first real party, and I felt completely out of my comfort zone.

“Don’t worry, Shirley. You’ll be fine. Just stay with me,” Kelly reassured me, her confidence making me feel a little braver.

She led me through the crowd to a small seating area, where we could observe without feeling overwhelmed. My eyes wandered across the room, groups of students laughing, dancing, some holding drinks, others flirting openly. I felt out of place. I was used to quiet nights at home, homework, and chores. This world of laughter, lights, and music was completely foreign.

“Come dance with me,” Kelly shouted suddenly, springing up with a fluidity I envied. Her waist moved with an effortless grace, and she seemed to command the entire dance floor. I laughed nervously, shaking my head. “You go ahead,” I shouted back. “I can’t do this.”

Just as I turned away, a voice behind me made me freeze. “Hey… do you want a drink?”

I turned slowly and my heart skipped a beat. Ivan stood there, his familiar brown eyes warm and steady, his smile as charming as ever. Even here, in the chaos of the party, he looked like he belonged in a different world, composed, confident, and entirely captivating.

“O-oh, hi,” I managed to stammer, my hands twisting nervously. My cheeks burned, and I could feel every pair of eyes watching us, though I knew they weren’t all on us.

“I see you made it,” he said, his voice soft but teasing. “You promised.”

“Yes, I wouldn’t miss it in the world,” I said, smiling, though my stomach fluttered like a million butterflies were trapped inside me.

He didn’t sit down immediately. Instead, he stood, staring at me with a mixture of admiration and curiosity. I felt both embarrassed and flattered. How could someone like Ivan, handsome, popular and rich really be paying attention to me, the quiet girl who lived a shadowed life at home?

“Do you want something to drink?” he repeated.

I shook my head. “I don’t drink alcohol. But juice or soda is fine.” I said.

Ivan’s expression softened. “Perfect,” he said. He gently took my hand and led me to the kitchen. The crowd and noise faded as we stepped into the quieter space. He opened the fridge, handing me a glass of mango juice. I took a sip, and the sweetness was comforting, grounding me in the moment.

“Thanks,” I said, smiling genuinely for the first time since arriving.

“Where are your parents?” I asked, curious, though part of me felt I shouldn’t be asking. My parents would never allow such a party in our house, they were far too strict and controlling.

“They are out. On a trip with my mom. They will be back Sunday afternoon,” he said casually. “Why do you ask?”

I shrugged, unsure how to answer. Mostly, I had asked out of habit, my parents absence was always something I noticed. But now, I didn’t know how to respond, and the silence between us stretched.

“Let’s go dance,” Ivan said suddenly, his hand finding mine again. “And please, don’t say no this time.”

I froze. Dance? Me? In front of all these people? My face felt hot, my heart raced, and my legs suddenly felt like so weak. “I… I don’t know how to,” I whispered feeling embarrassed.

Ivan’s smile was patient, comforting. “That’s okay. I’ll teach you. Just follow me.” he said.

He guided me to the dance floor. At first, I moved stiffly, unsure of my body, embarrassed by every glance from the crowd. But Ivan’s hands were gentle, steady on my waist, and soon I started moving with him. He whispered instructions in my ear, correcting my steps with patience. Slowly, the music and his presence began to drown out my fears.

I laughed nervously at first, then with genuine joy. I couldn’t believe I was doing this, dancing in a party with Ivan, a boy I had admired from afar, teaching me, guiding me, making me feel like I belonged. For the first time, I wasn’t Shirley the obedient and quiet girl. I was Shirley, and this Shirley could move, laugh, and be seen.

The world blurred around me, music fading into a pleasant hum as I focused on Ivan. Every glance, every touch, every shared smile made my heart race. I had never felt like this before, and the emotions were intoxicating. I realized that tonight wasn’t just about a party, it was about discovering a new side of myself, a side I had hidden for far too long.

By the time the clock approached two in the morning, I knew that tonight would be etched in my memory forever. Ivan had not only shown me how to dance but had also made me feel seen, cherished, and special in a way I had never experienced before. And for the first time, I didn’t want the night to end.