I.2

ROGER WILLIS

Carmine Reid just left me that weird riddle-like phrase that seemed to have come from the book that she was holding and then walked away as if I would understand what she had just mouthed.

Who the fuck is hiding in a sheep’s clothing?

I ended up slamming my locker shut. I was hoping to follow and strike a meaningful conversation with the most beautiful girl that I’ve met but then Reggie showed up out of nowhere eventually halting me from my plan.

“Yow, Roger!!!” He abruptly snaked his heavy arm around my shoulder which I’m already used to. “What’s up? How was your first day going?”

“It’s fun, man. I’m already getting to know a lot of people.”

“You coming to the party, right?” He asked eventually reminding of the party that I just got invited to.

“Yeah, sure.”

“Come on then!!! Everybody’s waiting at my truck.”

Reggie had a noticeably easygoing character that I find in line with my own who-gives-a-fuck personality. I have a strong gut feeling that we are going to get along pretty well. He seemed like a really fun dude to hang out with and everybody seemed to like him so far.

I was just mad pissed and most probably wrong about having a high expectation that this town would be boring and dull and yet here I am just about to attend my first of many parties. I have never expected to be invited by people I just met today but I think that just goes to show how fun I appear to most people. I don’t want to speak way too soon but I still feel like I’m going to enjoy my stay here.

I followed the seemingly psyched Reggie, his energy was just infectious, until we reached his red pick-up truck at the parking area. Everybody was already waiting for us. I was quick to notice some new faces, not entirely new, I have seen them at the cafeteria but I just don’t remember talking to them. Some of them are most probably part of Benjie’s team since they’re wearing the same varsity jacket.

“What’s up, Roger!” Benjie greeted me and we even did a fist bump as if I’ve been friends with him for the longest time when in reality, I just met them today. “I’m glad you are coming with us, mate.”

“Happy birthday, bro!” I just remembered that the party was all about him and I need to at least greet him on his day.

“My birthday was yesterday but thanks anyway.”

Benjamin Arlington was a towering six footer and he seemed like a viable person to play basketball without having much trouble. His hair was a lighter brown and he doesn’t seem like he cared much about combing or even putting some wax to fix his hair. To me, he appeared a little bit uptight but he’s just trying his very best to control it inside that huge body of his.

“Hey babe,” Ysabella showed up from behind, she was just as petite that I didn’t even notice she was hiding behind the towering guy that’s Benjie. They appeared pretty cute as a couple and I’m sure they are mutually having some small troubles with the significant height differences. Benjie might constantly be blocking the sun for Ysabella and I thought that’s kind of a positive advantage for Ysabella most especially on hot scorching days.

“Hey babe!” Benjie replied smiling down at his woman.

Benjie had to lean down just so he could reach the shorter Ysabella and give her a kiss. And just like Benjie, Ysabella had to stand up on both of her toes in order to meet his boyfriend halfway. I’m sure they’re used to doing this but to me, it’s coming off hilarious. I don’t want to seem rude so I kept my mouth shut.

I would say that Ysabella Hendricks is a traditionally pretty woman and I’m having a huge thought that a lot of guys have a secret crush for her. She’s quite smart to pick the tallest guy in the entirety of the school to be her man. She has a very girly style and I noticed how she incorporates a lot of pink to her outfits and overall look. Her nails are pink, he designer bag had touches of hot pink and even her shirt was pink.

“Hey, Roger!” Ysabella waved at me smiling as if she’s happy to see me.

“Hey,” I waved back giving her a fraudulent smile.

Ysabella flicked her hair before eventually climbing on the truck’s passenger seat along with her twin brother Yoseff.

Yoseff to me was kind of the introvert person in the whole group even though I haven’t really talked to him that much. Unlike his twin sister, he doesn’t smile a lot and only speak when spoken to. It’s honestly bizarre to see him look a lot like the guy version of Ysabella and yet a complete opposite of personality.

I sat at the back of the pick-up truck along with Benjie and all of the other guys. The girls that are also attending the party are all inside the truck while us guys are riding at the back. Once everybody got on, Reggie revved the engine and began playing some music on for us to listen to on the trip. He mostly had a playlist of Eminem and Chris Brown.

As the truck moved, I caught a sight of Norman on the road, he was with two other guys that are similar in style. They’re also slim and wearing loose shirts with a certain boyband print on it. He’s about to walk all the way back home and I suddenly felt bad for him that I purposely hid for a moment so he wouldn’t see me. I had to convince my inner self that Norman was okay with me hanging out with the cool kids.

The ride was wild; we were all singing along with the loud music. I was looking at the scenic view and Viridian Falls really had a lot of land covered with trees and shrubs.

After some time, we finally arrived at the Hendricks residence which was a whole mansion. They had a big metal gate that opens on itself. I was dazed looking at the structure and I instantly felt poor seeing the huge house that probably cost millions. Being on the middle class was pretty okay for me and my parents did give me everything that I needed and wanted. They used to buy me all of the toys and video games that I wanted. However, the recent changes in our life forced us to sell our house in Birmington along with some of our expensive stuff just so we could afford to move.

Moving was pretty much expensive and mom made that perfectly clear. I don’t know how much it cost them but we are literally starting over. Both of my parents had to find a job in town.

By the time Reggie parked the car, we all jumped down and Ysabella subsequently lead the way inside the house. The inside was just as big as the outside, they had a lot of expensive looking furniture, most of them looked vintage. I saw a painting of the whole Hendricks family and I was quick to point out Ysabella and Yoseff at first look.

“Who’s that?” I asked the moment I noticed Yoseff was standing right beside me probably staring at the painting too. I pointed at this guy who had a long black hair. He looked like Yoseff and Ysabella too but way older.

“That’s Yannick, our older brother.” Yoseff replied. “I don’t know where the fuck is he now but no one in the house gives a fuck about him.” Yoseff went on.

“How old is he?”

“Oh he’s already old. He’s twenty-eight and our dad had him with his first wife.”

I was intrigued to ask more about the older brother and why they don’t give a fuck about him but the respectful Roger hiding inside of me resurfaced and I ended up zipping my mouth.

“Let’s party!!!” Ysabella screamed catching everyone’s attention, she was already holding a bottle of vodka. She’s also wearing party hat and I thought that wasn’t even needed.

We began fixing all the party stuff, cups, snacks and every single thing that you could find at a house party. I saw Ysabella and Benjie at one corner fighting over something and when I tried to read their mouth, they were fighting about the party hat. Talk about a couple quarrel. Benjie was just staring down at the fearless Ysabella. It seemed that Ysabella’s forcing Benjie to wear the stupid party hat. The woman eventually won the argument and I could see how fucking pissed Benjie was.

They began playing some house music and I felt very at home. I almost felt like I never left Birmington at all except this was a very lavish first party. I’ve been to a lot of house parties but I was never inside a house this detailed and hugely expensive. If this was Ysabella and Yoseff’s house, I almost couldn’t imagine how big Reggie’s house would be.

“How are you doing?” A girl with a high ponytail approached me fifteen minutes after we began preparing for the party. They already had the food and booze prepared on one table.

“I’m doing fine, I guess. I just had my first shot of vodka.” I smiled giving her my full attention.

I’m honestly waiting for someone to come and talk to me, everyone kind of had their own group and the music was loud enough it was a distraction. Benjie was busy hanging out with Ysabella. Reggie and Yoseff are nowhere to be seen and I don’t even know the rest of these people.

“I’m Esmeralda by the way. You can call me Esme for short.” She introduced herself. She was also pretty and had a star dangling earing on. Her skin was a nice caramel and she had some huge bosoms.

“I’m Roger.” I uttered and my tone was coming out almost velvety in tone. “Nice to meet you.” I guess I’m going to flirt with someone tonight.

“Yeah, you were in my one of my subjects.”

“What? How come I didn’t notice that beautiful face of yours?”

“Because I’m not pretty and noticeable, that’s why.”

“No, you are really pretty. Are you friends with Ysabella?”

“Yeah, she’s my best friend but I don’t usually hangout with her when Benjie’s around.”

“Why is that?”

“Benjie and I used to date and then Ysabella came and stole him away from me.” Esme revealed shocking the hell out of me.

“Sounds like you’re mad at Ysabella.”

“No, no, no.” She was quick to react making her voice assertive. “I’m not mad at her, don’t get that twisted. I’m mad at Benjie for not making it clear to me that he likes Ysabella more than me. Apparently, Benjie had a hidden admiration for Ysa way before we started dating. Technically, Benjie was already having some feelings for Ysa long before he had feelings for me.” She elaborated which made complete sense. She’s not mad at Ysabella and she just wants to hang out with her without the presence of Benjie.

“I love that I’m getting some sort of history lesson here.”

“Hahaha, you are funny. Let’s cheers!”

Esme and I had a shot of vodka and then we continued getting to know each other. We kept on drinking and I already began to feel the dose of alcohol inside my system. I began to feel the heat but I know the night’s still quite young and I’m not wasted quite yet. I don’t know how would I take myself home but fuck it, I’m going to enjoy this party.

After a few moments, Esme excused herself and told me that she’s going to go see her other friends. I was already having fun with her but I don’t have any other choice but to let her go. Reggie eventually showed up and he’s looking pretty high, his eyes were red and I already knew why he was gone for a long time. He was laughing and telling lame jokes after lame jokes. As for me, I began to immerse myself with everyone else. I roamed around and introduced myself and I was basically having the time of my life. There are a few people dancing in this wide space and I joined for a moment. I danced along with everyone else and by the time I got tired of grooving with the music, I asked for a stick of cigarette from some random dude.

I went outside the house and sat at this metal chair overlooking the open horizon. I began smoking puffing out some smoke into the open air. As the night goes deeper, the bright full moon began to climb above the dark horizon.

“Why are you out here?” I heard a female voice inching from behind me. The voice sounded pretty familiar.

I looked behind only to see a tipsy Ysabella approaching.

“Just having a cigarette.” I replied as I watched her sit at the chair right next to me.

“Can I have some?” She asked.

“Here,”

I handed her the cigarette and she began smoking for a while before eventually giving it back to me.

“Where’s Benjie?” I asked just curious about her man’s whereabouts.

“I don’t know.” Ysabella looked at me in the eye and it seemed that she’s thinking something deep.

The way she looked at me felt different almost as if she’s seducing me that I had to divert her attention away from me.

.

“The moon looks good tonight.” I spat out in my attempt to bring out a different topic. The moon was really full and bright.

“Yeah, it looks really full and bright.” Ysabella replied but still, I could feel her attention was glued on me.

“I haven’t seen the moon this bright before.” I kept my sight at the horizon gazing upon the sky above. I haven’t seen the moon this clear and full and bright ever before in my life. I guess that’s always because I spent seventeen years of my life in the crowded city where different lightings are everywhere and they’re blocking the true brightness of a full moon.

“Roger,” I heard Ysabella call for my name and it sounded bad and so much whispery that it’s sending some waves down to my spine. “I find you hot, way hotter than my boyfriend.” The words came out pretty smoothly out of Ysa’s mouth and while I was flattered to hear those compliments, I know this is wrong.

“What are you saying?” I looked at her much rather confused.

“My boyfriend’s passed out.” She licked her mouth and the next thing I know she was already kissing me.

Ysabella was aggressive and I admit that I might have sucked her tongue once but I know I’m not yet out of my senses. I pushed her away with such force that she almost fell out of the chair.

“I….I’m sorry, Ysabella. This is very wrong.” I spat out and she looked like she still wants to pull me closer. “I…I have to go.”

I was panic stricken and I’m still pretty dizzy and drunk but I can’t stay here any longer, I just can’t. I went inside the house, grabbed my backpack and then the next thing I know, I was running alone at the road. At first, there was still light coming from the Hendricks residence but then as I moved farther away, there came nothing but darkness. The moon was bright enough but the canopy was thicker that I still needed some light in order for me to see where I’m going. I fished my phone and I saw a lot of missed calls from my mom and dad.

Fvck.

I left my phone on silent mode that I wasn’t able to answer them. I was walking fast trying to get out of the place as soon as possible. I might’ve enjoyed the party but damn that girl was onto something crazy. I don’t know if someone had seen what happened but I don’t want to mess with the wrong people. Ysabella just kissed me and if someone had seen that, I’d probably be dead.

My hands were shaking as I was trying to open my phone and then I dropped it. It took me a while to find it on the ground and once I found it, I quickly opened my flashlight but then a loud growl made me drop it once more.

“Who’s there?” I asked completely engulfed in fear.

There was silence for a while before I felt a powerful thing hit me by the shoulder, it was powerful enough that I was smashed into the ground and that was the last thing I know.