Chapter 4: Epic

Chloe's POV

When I got back to class, all eyes were on me. I looked around and saw Andy. I quickly made my way to her. She's a familiar face I'm in need of right  now to help me distract myself about the attention I'm starting to get from other students. 

So much for trying to keep a low profile. 

"So? What happened? What did the principal tell you? Are going to be suspended or something?" Andy inquired.

"No, it's worse." I replied. "Remember the project in Health? Well... Mason's going to be my partner."

"How'd that happen?" She asked. 

"Did you know his father's the Mayor?" I inquired.

She had this look on her face that confirmed it all.

"Clearly, a stupid question." I continued. "Of course you know, you've lived here longer than me."

She chuckled. "Which reminds me, are you going to Jessica's party tonight?"

"What party?" I asked. I was m out of focus and still trying to wrap my head around the idea that I’m stuck with the stupid kid for three months. 

"The welcome back to school party, she always throws this party after the first week of class started."

Oh yeah, Jessica was the girl who invited us earlier.

"Who throw's a party on a Monday? It's the start the week."

"Well, she's Jessica so... are you coming or not?"

"Maybe not, parties aren't my thing." I lied. I'm not really in the mood to party, especially given the day I had.

"Oh come on, it’s your first American high school party. It’ll be fun!" she encouraged. Looking at her right now with her eyes wide and a hopeful smile on her face. It's kind of hard to turn her down. 

"Okay." I gave in.

"Great!" She handed me her phone. "Type in your number." I took her phone and tapped in my number. A few minutes later, I felt my phone vibrate. 

"Alright, that's settled. Text me your address and we'll pick you up at seven okay?"

I did as I was told and tucked my phone back into my pocket. 

********

Mum had to run an errand and wasn't be able to pick me up which is why I had to ride the bus to go home.

Unfortunately, I haven't saved up enough money yet to buy a car. It'll be for a while before I'm able to afford one. 

The bus came to a halt a few blocks away from my house. I got down and walked from there until I reached  my destination. 

I walked in and shut the door behind me. My brother's in the living room with his friends playing video games. I went up to my room and closed the door. I placed my bag on the table and laid down the bed.

A few minutes passed and I felt the angry tenant in my stomach wanting to be fed. I got up, tied my hair into a bun, waltz down the stairs and into the kitchen. I went straight to the fridge and took out the lasagna which was a left over from last night's dinner. 

I placed it into microwave and waited  for it to be heated.

Finally! I heard the ting sound indicating that the lasagna's ready. I got off of the stool and fetched it.

I was busy devouring the savory lasagna when I heard a car pull up into the drive way. 

I looked out the window to check who it was, it was my mum. It seemed she's back from grocery shopping. So, being the good girl that I am I went out to help her.

"Hey mum! Need help?" I approached her.

"I've got this, just take the other bags out; they're still in the car." She said. I willingly obliged and went to the car to grab a few remaining bags and brought it inside.

"Hey Mrs. Brooks!" The boys greeted my mum. Some waved their hands and some smiled when she walked in the front door with me trailing behind.

"Hey boys!" my mum greeted back.

I followed her into the kitchen and carefully placed the bags onto the kitchen counter.

"I'm going to a party tonight." I stated;  taking the milk outside the bag along with a few items to be placed inside the fridge.

"Really? You've finally made friends honey, I'm proud of you." She smiled. 

Mum's convinced I won't be able to make new friends at this school because of the way I am. I'm not sure what she meant about that but I hope it's a good thing. "So? Who are these friends of yours?" she asked.

"Andy and Josh, they're going to pick me up tonight."

"Why am I not surprised? Of course your new friends are guys, honey? Tell me... are you... gay?" she hesitantly asked.

I looked at her dead in the eyes, checking to see if she's joking or not. 

Holy shit, mum thinks I'm gay. Though that's understandable. Given I don't have that much female friends.

I tried so hard to contain my laugher as I listened to her little monologue. 

"You know you can tell me anything right?" She reached for my hand. "Anything at all... Your father and I would always love and accept you no matter what your sexual orientation is." she assured.

I'm touched by her kind words.

"Though I did try to question my sexuality a few times before. I'm not gay Mum. Andy is actually a girl, her real name's Andrea." I explained. "And of course, I know you'd love me either way. So, in any case my preference changed. You guys would be the first to know." 

"Awww honey! I am more proud of you now." she walked to where I stood and gave me a hug. "You've actually made a girl friend."

"Chloe's got a girlfriend? Congrats sis! You finally came out of the closet." my brother added when he walked into the kitchen.

"No dimwit! I'm not gay; mum's just exaggerating about me making new friends." I replied.

"ohhh... I see? Anyway, I'd still like to congratulate you for being able to leave your laptop and your room and finally join the real world."  he bowed. 

I rolled my eyes. Is there  something wrong with me that they think I'm not capable of having girls as friends?

"Okay? I'm going to leave you two now and go up to my room." I told them. "Things just got a little weird around here and I don't want to stick around while the rest of this situation you guys have going on, unfolds. So, adios!" 

I plugged my iPod to the speaker and choose a song to play. 

I was just about to lay down when my phone rang. 

I hastily reached for it to check who it was. Ever since we moved, the only people who called me were my own family plus the occasional calls I get from my friends in London. 

The call was coming from an unregistered number. 

"Hello?" 

"Hey, we're just about to leave. So, we'll probably be there let's say... 15 to 20 minutes tops." 

"I'm sorry, wh-" 

"It's Andy." she chuckled. 

Of course, I forgot  to save her number earlier.

"Oh yeah! Sorry, I forgot to save your number earlier. Anyway, I'll be ready when you pick me up." 

"Great! See you!"

I went to my closet to choose an outfit to wear for tonight. I've decided to wear a black statement shirt plus gray skinny jeans and black boots. 

My hair's a bit wavy as a result of the bun from earlier. So, I decided to let my hair down and applied some hair products on it to keep on its current state.

I was on the process of applying my lip gloss when I heard the bell rang, just in time. I grabbed my black leather jacket, black bag and went down stairs. 

"Hi! My name's Andy and this is Josh, we're here to pick up Chloe." Andy introduced themselves with a smile on her face.

"I'm Rose, Chloe's Mum. It's nice to meet you both." mum replied.

"Hey guys!" I greeted.

"Here she is." mum said.

"We'll go now, bye mum!" 

We  bid her goodbye and proceed on our way. We were almost to the car when I heard my mum yell 'Have fun!'

"Your mom's sweet." Andy commented.

*****

Jessica's house is big and beautiful. There's no doubt that the people living here lives an expensive lifestyle. 

Loud music blared around the house and stings of cigarette smoke entered my nostrils. There were cups scattered around and people making-out everywhere. 

Hormonal teenagers, I thought to myself. I really don't get how they can just make out with people they met because of the fact they're hot or something. But then again, who am I to judge? It's their life not mine.

I don't know anyone at this party except for this two people behind me. I noticed a few familiar faces here and there but nobody I personally know. 

I turned around for a second and they're gone. Great! I made my way inside, not knowing what to do or even where to go.

"Hi!" a girl greeted. 

She looked familiar, I think she's one of the popular girls at school. "You're that blonde chick who punched Mason in the face earlier, right?"

"uhhmm.. yeah.." I awkwardly replied. 

"Erica." she extended her shake.

"Chloe." I accepted her hand shake.

"Look, as much as I would like to keep you company, I'm actually needed somewhere right now. I just came by to say hi and introduce myself."

I nodded. 

"I don't want for you to think I'm rude, or that I have an ulterior motive. I'm just really needed somewhere right now. " She explained.

She must've noticed the look on my face.

"Don't worry, I'm good." I assured her.

"Cool, see you around!" 

I am once again left alone in the middle of a high school party. I'm starting to regret my decision of agreeing to go to this party rather than stay at home, in my room with my laptop and some snacks.

I felt someone tap my shoulder to which I'm hoping would either be Josh or Andy and not another student curious to check the girl who punched their heartthrob in the face. Much to my dismay, I came face to face with the least person I wanted to see tonight, the stupid kid.

"Hey Blondie!" he greeted. 

Immediately, I turned around and walked away from him. I really do regret coming to this party. 

What was I expecting anyways, of course he'd be here; he's one of the popular kids, why didn't I take the into consideration earlier when I made my decision.

Also, Where is Andy? She's the one who encouraged me to attend this party and she just leaves me hanging.

I pulled my phone out and composed a text Andy. Some guy bumped into me which resulted on my phone ending up the floor. 

"Watch where you're going!" I snapped.

"Sorry." he immediately said. He bent down and picked up my phone for me. "Here." 

I hastily grabbed it back from him. Screw this, I'm leaving. 

"Wait, may I ask for your name?" He grabbed a hold of my arm and stopped me in my tracks. 

Why is this guy still talking to me?

"No." I replied. When I turned to look at him, only then I realized who he was. James, a friend of that stupid kid. I think he's the model. 

"Please?" he pleaded. 

"Why?" I'm not giving in easily. 

"Because I think it would be rude to call you Blondie, when Mason talks about you he only refers to you as Blondie so I don't really know your name." he replied. 

I wasn't expecting that answer from him. 

"Chloe." 

"I'm James." he smiled. Now I know why girls are dying for him. He's got the cutest, warmest smile plus he's got pretty blue eyes. "So? Who'd you came here with?"

"Andy and Josh, you know them?"

"Yeah.." he took a sip from his drink and continued "What's your deal with Mason?"

"Isn't it obvious? He's annoying." I stated.

He chuckled. "Interesting." 

"There you are!" Andy's voice interrupted our conversation. I turned to my left and saw her walking towards us with a drink in her hand. "I was looking for you."

"Where have you been? One moment you guys were walking behind me, when I turned around you're gone." I asked her.

"Sorry about that, I had to talk to someone." Andy said. "I told Josh to stay with you."

"He bailed." I told her.

"James!" I don't need to turn around to know who  the owner of that voice is, stupid kid. "We're about to start, where's that beer man?"

"I'll be right there." James replied. "Hey, you girls want to join us?" he asked.

"Join what?" I asked.

"A bunch of us are playing truth or dare in the living room." 

Real classy.

"Sure!"

"No thanks."

Andy and I both said the same time.

"Come on Chloe! It'll be fun!" Andy said. 

Why do I have a feeling that I'm going to regret this. 

"Don't be such a downer! How are you supposed to enjoy if you won't take risks? Or maybe join a game?" She continued.

"Fine." I answered.

"Great!" James exclaimed.

We followed him to the living room where a bunch of other student were already seated on the floor, forming a circle. 

"Guys, look who I ran into. Andy has a new found friend, Chloe." he introduced to them. Some greeted hello and some didn't give a shit.

"Hey Chloe, nice to see you again. Sit down and we'll start." Erica said. I sat in between James and Andy.

"Josh! Come join us." Andy yelled. 

Just like magic, Josh sat comfortably next to Andy.

"Let the games begin!" A guy exclaimed. 

"I'll start." Erica stated. She spun the bottle and it stopped in front of Tyler.

"Truth or Dare?" he asked.

"Dare." She smirked.

"Go make-out with that guy." Tyler said while he pointed at the guy wearing glasses who stood awkwardly near the window.

"Easy." Erica smugly said. 

The poor guy looked surprised when she leaned in and kissed him; passionately I might add.  

The kiss lasted for about a minute then she pulled away and walked back to us never saying a word to the guy who was left confused and surprised by what her actions.

"Your turn Tyler." she proudly said. Tyler spun the bottle and it stopped in front of Josh.

"Truth or Dare?"

"Dude, Dare." he answered.

"Okay? Uhh..." Josh looked confused while he looked around the room deciding what to give Tyler as a dare. 

"Aha!" Josh exlaimed and swiftly disappeared to the kitchen, after a few minutes later he came back with a cup on his hands. 

"Drink this." He handed it to Tyler. 

Tyler looked at the cup and tried to smell it, he immediately crinkled his nose when he got a whiff of the concoction Josh came up with.

"What's this?" he disgustly asked.

"Soda, a little bit of beer, milk some pineapple juice and I added a few chips in there as well for  you to munch on." Josh winked, he looked pleased with himself.

I can't even imagine what that'd taste like.

Tyler took a deep breath and drank the whole cup. After that he stuck his tongue out in disgust.

Josh spun the bottle and it stopped in front of me. 

"Okay Josh, your turn. Truth or dare?" I asked.

"Truth." he answered. I'm not even sure what to ask him. 

"Is there a girl you're interested in?" he took a sip from his cup and answered proudly.

"My love, Erica." He proclaimed and winked at her in which he earned the middle finger from her. The crowd watching this exchange laughed at their interaction.

Watching them interact with this people led me to the conclusion that Andy and Josh are sort of part of this popular crowd which explains why they're not uncomfortable around them. 

They seemed to be friends even.

"Your turn Chloe, spin the bottle." James said.

 I spun the bottle like everyone else and watched as the bottle's phase slowed down. The bad feeling I felt in my gut earlier? It's back. It slowed down and down and down and finally,  it stopped in front of someone. 

I froze when I realized who's going to give me the dare.

 The stupid kid. 

I slowly brought my gaze up to him. I can tell by the wicked grin plastered on his face that he's enjoying my reaction. 

"So, Blondie. Truth or Dare?" he smugly asked. I wanted to punch that smirk of off his face so bad. 

"Dare." I challenged.

"You sure? Once you chose dare there's no turning back." he playfully asked.

"Try me." I answered while I took a sip from my cup.

"Okay, let's see... I want you to do a strip dance on the dining table where everyone can see you." 

"Dude, come on." James countered. "Don't you think you're pushing it too far?" 

"Shame. I must say I never pegged you as a coward Blondie, needing James to save you." he mocked.

"Mason." James said.

"Fine, just drink a glass of water or something." 

I stood up.

"Where are you going?" he asked.

"I never said I wouldn't do it, did I?" I answered. "You know Mason, if you really wanted to see me in my underwear. All you had to do was ask." 

He looked surprised. 

"But then again, there wouldn't be any thrill to it if I gave in easily. "I answered sweetly. 

"Follow me to the kitchen, I'll give you a show you won't forget." Mason looked shocked. I heard the people surrounding us cheer for me while I strutted to the the kitchen.

They trailed behind me as I make my way into the kitchen. I cleared a small portion on the table and stood on it. 

I saw a bottle of beer on the table and I drank it till the last drop. A bit of alcohol is needed for what I'm about to do and also, for me to succeed. 

I took a deep breath. A familiar song started to play in the background. It's Earned it by The Weeknd.

I looked Mason who has an amused smile on his face. I held his gaze as the song started to play.

You make it look like it magic, coz I see nobody, nobody but you...

Seductively, I took my jacket off and threw it in his face. 

This earned a cheer from the crowd that's huddled up around. I was hesitant at first and a bit shy but as the song continued; slowly, gradually, the alcohol took over me.  I started to move and sway my hips to the beat of the song; earning a louder cheer from the crowd.

When the song got to the chorus I started to tease them by slowly pulling my shirt up. 

That little move made the crowd chant 'Take it off!' well, who am I to deny what the audience wants. I took my shirt off and tossed it to Andy and continued.

The alcohol in my system clouded my judgement which led me to hop down the table and make my way to Mason. 

For the second time tonight, he looked surprised. I danced in front of him and teased with the button of my jeans, acting like I was about to take it off. Thankfully, I was lucid enough to know better. 

People started to cheer louder. 

And that was the last thing I remember from that night. 

*****

I woke up with the sunlight hitting my face.

I groaned; covering my face with my hands in an attempt to block the sunlight out.

Suddenly, the events from last night started to flood through my mind which caused me to open my eyes.

The room was colored gray with a study table placed near the window. What caught my attention was the picture frame placed on top of  the lamp table beside the bed.

 It was a picture of a young boy. Wait, I don't remember having a picture of a boy in my room nor painting my walls gray. 

As if on cue, I felt an arm sling around my body. 

Holy shit, where the hell am I and who is this person beside me?

My heart started to beat faster in my chest.

Slowly and hesitantly, I turned around to check who the person is beside.

Mason.