Pocketbook Parties Novels & Stories

"No...such a bummer, honestly. I’ve always wanted to go to one of his parties." I couldn’t help but snort softly. They always said that about every party, and they all ended up exactly the same...blaring music, way too many people crammed together, spilled drinks, someone crying and throwing up in the bathroom, and at least one dramatic breakup by the pool. It was a cycle as predictable as my complete lack of upper body strength. I shoved a notebook into the top shelf of my locker and reached for my chemistry binder when a small voice piped up behind me.

Her gears are working on something to help her best friend and if going to this damn party will help, then I will. The party was on full blast when we arrived. Partiers are holding red cups and bottles of beer. They also laid a pool table and other board games out of the sand. There were lurkers, just enjoying their time while their feet dug deep in the sand while others made out in the dark.

I shook my head and went to sit on the table with him. We ate what he brought for us. "There will be a party in the pack this weekend or maybe next week." My hand paused from taking up food and I looked up at him. "Party? What kind of party?" He leaned into his chair and popped a grain into his mouth. "We always have at most one or two parties in the pack to celebrate all the good things the moon Goddess had blessed us with." Oh! My eyes lit up. I didn't know about that. That was such a great thing to do.

“And when nobody wakes you up in the morning, and when nobody waits for you at night, and when you can do anything that you want. What do you call it, Freedom or Loneliness?’’ -Charles Bukowski. Parties were awesome, a group of people celebrating an event in the world. Parties were great, they were an expression of love, of unity, of care, they are occasions where a group of people come together and become vulnerable as they laugh and drink wine.

Word spread later that he'd kicked her out. I spent the rest of the banquet mingling alongside my dad. People couldn't stop coming up to talk to me—curious, polite, and just a little nosy. Divorced, holding Neil's fortune, and standing firmly on my own? I was officially on their radar, part of the ranks of the wealthy now.

"Six hundred thousand? How come it's cheap, Nas, Mom ordered two, yes, this one is the same as this one." I pointed at the photo of the bag on Naswa's cell phone screen. "What are you doing, Sar? I can hear this bag." Imar brought her breakfast rice plate closer. "Here, Auntie, my friend is selling bags and again a fifty percent discount," Naswa replied. "Fifty percent big, you don't lose?"

The men would slump on the couch, drinking, playing poker, and talking business, while Juliet strutted around in crop tops and tiny shorts like it was a runway. I had told him I hated those gatherings and begged him to stop going. He just brushed me off. "Margot, networking is part of my job. We talk business and make connections at those parties. Come on, we're not attached at the hip just because we're dating. "Juliet is like one of the guys. We are business partners. Even if she walked in front of me undressed, I would feel nothing." All of it was just pretty lies to keep me quiet.

“It’s a great place. A little shallow sometimes, but there’s a lot of sunshine, and there’s always something going on.” “I want to go there,” he said. “Maybe next year, for the White Party.” The White Party was not a single party, but rather a week of events that raised funds for HIV research. I’d been to a few of the parties, which were all about how you looked and what you wore and who you managed to sleep with. I didn’t think my poor rental clerk would have that great a time, but then again, you never know. “November’s a great time in Florida. Not too hot yet.”

Hihihi Anubis: You’ll run away from me for sure Imhotep: You did run away from me Sobek: ??? Imho, what? Akhenaten: HUUUUUH? Guys, this isn’t funny. Akhenaten: That’s it. I’m giving out 10G to whoever comes to my party next week. Show me the chats, and I’ll verify it myself. Sobek: I thought that party is like private. Akhenaten: I INVITED YOU Anubis: Send digital invitations here so your guards will let us in

Normal stuff. But I keep glancing toward the windows where the brunette was sitting, and I can't shake the image of his hands shaking as he packed up his books. Later that evening, I'm in my dorm room trying to focus on homework when my phone buzzes. Dad: School bonding party this Saturday at the Morrison house. Make sure the whole team shows up. Good for morale. I stare at the text for a minute, thinking. A party means the whole student body will probably show up. Rich kids at Blackridge never pass up a chance to drink expensive alcohol and show off their clothes.