We push through the entrance, the deafening thump of Caroline by Aminé envelops around us. Laughter, chatter, and the occasional “woos” fill the air, creating an atmosphere that’s electrifying. Amid the pulsing music, groups of our classmates are spread throughout Elijah’s house, lost in their own world. Others are dancing in the living room that cascades out onto the patio. It reeks of pizza, snacks, sweat, perfume, and alcohol, clear proof of the high school parties you see in the movies.
Serena’s presence at my side fills me with a sense of pride and excitement, like Iwantto show her off. I keep a protective arm around her, guiding her through the packed crowd, our classmates shoot curious glances and some offer friendly hellos.
I look back at Serena, “You okay?”
Serena nods and inches closer to me when a guy nearly bumps into her. “Can we get something to drink?”
I wink at her, a subtle acknowledgment of her question, but also a playful gesture to see her cheeks flush with a rosy pink hue, a reaction I can’t resist. I position her in front of me, placing both hands on her shoulders to guide her through the busy crowd, making sure no one else bumps into her. We’re weaving through the room, and I feel curious eyes looking at us. I could care less about people staring at me, but I feel an urge to focus on her and keep her safe with me tonight. It’s not her first party, but I know she’s nervous being here, and Elijah’s parties have always been go big or go home.
The kitchen is less rowdy than the common spaces in the house. I scan the room, still on the lookout for Elijah to show face. Guiding Serena toward the kitchen island, we pass an array of hard liquor and coolers filled with every soda, water, and beer you can think of.
As I reach down into one of the coolers to grab some water for us, Serena pulls my wrist, her brows furrowed with concern. Before I can even ask what’s wrong, she speaks first.
“Are you drinking?” Serena asks quietly, her eyes glancing at the cooler where there’s both water bottles and beers inside.
I pause then it dawns on me why she’s reacting like this. With a gentle tone, I assure her, “No, just grabbing water for us. I’m not drinking tonight, I promise, sunshine.” I plop down again and grab two chilled bottles of water. I twist the cap open and hand it to her.
Her furrowed brows relax, transitioning into a soft smile of relief. Serena accepts the drink and takes a quick sip. “Okay, good.”
We venture back into one of the smaller living rooms as more guests come in and out of the kitchen. Serena and I find a cozy nook by the entrance of a smaller living room as the party hustles and bustles around us. Her back presses against the wall, and I prop myself beside her, our shoulders brushing lightly.
“All good?” I ask Serena, subtly positioning myself like I’m hiding her from other guys, because I am. I’ll be damned if another guy checks her out again.
Serena nods, her brown eyes meet mine. “I just feel out of place a bit, that’s all.”
“Why?”
She shrugs and takes a sip of water. “I guess I’m out of my element.”
I chuckle at her comment, a friendly smirk on my face appears. “You’re something, you know that?”
“What do you mean?”
“You’re so confident when you’re literally thrusting your body in the air on the mat. But when you’re out like this, you’re a different person, shy almost, why?”
“I’m confident on the mat because it’s something I’m good at,” Serena says quietly but loud enough for me to hear her over the party noise. “I’ve been sheltered quite a bit in my life so coming here to a party this insane is a little overwhelming… and I feel a bit out of place in social situations like this.” She continues to fidget with my leather bracelet, a silent gesture of her thoughts.
My fingers instinctively trace her cheek, I feel a surge of electricity pass between us. Serena’s body tenses for a momentbefore relaxing into my touch. “You’re doing great,” I offer, my voice infused with encouragement. “Remember the lake party?”
Serena snorts. “Of course, how can I forget my first highschool party, which then got shut down by the police?”
I chuckle. “Not the point, but you were fine that night. It’s good to be out of your element sometimes.”
“By fine, you mean when I escaped to the deck to avoid the chaos?” Serena quips, a playful glint in her eye.
I take a step closer to her, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. “You really don’t see it, do you?”
Serena’s lips part slightly, then close seconds later. She shakes her head like she’s psyching herself out from the attraction between us. “See what?”
I lean in an inch more, my voice dropping to a whisper. “If you haven’t noticed, your looks could kill.”
Serena doesn’t say anything back, instead a soft blush rises to her cheeks, and I can’t help but smile at her reaction. I reach out to still her fidgeting hand, holding her gaze. “The night at the lake party you were turning heads left and right, even here. I don’t think you realize how much you can light up a room.”
“I have a theory that you secretly enjoy making me blush.”
Before I can respond, a familiar voice interrupts us, “Serena! You’re here!”
We both turn our heads to the direction of the voice. I bring my hand down from her cheek into my pockets. My next door neighbor approaches us and leaps into Serena’s bubble, embracing her tightly like she hasn’t seen her in years.
