“He’s probably going with his friends.”
Senior talks about how a party is a great way to finish the term, which only ended a few hours earlier. I make sounds of agreement. Partying will be a good way to unwind, especially because our teachers expect us to study every day during the holidays, since our final exams are next term.
Outside, streets packed with square houses transform into larger and larger properties until the street is filled with homes situated amongst gardens big enough to be considered mini-farms. This neighbourhood is called Victoria Boulevard, or something fancy like that. In the distance, a house is lit up with fairy lights hanging from gum trees and a couple of balloons are tied to the letter box. Senior whistles.
“Thanks for the ride,” I say when Senior pulls up in the front driveway.
“You’re very welcome. Have fun.”
I get out of the car with Imogen’s present in one hand and a six pack of rum and cola cans in the other. After Senior drives away, I turn to the house. It’s an old-fashioned double-story, made of wood with a wrap-around porch.
I walk around the house to the backyard. On the back porch is a long line of tables, holding presents and food and drinks. There’s a ginormous figure-eight shaped pool, and people are lounging in the surrounding chairs. I spot a group of boys hidden amongst a circle of dark trees, doing who knows what.
I walk over to the present table and place Imogen’s gift on the top of the pile.
“Kieran!” Imogen shrieks, appearing beside me with Kennedy. Both of them have their hair out and wear smoky eye-shadow. “You’re here! And you brought me something!” She picks up the present and shakes it.
“It’s just something small,” I say. “The wrapping’s pretty shoddy too.”
“You didn’t have to bring a present. I said that on the invitation: no presents necessary.”
“And yet you have a table dedicated to presents,” Kennedy teases before smiling at me. “How are you going Kieran? Did you bring alcohol?”
“Yeah,” I say, showing her the six pack.
“Come inside,” Kennedy says. “We’ll show you a good place to hide it, otherwise people will try to steal it.”
She loops one arm with mine, and Imogen takes the other, practically skipping as they lead me inside. As we enter through the front door, someone wolf-whistles behind us. I turn around and see a pair of guys snickering.
“Jesus,” I mutter. “Doeseveryonethink that?”
I bet Phillips would be jealous. He hangs out with her and all those girls a lot. He’s probably friend zoned. Unless he’s gay.
“Think what? That we’re some sort of harem?” Kennedy asks.
“That we’re going inside to have a threesome?” Imogen asks.
Kennedy and Imogen laugh so hard at that, they have to cover their mouths as they hunch over. I don’t know whether it’s the alcohol or whether they find the thought genuinely funny.
“What?” I ask, as I’m lead into the empty lounge room.
“Nothing,” Kennedy says when she’s sobered. “Don’t worry, Kieran. All of us only see you as a friend. And we know you see us the same way.”
“Even if it’s a bit of a shame. You arealittlegood-looking,” Imogen says, poking me in the side.
While I ponder over that, somewhat confused, they let go of me and show me a cupboard I can hide my drinks. I grab one can for now, pop it open, and follow the girls as they lead me back outside.
I sit by the pool with Kennedy and Trinity, Imogen disappearing to greet more guests. I sip on my drink. It’ll take a while for the warm buzz of alcohol to seep in, but in the meantime, it’s nice to have something to do with my hands.
I ask after Zaina, and the girls tell me she’ll come later, but won’t stay for long, because her parents are super strict.
We sit there for half an hour, just talking, until Kennedy suddenly stands up. “Hey!” she shouts, walking over to a group of people who’ve just arrived.
It’s Liam and Curtis, holding hands. Jasper’s beside them and he smiles awkwardly while Kennedy wraps Liam and Curtis up in a hug.
When Kennedy, Liam and Curtis start having what seems like an enthusiastic conversation, Jasper takes it as his cue to leave, moving closer to place a package on the present table. That’s when I notice what he’s wearing.
“No way.”
