Secrets

Chapter Sixteen

Throughout Jake's high school years, girls would always throw themselves at him. His appearance made him popular, and while he didn't mind the attention, he didn't necessarily desire it. He spent most of his teenage life preparing to be a director, which is the job his life has surrounded for as long as I can remember.

When he got accepted to Florida State University, he proudly announced the acceptance to our parents, excepting their support. However, our parents did not want him to leave Miami to become a director. They didn't believe the job would make enough money for Jake to support himself, and they still believe that is true. I didn't want him to leave our family, but at the time I didn't voice my opinion because it would have only made matters worse.

"You know I'm not that mature yet, sis," he jokes, talking loudly over the music. "So have you been getting into even more trouble lately, just like you always used to when I was a senior and you were sophomore in high school?"

My mind automatically turns to the Secretò Bus and Hanna's previous absence, but I say nothing about either, remembering that I also came to this party to clear my mind from all of the confusing shit that has happened the last two weeks. I'm not even sure I would survive through telling him about the Bus. Jay would probably send a group of people to kill me and then apologize for it after I'm dead.

Instead of giving any details, I smile falsely. "Of course I've gotten into trouble, but nothing worth mentioning. Besides, you're the college student. What have you been up to?"

"I can't afford to cause trouble, Tori," he says as we both slowly move closer to a wall as a screaming match breaks out a few feet away. "I've been so focused on school that I haven't been able to hang out with people or really do anything fun besides direct pieces for my class portfolio."

I punch his arm lightly, not fond of him being such a downer. "Oh come on Jake, be a little more positive. I'm supposed to be the negative bitch in the family."

He looks as if he's about to speak, but one of his old friends interrupts him. I take the chance to slip away from the scene, wanting my brother to enjoy his night in Miami, and for him not to be watching over his younger sister the whole time.

I find myself in the dining room, an area that I haven't explored yet. My eyes scan the room, taking in the sight of drunken idiots. I recognize a few faces from my early years in high school, but most of them are unknown blurs in the back of my mind.

Loud laughter erupts from the corner of the room, attracting my attention. A group of college boys seem to be enjoying their conversation while intoxicated girls practically hurl themselves at their male friends. I cringe at their actions; not understanding why they think forceful and overly bold actions like grinding against someone in public is attractive.

There is one boy who doesn't seem as involved with the party. He seems quiet and uninterested, leaning against a nearby wall, away from everyone else. His eyes meet mine, and the interaction lasts longer than it should. His light green orbs are mysterious and almost hypnotic. He begins to approach me slowly. I pull my dress down once again, readying myself for contact with a stranger.

"Hey," he says, his voice hoarse and unbelievably sexy. "Could I get you a drink?"

He runs his hand through his dark hair, giving me a clear view of his muscles. I let out a deep breath, not expecting such a direct approach. I nod silently, accepting a drink from the boy, forgetting the rule of never accepting alcohol from a stranger.

He leaves my sight for a moment and soon comes back with two red cups, supposedly full of beer. He hands one to me, which I gladly accept, deciding that one drink can't do any harm to me. I'm not used to drinking large amounts of alcohol, but when I do decide to have liquor, it doesn't seem to affect me drastically.

I take a sip from the cup, the liquid burning my throat as if I have just been set on fire. Based off of my few previous experiences, the boy must have spiked the drink with vodka. The taste seems vaguely familiar. "So, what's your name beautiful?" He takes a large swig from his cup.

The nickname bothers me, just as it would if I were conversing with Jay, or anyone else who knows me. I hate being defined by a word that is not me. It's not right, and yet I don't voice my thoughts. "I'm Tori."

He smirks mischievously. "It's nice to meet you, Tori. You can call me Zayn."

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Hope you liked the chapter! I'm not to fond of the ending, but NaNoWriMo has me writing on a schedule, so I wrote even though I didn't have inspiration for that part. Please vote and leave a comment if you love reading this book as much as I love writing it!

QOTC: Would you ever accept alcohol from a stranger? Do you think Tori should have?