Forbidden Love

Chapter 1

"Demi, I'm begging you one more time. Let's go out tonight !" Meg grovelled from my doorframe. "You never go out with me and it's New Year's Eve. Make an exception this one time!"

After placing my pencil onto my notepad, I spun around in my chair to decline once again. Going out on a Friday night was just not practical for me. I'd much rather complete all my work and relax for the rest of the weekend. If it weren't for my friends, I wouldn't do anything outside of soccer and school.

"You can't lock yourself up in your bedroom, thinking about California." She scoffed.

I sighed. A rush of painful emotion coursed through me. The memory of cold eyes triggered a flash of panic. I closed my eyes and tried to extinguish it but couldn't. I needed help. "Fine. I will go with you."

"What?" She asked, unsure that she'd heard me correctly.

"I'll go to the party with you!" I repeated louder and more clearly.

"Yes!" She exclaimed. "I have the perfect outfit for you!"

"Great." I grumbled, heading towards her cupboard where I found her chucking out pairs of jeans and shirts that were apparently too plain for this up coming event.

°°°

"You have no idea how happy I am that you decided on coming with." Meg chirped as we stepped out her moms old Polo Vivo at the end of the car lined street. Even from here the music carried down the block.

"No problem." I replied absently. I needed to be distracted from the voices that were whipping around in my thoughts.

"You can't wear that jersey." Meg scolded before I could shut the car door after we both stepped out.

"But it's cold out." I argued.

"Come on, Dem. Suck it up. It's only a short walk to the house."

I reluctantly removed the jersey to reveal the glittery silver dress beneath and shivered as I tossed it into the car.

"Much better." Meg admired with a vibrant smile, joining me on the sidewalk and sliding her arm through mine. "Let's go party!"

Meg strode alongside me in her strapless red dress, her golden blonde hair lying in a glossy sheet down her back. Her greenish-blue eyes were lit with excitement as she escorted me towards the music that grew louder with each passing house. Her excitement managed to enlighten my mood as well.

We approached a house of a beige colour with a large white tent in the backyard. A guy ladled red liquid out of a trash can and set the cup on a table in front of us.

Meg's eyes widened when I took the cup. "You know that has alcohol in it, right?"

"Yes, I do." I took a sip. It was sweet. It reminded me of an overly sugared fruit punch.

"You don't drink."

"New year. Let's try new things. What do you say?" I asked dismissively, holding up my cup.

She grinned and tapped it. "To trying new things!" As Meg took a sip, I drained the contents of my cup, needing the effects to kick in.

We entered the tent crammed with bodies that danced as if mesmerized by the beat. Making our way to the stage where the band was performing, Meg recognised a relatively tall guy and flew her hand up to grab his attention. "Hey Cole!" She hollered out.

"Hey, I was waiting outside for you." Cole murmured as he lost trail of thought when his eyes met mine.

"I told you I was going to be inside." She questioned. "Anyways Cole, this is Demi, the room-mate you haven't met yet."