Between Two Fires

^.^ Chapter 12 ^.^

I wake up from my long nap at around seven in the afternoon, only thirty minutes before Lea is supposed to come by to get ready for the party. After walking out on Luca I had rushed back home and had a cold shower to cool myself down. I had planned on eating and resting for an hour or so only before going back to the beach, but the lesson with Luca must have drained my energy more than I had thought because as soon as my head hit the pillow, I fell into a long - deep sleep.

I hear my ring-tone in the background and feel around the bed sleepily for my phone. Sitting up I muffle a yawn as I answer, "Hello?"

"Cyan, where have you been – I've been calling you for the past hour!" Lea's voice urges down the line.

"U-umm I fell asleep – why? You aren't finished with work yet anyway, are you?" Just then I hear a knock on my door. Slipping my slippers on I wait for an answer.

"I finished early but you weren't answering your phone..." She sighs, "You had me worried – who falls asleep at noon anyway?!"

"I was sleepy" Is all I give as a way of explanation. I open my front door to find Lea standing there with her phone by her ear. I hang up the call and let her in. "Why were you speaking to me over the phone instead of telling me you were at my front door." I laugh.

She shrugs and walks in, closing the door behind her. She has a small over-night bag in her hand and I raise my eyebrow in question. She answers, "I didn't know what to wear so I brought a few options. I aaalso brought some Pj-s in case you fancied a sleep-over later if you aren't having fun at the party. Maybe that way you will actually tell me if you plan to leave the party..." She looks at me pointedly and I smile.

I had told her how awkward I usually felt at parties the other day at the cliff. It made me feel a little better to know she was up for leaving if I felt out of place there too. "Thanks, Lea. But I think tonight you should stick with Ethan... " I poke her right arm playfully.

I can see a small blush appear on her cheeks, "Well, talking about Ethan. Who is your date for tomorrow night?"

My eyes widen, Sh't - I had forgotten about that..."Um... I was hoping you would decide to go on your own. I mean it's a lot more intimate that way.." I turn my back to her and make my way to my room – she follows close behind.

"No way – we made a deal. You can't back out now Cyan."

"I am not –"

"Let me guess, you forgot about it and didn't even attempt to find someone to come with." Busted. I give her a cheeky smile and she rolls her eyes, clearly not amused. "Well, you better find someone tonight because if not I'll just invite the twins to BOTH be your date." She threatens.

I shake my head furiously, "No, no, no I seriously cannot live through a whole night talking to the both of them. They are nice but – kind of annoying."      

She agrees, "Well if you don't find a date, that will be your fate." She winks and plonks her bag on my bed.

An hour later, we are both ready. Lea is dressed a little fancier than last time, a pure white dress adorns her petite body paired simply with green sandals and green jewelry to match. She tires to convince me to wear a dress but I decide against it. I pull on one of the black shorts I bought the day before and a light green top, similar to the white one I had worn to the last beach party. My sandals are the same color as my top and wrap around my feet comfortably. We both stick to light make-up and although Lea straightens her hair, I let mine dry curly down my back.

By the time we leave the house the sun has set and everything is dark. In contrast to her usual talkative self, she is walking silently by my side.