Ardor

Chapter 7: Red party cups

River

I brought my lips to the red plastic cup, taking a sip of my drink as I gazed at the rest of the house party. I pressed my back firmly against the walls as I furrowed my eyebrows in Aika's direction. She was grinding herself against some guys who's name wasn't familiar to me, his hands placed firmly around her smaller waist.

''Real nice birthday party you've thrown for me!'' I yelled out to her. She furrowed her eyebrows in my direction before rolling her eyes, grasping onto the guy's shirt as she locked eyes with him. I couldn't help but scoff in disgust as I pulled myself up from the wall, making my way into the kitchen for another glass of fruit punch.

Aika thought it was a great idea to throw me a 'secret birthday party' at my house right after I told her my parents would be gone for the week. She genuinely felt sorry for me that my parents decided this week was the best time to go on a trip. My eighteenth birthday. I told her that I preferred them gone and thought spending the night alone with some take out would be ideal.

She didn't like that response.

So here I am, my house full of people I don't really know. Aika and my friend Nick are my only friends I have so far, considering I just moved here a month ago. My dad got a new job here in Florida, which really sucked ass. I left behind my friends, (although they weren't the greatest influence) and my girlfriend Esma. I guess she saw the move as an excuse to break up with me, considering the fact she immediately got into a new relationship the next day.

I pushed the thought out of my mind as I opened the refrigerator door, pulling out the large bottle of fruit punch before closing it. I set the bottle onto the counter with the feeling of eyes boring straight into me, a sigh escaping my throat as I twisted the cap off of the bottle.

''Is this your party?'' A girl suddenly asked me, walking up to the counter and flashing me a soft smile. I shrugged my shoulders at her question before pouring the fruit punch into my cup.

''It's supposed to be. Aika said she wanted to have a birthday party for me.''

She began shaking her head at my words, motioning for her friend to walk over to the table with us. A taller boy suddenly strolled up to us, placing his darker hands on the counter next to her as he flashed me a smile. I couldn't help but flush as our eyes met. He was extremely attractive, to say the least.

"This is the boy Aika was talking about. She said she found someone's house to trash and stuff like that. I always knew she was a snake.''

I couldn't help but frown at her words, although I wasn't surprised. She didn't buy a cake or anything like that.

''My parents won't be home for a few days. I guess I'll just have to pick up the house before then... I'm pretty sure somebody already body slammed the snack table.''

"We will help you clean up when everyone leaves. We don't have anywhere to go tonight.'' The girl said with a smile. She motioned a paler hand towards her friend, narrowing her eyes in her direction.

''Isn't that right, Ezekiel?''

''Yes. We will stay to help, don't worry about it too much. I can even get all of them out of the house right now if you'd prefer.''

My eyes widened at his proposal. It would be great to get a head start at all of the cleaning and reflect on my bad friendship skills. I should really learn to stop trusting people so easily...

''How are you gonna do that?'' I asked him. He then motioned for me to look towards the living room, flashing me a soft smile before leaving the girl and me alone. She smiled in his direction before meeting my eyes, pushing a strand of hair behind her ear before she spoke.