Majesty, Kenzie, and I walked into the Adams Mansion and were immediately greeted to the sound of blaring music and a houseful of dancing kids.
"Fashionably late," Kenzie said in my ear.
"Perfect," I nodded.
"Let's go get drinks," Majesty said, leaning in so we could hear her over the music.
"You mean let's go get you guys' drinks. I'm the designated driver," I reminded her sourly.
"Don't pout, boo," Majesty tapped my chin. "It was fair and square."
She, unfortunately, was right. After losing a game of "nose goes" I was appointed the DD of the night, which really sucked because I was kind of looking forward to getting moderately drunk. Parties really weren't that fun if you were the only sober one and the caretaker for your friends
"Next time, I'm not even up for consideration as DD," I said firmly. "It's between you two. This is me doing my time."
"Yeah, yeah, yeah," Kenzie waved a hand. "Let's go get some booze."
We made our way to the kitchen which was a pretty difficult task considering all the bodies we had to squeeze past. Despite how big the living room was, there were so many people there that it was packed to the max. I was gripping Majesty's hand so I wouldn't lose her in the crowd, and she was gripping Kenzie's.
"Ahh!" Kenzie said, stepping into the kitchen. "Finally. That felt like we were attempting to get through," she paused, pushing her hair behind her ear. "I don't know, some place really crowded."
"Nice analogy," Majesty rolled her eyes and walked up to the counter where liquor was laid out.
She filled two red cups to the top and handed one over to Kenzie who immediately started chugging.
"Slow it down, Kenz," I said, pouring myself some soda that was also on the counter. "Or you'll be on your ass in record time."
I paused for a moment, staring at my soda than dumped it in the sink and went to the fridge to get a sealed bottle of water. There was a 99.89% chance that the opened soda was spiked, and I couldn't afford to get drunk. The calorie count in the drink was also a turn off.
"That's the point," Kenzie said, referring to my previous statement. She poured herself more beer and grabbed Majesty's hand who was taking in her drink at a somewhat slower pace. "Let's go dance."
I opened a bottle of water and took a sip. "Okay," I agreed.
"Fine, but can y'all try not to embarrass me this time?" Majesty sighed, looking between us.
"And what is that suppose to mean?" Kenzie asked, planting her hands on her hips. Her eyes narrowed.
"Sometimes you two's dancing is a little...," she didn't have to finish her statement for me to get what she was attempting to say.
"Shut up, Majesty," I shoved her to the door. "I'm a great dancer."
"It seems like the only type of dancing you can do is ballet. Your attempt to whip was....disturbing to say the least," she shuddered and shook her head. "No, never try it again or anything of the sort."
I pouted, slightly offended. "I don't think it was that bad," I said defensively.
"No, it was that bad," Majesty nodded.
"You're a bitch, you know that?" I asked, pushing the swingable kitchen door open. "A judgmental bitch."
"A Queen Bitch," she corrected me.
Kenzie scoffed and walked out, giggling. "Queen B for sure."
"It's not funny, Kenzie. I am," Majesty argued, following her out.
I walked out behind them and squeezed my way through the crowd. We found a spot somewhere in the middle just as Worth It by Fifth Harmony started blaring through the speakers.
"YES," Kenzie screamed, throwing one of her arms up enthusiastically. "I love this song!" She started moving her hips to the beat. "Give it to me I'm worth it."
I laughed and mimicked her movements, singing along to the lyrics. Majesty grabbed my hand and started dancing with us. It didn't take long for us to get completely lost in the music.
Maybe fifteen songs later I pulled away from Kenzie, who I happened to be grinding on, panting. "Okay, I need a break," I told them loudly so they could hear me over the music.
"But this is a good song," Kenzie whined.
"You've said that about the last ten songs," Majesty laughed.
"Well, this is a good playlist!"
"You guys continue," I waved my hand. "I'll just go get a drink."
"You mind refilling?" Majesty asked handing me her red cup.
"Sure," I took Kenzie's cup as well. "You too?"
Kenzie nodded, giggling as she twirled. She seemed a little bit tipsy. "Yep."
"Be right back," I turned and made my way through the crowd.
I walked into the kitchen and set the cups down on the counter. Just as I was about to pour some more alcohol in one of the red cups I happened to glance out the back door that was made of clear glass. I gasped and immediately slammed the glass bottle down when I saw, guess who, on the patio.
If you guessed Aidan Benson you are spot on.
So, he really did come. Majesty did say he was a partier a few years back though, and I really don't find that hard to believe given the reputation he had been given the moment he walked through the school doors so I shouldn't really be that surprised.
He, of course, was alone as per usual. While there were other people on the patio he seemed to be keeping to himself. He had a red cup in one hand and was scrolling through his phone in the other. He was dressed in plain blue jeans, a white t-shirt that stretched tight against his fit upper body, and a leather black jacket left unzipped. His brown hair was swept back in its usual style.
So, to put it in short, he looked gorgeous. Something else that wasn't out of the ordinary.
Forgetting completely about the drinks I was supposed to be getting for my friends I quickly ran my fingers through my hair and fixed my outfit. I pulled out my phone and dabbed at my make up that wasn't as bad as it could be given the sheen of sweat coated on my face thanks to all the dancing.
I started towards the door, but stopped.
What was I supposed to say to him?
I pursed my lips. "Hey Aidan I didn't know you'd be here."
No. No, didn't sound surprised enough.
I brushed my hair over my shoulder and practiced what I hope was a dazzling smile. "Oh hi, Aidan. It's funny seeing you here."
No, I could be better. Maybe a hey, Aidan.
"Oh hey, Aidan. It's funny seeing you here."
A surprised giggle could possibly do it.
I cleared my throat and smiled. "Oh hey, Aidan," I giggled slightly. "It's funny seeing you here."
I slapped my hands together and nodded in approval. Perfect.
I started towards the door again but was no sooner stopped by an arm wrapping around my waist.
"Hey," I slapped the stranger's hand away and spun around. "Do not-," I stopped short, the words getting lodged in the back of my throat. I felt the blood drain from my face and my heart skipped a beat before dropping to the pit of my stomach as I stared into a pair of intense blue eyes.
Chase Adams.
I hadn't seen him since we broke up three months, five days, four hours, five minutes and twenty two and a half seconds ago.
I kid, I kid.
I didn't know the exact seconds and minutes.
Anyway, there he was. Towering over me at six foot, in all his glory.
Chase was dressed in a pair of jeans and a collared black tee. His golden hair was styled back with what appeared to be gel, and his eyes sparkled with their usual mischief.
I couldn't help feeling nostalgic as I stared into those eyes of his because before everything went down, that happened to be my favorite thing about him. How mischievous and carefree he was. Chase was generally a fun guy to be around.
You know, until he crushed your heart and soul mercilessly.
I took a step back and glared at him with what I hoped was hostility.
"What the hell do you think you're doing touching me?" I hissed.
"I didn't know it was a crime to touch my girl," Chase scoffed.
"I am not your girl," I folded my arms across my chest and stuck my chin out. "I never was, and I never will be."
"Well, now that's not true," he smiled dazzlingly at me that knocked the breath right out of me, which only made me angrier because hello? Who the hell did he think he was to make mean breathless.
"Well, I'll just be going now," I said, turning away.
I knew that if I spent too long in a room with Chase all reason and sense would eventually leave me, and I'd end up doing something extraordinarily stupid.
Like making out with him.
Or getting back together with him.
Chase grabbed my hand and turned me back around. "Wait a minute," he said insistently.
I pulled my hand out of his hold and glared at him. "Don't touch me."
"Come on D-money," he said, calling me by that stupid, yet loved nickname that still tugged at my heartstrings.
Chase had given me the name when we first started talking. He had told me it was appropriate for me because I should be considered "just as valued as money is to men."
Stupid, slick asshole with his smooth words that clearly didn't mean shit to him because if it did he wouldn't have rolled around in bed with someone else while he was with me. Funnily enough, that didn't make me feel very "valued".
"You can't be serious right now," he continued.
"Oh, but I am. What, did you think I would cool off after my time away from you, and then run back into your arms the moment I finally laid eyes on you?" I asked, eyebrows raised.
Chase paused and then nodded. "Yes."
I scoffed. "You are such a jackass. Excuse me, I have places to be and people to see."
I turned to walk away again, but he once again grabbed me.
I tore my arm away from him. "I told you not to fucking touch me," I said, raising my voice.
"I don't know why the hell you're being so difficult," he said, sounding aggravated. "I made a mistake. Haven't you ever made a mistake before?"
"You mean have I ever cheated on someone I was in a supposedly committed relationship with?" I asked, tapping my chin. "Hmm, let me think...no."
"Dem-"
I held up a hand, cutting him off. "If you were so bored with me or whatever you could have just broken up with me before going off to screw somebody else," I said, the hurt evident in my voice.
"I could never be bored with you," Chase said gently, staring me with what looked to be adoration and sincerity. "Never. Demi, you're one of the best things that's ever happened to me."
I snorted and brushed my hair over my shoulder, looking down at the tiled floor. "Yeah, I know. Too bad you couldn't see it at the time."
"It was one moment of weakness. I mean you weren't putting it out so I-"
"Are you actually trying to justify your cheating?!" I all but screamed, looking up at him in disbelief. "I told you I wasn't ready, and you said you understood!"
"I did understand! But seriously? How long did you expect me to wait?" He asked, sounding incredulous.
"Oh, well excuse me for believing that you thought I was worth waiting for," I sniffed, feeling a fresh wave of hurt wash over me.
"You are, I just-"
"I don't give a flying fuck," I snapped. "You've done a lot of shit to me, Chase, but this? This is not something I can just forgive and forget. We. Are. Done," I empathized the last three words in attempt to get it through his thick skull. "You made your choice, and now I'm making mine."
"You're being overdramatic," Chase snapped. "Do you know how many times I've forgiven you when it comes to other guys, yet you can't show me the same courtesy?"
"What," I shrieked. "You've forgiven me?! For what!? I've never cheated on you!"
"Is that what you call flirting with every guy that walks by you?" He asked heatedly.
"Saying hi to people isn't flirting first of all," I snapped, growing more and more annoyed by the second. "Second of all, this was one of your problems. You're so damn possessive and jealous for no reason. It's absolutely suffocating. I'm not your property I don't have to live by the rules you set."
"You were acting pretty jealous a few months ago," he reminded me.
"I wasn't jealous I was pissed off, you fucking asshole!" I screamed. "You were in bed with somebody else! And you don't even have the decency to apologize! Instead you try to turn the whole thing around on me!"
"I'm sorry," Chase tried.
I laughed humorlessly. "Well, it's too late for that now. You can take that apology and shove it right up your-"
"Spare me, Demi," he growled.
I flipped him off and turned to make a beeline for the backdoor when he grabbed me again. This time his grip was extremely tight, his fingernails digging into my flesh.
"Ow," I winced. "You're hurting me. Let go!"
"We need to talk," he said stubbornly.
I tugged at my arm and hit him which didn't do very much, or you know, anything at all.
"Let go of me right now, or I swear to God I'll scream," I hissed.
"Who's going to hear you over the music?" Chase taunted me.
My eyes narrowed and then without the slightest bit of hesitation I stomped on his foot, making sure my heel dug into it.
Chase cursed loudly and dropped my arm. I jumped back and watched him bend over in clear pain. I smiled and crossed my arms across my chest.
"You fucking bitch," he snarled, looking up to glare at me.
"I told you not to touch me," I reminded him with a shrug.
"You're going to pay for that," he warned, letting out a low groan.
"Oooh, I'm shaking," I rolled my eyes and turned, waving. "See you later, Chasey."
With those parting words, I ran out onto the back porch. I let out a deep breath and ran my fingers through my hair, a little shaky.
Chase wasn't exactly a "violent" guy. He had some anger issues and made more threats than he delivered them, but he had never gotten physical with me before. Not like that. That was kind of out of character, and it really freaked me out.
Sure he had only grabbed my arm but besides the fact I could tell a bruise was going to form by tomorrow morning, he didn't look like he was kidding around when he said I was going to "pay for that."
I really hope that was just the heat of moment, overdramatic statement sort of thing.
"You okay?"
I jumped and spun around to see Aidan in the same spot and same position I saw him in not too long ago.
"What?" I asked, unsure if he was actually and willingly talking to me.
"I said, are you okay?" He slid his phone in his pocket and stared at me expectantly. "You looked like you were being harassed by that idiot in there."
"Oh....oh that," I glanced at the back doors. "Oh, no I'm fine. Just my ex boyfriend being an ass."
"Ex?"
"Ex," I nodded.
"Oh," he finished off his drink and crushed the red cup before tossing it on the lawn. "I was about to come in there and beat him up for you. You know, like the way they do it in the movies? But you seem more than capable of taking care of yourself."
"Yes I am," I nodded.
"Remind me to never get on your bad side," Aidan smirked. "That foot of yours looked like it did a lot of damage."
"It was mostly the heels, so you're good as long as I'm not wearing them," I allowed, a small smile creeping onto my face. "Of course, I could always judo flip you, but that'd only be if you were far past a certain line."
"Judo flip me?" He scoffed. "You can't judo flip anybody. Look at you."
"And what is that suppose to mean?" I asked, planting my hands on my hips in indigence.
"It means, you're tiny," he said, looking me over slowly. "I doubt you could do that much damage."
"They say you should never underestimate a person's size," I warned him.
"Mhmm."
I paused, and then smiled. "Would you like me to show you?"
Aidan suddenly grew wary. He eyed me. "Show me?"
"Mhmm," I nodded. "I could try to judo flip you."
He continued staring at me, suddenly looking unsure. I suppressed my smirk.
"I mean, if you don't think I can really do it, then there should be no harm," I twirled a strand of my hair around my finger to feign an air of innocence. "Right?"
"You know what? Fine," he straightened up. "Try not to hurt yourself though. You look the type of person who'd sue me for breaking a nail."
My eyes narrowed. "Funny. Okay," I grabbed his arm and pulled him to an empty spot on the grassy lawn. There were more than a few people lingering out back which would make this all ordeal funnier. "Stand here."
"Alright," Aidan stared at me, looking very amused.
He won't be looking so smug in about five seconds, I scoffed silently to myself.
"You ready?" I peered up at him, smiling sweetly.
"Define ready."
I suppressed an eye roll and grabbed his hands and placed them on my shoulders. "You put your hands here."
"Really though, don't hurt yourself," he said that seriously, but his eyes shined with laughter.
I fought the overwhelming urge to stick my tongue out at him childishly. "Did you want me to count down so you can prepare?"
"Why don't you just surprise me?" He suggested.
"If you say so."
I paused for about five seconds before I spun around, stepped away from him, and yanked him towards me, throwing him off balance. I rolled him off my hip, as Deacon had showed me countless of times, and dropped him on the ground.
Aidan let out a loud groan, sounding as if the wind had been knocked out of him. Without letting go of his hand, I grabbed his neck with my free hand and sat swiftly on top of him, straddling him.
I smiled at the eruption of laughter and applause that I was met with. I waved for my admirers as cameras flashed and did a bow motion with my hand.
"Thank you, thank you," I giggled. I looked down at Aidan who looked like he was still struggling to catch his breath. "You okay?"
He glared at me. "You knew you could do that," he said accusingly, sounding breathless.
"I told you I could."
"You could have made it sound more convincing," he snapped and groaned again. "That's gonna leave multiple bruises."
"I'm sorry," I said unconvincingly.
"No you're not."
"You're right," I snorted. "I'm not."
"People will be talking about this for weeks," he grumbled, wincing as he shifted under me.
"Probably," I nodded in agreement.
"Though I can't find a complaint about the current position," he suddenly grinned.
I gripped his neck tighter in response.
"Ow," he glared at me. "Are you trying to choke me to death?"
"Oh, oops," I giggled innocently and loosened my grip. "Sorry."
"I'm so sure."
"So, did I surprise you?" I asked, with a triumph smile.
Aidan stared at me for about thirty seconds before sighing and nodding. A grudgingly smile tugged at his lips.
"Yeah, you surprised me."
~~~~~~~~~~
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xxx,
Jess