The Cliche Gone Wrong

Chapter Fourteen

"Shots on me!" Alan screams, raising a new bottle into the air as the music blares around us. "No literally, on me! My body is available to the public!"

I roll my eyes as I continue to fight the headache that has been looming in the back of my mind since I showed up. But I force a smile as I raise my shot glass, throwing back the alcohol as I grunt from the disgusting taste.

Why am I even drinking this shit?

But the crowd cheers louder, multiple people touching my arm or shoulder as they slide past from one room into the other. The girl next to me keeps chatting, her cheerleading uniform riding even higher on her skinny legs. My eyes struggle to focus as I look around the room again, the dim lights preventing me from seeing any one or thing clearly. But I feel a hand on my leg, forcing my eyes back over as she smiles and leans closer.

Her brunette hair spills onto my lap as her lips graze my cheek, but I finally spot the person I'm looking for, hesitantly swallowing something from a cup as he tries to look like he belongs.

"Freshman!" I call out, pushing myself up from the couch and walking across the room, ignoring all of the people that try to get my attention on the way.

I pull the wad of cash out of my pocket with one hand as I come to a stop in front of him, counting out $500 and shoving the rest of the money back into my pocket.

"Here you go kid," I hand him the money, an easy smile painting my face. His mouth drops open as he looks at the money resting in his open palm.

"I have to admit when I'm not able to win a bet." I shrug, looking away. "At least, I wasn't able to win the bet before the game at halftime. So, here's your money."

All of the guys start hollering, ruffling my hair and punching my shoulders. I grin embarrassed, not used to failing but happy they're supporting me for giving up regardless. Alan walks over and slings his arm around my shoulder, pulling me close enough that I can smell the whiskey on his breath.

"So, you're finally taking my advice and giving up on Killer?" He laughs.

"Something like that," I dismiss, preparing to leave now that I've done what I need to do.

"No, no, no. What's that?" He asks, turning me so that I face him head on. His eyes are surprisingly clear, looking me up and down as he frowns.

"What's what?" I ask.

"No," he groans, shaking me lightly. "I know that look, Jude."

"Stop saying that," I laugh, pushing him off of me. "It's creepy when you do that."

"You're one to talk!" Alan pushes me too, laughing as I almost stumble into a table. "I remember Michelle from middle school." I don't look at him, not wanting to bring up the past.

"So yeah, don't try to pretend the both of us don't know what's going on. Just forget about her and enjoy the party." He laughs, grabbing the bottle that is resting by the table as some girl sidles up to him, asking if the offer for body shots is still available. I feel another girl at my elbow, silently asking the same thing but I brush her off, heading for the front door of his house.

"Where are you going?" Alan asks as he watches me leave. "Come on Jude! Just kick back and relax!"

I feel someone tugging on my sleeve, and turn to see a pretty little thing hold on to my arm. Her smile is nearly infectious, drawing me in as hesitate in the middle of the hallway. Then others start to chip in, saying that I should say and how much they'll miss me if I go.

I can't help but smile at their slurred words. The music seems even louder now as another shot of whiskey is shoved into my hand. Alan raises his glass to me, prompting the sea of people surrounding us to thrust their glasses into the air. I'm the last one to raise my glass into the air, some of the alcohol running down my hand as my arm shakes slightly; although I'm not sure if its from excitement or nerves. Either way I don't smile wider as I draw the girl in closer to me.

"To us!" I yell. 

Most of the people echo my sentiments, although some groan happily at my corniness. I ignore them all as I dump the alcohol into my mouth.

My entire body tingles, but maybe that's because her hand is drifting lower and lower down my stomach as Alan smirks knowingly. I nod at him before I start to head toward the stairs, the girl in tow.

It's just like things are supposed to be.

A/N I'M  SO SORRY YALL!!! I REALLY TRIED YESTERDAY!!! But my sister's computer crashed and my parents made me give her mine so I am currently computer free. I was barely able to snag it back to write this. 

I'm going to make it up to you by posting extra this week, since its Thanksgiving break, but we'll have to see.

Much Love,

Naomi