Paper Thin

• 76: New Year, Same Perfect Me •

Melody

Loud music pumped through the speakers, threatening to deafen anyone who stood too close. No one seemed to mind however as they balanced the red solo cups in their hands as they danced to the rhythm that echoed throughout the house.

I shook my head, wondering how I ended up at a party with a bunch of under-aged alcoholics on New Years Eve. I glanced over at Emma as she twirled her red hair while talking to Harvey.

That was how.

Emma four-way called Alani, Noah and I excitedly during the week bursting with news.

"Okay, so you won't believe this..." Emma started.

"Want to bet?" Noah teased.

"Shh! It's story time!" Alani hushed.

"Okay so anyways! Harvey and I have been texting back and forth throughout the break and yesterday, he calls me and he's all 'so what are you doing for New Years?'" Emma started imitating Harvey's voice slightly as she spoke. "And then I was like 'nothing, just hanging out...' and then he says, 'would you want to come to my party?'"

"Like together?" Alani asked.

"That's what I said!" Emma replied.

"And what did he say?" I asked quietly, caught up in the excitement.

"He was like 'for sure!'" Emma squealed.

"Ahhh! I ship it!" Alani screamed along with her and it was almost so out of character my jaw practically hit the floor.

"Oh, and you guys are all invited since the party is at Harvey's," Emma said.

"Hmm... a peek inside popular life. I'll think about it," Noah said.

"Yeah same," Alani agreed.

"Please come you guys," Emma whined. "Also, Melody, you have to help me choose an outfit."

"Okay," I said excitedly.

And just like that, I ended up at Harvey's house. I probably would have ended up here anyways considering he was Carson's best friend, but the fact that Emma wanted me to come made it a bit more difficult to refuse the offer. I even FaceTimed her to help her pick out a cute outfit. She was wearing a royal blue tank top that had a deep v-cut neckline and gathered at one side. It was matched with a pair of black skinny jeans and strappy high heels.

"They are so cute," Carson said, taking my hand in his.

"They are," I agreed, watching our friends flirt with each other. Alani and Noah ended up opting out of the party, leaving the four of us to our own devices. So, other than Harvey, Emma and Carson, the crowd was filled with nameless faces who probably thought they knew everything about me thanks to Rose and her friends.

Speak of the devil, the royal highness of Alcott High, decided to grace the party with her presence about an hour after everyone showed up. Serena and Summer were by Rose's side, as if they'd be lost without her big ego pointing the way. Behind them, I saw the other popular girls like Jenette in my art class, but I was surprised when I saw Cora. They all seemed to have coordinated clothing, wearing various amounts of silver, while Rose was the only one in gold.

I turned my back to them, not wanting to have to engage in any sort of conversation with them.

"Want to dance?" Carson asked, over the music.

"Ooh, I don't know about that," I said shyly.

"Come on! After the banquet, I know you have it in you!" Carson teased, with a grin. He poked my bare arm, visible in my black jump suit. He frowned suddenly and grabbed my arm. "Where did this bruise come from?"