FOUR

×Jamie×

I looked at myself in the mirror as I nervously swallowed. My slender body looked ungracefully slim in the black t-shirt I wore that was tucked into loose black pants. I topped it off with white shoes that sported black laces. 

Since I was practically leaving the house under a lie, I slid on a black baggy hoodie to make my look more casual. I ran a hand through my hair, trying to ruffle it up more even though it was already ruffled beyond hair gel salvation. 

Satisfied with my look, I went to my bed and got my bag that had some spare clothes, underwear and a toothbrush inside. I gave myself one last look before leaving my room.

I walked down the stairs and rolled my eyes at the lick of conversation that I heard between my mother and Kate. 

"But school is so hard," Kate argued, sounding dramatically in despair. "Despite just starting, there is so much work and Jamie would be so tired. It's not like it is his first time staying over anyway. After we're done studying, we'll eat snacks, watch TV and go to bed."

"Fine," Mom said as she gave up with a sigh, "but he should be back by 8am tomorrow."

I internally scoffed. They were talking about me like I was some kid. To be honest, I didn't think that this would be Kate's plan B but since Mom was eating it up, I had no complaints. 

I rounded the corner and entered the kitchen. "I'm ready," I announced. 

Kate frowned slightly when she took in my appearance but nodded nonetheless. "Lets get going. Those books aren't going to study themselves."

While walking out of the door, I cautiously glanced at my mom. She waved at me with a small smile as she leaned against the kitchen doorframe and I returned it. 

I closed the door behind me and we made our way to Kate's car. I felt relieved when the night air touched my skin and it somewhat confirmed that I wasn't imagining things. I really left the house.

"Really, Jamie. Is this what you're going with?" Kate asked once we reached her car and I looked at her.

"I'm taking off the jumper later so, don't piss your pants," I said, adjusting my bag. 

She gave me a once over then unlocked her car. "We are over thirty minutes late," she complained as we both got in, "if the good stuff are done by the time we get there, you're a dead man."

"Sorry. Mom keeping a close eye on me was nerve wrecking. I felt like she could read my mind."

Kate laughed. "Don't be so paranoid, Jamie. Just relax as I give you a taste of rebellion that doesn't involve your usual dose of nicotine, 'kay?"

I chuckled and leaned back into the leather. "Whatever."

~

Kate pulled into the driveway of a huge house. A lot of cars were parked around and it was a good thing that there were no nearby neighbors because the music was deafening. 

I took off my jumper and ruffled up my hair again. Leaving my bag in the back, I got out of the car as Kate did the same and locked it. 

"Ready?" she asked.

I let out a shaky breath. My heart wasn't anywhere near calm and the possibly large amount of people inside had my skin feeling prickly. 

"Yeah," I answered and followed as Kate led me inside. 

"I'm going to get us some drinks so take a seat." With that, she walked away before I could even reply. 

My eyes searched what seemed to be the living room and I almost gagged when I spotted a couple in a dark corner playing intense tonsil tennis while the guy's hand was in between the girl's thighs. I walked across the room and quietly made my way into the backyard, my nose crinkled slightly at the scent of alcohol. 

The music was even louder here and I figured that this was where the heart of the party was.

People were gathered around the pool, some in it, while others mingled near a bar set-up at the far right of the pool. There was a table next to the bar and it was piled up with food.

Fifteen minutes into the party, I was bored and wondering where the fuck Kate had buried herself. I leaned back on the foldable chair, putting away my third plate of ribs. My first party and the only thing I'm doing is getting fat. Yey. 

I sighed and my mind wandered to the guy I met at school. I looked around, trying to catch even a glimpse of him and I did. He was standing at the other end of the pool, surrounded by people as though he was one of the seven wonders of the world. His hair still, dare I say, a sexy mess and the grey shirt he wore clung to his wide chest and manly biceps snugly. 

I gulped, my mouth suddenly dry. 

As though feeling my eyes on him, he looked up from his can of coke and our eyes met. I immediately dropped my gaze and felt my face and ears heat up. Why the hell am I feeling shy? This is the part where I'm supposed to wave or something. 

Despite myself, I looked up again, subtly peeking in his direction only to find him walking towards me. 

"Hey," he greeted with a small smile when he was close. 

"Hi," I croaked and my blush darkened as I cleared my throat. He handed his can to me and I got it. After taking a gulp, I gave it back to him. "Thanks."

He took a sip too and got a nearby chair before sitting next to me. "You seem like a pretty reserved guy so I didn't think you would show up."

I frowned a little. 

Is my lack of living that noticeable? Wait, screw that. He didn't think I would show up. Think. He thought about me. This thought made me feel giddy for some reason and I didn't hate it.

"Uhm, this is my first party and I didn't want to miss it," I said.

"Does it reach your expectations?" He asked.

"Well, my only friend ditched me and my ears are bleeding, what do you think?"

He laughed, the sound making me smile. "I'm disappointed. Can anything be done to redeem it?"

"I heard that surgery works."

He hummed in thought. "I'm not a surgeon but do you mind if I keep you company?"

I blushed. "Only if it's not a bother to you."

And just like that we started to talk more. About school and funny things that happened in our lives. None of us dared to trend on any other personal details and I was happy that I could think of anything but myself. 

"You're so cute," he said in between laughs as he laughed at a dumb comment that I made about the topless girl swirling around in the pool. 

I honestly thought that college parties would be more grown-up than this.

"Guys don't like being called cute, you know," I protested, ignoring the slight fluttering in my chest. 

He stopped laughing and looked at me for a moment. "Hey," he began, his voice lowering. "Can I kiss you?" 

My eyes widened. I wanted to dismiss it as a joke but the seriousness in his eyes held me still. 

Realization soon settled into his features and he let out a nervous laugh. "Ah, sorry for saying something disgusting."

I licked my lower lip, my heartbeat ringing in my ears. "I don't mind," I blurted. 

This time, it was his eyes that widened in surprise. "You don't mind what exactly?" he asked, cautiously. 

I looked at my fingers. "Kissing you," I mumbled, feeling my face heat up for the hundredth time that evening. 

A smile stretched the corners of his mouth and he stood up before casually slipping his hands into his pockets. "Wanna go somewhere private then?"

I gulped and stood up too. "Sure." 

He led me inside the house and upstairs, which was empty and had dimly lit lights. My heart was thudding hard in my chest and I tried my best to play it off. 

"Nervous?" he asked with a coy smirk. 

"No," I answered bravely although I was a nervous wreck inside.

Suddenly, he gently pushed me to the wall and pressed his hard body on mine, making my heart beat even faster. He slid his arms around my waist and lightly brushed his lips against mine. My body trembled and I met his eyes. 

He looked at me for a moment, as if waiting for me to push him away. I didn't. He leaned in,  pressing his lips harder against mine and I responded to the soft kiss that gradually became rough, fuelled by this unexplainable hunger. 

My arms wrapped themselves around his neck as I melted into the warmth of his body. His lips felt so good and I craned my head upwards, craving for more. 

His lips curled into a smile and he slid his tongue into my mouth, instantly deepening the already intense kiss. The erotic, and slightly embarrassing, slurping noises we made got me feeling hot and I doubt if that was because of the faulty air conditioning. 

He pulled away slowly and we stared at each other, breathless. 

I looked down at my shoes in embarrassment but my embarrassment completely vanished when I noticed that I was hard. The realization and horror dawned on me like a splash of cold water. I just kissed a guy and got hard. For another guy. 

"I need to go," I whispered, pushing myself from the wall as I scurried my way down the stairs. 

This can't be happening.