Love and Its Lies

Five - The Party

Aly had set her expectations quite low for their so-called “party of the year.” The locals had been going on and on about it, but with everything she had seen and experienced in their town so far, the bar was pretty—well, let’s just say she and the townsfolk lead different lives with distinct cultures and tastes.

So, suffice it to say, Aly was exceptionally surprised when their definitions of a “great party" aligned for once.

The town hall from the outside looked nothing short of a simple depreciated building that had witnessed and withstood the test of time — which seemed to be the recurring motif of everything else in the town. The interior, however, was a completely different entity of its own.

Aly was welcomed by the open large black double doors. With the lighting from the wall sconces—that Aly thought looked like something one could buy from Pottery Barn—and the classic candle chandelier hanging from the high ceiling, the cracked dark blue paint and rustic arched windows made her think that it looked “medieval chic.”

The round cocktail tables were neatly draped in white cloths, on both sides of the room were plates and a variety of food and drinks, and in front was a podium with an old piano beside.

The party supposedly started at 6 in the evening, so Aly arrived half an hour late. She initially thought she would arrive “a bit early" so she could take a look at the place while most people were yet to arrive. Most parties she'd been to usually really started more than an hour after the set time, so she was surprised to see that there were already around 30 people in the place.

Aly was also prepared to feel overdressed — as the only decent party dress she had accidentally packed was a black formal one — but she found that everyone else was following the same dress code.

Danny was by the door and was the first to notice her. For once, he wasn’t wearing anything that made him look like an old-timey newspaper boy.

“Oh, don’t look too surprised. Did the town party meet your city girl standards?” He jested as he approached her.

Aly wanted to argue but admitted, “Actually, yeah. The town cleans up pretty good. You look halfway decent as well.”

Danny mockingly placed a hand on his chest. “Very touching of you to say.”

Aly was about to make another comment when she noticed a familiar figure at the other end of the room. There, looking like his usual self in black tie attire was the man of her dreams, talking to a group of people. Aly’s eyes sparkled at the sight of him. This was it: the moment she had been waiting for.

Danny was talking to her about something—probably making snide comments—but she didn’t hear a word he said. Instead, she felt herself begin to walk towards John, as if she was being pulled towards him—leaving Danny to frown and say a sarcastic, “Wow, okay, nice talking to you.”

Aly moved through the crowd with her eyes fixated on John. She saw as he excused himself and walked towards the backroom. She was about to follow when someone tapped her arm. It was May from the diner, looking gorgeous in her blue flowing dress. Aly almost didn’t recognize her without the apron and pencil, if it weren’t for her enthusiastic smile and greeting.

“Hiya, stranger! It’s me, May, from the diner!”

Aly had no choice but to stop and talk to her. “Hi, yes I remember you! I’m Aly.”

“So, Aly,” May said, looking very delighted, “I wanted to chat you up before but you seemed to be in a hurry. You know we all get excited here when someone new comes into town. I’ve already met the other tourists and they all seem lovely. Where are you from?”

“Some random city far away,” she answered in a hurry. She knew that May knew John, so she wasn’t sure if letting her know that they came from the same place was a good idea. Before May could ask a follow-up question, Aly quickly added, “I just came here to get away. You know, hit the roads and go on a short vacation. I wanted some time alone away from all the buzz, and I must say your town is full of great people.”

May clasped her hands and smiled widely. “I’m so glad you like it here!”

Before she could say another word, Aly immediately said, “Sorry, but do you know where the toilet is? I drank too much coffee before going here.”

“Oh, sure, over there. That’s where the excess tables and chairs are, but the first door on the left is for the ladies.” To Aly’s relief, she pointed towards where John had disappeared to. After thanking May, she excused herself and hurriedly walked away.

Aly turned the corner slowly, keeping a look out for John. The small hallway had two doors on the left—toilet rooms for men and women. At the farthest end, the hallway continued to a right turn where she could spot the folded chairs and tables. It was also where John's voice was coming from.

Aly couldn’t perfectly make out what he was saying, so she slowly walked towards the end and hid behind a tall stack of chairs. She peeked and saw John on the phone, pacing back and forth a few feet away from her. He looked disturbed—panicked, even—as she overheard him say, “If they caught even a hint of it… I don’t know what to tell you, I did as I was told… no, he was the one who… that was just what they said! Don’t put this on me! I wasn’t careless…”

Aly had no idea what he was talking about or who he was talking to, but it was the first time she had seen him looking so disgruntled. His voice had always been kind and gentle, so hearing him hiss into his phone took her by surprise.

“Look, I’ll call you later… yes, I know… I just need to collect my thoughts. Tell him to call me,” He said as he hung up. He massaged his temples for a second and turned. Now, it was Aly’s turn to panic as John started to walk in her direction. She didn't know whether to hide, run away or face him. She stood frozen in place until someone grabbed a hold of her arm and pulled her into one of the restrooms.