3, PARTY CRISIS.
1676 Words
(Lori's POV)
* * * * * * * * *
Of course, her mother would let her go, she wasn't a child who needed permission before leaving. That was the singular fact that she didn't want to go! and her reasons were not only because of her friction with Beth, it was also because she'd been cooped up inside for a long time that it didn't feel comfortable to go out.
Lori did a mental breakdown about how she felt her night would go and it didn't go too well. She could imagine Beth ignoring her all night, rudely replying to her, or simply brushing her off, making Lori feel some type of way. She could imagine Johnny forcing them all to drink, all the while he's trying hard to ignore and avoid her obvious ongoing issue with Beth.
Because Lori was sure as hell that he knew about it, but he was doing a great job pretending he wasn't aware, Lori wouldn't blame him. Johnny was basically the glue that managed to keep Beth and her together, if it wasn't for him, she was sure Beth would not be in the same place with her.
But at least one thing went well, the gown that Johnny bought was fabulous. It was a silver-colored, long, slim-fitted gown with a slit at the side, drawing to her thighs. It was an Asymmetrical dress, it had a sleeve on the left and not on the other. There was a diamond-shaped hole in the chest area of the gown, giving room for cleavage. The back of the gown was not only v-shaped but it was woven and partially exposed.
Knowing who Johnny was, Lori was surprised he could come up with an outstanding dress, but at the same time, she knew Johnny was spontaneous. The silver color heaving complemented her pale and cool undertone skin, Johnny went all out on this one. He even bought a pair of black heels to go with the flow!
The Gobo and Lazer lights went in her eyes a couple of times, causing her to blink and wipe her eyes severally. She'd done it more than thrice before she remembered that she didn't want to appear too noticeable, she had to mix in well with the crowd. The coldness of the environment hit hard on her skin, which made goosebumps surface.
Lori's hands subconsciously wrapped around herself, reducing the cold effect. And the loud music bombarded her ears without warning, she found herself nodding like a lizard whenever the beats got louder. At this point, she gave up trying the fit in, she was sure as hell someone might have noticed her uptight demeanor.
* * * * * * * * * *
" Two shots of Negroni for me and Martini for the ladies! " Johnny winked at the bartender as they approached the slab.
" Coming right up. " The bartender replied.
Lori smiled in amazement that Johnny took note of their favorite drinks, he truly was a darling. The mask was becoming highly uncomfortable and Lori began fumbling with the hooks, Johnny noticed her struggle.
" What the hell do you think you're doing? " He asked her.
" Trying to get this stupid mask off, "
" Lori, " Johnny began with his fingers softly grabbing the bridge of his nose, " It's a f*****g masquerade party for a reason. "
" Well, what's the reason? we can party with our faces open... " Lori threw glances at both Johnny and Beth, " Right? "
" Even the bartender is wearing a mask, keep yours on... please. " Johnny pleaded.
Lori sighed in frustration, " But why though? it's not even Halloween. "
Johnny drew closer to her with his mouth aiming for her ears, Lori understood the assignment and edged rightly towards him to hear what he had to say.
" It's to protect our identities, for all we know the president could be here. "
Lori made a funny face, " You're kidding. "
Johnny withdrew his mouth, " The hell I am. "
" So what is wrong with the president being in a party? " Lori asked.
" What if he's married? " Johnny asked back
Lori arched a brow, " Yeah, what if he's married? "
" Look around, " Johnny gestured to the crowd, " It's a slutty, late, sexy type of party... " He threw his gaze back to Lori, " Someone might wanna__
" Oh my gosh, " Lori remarked now smiling in embarrassment, " That's just weird. "
Johnny laughed, " Weird has never been out of style. "
All these while, Beth was on her phone.
(Lori's POV)
* * * * * * * * *
Their drinks came and they drank, Johnny did the honors of ordering more and more and more. Lori was bothered initially, but after the fourth glass, she lost count and yearn to stop drinking. And gradually her mood synchronized with her environment. She wasn't bothered as the was before, she felt amazing. The music wasn't a disturbance anymore, she even sang to the lyrics now.
* * * * * * * *
" So there you have it! " Beth yelled, laughing loudly, " That's why I f*****g hate dogs! "
It must have been the alcohol causing Beth to finally indulge in the group conversation, but Lori didn't mind, she was glad.
" That's too bad Beth, " Lori started, " Dogs are truly a blessing. "
" Sorry Beth, I'm with Lori on this one! " Johnny inputted.
" Yes! " Lori laughed.
" Although... " Johnny wasn't done yet, " I love dogs but I'm very particular about which breed. "
" You don't say. " Beth rolled her eyes, " They're all the same to me. "
" Stop being a meanie, " Lori replied, " You got bit by one dog... " She ended her statement with a chuckle.
" And got chased by two more, " Johnny joined, " What terrible luck. "
Johnny and Lori chorused with laughter.
" Her ass... her ass was never the same after that day. " Johnny struggled to speak and laughed some more after he did.
" She even lied that she got bit by a vampire! I can't believe I thought it was the truth. " Lori said in amazement.
" You were twelve, " Beth growled, " And enough you two, I wanna hear what BREED of dogs our friend Johnny here hates. "
" Hate is a pretty strong word, I would use dislike. "
" Which do you DISLIKE then? " Lori asked as she gulped down her shot.
" Chihuahuas and bulldogs, " Johnny retorted, " I love huskies! they're... " Johnny came to a stop when his phone began to ring.
" What's up? " Beth asked.
" It's my neighbor, it must be about Rodney. " Johnny replied as he got to his feet.
" You leave your dog with your neighbor? " Beth arched a brow.
" Yeah, she loves huskies too. " Johnny smiled, " I'll be back in a sec, I have to take this. " He exited.
Lori cleared her throat as she prepared to start a possible conversation with Beth.
" So__
" Don't even think about it, " Beth stopped her halfway.
" Beth common now, " Lori had high hopes that they could finally move past the incident, " Can you just let it go for one night, please? "
Beth scoffed, " You're joking right? you have to be. "
" Goodness, we're drunk in a f*****g masquerade party, can't we just forget what's happened and live in the moment? " Lori attempted to get physically closer to Beth, but she pulled further away. " Even if... even if it's just for tonight. " Lori began to feel slightly hurt.
" I'm drunk as f**k right now, but let me tell you this, " Beth looked Lori right in the eye, " No matter how drunk and wasted I get, I'll never forget what YOU did to me, LORI HART. "
Lori knew for sure that Beth was drunk by the way she said her name.
" What do you mean by, what I did to you? "
" Oh, after all this time you're still asking me that? " Beth squinted hard.
" Yeah... yeah, I am. "
" I'm not answering that question, you're not gonna make a fool outta me again. " Beth began shoving her stuff back inside her bag as she prepared to leave.
" Excuse you? " Lori was concerned by Beth's statement, " I don't understand. "
" Then keep acting like you don't know what you did, I don't have time for this. " She turned to leave.
" You're leaving? "
Beth chuckled mockingly, " You might be a piece of s**t, but I'm not gonna let you make me leave this awesome party. You're not that important to me anymore. "
" Oh my God, " Lori exclaimed, " So you're just gonna have fun somewhere else? "
" Like Johnny, I also have something important I need to do. " Beth winked at her, " Have fun by yourself. " She walked away.
Lori felt a huge pain in her chest, her throat went instantly dry and her eyes heavy. She signaled to the bartender for another refill and stuffed it all in her mouth and ordered more.
(Pierce's POV)
* * * * * * * *
Not only did she strike him as odd when she entered the party with her friends, but he was also glad that he watched her. She intrigued him even more and he couldn't take his eyes off her He was fixed fully toward her direction, he was drawn to her. He was going to approach her, but he had to wait for the right moment.
* * * * * * *
- Writer
