In One Year

Party

Dinner turned out amazing and dad give Christine her ring when we got back to the boat. She was beaming and already talking about wedding plans.

“Of course, you can be my co maid of honor. And, oh when will we have it.” She was going a mile a minute and I was feeling exhausted already thinking about it. Dad just chuckled, “We can plan all that later, there’s plenty of time I promise.”

Leaning back, I rested my eyes a bit, I had a developing headache that was just annoying enough to hurt.

“Hey you, okay?” Jaiden took a seat beside me, peaking out to look at him, I quickly shut my eyes again and shrugged.

“I’ll be fine after some Tylenol. But it is becoming apparent that I am going with you to the party. By the way, what time are we getting back?”

“I donno, sometime around midnight probably.” He shrugged; this was simply great. I was quickly becoming cranky, and this headache was not making it any better. We stayed quiet the rest of the way home. Christine chattering away nonstop.

Pulling up to the house dock I slowly climbed down, the ache had set into my muscles. I was not used to moving this much. I was pretty a couch potato this past year only exercising as needed for P.E. and even then, only doing the bare minimum. Groaning I made my way up the back deck, how in the world am I going to work up the energy for a party?

“Oh, I almost forgot, Ivy come on you can grab whatever you need from my closet.”

“Thanks Christine.”

Making our way into her room I looked for something simple and warm, the night was steadily getting cooler, and I do not like being cold. She lent me a pair of black ripped jeans and a cropped white sweater that looked like it might be too big. She was just as skinny as my but was taller. Thanking her again for the close I made my way back to my room and looked longingly at my bed, but if I laid down now, I would fall asleep and would not get up. Taking a quick shower as cold as I could stand to wake me up, which was admittedly not that cold, I am a wimp.

I rushed to get dressed and checked my phones battery. The jeans were slightly long that I had to roll them up to keep them from bunching and the sweater was just one size to big, so it showed off a smaller amount of my stomach which I liked but the drop shoulder more like off shoulder completely. Pulling my favorite boots on and putting up my hair into a bun I was ready.

Outside Jaiden and Dad sat talking by the fire pit we were waiting for Christine to reappear. I plopped next to Jaiden and angerly jabbed a marshmallow to roast. My head was still aching, but I was too lazy to run in to grab anything. While listening to the two of them talk some sport or another I devoured 4 marshmallows and was on my 5th. These little things were so good.

“Don’t the two of you need to go? It is getting dark I would prefer you drive the car over. I know it takes longer but I prefer that to you being on the water in the dark.” Christine asked as she made her way to take a seat next to my dad.

“Sure, we should be back no later than one, that okay?”

“Sure sweetheart” I do not even think they were paying attention to us any longer. Sighing I at my last marshmallow and leaned over to give my dad a quick hug goodnight. Jaiden followed suit and we made our way to the garage were a very nice-looking car sat in the driveway. Sliding into the passenger’s seat I started poking around the radio.

“Want to listen to anything particular?” He connected his phone to the Bluetooth and offered me his phone. Shaking my head I leaned my head against the window, really, I just wanted quiet If I was going to be surrounded by pounding music for the next four hours. Sensing I was not too keen on the idea of going out he put some R&B on and started steering down the driveway.

“Sorry I know you want to sleep but I have the feeling they wanted to have the night alone.” He gave me a smile apologetic smile.

“I know I get it; I am just not used to this much activity in a day.” Sighing I pressed the button to the seat warmer and snuggled in more.

“Well, if you really can’t make it you can either sleep in the car or I can show you the room Bandon’s parents pretty much gave me since we bought the lake houses together.”

“Deal.” Focusing back on to the road we made our way to another large private property where it looks like the party was raging.

“I thought there were adult here?” Noting the beer bottles and cups that littered the grounds.

“There are. How do you think they got the alcohol?” Jaiden laughed at my confused look. “His brother and his brothers’ friends are all juniors in college, they are technically adults. I did not lie. They just never specified age.” Shrugging he got out of the car. Rushing after him I latched on to his arm.

“Look if it makes you feel better, I wasn’t planning on drinking since I have to drive us home.” He was right, I relaxed my grip slightly but still pressed into his side. I did not like crowds and from the sounds of the heavy base this was one hell of a party.

Removing my hand from his arm he placed in in his hand and pulled my up and into the house. If I thought the music was loud outside just opening the front door raised the decibel level of the music. At this point my headache was pounding to the beat of the music, great. Gripping his hand tighter I grit my teeth from the pain. Studying my face, he could tell I was uncomfortable.

“Common I want to introduce you to some of my buddies then I’ll show you where you can hide If you need a time out.” Nodding I followed him through the crowd never once letting go of his hand. The house was large and packed.

“JAY, WHAT UP MY MAN!” A guy yelled catching the attention of the small group around him. He was just as tall as Jaiden and had the typical blond hair blue eye, heart breaker vibe to him. I could just tell he changed his girlfriend’s more frequently than his pants. If stereotypes existed, he was the poster child for the world biggest flirt. I had to give it to him though he was easy on the eyes and had more muscle to show off then Jaiden.

“Sup Brandon, Sorry I’m late.” Stepping forward Jaiden wrapped him in one of those guy hug bump things. Turning he gave the same to a few others and stepped back and pulled me in front of him.

“This is Ivy, she is going to be my new little sister-in-law.”

“So, your moms getting hitched! Congrats man, I am a little sad she is off the market though. A guy can dream.”

Jaiden snorted, “Yeah keep dreaming cuz that’s never happening.”

Brandon Stepped forward and pulled me into a bear hug. “Welcome little sis, you now have a whole team of older brothers’ congratulations!” He bent over in laughter amused at his own joke, someone was clearly drunk.

“A whole team?” I did not like the sound of that.

“I’ll explain later, I’ll be back guys I’m going to show her my room really quick.” After a quick round of hellos to other people in the group he pulls me a way to a set of stairs. The layout is like Christine’s house that we just went up an extra flight. At the end of the hall, he shows me a guest room that was nice.

“This is my room whenever I’m over so if I can’t find you, I’ll check here first. Also give me your phone.”

Hesitantly I had over my phone, He quickly calls himself from my phone then hands it back.

“Make sure you save my number, and If you need help just text me my phone ringer is on okay.”

Nodding I follow him back down to the main level. There was beer pong happening in the dining room and a band was getting set up in the rec space. It was only 9 and this party was just getting started.