LIFE AFTER DEATH.

PARTY SHENANIGANS

I caught myself smiling, I loved the feeling I derived from his statement. I didn't know where the strange feeling of control came from, but I liked it.

" I don't know... " I had the urge, I yearned for it. If I wasn't sure about going before, I sure as hell was now. But deep down, I wanted to feel that sense of being controlled again.

" Stop worrying too much and prepare. I can't wait to see you there. "

* * * * * * * * * * * *

My aunt was more than happy when I told her that I had a 'game opening' to attend. She wanted me to go into details, converse with her, and hopefully reveal information to her, but that wasn't the case. Maybe sometimes she forgets about the underlying issue between both of us, or she merely pretends not to know.

My aunt had an event to attend with Tom that Saturday afternoon, and it took place in the next town, so they would be returning the following day. Tom had insisted on hiring a babysitter or calling his cousin over to the house, but luckily for us, my aunt didn't approve.

* * * * * * * * * *

I saw the worried look on Tom's face as he helped my aunt with her luggage, plunging them all inside the boot of the car.

" Amaka, you know I trust you, right? "

I wasn't particularly happy about having this conversation with my aunt, but I had no choice. There were a series of wild thoughts flying around my head, and I couldn't accomplish them with adults hovering around the house. I had to side with my aunt on this one, and that meant playing along with her games.

I nodded while I folded my arms to appear more responsible, in a bid to calm Tom's nerves.

" You're in charge. " Tom pointed at me. I turned over to Tess to make sure she could hear her father correctly.

" Tess, " Tom called with a deep sigh, " Amaka is in charge and I expect you to understand what that means. "

All eyes were on Tess now, we were patiently waiting for her response.

" Alright. " Tess's voice was frail.

" Now that we have got all that settled, we'll be coming back first thing tomorrow morning. " Aunt Vivian was relieved.

" There may be no adults in the house, but that doesn't mean I'm not watching you guys. "

" Tom, " My aunt gently slapped his shoulders, " What he meant was__

" I meant what I said, so be back before 10 pm from the game opening. " He let out strongly.

I concurred by nodding.

* * * * * * * * * *

I avoided Tess's gaze on purpose. As soon as we walked back into the house, I could feel her energy from behind me and I knew she was furious. I didn't say a word to her. I didn't need to. But she kept appearing in front of me, I took notice of her desperate attempts to get me to look her in the eye.

I reached for the lemonade juice and grabbed some chocolate cookies. I took a bite from it and made haste to my room. I had a lot I needed to do before Jojo and Mel came to pick me up.

" Don't think you've won just because my dad left you in charge "

I paused, and words came to my mind to say, but I kept mute. Just before I finalized what to do, my phone rang, it was Mel.

" Hi Mel, isn't it too early? " I chose to ignore Tess and continue my journey to my room, " Okay, I'll be ready before then. "

I heard her silent footsteps following me for unknown reasons. Maybe she wanted to make me uncomfortable to indulge myself. I doubted that whatever I was discussing with Mel was of any interest to her. I didn't let her succeed. Before the footsteps got any closer, I slammed my room door shut and bolted it.

* * * * * * * * * *

It was time to do one of the most difficult things I considered, it was time to pick out an outfit. I had scavenged my wardrobe unapologetically and nothing came to mind. I was hoping I wouldn't have to explore plan B, but with the way things were going, I just might have to.

I recovered sky-blue baggy jeans, with pockets all over them, but I lacked what to wear with them.

It was a birthday gift from my sister and I haven't worn it since I got it. I knew what I wanted to wear deep inside me, but I lacked verbal descriptions of it. I wanted something calling but not too flashy, something comfortable but not too relaxed. I wanted people to recognize me, but I didn't want too much attention. I wanted to be open but didn't want anything too revealing. Without much thought, I made my way to my aunt's room.

I recovered a yellow floral shirt that went perfectly with my jean. It was V-shaped and long-sleeved. It made way for cleavage and exposed my belly button, but at least my arms were covered. I stood in front of the mirror admiring myself and was still in the middle of deciding if I was mentally stable to pull it off, when I heard the car horn outside.

* * * * * * * * * * *

I thought Jojo looked extremely cool in her black, long leather gown, her dark boots made me want to wear them. She loved the color black and made sure not to leave it out. Her eyeshadow and lipgloss were also black and I thought it suited her perfectly.

She had the usual stern look on her face, void of any emotions and I kept wondering why. I drifted my focus away from Jojo and to the party we were approaching. What was I to expect? I haven't been to one before and it left me with no clue.

I was relieved to not be going alone, I would stick with JoJo and Mel just until I got the hang of things. Who was I kidding? I would most likely sit in one spot until the party was over. Yes, I had decided, I would do just that.

* * * * * * * * * *

We got to our destination and, my to greatest surprise, it was one hell of a sight. First off, we drove past what Mel told me was Scott's family's house and my jaw dropped. Here I was thinking my aunt's house was extravagant until I saw Scott's.

We got to a second house, smaller and more fashionable. I was told that was where the game opening/ party was taking place.

As we got down from the car and walked toward the house, I heard loud music and cheers. My heart froze, and I immediately began rethinking my choices. Should I even be here? Was it too late to turn back now? Multiple questions made their way into my head and I lacked answers to them.

* * * * * * * * * *

" Amaka! "

I heard a familiar voice, it was Curly.

" You came, " He reached out to me and gave me a tight hug.

It was enchanting. I briefly lost focus but managed to pull myself back. I freed myself from his embrace and instantly searched for Tess. As long as Curly was there, she wasn't far away.

" You're looking for Tess? " Curly asked as he flung his hands around my shoulders.

" Yeah, I was hoping she'd be with you. "

" She's not coming. "

My eyes shot open, " She's not? " It was hard to believe.

Curly casually rolled his eyes, " She complained about having a stomach upset, blah blah blah. "

I was still surprised, " Is she__

" Enough about Tess, let's go in and have some fun, shall we? "

I turned over to the people I came with and while Melanie was hopeful, Jojo was being Jojo and watchful. Together, we went into the party.

* * * * * * *

It was wild, there were many colors and sounds so loud that I couldn't make sense of anything. My eyes rapidly glanced through my surroundings, taking into consideration what I conceived. I saw Scott.

I knew him because Mel had told me about him countless times.

He headed in our direction with arms apart and a broad smile on his face. When he approached us, he did the unthinkable. He pulled me out of Curly's hold and pressed a long kiss on my lips.