COLOR ME

EPISODE THIRTEEN

Tendai's gaze shifted between Grayson and me, his silence heavy with unspoken thoughts.

"Grayson wanted to use the bathroom," I blurted out, my voice a bit too quick, desperate to keep Tendai from getting the wrong idea.

Grayson, ever the instigator, stayed quiet, likely enjoying the tension in the room. Knowing him, he was probably hoping Tendai would assume something more was going on.

"Grayson, use the bathroom in the next bedroom. This one's occupied," I instructed, trying to maintain control of the situation.

Grayson turned to look at me, a slight smirk tugging at his lips before he shut the door behind him. Tendai didn't notice, his focus still entirely on me.

"That was awkward," Tendai said, giving me a quick hug.

"I'm so sorry, Addie," he apologized, his voice filled with regret. "My friends and I smoked weed and lost track of time."

"I thought you wouldn't come," I said. I was still angry at him for not texting me back during the day.

"I am really sorry, it won't happen again," he said.

"Let's go back downstairs. Reina Thingz will start performing soon," I said. I didn't want to miss her performance.

Tendai glanced at his watch. "Artists usually go on stage after 10 p.m. It's only 9 p.m., so we have an hour to kill."

"What should we do until then?" I asked. I was curious because we couldn't go down and hang openly.

He grinned mischievously. "I'm going to teach you how to smoke weed."

"My parents don't want me to do drugs!" I protested, feeling a knot of anxiety form in my stomach.

"Addie, your parents aren't here. This is how a high school party goes," he said, pulling out a few weed cigarettes from his pocket. "It's your first time, so I won't let you get too high. You still have to go home."

He lit one and took a long drag, exhaling with satisfaction. "This is some good weed."

He handed it to me. "Hold it between your fingers like this," he demonstrated, "then put it to your lips, open your mouth a little, and inhale the smoke."

I hesitated but followed his instructions, though my hands trembled. "Don't be scared," he reassured me, guiding the cigarette to my lips.

The moment the smoke hit my throat, I coughed violently, my eyes watering. Tendai chuckled.

"It's your first time; that was expected. Try again, you'll get the hang of it."

I took another puff, this time coughing less. After a few more attempts, I began to feel more relaxed, the earlier tension melting away.

"Tendai, did I ever tell you that I find you attractive?" The words tumbled out before I could stop them, and I quickly covered my mouth, mortified.

Tendai laughed softly. "Don't be embarrassed, Addie. I find you very attractive too."

He moved closer, gently placing a hand on the back of my neck, pulling me into a kiss. My heart raced as his lips met mine. The softness of his kiss made my breath catch, and for a moment, I felt like I was floating. I pulled away, nervous, my mind spinning with a thousand thoughts.

"Was it bad?" he asked, concern flickering in his eyes.

"No! It's just... that was my first kiss," I admitted, feeling a blush creep up my cheeks.

"Really?" he said, smiling as he pulled me back into a warm embrace, kissing me again, this time with more passion. His lips were tender yet insistent, conveying a mixture of affection and desire that made my pulse quicken. His hand began to lift my top, but I stopped him gently.

"No, I'm not ready," I said, my voice firm yet shaky with the intensity of the moment.

He paused, his expression softening into one of understanding. "It's okay; I'll wait until you are," he promised, his eyes filled with sincerity. "I want this to be right for you, not just for me."

I nodded, feeling a mix of relief and warmth at his reassurance. "Thank you, Tendai. I appreciate that."

He gave me a reassuring smile and pulled me closer, his arms wrapping around me protectively. "We can take our time. For now, I'm just happy to be with you."

Just then, my phone buzzed. It was Dad. I answered, bracing myself.

"Ade, come back home this instant," he demanded, his voice sharp.

"Dad, I'll come home when the party ends," I replied, trying to keep my voice steady.

"Why are you talking to me like that? You've learned to disrespect me!" he shouted, his anger palpable.

Tendai gestured for me to calm down, but I was too frustrated. "Dad, I'll be there after Reina Thingz finishes performing," I insisted.

"Come home now, or I'll come get you," he threatened.

I hung up, my heart pounding.

"Addie, you didn't have to talk to your dad like that," Tendai said gently.

"He's being impatient. I haven't even seen Reina perform yet."

"He's looking out for you," Tendai said with a reassuring smile.

"Let's go down and enjoy the show," he suggested, glancing at his phone. "It's now 10:11 p.m."

As we stepped outside the room, the sound of Reina Thingz performing one of her hits filled the air. The corridor no longer had partygoers. It was empty. They had all headed to the living room for the show. We found that the space was packed, with the crowd singing along to every word.

People around us were so engrossed in singing along to Reina's music that they didn't notice me with Tendai. I scanned the room for Mae, Jensen, or Andrew but couldn't spot them. They were likely at the front, especially since Mae was such a huge fan of Reina's music. The energy in the room was electric, and the vibrant atmosphere made me momentarily forget the chaos of earlier.

Suddenly, Reina's voice cut through the music. "I want to dedicate this next song to my ex, who goes to your school now."

The crowd murmured in surprise. Reina's ex was a student at our school? My curiosity piqued, I wondered who it could be.

"This boy broke my heart into so many pieces," she added, her voice filled with emotion, before launching into the song.

Verse 1

Yesterday, I played this game of love

I used to dream all about you

And how we used to be

We fell in love in the blink of an eye

It was me and you versus the world

'Cause I remember when I used to be crazy about you

But now I got to move on and be free

Chorus

Cause I want to know what it feels to be

Truly in love again

'Cause baby, it's over, the girl you used to know is gone forever

'Cause now I know what it feels to be

Happy again with me

'Cause baby, it's over, the girl you used to know is happy again

Verse 2

Now, I walk on this lonely road

Where love is a rumor

Cupid has no hold over me anymore

Searching for a new home

To bring me joy and hope

Make me feel like what it is like to be high on love again

Been waiting for the one to be as one

Chorus

'Cause I want to know what it feels to be

Truly in love again

'Cause baby, it's over, the girl you used to know is gone forever

'Cause now I know what it feels to be

Happy again with me

'Cause baby, it's over, the girl you used to know is happy again

The lyrics were deep, filled with sorrow. It was clear that the boy she had dated had really hurt her. As Reina finished her performance, she dramatically dropped the mic and headed in the direction of the right wing of the house where we had come from.

I turned to tell Tendai that it was time to go, but he was nowhere in sight. Panic started to rise as I wondered where he could have gone.

Checking my phone, I found a message from him: "Go back home without me." My heart sank. Tendai had ditched me? Why? What could have been so important?

I scanned the room and saw Andrew chatting with Liz at the counter, with Jensen taking shots nearby. But there was no sign of Mae. Something felt off.

"Jensen, it's time to go," I urged, noticing the way Andrew was flirting with Liz. "Let's leave before Andrew does something he'll regret tomorrow."

Jensen turned to me, his eyes glazed with alcohol. "Addie, I love you. Why don't you love me back?"

His words took me by surprise. "Jensen, I like you, but let's just go home," I tried to coax him, hoping to defuse the situation.

"I don't want 'like,' Addie. I want love," he insisted, his voice growing more desperate. He leaned in to kiss me, but I pushed him away. The people around us erupted in laughter, and I could see the humiliation on Jensen's face.

"Leave me alone, Addie," he said, his voice laced with bitterness.

I took a step back, deciding not to push Andrew either. The last thing I wanted was another outburst. Instead, I asked around if anyone had seen Mae. Someone mentioned seeing her head toward the left wing of the house.

I began opening doors, finding each room occupied. On the fourth try, I finally found Mae—but she was with Grayson. They were making out, and I was completely floored.

"Mae, stop what you're doing," I demanded, trying to keep my voice steady.

They both sat up, Mae's face flushed. "Addie, no one's taking advantage of me. This is what I want," she said, her words slurred.

"Mae, you're drunk," I insisted, my heart racing.

"Stop interrupting us, go away," Grayson snapped, his tone cold and deliberate. It was clear he was trying to hurt me for rejecting him by being with Mae, my best friend.

"Mae, don't do it. You'll regret it tomorrow," I pleaded, hoping to get through to her.

"Addie, I want this," she repeated stubbornly.

"Mae, you're drunk. Please don't do this," I urged, trying to keep my voice from breaking.

"Come and join us then if you don't want to leave," Grayson taunted, his eyes locked on mine.

"Addie, just go," Mae said, her voice softening.

Feeling defeated, I walked out of the room. Grayson followed me and locked the door, sealing me out. I stood there, stunned and hurt, wondering where Tendai had disappeared to. What could have been so important for him to leave me alone like this?

With a heavy heart, I ordered an Uber and stepped outside to wait for it. The party was winding down, and people were starting to leave, their laughter and chatter blending into the night. I felt a pang of loneliness as I stood there, the weight of the night's events pressing down on me.

I reached home at 11:27 p.m., bracing myself for the consequences of the way I had spoken to my dad earlier. When I knocked on the door, Dad opened it. The moment I stepped inside, he slapped me across the face.