Say I love you

06

In the twilight glow of evening, at twenty-one sharp, my friends and I cross the illuminated threshold of the private party orchestrated by Jordan. After seven long years in high school, this unexpected invitation represents a turning point for Anna and me. Once relegated to the bangs of social life, here we are suddenly immersed in the hustle and bustle of a party, like strangers navigating a new reality.The feverish beating of my heart echoes in the muffled lapping of the lively music, a vibrant contrast to the silence of our forgotten years. Anna, at my side, shows a fragile assurance in every step she takes, while the absence of Stacy and Sarah creates a palpable void. Left to our own devices, we contemplate a landscape of the unknown, the breath of possibility caressing our tense faces.The warm glow of dimmed lights illuminates a bustling interior, where silhouettes move gracefully in a hypnotic dance. Crystalline laughter, conspiratorial murmurs and the intoxicating rhythm of the music merge into a vibrant symphony. The walls of the whispered secrets come alive with shimmering colors, creating a living canvas of effervescence and mystery.-Okay, we're not going to stand still at the front door like frightened sheep," Anna begins, raising her voice so I can hear her over the loud music playing.In response to her words, I nod positively as we venture bravely into the unknown, our steps harmonizing with the intoxicating rhythm of the party. As we explore, every corner of the house reveals itself, vibrating with echoes of lively conversation, hushed laughter and playful bursts of life. Yet a nagging anxiety grips me, clinging to me like an unwanted burden and refusing to go away.- "Relax," Anna murmurs, wrapping her arm around my shoulder, "let's just go to the bar, have an invigorating drink, and join our host, which is Jordan."Just the thought of this crucial moment makes my heart flutter, aware that we must soon greet them to mark our presence.- "You talk as if we're regulars at this kind of party," I finally slip, as we make our way through the crowd, the deafening music still ringing in our ears.Once we reach the lively bar, Anna and I help ourselves to the various drinks on offer. Opting for a refreshing mojito, I savor every sip with delight. At my side, Anna, full of teasing, gently mocks my choice, opting for a mysterious glass carafe filled with a potion whose composition escapes me.As I savor my mojito, the freshness of the mint tickling my taste buds, I glance curiously at Anna's enigmatic drink. Its crystalline liquid shimmers in the ambient light, revealing hypnotic reflections. I'm intrigued by this mysterious beverage, wondering what aromas and flavors it contains.Anna, mischievous, raises her glass decanter defiantly, making the enigmatic liquid shimmer. A mischievous smile stretches her lips as she takes a sip, her sparkling eyes revealing the pleasure of discovery.- What is it?The curious question burns my lips as I raise an eyebrow, testifying to my growing impatience for the answer. However, before Anna can explain, a familiar voice rises above hers, mockingly answering me: - "It's shorts, Kimberly."My gaze instinctively swivels towards the source of the sound to discover Jordan standing before me, his imposing bearing accentuated as he leans slightly in my direction. His voice, tinged with teasing, addresses me as if I were a child:- "How long have you been here?"- "J-just...ten minutes barely," I stammered.A mischievous smile played across his lips, his gaze darting to my drink, causing my already wobbly heart to beat hastily in his presence.- "Mojito?" he sneers, "At a party?"- "If it's there, it's probably popular around here, right?" I hasten to reply to justify my selection.He smiles, shaking his head: - "It was probably Henrys who left it there, you wouldn't normally find it here," he pauses before continuing, "especially not at my party."- "Do you have what you need?" he asks, leaning against the bar.- "Yes," I answer with Anna.- "Perfect, then let's go."- "Go where?" exclaims Anna, frowning in confusion.- "To our table, where the guys and I are seated ."We nod warmly and start walking after him as he turns to leave, making his way through the crowd of men. We follow him with our eyes so as not to lose sight of him. About a metre from where we stand, I can make out a medium-sized table around which several young people are sitting, chatting. The only faces I can make out are those of Cody, Ethan, Alexander and Bradley.The scene is alive with the energy of lively conversation and laughter. The expressions on the young men's faces reflect a mixture of enthusiasm, camaraderie and interest.When we finally reach their table, a shiver of apprehension runs through me as I note with horror that there are only two empty seats left. Anna hastens to take her place, leaving me briefly in the lurch. It's then that Jordan and I meet. My expression betrays my concern, but he promptly reassures me: "You can take the empty chair, I'll sort it out with Allison."In a flash, the lady of whom he speaks rises gracefully from her seat, letting Jordan settle in before taking up a position on his lap. My heart squeezes at the sudden closeness, a twinge of emotion running through my mind."We were beginning to despair of your arrival," Alexander announces, trying to break the awkward silence that had settled in."Well, you weren't the only ones," Anna replies with a light laugh, dispelling the heavy atmosphere hovering among us.An unfamiliar murmur suddenly breaks through the ambient agitation, calling out to my friend and me. We instinctively turn our heads towards the source of this voice, discovering an attractive redhead watching us curiously.- "Are you new around here?" he asks intriguedly, an awakened gleam sparkling in his eyes. "This is the first time we've met, isn't it?" he continues, seemingly captivated by our presence.- "They're in high school with us," Alexander interjects, "And you'll never guess, one of them is Cody's sister. Can you believe it?"Wanting to giggle, a blond man, hitherto in the background, almost chokes as he spits out his drink, triggering general hilarity among the boys present, an atmosphere that tinges me with embarrassment despite myself.- "You hid your sister well, Cody," they jeer simultaneously.Cody rolls his eyes exaggeratedly, while Alexander, suddenly absorbed in his phone, looks up from his screen to share an intriguing gossip:- Guys, the girl I'm chatting to on Messenger asked me to send her something sexy. Do you think I should send her a picture of my d**k?"The disgusted reaction of the girl sitting on Jordan's lap echoes through the space, eliciting rebukes of Alexander.- "You're really disgusting, Alex!" She lets loose with a disgusted expression.- "Did she say she was still in high school?" Someone questions her.- "No, she's a student. I'm sure a picture of my..."- "Write her a poem," Ethan, hitherto silent, suddenly intervenes.Cody bursts out laughing, drawing the others into his good humor: - "Are you in middle school or something? Alex, my advice is not to listen to a guy who's got a six in grammar."A wave of mockery fills the space, but suddenly Jordan's intense gaze lands on me, capturing everyone's attention. My cheeks flush slightly as his voice echoes again: - "Kimberly, as a girl, what would you advise her to do? And what does 'send me something sexy' really mean to her?"- "Uh... I'm not sure, but I agree with Ethan, a poem is a lovely idea," I stammer.A distinct chuckle drew my attention to Bradley, nonchalantly leaning on the table, supporting his face with his hand: - "You risk getting blocked if you choose this option. Just send him a photo of your abs, if you have any. Girls love that."