Betrayed By Love

Chapter Four

A chorus of shouts and laughter spilled out as Lexi's front door opened. "Wow, everyone's already here? The party wasn't supposed to happen for another two hours." My anxiety filled me to my core when I realized just how many people actually showed up.

"Did you forget? We aren't the only ones graduating. The whole class is here, including all the people they invited to celebrate with." She gushed with excitement. A second of silence passed before she noticed my apprehension. "Hey, calm down, it'll be okay. Let me go grab you a few shots to help calm your nerves, alright?" She waited with bated breath. Nodding my head in agreement, she bounced off the bed, hurrying for the door. "Be back!"

As soon as the door closed, I felt like a tiny weight had left me. Taking a deep breath, I headed for the mirror. Mentally preparing myself for tonight.

This is supposed to be a fun night. Let loose, Mira, don't let your anxiety drag you down tonight. Have fun with your best friend, for one more weekend, because.. As soon as Monday comes, I'm leaving and won't come back until I have the confidence to face my parents. I have to—

"Whatcha thinking about?"

Jolted out of my spiraling thought process. "Oh, I was just trying to calm my nerves. Let me get the shot, and let's get dressed."

"Someone's impatient. Here you go, girly. Two shots of vodka."

"To us, and whatever lies ahead now that we're done with high school. Hopefully hot men." Lexi joked as we clinked our shot glasses. Causing a crimson blush to cover my face. "Lexi.." "Oh, come on, girl, with the way you look, it's going to happen eventually. Hopefully soon, so you relax a bit. "she smirked as I smacked her arm in response. "Lex!" I hissed.

"What? I promise it's fun."

"You've actually done it?"

"Yeah, Once. After tonight, hopefully the number will be bigger." My eyes were as wide as saucers. At this rate I won't be able to make eye contact with any of the male gender. Laughing like a manic at my dismay. "I'm joking. I only have my eyes set on one person. But he doesn't really pay attention to me. Tonight will be different, I know it. I can feel it in my gut," Lexi said with a determination, I truly wish I had.

"I hope you get him Lex. You deserve whatever will make you happy."

"Aw thanks, Mira, I'll be sure to let him know you said that." She laughed when the color completely drained from my face.

"I'm joking again. Let's get ready. Will you please wear a dress tonight?"

"No, I'm not wearing something that I'll be uncomfortable in, around a bunch of people I don't know. I'm already drinking, I don't want to be any more uncomfortable than I already am." Noticing I meant what I said, she didn't try to push me anymore.

"Okay, then what will you be wearing?" She inquired.

"I think just a comfortable oversized T-shirt, some leggings, and tennis shoes." Lexi looked completely devastated at my choice of outfit, as I had just told her, her whole life was a lie.

Giggling at her reaction. "What?"

"Really Mir? That's what you're wearing to your graduation party?" She deadpanned.

"Yes Lex, I promise the next time we throw a party or something, I will let you dress me up." She didn't look convinced.

"You're just going to come up with an excuse next time too." Lexi started to sulk. "Why are you letting your body, and looks go to waste? So many girls are jealous, and you don't even know what you have." She continued to pout about my choices. Forcing me to look directly in the mirror. "Girl, look, you're tan, long legs, long beautiful brown hair, you have t**s, and an ass. I don't know if you've noticed, but your eyes aren't hazel. That's central heterochromia. You have three colors in your eyes, and none of them blend. They're all separated. Mira, you're beautiful and unique. Just smile at a man, and he'll be falling at your feet when he sees your dimples. You don't have to flaunt it, but at least remember that." She spoke sincerely, before going back to getting ready. Putting light makeup on, making sure everything was smudge-proof, she sauntered to her closet, prepared to put her outfit on. "I'm going to wear this emerald green dress Mom got me. What color heels do you think?"

"Oh, um, I'm not sure Lex. I'm not really into fashion."

"Just pick a color, and I'll wear it."

".......Black?" I whispered, unsure of my answer. A smile graced her face.

"A safe option, I should've known." She laughed as she grabbed black heels.

"You ready?" nodding my head. "Let's go."

Between the crowded room, the heat from so many moving bodies, the smell of alcohol, and the noise. I couldn't concentrate. My senses were in overdrive, having never been in this situation before. "Breathe, and try not to focus on everything around you. Just focus on me, and getting to the kitchen." Lexi spoke as she grabbed my hand. Following her advice, I focused on the feel of Lexi's hand against mine as we moved towards the kitchen. We found a space where we can breathe and talk without issue. Giving me a chance to get my bearings together.

"You good so far?" She looked at me with worry.

Forcing my anxiety to the side, I focused on having a good time with Lexi. "Yeah, I'm good. Let's start drinking."

"Sounds good to me. Vodka again?"

"Yes ma'am."

"Be back in a minute."

"Why didn't you dress up?" A voice came from behind me, making me jump. Spinning around, I came face-to-face with Aaron.

"Oh! you scared me!" Laughing to bring calm my heart.

"Sorry, didn't mean to." Aaron half-smiled as we just stared at each other in silence.

"Oh yeah, your question. I didn't want to. I felt more comfortable in my comfy clothes, rather than a dress."

"Makes sense. You would've looked beautiful in a dress, though."

"Um— Thank you, Aaron. I'm just gonna be with Lexi tonight, so you don't have to worry much. You can drink, or go around and socialize if you'd like."

"I plan to, I'd be bored otherwise. Congratulations on graduating from high school Mira. I'm proud of you." Aaron slid his arms tightly around my waist as he brought me in for a tight hug. Having no other choice but to accept his embrace, I hugged him around his neck.

A few seconds went by, and he hadn't put me down. "Aaron?" Silence. "Aaron? Can you put me down?" I asked as I shoved his head off my shoulder. Something flickered in his eyes before his usual demeanor came back. Putting me down, and patting me on the head before walking towards the bar.

"Have a fun weekend and don't do anything you aren't supposed to." he reprimanded, jokingly.

"I know, I know." rolling my eyes as soon as his back was turned.

"What was that about?" Lexi seemed concerned as she handed me my mixed drink.

"Oh, nothing. Just congratulating me." Looking completely unconvinced, she shrugged and moved on.

"Let's go mingle with some of these good-looking men, Mira." Winking as she dragged me to the group of people closest to us.

I noticed Lexi absent-mindedly searching through the crowded house. I wonder what she's looking for. We reached the group of two men, and three women.

"Well, what do we have here?" The man with black hair asked. He was rather good-looking. But that overly cocky expression completely ruined it for me.

"I'm Lexi, and this beauty is Mira." Lexi stepped to the side, bringing everyone's attention to me. Instantly regretting every decision I ever made, that led me to this moment.

"Hey." I managed to force out of my mouth.

"What should we call yall?" Lexi asked, bringing the attention back towards herself. The man with black hair spoke first.

"I'm Mark, and this–" He grabbed his friend's shoulder, bringing our focus to him. He had brown hair, brown eyes. I could see some girls fawning over him. "This is my friend Nathan."

As Lexi spoke to the men, I observed my surroundings. Noticing how everyone is in their own worlds, drinking, laughing. Without a care in the world. I wonder what that kind of freedom feels like, to not have an overbearing sense of dread every day of your life.

"um, excuse me?" Snapping out of my head, looking over to find one of the three girls speaking to me.

"Oh, hey, sorry I was thinking."

"It's okay, I could tell." The timid girl looked around before continuing.

"You seemed just as uncomfortable with being here as I am. So, I thought I would come check on you." She barely spoke loud enough for me to hear.

"Yeah, I'm trying to be more social. Have more of a life. But, this is hard. My anxiety gets the best of me at the worst times. I don't really know how to deal with it well enough." Sighing, if only I were normal..

"Don't look so down. One step at a time, and we'll get through this together." She smiled as she held out her hand.

"My name is Annie. What's yours?" Clasping her hand with mine.

"I'm Mira. It's nice to meet you, Annie."

"Nice to meet you too. Maybe we can start hanging out?"

"I'd like that a lot." Laughing, "You already seem more brave than I. Since I don't think I would've ever walked up to you and asked to be your friend so confidently as you did.

A blush, not much different than mine, covered her face. "Oh, uh, I didn't think it through." Her voice became meek.

"It's okay. I liked your confidence. Maybe you can teach me how you do it." Smiling, trying to ease her.

As Annie, and I continued to get to know each other. I began to relax, and truly enjoyed what became of our party. I never would have known how nice, and easy-going most people are, that I wouldn't have to be scared to make new connections. This new revelation couldn't have come at a more perfect time. It'll make getting by when I leave even easier. Annie is now another person I won't leave behind forever. I put my planning aside as I continued to get to know Annie. She's visiting family here, but she lives about two hours away with her grandmother. She offered to let me come see where she lives. Never having left my town, I agreed. Realizing it would help me learn more about other places. As our conversation continued, the hairs on the back of my neck started to stand, goosebumps covered my skin, as a warmth ran through my spine. Stunned by my body's random reaction, I rubbed my arms trying to shake the feeling off, not liking it one bit. A few seconds went by before I realized It felt like someone was watching me. I turned, scanning my eyes through the ever-moving crowd, locking eyes with a tall man staring straight at me. Before I could react, he disappeared as someone passed in front of him.

"What was that?..."