Chapter Five Party Night
1019 Words
Saturday evening arrived faster than Antonia expected. She stood in front of her mirror, second-guessing her outfit choice, jeans, wedges, and a red sweater that her mom gave her before she died.
Her phone buzzed with a text from Maxine: "I’m outside.’’
"Coming!" she replied, grabbing her jacket.
Downstairs, her dad was watching a baseball game. "Remember…"
"One a.m., I know dad," Antonia interrupted. "And I'll call if anything feels off."
"That's my girl." He gave her a quick hug. "Have fun. But not too much fun."
"Dad!"
"I’m just saying."
Maxine pressed the horn from the driveway. Antonia hurried out and sat in the passenger seat.
"You look hot!" Maxine complimented her. "Tyler is going to loose his head."
"I told you I'm not interested in Tyler."
"Yeah, yeah. You’re more interested in our mysterious professor, right?"
Antonia felt her cheeks warm again. "I am not."
"Please, I've seen how you look at him in class."
"Can we talk about something else? Like where exactly is this party?"
"Fine. Tyler's parents have this cabin near the lake. It's amazing. Indoor pool, hot tub, nice view."
"Hmmm, sounds fancy."
"His dad is a big lawyer in the city. They're loaded with cash, baby."
“You know money doesn’t freak me’’ Antonia said.
“Yeah, whatever.’’ Maxine dismissed her claims by turning the radio on.
The cabin turned out to be a massive two-story building with large windows and a nice deck. Music blasted from inside, and cars were parked on the long driveway.
"Ready to have some fun?" Maxine grinned with excitement, parking behind a red Jeep.
"As I'll ever be."
Inside, the party was in full motion. Antonia recognized several students from her classes, including Tyler, who saw them immediately.
"You made it!" he called, walking towards them. "Can I get you ladies something to drink?"
"I'll take a beer," Maxine replied.
"Just soda for me," Antonia added.
Tyler nodded. "Coming right up."
As he walked away, Maxine nudged Antonia. "He's cute, right?"
"I guess. But he’s not really my type."
"What is your type? Hot professors with mysterious vibes?"
"Shut up," Antonia laughed, smacking Maxine's arm.
The evening went on pleasantly. Antonia found herself relaxing, even enjoying the party. Tyler was attentive but not pushy, he kept bringing her drinks and introducing her to people.
Around midnight, Maxine disappeared with a guy from her chemistry class, promising to be back soon. Antonia found herself alone on the deck, enjoying the cool night air.
"Having fun?" Tyler asked, joining her.
"Yeah, actually. Your place is beautiful."
"Thanks. My parents only use it a few weekends a year. It all seems like a waste."
"So you throw parties instead?"
He replied with a small smile. . "Well, someone has to put it to good use."
They chatted easily, and Antonia found herself warming up to him. He was nice, normal and uncomplicated.
"Want to see the rest of the place?" he asked. "There's a great view from upstairs."
Warning bells went off in Antonia's head. "I should probably find Maxine."
"She's fine. I saw her with Jake." Tyler touched her arm. "Come on,it’s just a quick tour."
“I’m not sure I’m up for sightseeing , Tyler.’’ Antonia replied.
“I promise you I’m not like that douchebag of an ex at your last school.’’ Tyler assured her.
“Gosh, does the whole school know about that? Antonia asked, her hand covering her forehead in embarrassment.
Tyler shrugged his shoulders. “Well, I guess, word does travel fast around here. But don’t worry, you’re safe,’’
Before she could respond, a loud noise sounded inside. There were raised voices, then a crash.
"What the hell?" Tyler muttered, heading back inside.
Antonia followed him. In the living room, a group of uninvited guests had arrived. At their center stood a man with sharp features and cold eyes.
"Sorry to crash the party fellas," he said, his voice louder than the music. "We were feeling left out."
The room was now quiet. Antonia noticed several people moving back slowly.
"You're not welcome here, Raoul," Tyler said, his voice tight. "Get out before I call the cops."
"The cops? In case you haven't noticed, we outnumber you." His gaze scanned the room, and then landed on Antonia. "Well, well, who do we have here?"
He moved towards her with a predatory gaze. Antonia stepped back immediately.
"Leave her alone," Tyler warned.
"Or what?" Raoul challenged. "You'll call your daddy? Or maybe Mallory will come to the rescue?"
At the mention of Ethan's name, Antonia froze. How did this man know her connection to Ethan?
"I don't know what you're talking about," she managed to say.
"No?" Raoul circled her slowly. "Strange. I can swear you smell of him."
"Back off," Maxine appeared suddenly, standing between them. "This isn't your territory."
Raoul's eyes narrowed. "Ah, one of Mallory's dogs. I should have known."
The tension in the room was palpable. Antonia couldn't understand what was happening, but she knew it was dangerous.
"We're leaving," Maxine said firmly, taking Antonia's arm. "Now."
"Not so fast." Raoul blocked their path. "I'm very curious about Mallory's new pet. Does she know what you all are? What he is?"
"Enough," a hoarse voice commanded.
Antonia turned to see Elias standing in the doorway, with two men she didn't recognize.
"This doesn't concern you," Raoul growled.
"You're on our territory," Elias replied. "That makes it our concern."
For a tense moment, no one moved. Then Raoul smiled. It was a cold, soulless expression.
"Fine. We're leaving." He looked at Antonia. "But this isn't over, little human. I’m just getting started."
As Raoul and his group went out, whispers echoed through the remaining party guests.
"Who the hell was that?" Antonia demanded once they were gone.
"No one you need to worry about," Maxine replied, her voice strained. "We need to leave now."
"No. Not until someone explains what just happened." Antonia refused.
"Not here," Elias interrupted. "Maxine, take her to Ethan. Now."
"To Ethan? Why?"
But Maxine was already pulling her toward the door. "I'll explain in the car."
- Writer
