Beneath the Velvet Chains

Chapter 3 -Abbie

As I pulled into Jenny's driveway, my stomach turned, and I felt like I was going to throw up. Looking at the 20 or so people on her lawn made me realize that this was more than just a small birthday gathering; this was a full-on birthday bash. My Uber driver must have noticed my change in demeanor and asked me if everything was okay.

"Yes," I replied. "It's just been a while since I've been to something like this."

He looked at me nervously for a second. "Listen, I don't normally do this," he said apprehensively, "but if you want to skip this party, I'd love to take you out instead."

I stared at him for a moment. He was older than what I would usually go for but certainly handsome. I considered his offer; surely anything is better than what I was facing.

"I'm sorry, I'm extremely flattered, but I made a promise to a friend that I wouldn't bail on her birthday party. Maybe another time?"

He looked embarrassed.

"I'm not blowing you off," I added. "You have my number?" I asked.

"Yes, it's on the app."

"Perfect, why don't you send me a text tomorrow and we can arrange to go out? I'd love to grab lunch sometime, I just really can't miss another one of her birthday parties."

His expression changed, and I caught a smile creeping at the edge of his mouth, but he was clearly trying to act cool.

"Yeah, sure," he said with a less than bothered tone. "Have a good night."

"Thanks," I said, smiling. I spread my legs just a little as I slid across the back seat, just enough for him to catch a glimpse of the lace of my thong. He immediately placed his arm over his crotch to try and hide the erection that was forming. Not so cool now.

I waved him goodbye and stepped out of the car. Looking up the walkway, I recognized a few faces but most were people I hadn't seen before. Maybe this wouldn't be so bad. If the majority were people Jenny knew from outside high school, then I might actually be able to enjoy myself. Walking up to the house, I could feel eyes on me. I heard a few whispers asking who I was, but to my surprise, no one seemed to recognize me at all. Was I that invisible in high school that I was completely forgettable? This thought should have filled me with relief; if no one remembered me, then I could easily enjoy my night without worry. But I felt no relief. If anything, I felt upset that I left no impression. Nothing worthy of remembering that I even existed.

Entering the house, I was shocked by the number of people around. I expected to see quite a few people based on those outside, but this was a full house. Every room was filled with people laughing and drinking. There were tables laid out for beer pong. How does anyone even know this many people, let alone have this many people show up for a birthday party? My birthdays are usually just my parents and whoever I'm dating at the time, but I guess I shouldn't have expected anything less from Jenny. She was universally loved everywhere she went after all.

Just then I spotted them, still in the same cliques they were in in high school. Some things never change. I looked around for Jenny and to my horror noticed her talking to Tammy Peters. I felt my pulse quicken. Turning to go get a drink, I heard my name being called. It was Jenny beckoning me over. f**k.

I smiled and with my heart racing, I headed over. I could see Tammy looking at me up and down trying to assess the situation, but I soon realized she wasn't the only one looking. Half the people around me watched as I walked across the room. Do I have something on my dress? Is my hair a mess? The panic inside me intensified. Fake it until you make it, I thought. Pulling my shoulders back, I strutted across the room with my head high, smiling at Jenny the entire time. Finally reaching her, I gave her a kiss on both cheeks, and she embraced me in a hug that instantly made me feel at ease. This was exactly why everyone loved her. She possessed a gift that made everyone feel comfortable in her presence.

We were exchanging pleasantries and trying to catch up when Tammy interrupted.

"Aren't you going to introduce me to your new friend, Jenny?" she said with a fake smile that was painfully obvious.

Jenny laughed. "New friend? You're being silly, Tammy."

Tammy looked at her with genuine confusion. She really had no idea who I was. Perhaps if she didn't remember me at all, then we could move past the awkwardness of our history.

"I'm sorry, Jenny," Tammy said. "I don't think you've introduced us before, have you?" She asked with a smile.

Jenny, still laughing, replied, "Tammy, this is Abbie. Abbie Reynolds? She was in our high school class. You sat behind her in math for like two years. Your locker was literally three up from hers."

I could see the deep look of confusion on her face, and then it clicked. The look of confusion on Tammy's face turned to complete shock and disbelief. Again, she looked me up and down, but this time I could tell she was trying to align her memory of me with the woman that was now standing in front of her.

"Holy s**t," she whispered, the words barely making it past her lips. "You look..." She trailed off, searching for the words to describe what she was seeing. And just like a switch flicked in her mind, she closed her mouth, changing the look of shock on her face to one of dominance and said, "different."

That was true, I did look different. Was she threatened? She always had a thing about wanting to be the prettiest girl in the room. Not that I thought I was now the prettiest; that would be Jenny, but was Tammy worried I would steal her spotlight? That's what her expression was telling me.

"Jenny, let's go get a drink," Tammy ordered.

Jenny looked at me awkwardly. It was painfully obvious that Tammy was done talking to me, and Jenny was caught in the middle.

"My hand has been empty for too long, and it is your birthday party after all. We should be celebrating."

"Do you want to come get a drink with us?" Jenny asked me.

Before I could answer, Tammy interrupted. "No, I'm sure Abbie wants to do the rounds and say hello to all her old high school friends," Tammy smirked. She knew my only friend was Jenny and wanted to isolate me, just like high school all over again.

Jenny and I exchanged glances. Just then, we were interrupted.

"Hey ladies, are we all having a good night?" I looked at him. He was older now, but those eyes were unmistakable. Harry Thompson. He looked just as good as he did back in high school, maybe even better than I remembered. Just then I remembered earlier, lying in my bath, touching myself to the thought of him. I felt the blood run to my cheeks. He probably doesn't even remember me, and I'm playing with myself over him as recently as a few hours ago. He looked at me and tilted his head. I could sense a twinge of recognition, but he didn't know how he knew me. Jenny must have sensed it too because she stepped in and said, 'Harry, do you remember Abbie Reynolds from high school?' And to my surprise, he remembered me instantly

"Holy f**k, Abbie, you look incredible," he pulled me in for a hug that lasted a little too long. Did I feel his c**k swell behind his jeans? No, it couldn't be. I'm imagining things.

As he pulled away, I saw Tammy staring daggers at me. I looked away from her and back to Harry. He really was handsome. He licked his lips as he looked me up and down again.

"Can I get you a drink?" he asked, pointing to my empty hands.

"Yes, please," I said. "Double vodka and any kind of lemonade. I was going to need a few of those if I was going to get through this evening in one piece."

"Coming right up," he said with a wink. "Looks like the birthday girl needs a drink as well?" he looked at Jenny questioningly.

"Thanks, I'll have whatever Abbie is having."

Before he could say anything, Tammy interrupted. "I could also do with a drink, Harry baby," she put her hand on his shoulder, a clear move to stake her claim on him. Without thinking, I rolled my eyes. She didn't like that.

"Okay," he said, "but I only have two hands so you'll have to come with me to get it." Her face turned sour; this was clearly not the response she was expecting. She stormed off with him to get the drinks, and I let out a huge sigh of relief.

Jenny giggled. "Just like they were in high school."

"How long have they been together?" I asked as nonchalantly as I could.

"Oh, they aren't together, not right now anyway. They have been on and off since high school, but it only ever lasts a couple of months at most before one cheats on the other. Mostly, I think they just f**k when the mood warrants it. It's very toxic, but I just mind my business. She's my friend, so I support her no matter what stupid decisions she makes."

We both laughed.

"I think he likes you, though," she said, bumping her shoulder into mine.

"I don't think so," I said, looking at the floor.

"Oh, he definitely does. It was obvious with that hug. That's why Tammy is acting like such a b***h. Even though they aren't together, she still sees him as though he belongs to her. I can't tell you what to do, Ab, but if you want your night to be drama-free, I'd avoid him. Tammy hates to be outshone."

I looked at her for a moment and wondered if she was right. Did he really want me like that? I'd never have thought in a million years that Harry Thompson would be interested in me, and the thought of him wanting me brought back that familiar heat to my c**t. I could f**k Harry Thompson. All those teenage years of fantasizing about him kissing me, touching me could come true tonight. But she was right. Tammy would never let it happen, and I didn't want to cause a scene. Besides, everyone knows that the reality never lives up to the fantasy.

"Don't worry" I said quietly. "She can have him".