Chapter 2: The Party
1418 Words
Six months into my friendship with Nathalie, I received my first invitation to one of the Rivera family’s infamous parties. Apparently, it was a tradition for the Riveras to host big celebrations for birthdays, holidays, and anything else they deemed important. This time, it was Lucas’s birthday.
“You have to come,” Nathalie insisted, practically bouncing in excitement as we walked home from school. “Everyone’s going to be there. My parents are going all out with the catering, and there’s going to be a band!”
I hesitated, adjusting the strap of my backpack. “I don’t know, Nath. I don’t even have anything to wear to a fancy party.”
“Don’t be ridiculous,” she said, grabbing my arm. “You’ll look amazing in anything, and besides, you have me. I’ll help you pick something out. Please, Ellie?”
Her pleading eyes made it impossible to say no. “Fine,” I relented with a sigh, though my stomach churned with nerves. “I’ll come.”
Nathalie squealed and threw her arms around me. “You won’t regret it! This is going to be the best night ever.”
I wished I could share her enthusiasm. While I was excited to celebrate Lucas’s birthday, I was also dreading the possibility of seeing him with Mia. I’d been trying to convince myself to move on, but the thought of him laughing and dancing with his gorgeous girlfriend was like a punch to the gut.
---
The night of the party, Nathalie and I got ready together at her house. She’d insisted I come over early so we could do our hair and makeup—a rare occasion for me.
“You have no idea how lucky you are to have such clear skin,” Nathalie muttered as she applied foundation to her own face. “It’s like you’re naturally flawless.”
I rolled my eyes, sitting cross-legged on her bed. “I’m just trying not to look like a total mess tonight.”
She turned to me with a teasing smile. “Ellie, you couldn’t look like a mess if you tried. Trust me, Lucas is going to notice you tonight.”
My heart skipped a beat at the mention of his name. “I’m not doing this for Lucas,” I lied.
“Sure you’re not,” she said with a wink.
After an hour of hair curling, eyeliner mishaps, and trying on half of Nathalie’s wardrobe, I finally settled on a simple blue dress that Nathalie said brought out my eyes. It wasn’t as glamorous as what Mia would probably wear, but it was enough to make me feel confident.
---
The Rivera house was already buzzing with activity when we arrived. Strings of fairy lights hung from the trees in the backyard, casting a warm glow over the crowd. The sound of laughter and music filled the air, and the smell of barbecue wafted from the grill.
“Ellie!” Lucas’s mom greeted me with a warm smile as we entered. “I’m so glad you could make it. Nathalie talks about you all the time.”
“Thank you for inviting me, Mrs. Rivera,” I said politely, feeling a little overwhelmed by the lively atmosphere.
“Come on, let’s find Lucas,” Nathalie said, grabbing my hand and dragging me toward the backyard.
The moment I saw him, my breath caught in my throat. He was standing near the bar, laughing with a group of friends. He looked effortlessly handsome in a button-down shirt and jeans, his hair slightly tousled as if he’d just stepped out of a magazine.
Before I could second-guess myself, Nathalie called out, “Lucas! Look who’s here!”
He turned, his eyes lighting up when they landed on me. “Ellie!”
“Hi,” I said, suddenly feeling self-conscious under his gaze.
“You look great,” he said, giving me that signature smile that made my knees weak. “Thanks for coming.”
“Happy birthday,” I managed to say, my voice barely above a whisper.
“Thanks. Make sure you grab some food and enjoy yourself, okay?”
I nodded, feeling a mix of excitement and nerves. Being around Lucas was like standing too close to the sun—warm and thrilling but also a little dangerous.
---
As the night went on, I found myself relaxing a bit. Nathalie introduced me to some of her cousins, and we spent time dancing and laughing by the pool. For a while, I was able to forget about Lucas and just enjoy the party.
But then, as I was heading to the buffet table for a second helping of cake, I saw him. Lucas was sitting on the edge of the pool, his feet dangling in the water. Mia was beside him, her head resting on his shoulder.
I froze, my appetite vanishing.
“You okay?” Nathalie asked, appearing at my side.
“Yeah,” I said quickly, forcing a smile. “I’m just a little tired. I think I’ll head home soon.”
“Already? It’s barely nine,” she said, frowning.
“I just…” I trailed off, unable to come up with a convincing excuse.
Nathalie followed my gaze and sighed. “Ellie, don’t do this to yourself. He’s not worth it.”
I bit my lip, trying to keep my emotions in check. “I know. I just need some air.”
“Okay,” she said, squeezing my hand. “But if you need to talk, I’m here.”
I nodded and made my way to the front yard, where the noise of the party was replaced by the chirping of crickets. I sat down on the porch steps, staring up at the stars and wondering why I couldn’t just let go of this silly crush.
“Hey.”
I turned to see Lucas standing behind me, a concerned look on his face.
“Hi,” I said, my voice barely audible.
“Everything okay? You seemed a little upset back there.”
“I’m fine,” I lied, looking away.
He sat down beside me, his presence both comforting and overwhelming. “You don’t have to pretend, you know. If something’s bothering you, you can talk to me.”
For a moment, I considered telling him the truth—about how I felt, about how much it hurt to see him with Mia. But I knew it wouldn’t change anything.
“It’s nothing,” I said instead. “I just needed a break from the crowd.”
He nodded, leaning back against the step. “I get that. Sometimes these parties can be a bit much.”
We sat in silence for a while, the cool night air wrapping around us. Despite everything, I couldn’t help but savor the moment.
“Ellie,” he said softly, breaking the silence. “I’m glad you’re here.”
I turned to look at him, my heart pounding in my chest. “Really?”
“Of course. You’re a great friend to Nathalie, and you’re… special.”
My breath caught in my throat, but before I could respond, Mia called out from the doorway.
“Lucas, come on! They’re bringing out the cake!”
He stood up, flashing me an apologetic smile. “Duty calls. Don’t stay out here too long, okay?”
I nodded, watching as he disappeared back into the house.
As much as I wanted to believe his words, I couldn’t ignore the truth. To Lucas, I was just a friend—nothing more.
---
The rest of the night passed in a blur. I stayed for the cake and the toast, but my heart wasn’t in it. By the time I got home, I was emotionally drained.
“Did you have fun?” Mama asked as I walked through the door.
“It was nice,” I said, forcing a smile.
She looked at me closely, her motherly instincts kicking in. “You sure you’re okay, anak?”
“I’m fine,” I said quickly. “Just tired.”
“Alright,” she said, kissing my forehead. “Get some rest.”
I nodded and headed to my room, where I collapsed onto my bed. Staring up at the ceiling, I let the tears I’d been holding back finally fall.
Loving Lucas was like chasing the wind—impossible, frustrating, and completely out of my control.
But no matter how much it hurt, I couldn’t stop.
- Writer
