Total pages in book: 72
Estimated words: 67355 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 337(@200wpm)___ 269(@250wpm)___ 225(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 67355 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 337(@200wpm)___ 269(@250wpm)___ 225(@300wpm)
It was like standing in the middle of a food festival and it was apparent no expense had been spared.
To my embarrassment my stomach rumbled and I was thankful that the music was loud enough that no one could hear it.
“Wow, I’m impressed. It looks like the Champions went all out. Let’s check out all the rooms.”
“Of course they did,” I muttered not wanting to admit that I was also impressed by the layout.
Lea led me from room to room where each one seemed to have a different theme. There were carnival games in one where workers were giving out actual prizes. One of the rooms had karaoke and in the ballroom was where the band played. Several of my former classmates were drunkenly swaying on the dance floor.
We walked outside to see bikini and swimsuit clad bodies splashing in a fancy stone-lined pool. Attached to it was a man-made waterfall and a hot tub. On the deck was more food, a barbeque station.
This place was a walking dream. But still I couldn’t allow myself to relax.
Hans Rodgers a lanky blond kid from my physics class hopped in front of us with a red cup in hand. We were the type of casual acquaintances who said hello in the hallway and sometimes made small talk when no one else was around. I suspect he was only nice to me because he had a crush on my friend. And who could blame him. Lea was cute and petite with long brown hair and expressive hazel eyes and the smile so wide and bright one couldn’t help but smile back.
Along with her bubbly personality she was well-liked by most people at our school, even by some of The Clique members. It was hard to believe the two of us were best friends, but I was grateful to have her in my life.
“Hey Lea, you came! I didn’t think you’d make it.”
Lea grins, her face lighting up like Christmas tree lights. “I wouldn’t have missed this party for the world, especially after everyone hyping it up.”
Hans nods his head in my direction politely. “Hey, Zara.”
Despite having a handful of classes with him, he could never quite get my name right. But after tonight, I’d probably never see him again, so I don’t bother to correct him like I had on several previous occasions. “Hey,” I finally answer back, matching his low energy.
“Lea, do you want to shoot some pool with me in the game room?”
My friend gives me a pleading look and I can think of nothing I’d like less than to watch these two make googly eyes with each other over a pool table. But I don’t want to be a Debby Downer either. This is as much Lea’s graduation night as it is mine and she deserves to have some fun with her crush.
This place is big enough for me to find a spot that isn’t too rowdy and my chances of avoiding the host was good if I keep a low profile. “You go ahead, Lea. I’ll go check out the buffet.”
“You could come play with us,” Lea offered. “I promised to stay by your side tonight. That’s okay, right Hans?”
Hans rolls his eyes but quickly masks his annoyance. “Yeah, sure. She can join us.”
I was already disinterested in joining them but Hans’ obvious lack of enthusiasm seal it for me. “No really. I’m good. How about we meet out here in a couple hours. Have fun.”
“Are you sure?” Lea asked.
“I’m positive. I’ll text you if something comes up.”
Lea threw her arms around me for a quick hug. “You’re the best!”
She practically skipped as her and Hans went off together.
Left to my own devices, I wander around the house, wading through gregarious celebrants. I still can’t muster up any excitement. I should be happy. I’d graduated and I’m going off to college in a couple months. Yet I’m unable to shake the resentment and anger festering inside of me from these past four years.
Sure I could attribute most of my woes to Jackson Champion, the very devil himself. But it wasn’t just him, it had been his flying monkeys, most of the school had labeled The Clique. The beautiful people. The popular kids. Angels on the outside but demons on the inside.
And while they’d tormented me, most of the school watched or ignored my pain. If not for Lea and a few other kind spirits in the school, I’m not sure if I would have made it.
I take a deep breath. If I can just get through the next couple hours, I’ll never have to see most of these people again.
I head to the room with the food. I might as well partake in the spread. I can’t see myself participating in any other activities. I weave my way through the crowd with my eye on the dining area only to hit what feels like a huge wall.