Parties. A blessing from God himself? Maybe to some people, they are. But usually, it's a time filled with freedom, wildness, risks, new beginnings, and of course unlimited possibilities. You can ask millions of teenagers why they love parties so much, and you'll most likely hear this one simple answer; The idea of possibility. Anything could happen at a party. That, my friends, is what makes the thrill of a party exciting. Well, exciting for most. Because unlike everyone else, the only thing parties give me is massive migraines.

To me, the unexpected is frightening and exhausting. It's something I usually don't mess with. Unless of course, the Queen of Ice decides to invite your lover and yourself to a ball for the ultimate revenge. Then it's a whole new battlefield. Then you have to play along. Then you have to show her that two can play this game because you can't just let her win!

A rampage of loud knocks echoes in my hollow room and a muffled voice calls out. "In three seconds I'm coming in, if you're not dressed, tell me now." Paxson's deep, chivalrous voice is muffled by the doorframe.

I examine myself in the mirror, I have on a white and blue striped t-shirt and shorts over my one-pieces maroon bathing suit. I guess this is dressed enough.

"One, two-"

Just as the door swings open I scream. "I'm naked!"

Paxson flinches and covers his eyes, his whole body jolting in surprise, and I start to cackle.

"Really?" he relaxes at the sight of me clothed. I shrug.

"Ugh, whatever. Are you ready to go?" Paxson adjusts his watch like he can't believe the time.

"I guess so. Oh, wait!" I hop off my stool and skip to the other side of my bed, pleased. I carefully grab the perfume that sits on my side stand and hold it up to present it to him.

Paxson rolls his eyes impatiently and taps his foot. I spray the sweet scent in the air twice before slowly drifting myself into the arms of a lovely aroma that I'm addicted to.

"Can we go now? It's an hour's drive and I don't feel like being fashionably late. We have to be there by noon." Paxson widens the door for me to pass. As I move beside him, I stop, flip my hair, and walk out the door.

Paxson's cherry red 1200 Ram is a giant. Once we jump inside, the engine roars viciously and we zoom off. I stare out the window as the world flies behind us with silence as our company. Paxson is the first one to initiate a conversation.

"Okay, so we need to place some ground rules."

I turn my body to face him. "Like?"

"Well for one, be nice. Just because they are Priscilla's friends doesn't mean they act like her. They are kind and cool people. Well, that's what she says, anyway."

Rich and nice? What's the catch?

"They may be a little snotty sometimes, but in those circumstances, you just have to tune them out and smile. Pretend you're listening, when you're not." Paxson finishes with a sort of edge, and I laugh internally. There it is.

"Oh wow, they sound like a dream!" I clasp my hands together and bat my lashes.

"And that's the next thing. This nasty little attitude of yours will get you into a lot of trouble, Missy. Try to conceal it. That's life advance, not just a short-term rule, you hear?"

I salute him. "Yes sir, Mr. Paxson, sir!" Though he tries to hide it, Paxson cracks a smile that sends red to his cheeks.

"Good. The last thing is." He pauses, biting his lip. He lingers there for a moment, then finally decides to speak.

"Well, just don't leave my side. Okay?" His tone swirls into a potion beyond serious to a mixture only the male species can truly master perfectly; protection.

I trace his face with my eyes, my voice caught in my throat. "Easy enough."

A fermata of silence passes. The highway's empty road and the steady rhythm of the Ram are comforting.

"I can't believe you still have that perfume," Paxson chuckles.

A pleasant smile reaches my face. "I can't believe you remember it."

Paxson's eyes glance at me for a split second, and in that second the stars sparkle within them at the thought of the memory.

"How could I forget?"

***

"Okay Jessica, you've explored all of Forever 21 including their bathroom, now can we please go? I'm starving!" Mental note: Never go shopping with Jessica again. Indecisive minds never do well while shopping.

"Calm your pony, Prim. I'm on the road to womanhood. If you wanna be a real woman, you have to enter The Store." Her eyebrows bop to the popish music in the mall and I gulp.

Right across the Forever 21 was The Store. Its name sends shivers down men's spines. Women shriek for it as if Justin Bieber himself is standing in front of them. The models on the posters make any person with XX chromosomes jealous, and the XY species drool over them when their lady isn't looking.

That store is the one and only... Victoria's Secret. A store that makes the word "sexy" look bland.

"Nope! No way! I hate that store with a burning passion," I whine as Jessica is already dragging me along against my will. "You need to experience womanhood!"

"And you need to experience my fist in your face!" I threaten but she giggles instead of latter.

"You're so violent, but it's kinda cute. Like a little puppy getting angry. Now enter the store like a big girl."

I pull my arm away from her grasp as we reach the entrance. My eyes blur from the neon pink sign and the first sight of lingerie.

"Dude, we're fifteen years old. The only bra section that will have our size is maybe the double A section and I'm pretty sure that defeats the purpose of Victoria's Secret." I point at my chest so she gets the hint, but it goes right over her head. So much for womanhood!

"What if I don't want a bra?" Jessica smirks. A smirk I know too well. An evil grin that reads mischief.

"Heck-to-the-no! Not a chance. Not going in there. Your mom also shopping around here, what if she sees us in there?" I cross my arms to finalize my answer.

"If you go with me, I'll get her to pay for the food."

My head snaps at her. "Including drinks and ice cream?" I test. She slowly nods and I cave.

"Alright! But no longer than ten minutes," I warn and she's tugging me along into the pits of hell.

Right from the moment we enter, I already feel out of place and uncomfortable. The shades of black, pink, and purple interrogate me, and the items in the store all make my body want to hibernate. The music that goes along with the aura of the store is odd and bouncy, slow yet steady, and deeply intricate. The shop reeks of spicy and dramatic. This atmosphere is too sexy to exist!

A lady with measuring tape paces in front of us. Her face reads "whose children are these and why are they here?" but her tone is professional and soft when she speaks. "Hello ladies, would you like to be measured today?" she unwraps her measuring tape with a smile.

"No ma'am, I already know how tall I am," Jessica shoos her away confidently. I hold in a snicker.

The lady opens her mouth to speak but Jessica is already lost in her world of womanhood. Every single twist and turn is filled with bras, underwear, lingerie, or other lady items that aren't such a secret to my eyes anymore.

At the far left of the store, I see what seems to be the only safe place to hide, the fragrance stash! "Jessica, I'll be over there," I point but her mind is lost in thought over a stack of underwear. I skid over to the scents and look around.

This might be a good time to get my sister a birthday present... You know, because it's the right thing to do, not because I want something from this awful store...

I smell, spray, and rub on many kinds of lotions and perfumes with the excuse of looking to buy one for my sister. After searching my way through sexual brand names and smells that shouldn't be allowed to have a scent, I find the one. Love and Lust, Limited Collection. A transparent violet glass with a rose top carved with golden words in graceful cursive. I twist off the cap and take a whiff. A sugary finish with a hint of rose petals floods my senses and my heart beams.

This is the one... For my sister, of course!

Without a second thought, I flash into the checkout line and wait for my turn. Though the awkwardness is still present, I focus my mind on the perfume. The lovely, sweet perfume.

"Next. Next please!" A high-pitched male voice calls, and I casually walk to the register. A feminine-looking worker with pink hair waves at me.

"Hey, dollface," his red lips smile. I return the gesture and place the perfume on the table.

"That's it?" He jokes.

"The perfume is for my sister." The excuse rolls off my tongue naturally, but the cashier's glossy lips twist into a grin.

"We have a great printed bra collection. Leopard print is the in-trend, ya know? I bet your sister would look great in it. Get him riled up, you get me?"

"Just scan the item, please," I nudge at the perfume. His creamy pointed fake nails tap the glass and he scans the barcode.

"Okay honey bear, twenty-three forty."

I exhale loudly so he can hear the extent of my patience, but I don't think he seems to care. I hand him twenty-five in cash. He rummages his hands in the cash register.

The cashier leans over my change now in his hand. "You know, the sister excuse is kinda overused. You have a good taste in perfume though. I got a bottle of Love and Lust at home. Gets me in the mood. Turned up, ya feel?"

"Uhh, yeah?" I uneasily agree and snatch my cash from his hand. The fruity worker bags my item while humming and lifts the perfume in my direction. Something catches his eye behind me, and his mouth gapes. I take my bag and turn to see what the scene is.

A man. A beautiful, gorgeous man sits right outside the store, eyes on his phone. His honey-blonde hair and broad figure strike me like a home run. The white button-up and unhinging aura around him make this perfume worthless compared to him.

One foot after the other, I find myself closer and closer to this boy, as he pulls on me like gravity. He's a model, he's a star, he's an angel. He's... Looking right at me! One second I'm staring into his hazel eyes is all it took for me to fall... Literally! I fell face-first with the sound of glass breaking beside me. Either that's my face breaking or the sound of my dignity shattering into microscopic pieces.

I roll on my back with a groan and realize it's none of the above. My Love and Lust perfume spread across the floor, and I just dunked myself in it. A few workers come to check me out, but there's one face I can't help but marvel at. The boy sitting down, the Model. He came to see if I was okay. Did he come to see me? Really?!

"Hey, Miss, you okay? Let me help you." His rich-toned, honey-sweet voice matches his physical aspect of him, that's for sure!

His arms lift me to a stand. There's a wobble in my body, and his arm secures me. My skin itches and my heart flames from the heat of ultimate embarrassment. His smile is tender and sincere. His glittery eyes make me want to faint and fall all over again.

And then his nose wrinkles. "Uhh wow! That's some strong perfume. It's kinda all over you too." His laugh is shaky and my cheeks redden even more.

More workers come to ask if I'm okay, and I awkwardly confirm my health. They offer me free clothes and a gift card but I don't want any of those things. This store is dangerous! I finally manage to brush them off, and on cue, Jessica pops out from the crowd and pushes toward me.

"Did you fall again? Girl, this is the second time you've fallen today. You're usually never this clumsy." Her head shakes for a split second until her attention falls upon the Model who still stands close to me. She licks her lips and I mentally facepalm.

The Model doesn't seem to notice this and motions to the front of the store to where the bench is. "You must be her savior." She twirls her hair and attempts to wink.

I lead myself to the bench, my embarrassment thermometer now dying down for myself but rising for Jessica, though I'm sure she doesn't realize it. My head is pounding like a drum and Jessica's only adding to the pain. I take a seat and she stands in front of me next to the charming man.

"Uhh no, not quite. I saw her trip and land on her face. Not much saving on my part," he mutters, eyes trailing everywhere but Jessica's direction.

"My poor perfume," I mumble in sorrow as I detect pieces of glass being swept up like dirt. Love and Lust? More like Death and Despair.

The attractive male grins and his face lights up. "I'll be right back," he jogs back into the store and I'm left with Jessica.

"Holy crap! Who let the dog out? Is he single? Married? A Mormon? I like my guys married. Makes it more scandalous."

"Might I remind you again that you're only fifteen! You've never even had a boyfriend. Are you out of your mind?" I snap in her face, praying that her comment is some sick joke. "Snap out of whatever delusional reality you live in, please."

"Prim, I'm completely sane. Besides, in my mind, I'm twenty-four. Fake it till you make it!" She scoots next to me, her curly ponytail bobbing around.

"You need to get off Wattpad, seriously," I mutter.

"Okay, but that guy has fine written all over him. I'd snatch that," she whips out her phone and taps the front camera to check herself out.

"He looks too old for us," I slouch at the thought, disappointment kicking in. He's way too old for me, and for once in my life, I wish I had a few extra years on me.

"Honey, love has no age. Remember that," she pats my back.

"Yeah, and jail is just a place, Jessica," I push her hand to the side and she gives a sudden gasp.

"Oooh, he's back!" She fangirls while zipping her phone into her purse. Though I sneer at her, deep down inside I'm fangirling too because this boy is a treat to look at.

"I can't help but feel your falling is my fault, so here," he hands me a bag and it was there! A bottle of Love and Lust. I thought I grabbed the last one, but here it is! It's like he brought it back to life. Every little piece is in one perfect combination.

I can feel my cheeks glowing maroon and I smile at him. He's way sweeter than this perfume! "Wow! This is kind of you. You didn't have to do this for me," My eyes shine right through his, and that's when I know he feels it too. This connection. This unexplained bond.

"Well, I wanted to. Besides, it smells pretty good. Just, you know, smaller portions next time. I know you were excited about it, but no need to bathe in it," he jokes and I snort in laughter. From the corner of my eye, Jessica glares at me. It's the "you're embarrassing me with your ugly laugh" stare that she's given me before.

I try to stop and save this kindhearted boy from my nasal cackling, but he surprisingly laughs right along with me. And there we are, crying from laughter in the mall in front of Victoria's Secret all because of some stupid joke that wasn't even that funny. Everything just seems better with him, and the world stops. Jessica, the people around us, sexy posters eyeing us passionately. It all just vanishes. It's just him, me, and the savoring bliss of this happy moment.

That is until reality catches up with us. A cell phone rings, killing the moment, and the cute boy digs in his pant pocket to reach it.

"Sorry, just a second," he says and checks his phone. His face grows pale and his eyes shrink.

"Hey, mom, what's up?" there's a pause, "oh yeah, I'm on my way. Okay, I will. Love you," he clicks off. Aww, he's not afraid to say I love you to his mom in public. So adorable!

"Hey, ladies, I'm sorry to cut this short, but duty calls at home," his full attention locks on me. "I'm glad you're not hurt. Just be careful, okay? And keep that bottle safe too."

I nod my head because I don't trust my voice to respond at the moment. We just met and he already cares about my well-being!

"And uh, there's something else in the bag too. If you'll excuse me, I have to explain to my mother why I spend twenty-three bucks at Victoria's Secret, and why I smell like a girl. See ya around," he waves while backing away, then heads towards the nearest exit.

"Oh, my God! Open the bag, you idiot! I bet he bought you a bra!" Jessica slaps my arm, and I shove her away with wide eyes.

"I'm pretty sure it's not a bra. That would be weird if it was," I search around the bag and find a piece of paper. The receipt? Did he forget it? Does he want me to pay him back?

I snatch the paper and violently open it. Jessica, being her nosy self, leans in to read the note too.

Dear Perfume Girl,

I'm sorry I made you trip and fall. I didn't think the sight of me would make a girl fall on her face. Maybe I'm that ugly? Maybe I'm that attractive? I'll leave it up to you to decide which it was.

I'm not good with bold choices. I'm a hardcore introvert, but seeing you made me think: "hey, let's be friends!" Great friendships start with a bang, (or a fall) and I think everyone needs to make a new friend from time to time.

457-867-9834 Here's my number. I'll let you choose whether or not to use it. I hope you do, though.

Maybe I'll see you again sometime, and if you ever fall again, I'll actually try and save you rather than stare helplessly as I did. (Sorry again!)

Or hey, maybe you'll just so happen to save me. I guess we'll see!

Stay safe, Paxson

I look over the note again and again, while Jessica huffs.

"Paxson? That's his name? Like the clothing store, Paxson?" she snaps.

"No. Paxson, like the sun." I dreamily recall his eyes, smile, and kindness while Jessica shows clear signs of annoyance. Her huffing and eye-rolling don't phase me.

"Yeah, whatever," Jessica stands and fixes her pencil skirt. "You still stink," she unwraps a new outfit from her stash of clothes and hands it to me.

"Change into this please, and don't fall this time," her high-pitched voice sneers.

She dashes into a nearby shop, not even waiting up for me, but I could care less. I re-read Paxson's words over and over until I've memorized every last word. Until I consumed them in my heart, printed them on my soul, and filled them into my lungs like air.

Because hey, that's what you do when it's love at first sight.

Wow! So this was more of a flashback, and I didn't expect it to be this long, which is why it got its own chapter!

Thank you for reading and sticking around :)