Alexander pov~

I sighed and tied up my hair. John couldn't come to Angelica's party thing because his sisters (who I wanted to meet) were coming over, and I'd already agreed to go. I honestly don't know why I agreed. I'm always that one sober person at the party.

I knocked on the door and waited, tapping my foot anxiously. Peggy opened the door and smiled.

"Alexx!" She slurred. How was she already drunk? "C'mon in!"

Oh god. I stepped into the house and sighed. So. Many. People. Most of which were either drunk or tipsy.

I located the drinks, took a shot, then went to find somewhere that might be quiet. Which I failed at. There were humans everywhere. Everywhere. I pulled out my phone and sat down, hoping that people might ignore me if I looked busy. I was sitting by the door that led to the hall, because it was the least disturbed place... so far.

At some point, Michael ran past me, very obviously on the verge of tears. I watched him run into the bathroom and knocked on the door, wanting to check on the poor boy, but he didn't open, so I went back to my spot and glared whenever someone came close to me.

"Aww c'mon Alex!" Angelica whined, sitting next to me. "Pwetty pwease."

"Angelica, you're drunk."

She laughed loudly. "I know!" She grabbed my hand and pulled me away from my corner.

"I'm going to hate myself for this." I grumbled, following her as she weaves through the throngs of drunk people.

Angelica led me to the drinks and handed me a glass. "Drink up."

"It's really hard to get me drunk." I raised an eyebrow.

"Then you drink loats," She frowned at the word that was certainly not a word, but continued. "And come dance!"

I sighed, sitting down on some random chair that wasn't occupied. I had a few more shots, and tried some Sam Adams, which I know is John's favorite. Honestly, it wasn't that good, but I guess I could see why he liked it.

I stayed there for a while, just kinda staring at the empty cups in front of me. I'm not drunk, and I don't want to get drunk, but it would make it easier to cope with everything around me.

Decidedly, I don't like parties.

—~•~—

Wow, so many people are really drunk here. There's no one who isn't intoxicated anymore. They all left. I'm not sure why I'm still here. I'd seen Michael leave alone before, he looked like he'd cried really hard, but he wouldn't talk to me, which was concerning.

I sighed, leaning my back against the wall which I was pressed against currently. The chairs have been stolen for god knows what reason.

Peggy came up to me and grabbed my wrists, pulling me over to a group of people, who I didn't recognize. Except Angelica. There was one person who caught my eye. She was really pretty.

She looked a bit like Peggy, but wore a blood red dress with a low collar and had her hair cascading over one eye. The girl had full, red lips and beautiful dark skin.

I'm allowed to think someone else is pretty even though I'm in a relationship, right?

I'm not planning on making a move on her, I don't like her in a romantic way. It's just she's pretty. Aesthetic attraction is ok, right? Yeah. I've decided it is.

Peggy introduced me to everyone but I forgot their names except the girl. She was called Maria.

Angelica left to head to the makeshift dance floor with her sister, dragging a few of the people with them. The other people left, not really wanting to hang around because they knew about as much about me that I did about them.

"So... Maria... right?" I asked, and she looked at me, seemingly confused that I was talking to her.

"Me? I'm Maria! You're Alexander." She said, words a little slurred.

"I am indeed."

Maria took a few steps closer to and and I noticed just how similar she was to Peggy. It was a little freaky, knowing that they weren't related but looked pretty much the exact same.

She was getting uncomfortably close. And I took a step back, frowning a little. Just as I was about to push her away, I felt Maria's lips on mine.

I was shocked and froze, only to remember what she was doing and shove the drunk girl away.

"What the hell?" I hissed, rubbing my mouth with my sleeve.

Maria looked at me, hurt in her eyes. And, to my disgust, a bit of lust. I glared at her and walked away, grabbing my coat and shoes.

I said goodbye to Peggy and headed back to John's place. I'd planned to stop by and, if he was still awake, meet his sisters and hang out. I got out of the elevator and walked to his apartment, knocking on the door.

I waited for a moment and started to wonder if he was awake when tho door opened and a tall blonde girl with piercing blue eyes that matched John's. I guessed this was Martha, because she's too mature-looking to be 7 years old.

"Hi? I'm Alexander... John's boyfriend?" I said hesitantly, and it sounded more like a question.

Martha (I think it's Martha) narrowed her eyes at me and slammed the door. I blinked, and took a step back.

I frowned but went home, mind crowded with thoughts.

Why had Maria kissed me?

Why had Martha shut me out?

Why can't I just be ok?