too cool for love typically ain't my type

Aurora Holland

"Where the hell have you been?" Paige asked as I walked into the kitchen.

The party was still going strong, despite how long it's been. It wasn't even that late the more I think of it, it just felt like I was here for so long considering we got here hours before it started.

Paige's hair was messy, probably from her moment with Elijah. Her makeup and clothes still looked flawless though, despite being drunk.

"I was-" I turned, seeing Carter talking to Elijah in the other room. Elijah was touching Carter's shoulder, the boys focused on whatever they were talking about.

As if he could feel me staring, Carter looked over. A ghost of a smirk covered his lips, and I just blushed as I looked back at my cousin.

"Well? You were gone for like three hours?" She questioned, crossing her arms over her chest.

"You went upstairs with Elijah, you were the one that disappeared," I stated, straightening my freshly washed clothes out. They were still warm, and although I would've been thankful if I were outside, I wasn't.

I was in the middle of a massive party with sweating teenagers, it was far from cold in here.

"Okay, I guess you're-" She stopped in the middle of her sentence, squinting at me. "How'd you know his name?"

"He introduced himself to me at some point after you ditched me." I shrugged.

Of course, I wasn't lying to her, but I felt like I was. I wasn't down here the whole time the way I was playing it off, but I'm almost afraid to tell her I've been spending the last few hours with Carter.

Not only would she call me crazy, but she'd never stop talking about it. And I almost didn't want her to know, I wanted this to be my little moment.

Even if Carter never talks to me again after this, it's okay. He seems like someone who didn't really want anyone to know about the things he does, and even if he doesn't care whether anyone knows or not I don't want to give off the impression that I'll just run my mouth about the things we did.

We didn't do anything except ask each other questions, but it didn't matter. It was more fun than I intended it to be, and even if nothing like this ever happens again, I'm okay with that.

It gave me a good memory to hold onto despite the bad memories from my very first high school party.

"Aurora! Where've you been?" Logan asked as he walked up to us.

He had a cute smile on his face, his cheeks red due to the alcohol in his system and the heat circulating the house. I immediately got a whiff of the cologne he was wearing a lot as I had earlier, along with the alcohol on his breath.

"Just around," I mumbled.

"I think we're going to get going soon, her parents will kill us if they find out we came to a party," Paige said.

"Where did they think you went?" Logan asked.

"Study group," Paige responded.

"Study group before Aurora even started school? How did that work?" Logan's brows pushed together.

The confused look on his face was cute, and I found myself smiling at the sight. He then looked over at me, causing my cheeks to burn as I looked back at Paige.

"They're big on her getting good grades, I told them she could come and see what the curriculum was like." Paige shrugged, rummaging through her purse. She pulled some lip gloss out, reapplying it. "I'm also pooped, I've been doing a lot of moving around."

"Oh, I bet." I sarcastically responded, the comment not going unnoticed by the two standing by me.

"Rora!" Paige loudly exclaimed, slapping my arm.

I winced as I flinched back, rubbing the part of my arm she hit. Despite the fact I had sleeves on, her slaps still hurt as she used her fingertips to smack.

"What are we talking about over here?" Another voice nearby asked, and it wasn't long before I felt an arm wrap around my shoulder. The voice had an accent, immediately giving way to the fact that it was Elijah.

He'd pulled me into his side with the arm he wrapped around my shoulder, the other arm wrapping around Paige's. Her face grew a shade of pink, rolling her eyes as she shoved his arm away from her.

It was as if she didn't want anyone to know what just happened between them, even though they openly walked upstairs and into the bedrooms together.

Elijah turned to me with a goofy smile on his face, a dimple poking through his cheek. "Enjoying the party, Rory?"

"Her name is Aurora," Logan cut in. He reached forward, pulling me out of Elijah's grasp and to his side again. I sent him a soft smile, thanking him for getting me out of the boy's grip.

Nothing against Elijah at all - he was cute, seemingly funny, and quite literally the life of the party. I just didn't know him well enough for him to be wrapping his arms around me. I know he only did it because he was drunk and he just seemed like that type of guy to be more touchy and open with his friends, but I wasn't exactly his friend.

"What?" Elijah's smile slowly fell from his face as he looked between me and Logan. "But I thought-"

"Elijah, you're drunk." A deep voice spoke, cutting into the conversation.

Between Elijah and I stood none other than Carter Jackson, his eyes tearing into Elijah. This just confirmed my suspicions of him not wanting anyone to know about our time together, because Logan would've quickly connected the dots if Elijah said he was introduced to me as Rory and not Aurora.

Paige's eyes widened, and it was then I remembered what she'd said about him earlier. He was 'untouchable' or whatever. Her cheeks turned a deep shade of red as she flattened her hair out, putting her bangs in place and wiping under her eyes in case any mascara had run.

She was basically giving heart eyes to him, kind of like a cartoon character. It was amusing, to say the least.

"Hi Carter," She told him. Her tone was different than I was used to hearing, but I'd heard this voice before. She used it when she was interested in a guy.

Why was she talking all about that 'he's untouchable' and seeming so uninterested in him if she was going to fall at his feet the moment he walked up? He's not even paying any attention to her.

My eyes trailed back to Carter, only to see his eyes on me. Well, maybe not me. His eyes were latched onto Logan's arm, which I hadn't realized was still wrapped around my shoulders.

As if noticing the attention was on him, he cleared his throat and looked down. "Hey, Paige." He muttered, rubbing the back of his neck.

"I didn't think you were going to be in attendance tonight," She said, twirling some hair around her finger.

"I thought I'd come down and see what the rage is all about," He spoke with a shrug. His eyes bounced back to me, the honey specks catching in the light from the dining room.

I suddenly felt uncomfortable, and I wasn't sure whether it was from the way Carter was looking at me and the way Logan had his arm wrapped around me or the way I just wasn't used to the scene, but it was then I realized I was really just ready to go home and just lay in bed and forget about the night.

Well, most of the night.

"My parents are going to be worried soon," I spoke up, breaking eye contact with Carter. They flicked over to Paige, who was staring at him as if he were some famous celebrity who had popped in unannounced. "We were going to get going, yeah?"

"Oh, well, I'm sure we could stay-"

"Paige," I sternly said, narrowing my eyes at her lightly.

I don't care that she was blatantly checking Carter out, as it was understandable why she was. He was an attractive man, he deserved to be looked at and admired.

However, I do care that she was ready to finally leave not even five minutes ago, and I do care that there's a chance we could get caught at the party if we're not careful about how long we're out.

"Ugh, fine." She whined, rolling her eyes. "I have no idea where Bailey went, she's our ride."

"Then let's go find her," I said, shoving Logan's arm off of me.

"I can take you home," Logan offered, setting his drink on a nearby table. I glanced from the cup to his face, shaking my head.

"Not a chance. You've been drinking all night."

"I'm sure I'm sobered up enough to take you home," He shrugged.

"You've been drinking all night," I said again. "You can't sober up if you haven't given it a break."

"I'll take them home," Carter offered, shoving his hands in his pockets.

"You don't have to do that," Logan and I said at the same time.

Carter glanced from me to Logan, his eyes darting back to me. "I've yet to drink anything, I'm completely sober. It'd be safest to have me take you because it guarantees you'll get home safely."

"You'd do that?" Paige asked excitedly, her eyes wide and her smile bright.

She was probably pissing her pants right now at the fact that Carter Jackson was going to drive her home.

Imagine if she found out I'd been in his bedroom within the first day of meeting him...

"Yeah, you'd do that?" Logan asked in disbelief. I took a glance at him to see he was looking at Carter in confusion, to which Carter just shrugged.

"I'd rather not have you crash another one of our cars," Carter waved it off.

"Fine, I guess he'll take you guys." Logan grabbed his drink again, finishing it off.

"Will you tell Bailey we rode with him, Lo?" Paige asked the boy, who just nodded in response.

"Let me at least walk you guys out-" He motioned to the front door.

"I'm going to go get my keys, I'll be back." Carter glanced at me one last time before turning away.

I watched as he walked off, my eyes then trailing to where Paige had been watching him too. She then looked at me, a light in her eyes I'd seen plenty of times before.

She wanted Carter. If it weren't obvious from the way she was acting, I'd have been able to find out just by that look in her eyes.

I looked at my feet, wishing I were Paige. She was confident, beautiful, and could get any guy she wanted.

I wouldn't be surprised if by the time we got home to my house, she would leave me to hook up with Carter had the chance be given.

"Should we get outside?" Logan asked, breaking the silence.

I nodded, feeling happy I was going to be at home. I'd had enough human interaction for the day, and part of me hated that I let Paige drag me here.

Elijah, who had somehow been silent this entire exchange, wrapped his arm around Paige's shoulders. "Let me give you a goodbye kiss, love!"

"Elijah-" She pushed him away, only for him to come back. 

I felt kinda sorry for the guy, considering they just slept together and now she was suddenly pushing him away. I didn't quite understand the concept of people who can just sleep together and then act like nothing happened, but then again I haven't lived that type of life.

Not judging those who do live like that - I just simply don't understand. Maybe it's because I'm such a huge romance junkie. I love anything that has to do with romance whether it be from the dates to the touches. Nothing compares to such intimate things as kissing and touching each other, knowing that the other's hands are reserved for you and only you.

But then again, what do I know? I've never even been kissed by a boy let alone hugged in any special way. I know nothing, and all of it could be something that's just portrayed horribly in the media.

"I really hope you had fun tonight, I'm sorry we didn't spend more time together." Logan brought up as we walked outside.

I glanced over to see Paige preoccupied with Elijah, neither of them paying any attention to the two of us. Carter wasn't back yet, and I wasn't sure which car we were going to so I just stood awkwardly at the edge of the yard where nobody else stood.

"It's alright. I'm not really a party person," I admitted.

"I'm sure you'll grow into it, Paige sure did." He made a quick motion with his finger toward my cousin, who was laughing at something Elijah was saying.

"Paige didn't need to grow into it, she was born that way." I laughed out loud, pulling my purse close to my body.

"She is a partier," He agreed, looking down at me. "You know, when she first moved here the first party she came to she did a strip tease on Elijah."

"Really?" I asked, my eyes wide at the confession.

"Yeah we all played a drunk game of truth or dare and someone dared her to do it. She didn't even wait for the dare to be finished, she just got up and did it to him." He explained further, waving his hands around as he talked. "Quite the impression for sure."

"She's good at giving first impressions," I said.

It grew silent between the two of us, and Logan looked to almost say something else before we heard the sound of footsteps approaching. I turned to see Carter making his way down the sidewalk, nodding at some of the drunk partygoers as he passed by them.

His eyes landed on the two of us very quickly, and his face was back to the bored expression he seemed to use a lot.

"Okay, get off of me Elijah!" Paige exclaimed, and I looked over to see her staring at Carter with wide eyes. It was almost as if she was afraid Carter would be uninterested when he saw she was hanging all over his best friend.

"Well, I guess I'll see you Monday then," Logan said, causing my eyes to snap from my cousin to him.

I just nodded, unsure of what to say. He just seemed to look at me, taking in my features.

"Are you done staring at the new girl or can we leave now?" Carter asked, and it was then I noticed he was standing to my left. He looked at Logan with a look I couldn't explain, and Logan only returned the same look.

"Right. Sorry about that Rora. I'll see you at school." He touched my arm as he passed by, making his way to the house after yelling one last goodbye to Paige.

I let out a breath I didn't realize I was holding, shutting my eyes for a second. This was a lot to handle in one day, especially since I didn't know any of these people. I feel like if I were to at least have gone to school first and have known them for a while it'd be easier, but Paige being Paige would never have let that happen.

"You okay?" A voice asked, causing me to break from my thoughts.

I looked up to see Carter looking at me in concern. His brows were bunched together, his dark eyes scanning my face as if that would give him an answer. He was only what seemed about a foot away from me, but I still felt as if he were standing closer.

"Just tired, ready to get home," I told him, crossing my arms over my chest.

"Right," He said as if the answer should've been obvious.

Elijah began to walk by us but stopped, a slight stumble in his step. It seemed he'd given up on that goodnight kiss from Paige, the girl just standing on the sidewalk with a bored look on her face.

"Nice to meet you, Rory," Elijah spoke out, wrapping an arm around my shoulder.

"It's Aurora to you," Carter said, seemingly annoyed by him.

"I hope to see you at the next party?" He spoke it as a question, although part of me thinks it was more of a statement.

I shrugged, feeling awkward. I didn't know Elijah at all except for the bits and pieces of him I'd seen throughout the night, but I didn't want to give him any type of encouragement that I'd be showing up at the next party. Even if he is way past drunk and probably won't remember a thing tomorrow, it won't change the fact that I'd feel weird confirming I'd be there.

"Have a good night, Layton." Carter pulled the boy away from me before he could get too close, shoving him back toward the party.

Elijah giggled at the gesture, wiggling his eyebrows at Carter before stumbling his way back into the house.

My eyes then traveled to Paige, who watched Elijah with a small smile on her face as she rolled her eyes.

"My car's this way," Carter said, catching both of our attention.

We both followed Carter to the open garage, watching as he unlocked the door to an older-looking car. It was in nice shape, but I couldn't tell what kind of car it was since I'm not a car person at all. The only difference I know is between trucks and SUVs, and even then I'm really stupid when it comes to the knowledge of those things.

It was a two-door car, meaning one of us had to climb in the backseat. The interior seats were made of leather and they were black as well, making the entire car colored black. It was quite nice, and actually fit Carter from what I gathered looking at his belongings in his bedroom.

I trailed behind Paige, feeling awkward. I doubt that he was going to talk to me and open up in front of her, and I'm almost willing to bet that he only opened up as much as he did because I was stuck in his bedroom for a few hours.

As Carter got into the driver's seat, Paige opened the passenger door, leaning down and switching the lever so the seat would go forward. Just as I was beginning to think that she'd voluntarily taken the backseat, I was proved wrong when she stood back up straight and looked at me.

"You getting in or what?" She asked, causing my legs to move forward.

This was usual. Paige took the front seat when it came to riding with the boys she was into. I don't really get a choice, even if she says I do.

I love my cousin, but when she's determined - she's determined. There's no point in fighting it.

Avoiding eye contact, I awkwardly climbed into the backseat. I was afraid to show what was underneath my skirt from a weird angle but ignored it as I sat in the middle seat.

Might as well take up the whole back seat since I'm back here alone, right?

I tugged at the ends of my skirt, pulling it as far down as I could. When I looked back up, I made eye contact with Carter, who was looking through the rearview mirror.

His brows were furrowed, a look of... disappointment on his features?

Was he upset I wasn't sitting in the front seat? Clearly not, he doesn't know much about me. Not to mention that nine times out of ten, if people had to choose between Paige or me - they chose her.

"So... Carter..." Paige started as she rubbed at her skirt nervously.

I then realized I was going to have to listen to this the entire car ride to my house, and I groaned internally as I leaned back in the seat.

This was going to be a really long car ride.

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