╔═══════════════╗
4 | Healing Hearts
╚═══════════════╝

FRIDAY, THE ONE day I was actually looking forward to all week. Thursday was such a bore, the classes were long and I didn't have anything to do except homework. Well, that and getting harassed by both Will and Asher. They were both trying their best to convince me to go to Rhett's party tonight. After my Wednesday tutor with Alissa, for some unknown reason, I didn't know why, but I actually wanted to teach her more. There was this satisfaction when you were able to teach someone and they actually got it. They actually understood what you were trying to say or point out. Whatever it was, I was glad I signed up for this study buddy that I originally thought was stupid. Well, it was still sort of stupid.

However, it didn't change the fact that my schedule have taken a big turn. Which reminded me, I have to talk to both Cynthia and Alissa about the study buddy schedule. I couldn't possibly meet them more than once a week. I would probably die out of exhaustion. I was thinking of trying to get them to agree that I should tutor them together and every other week only.

At the last minute, I finally agreed to go to Rhett's last party tonight. He was throwing it again at his house and it was the last because his parents were finally going to go home from their business trip–who were completely unaware of the parties.

I still didn't agree on the idea of parties and I still don't know how the fuck Will and Asher managed to convince me, but it wasn't like I had better things to do today. I mean, it was Friday. Plus, I really needed to left some steam off. The stress that had been building up since Monday was eating me away and I think a party was just what I needed. Will and Asher noticed my good mood during lunch.

"Well, someone's happy? Are you excited for the party?" Asher asked, opening the wrapper of the sandwich he just bought at the cafeteria.

Unlike most schools, Lakeside, along with only a handful of other private schools around the area have a wide range of food in the cafeteria. I didn't pay much attention to it until I had to attend a summer program that took place in a public school. Their food was, I don't know how to put it lightly, depressing.

"Hell no, I'm just fucking glad that it's Friday," I replied, grinning at the thought of finally being able to not think about anything school related later.

"Admit it, you're also excited for the party!" Will said, lightly jabbing me in my left arm using his elbow.

"Whatever floats your boat," I said as I rolled my eyes.

I couldn't deny the fact that I could really use a drink. This week has really taken the most toll on me. I began digging on my pesto pasta while Asher was ranting about his dad again. I know for a fact that his relationship with his dad is a bit rocky, to say the least.

From what I knew, most of it was concerned about grades and badminton. Just like me, Asher was also in the badminton varsity. But, I just play for fun and for a good college application. I treated it more of a hobby. However, Asher's dad used to play badminton even more competitively and when he saw his son had potential, he was pushing him to his limits ever since. His dad was part of the National team until he injured himself and gotten an ACL.

"I mean, like what the fuck? You take my laptop for a week and now my car? His punishments are like for a toddler," Asher continued to rant, running his hand through his dark hair out of frustration.

"Did he give your laptop back yet?" I asked.

"Fuck no!" he cursed.

I nod sympathetically and patted his back. I felt so sorry for Asher. Immediately, I felt more grateful towards my parents. I can't imagine having my parents force me into something I didn't enjoy or like.

"It's alright man, what does he want you to do anyway?" Will said.

"That's the thing, I can't do anything because the season just ended and apparently, it wasn't the ending he wanted," Asher sighed.

"Just don't think much about it for now," I said, passing him my water bottle as I finished up on my pesto pasta.

His father was disappointed and he took it out on his son. But, it won't change anything, well at least the results of the game, it would however, change Asher's respect for him.

. . .

I pushed opened the library doors and saw that it was only Cynthia who was sitting at the same table we used on Monday. If I had to compare and contrast between Cynthia and Alissa, I would definitely include Cynthia in the category, "gothic vibes". She was never wearing her uniform properly unless it was checking day. Her middle finger was also always painted black and I was pretty sure–despite my not-so-good knowledge with makeup–she was constantly wearing eyeliner. Which, by the way, these were actually not allowed.

Lakeside was a traditional private school institution and therefore the rules are quite petty, if we're being honest. They reprimand the use of nail polish, makeup, hair color, etc. The list could go on forever.

Furthermore, most of Cynthia's jewelries were in the color black, like her necklace and bracelet. This girl sure loves the color black, but it was another thing to pair black on black on black.

Alissa, on the other hand, seemed to be the complete opposite, but I wasn't sure how to categorize her yet. She seemed a lot more closed off, I couldn't exactly tell yet. She wasn't those overly dressed up girls, that was for sure. She seemed to be so carefree and natural.

I sat on the table and pulled out some calculus materials again. I realized that Alissa was not with Cynthia and it seemed that she wasn't attending at all.

"Alissa's not joining us?" I asked, genuinely curious.

"She had things to do," Cynthia replied.

I just nodded, but my brain was already second guessing on the reasons why. What does she need to do on a Friday night? Was she going to Rhett's party? Maybe she was, because then that would explain the probability that she might be getting ready right now.

"Like getting ready for Rhett's party?" I said trying to make it sound like a joke, but I instantly regretting it.

I realized I might have sounded like a douche and should have just kept my mouth shut. However, I was glad that Cynthia laughed and instead said, "It's nothing like that, in fact, she's not going, I am though." I nod my head, clearly taken back. I didn't expect that to be Cynthia's answer. My mind raced for the perfect response.

"Nice, I don't usually attend these, but it's supposedly the last one, right?" I say, trying to stir the conversation anything about Alissa away and at the same time, trying to get my good image back.

"Yea! It's too bad Alissa's missing it," she said and I felt like whatever efforts I placed previously was not effective.

"I guess so, anyways, let's start?" I said instead and I was glad we stopped talking about it afterwards.

We agreed to stop at around quarter to eight considering we both had parties to attend and it was a Friday anyway. Also, Cynthia already knew the concept, so I just made her answer some practice exercises while I tried to review for Chemistry.

"See you later?" she asked as we reached the parking lot.

I gave a small smile and nodded. I waved at her as I went inside mom's car. I went back home to change out of the tacky uniform. The last party I had was actually less than a month ago and it was one of the guys in the basketball team's birthday. Even if I was in the badminton team, the boy varsity teams always partied together.

I took a quick shower and literally threw on whatever I could grab at the dresser. It happened to be a blue button down polo and some white board shorts. I slipped on my Adidas ultraboost before heading out where Will was already waiting for me.

"Where do you think you're going?" mom asked as I hurriedly ran down the stairs at the sound of Will's car.

"Rhett's, I'll be back before 1," I replied, waving goodbye.

I wasn't actually going to stay that late, but knowing my mom, I would have to say 1, so she wouldn't force me back home at 10, when the party was probably still starting.

"Be back by 12," my mom said instead while I tried to hold back my grin.

I've actually realized this pattern during sophomore year after a couple of parties during freshman year. Since then, I've always lied about the time I was going home, so it would match up to the time I actually planned on going home and at the same time, it would make me seem like a good son.

Will's car was honking once more and so I ran as fast as I could across our front lawn and into his black BMW.

"You take so long to get ready, what are you? A girl?" Asher teased.

"Shut the fuck up, I had to tutor someone after class," I replied, waving him off and closing the car door.

"Whatever man," Asher said instead from the passenger seat.

Not long, we pulled up in front of Rhett's house because we literally lived in the same neighborhood. The three story house was actually relatively big, almost as big as ours and from what I knew, they were as well off as we were.

It hasn't been long since I've been here. I was here when the season ended and Rhett threw a celebration for that. Obviously. As we crossed his front lawn, I chucked my phone out of my pocket to look at the time. It was 8:30 and we seemed to be early. There weren't much people yet and most of them were helping around, trying to evenly distribute the coolers filled with booze throughout the first floor.

We immediately found Rhett at the poolside, setting up three beer pong tables. We greeted him and did a bro hug.

"Wow, am I seeing things or is Chase actually here?" he said, squinting his eyes.

Asher and Will laughed at this joke while I just rolled my eyes and elbowed Rhett in the stomach. Rhett grunted and shook his head in pain.

"Easy man, I was just joking," he said, holding his stomach.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to hit you that hard," I chuckled, patting him in the back.

All of a sudden, the music seemed to turn up and so did the people. Most of them from Lakeside, but some of them I could distinguish from Oakland Prepatory and other schools.

"I guess the party just started!" Rhett hollered placing his arm over me while Asher and Will hollered with him.

From the amount of people who were coming in, I was beginning to think if I should have just stayed at home tonight.

. . .

to be continued

[ 1909 words ]

a/n :
this was the last ish prewritten chapter. it took me so long to edit and finish it because i went on a vacation to SOUTH KOREA!! WOOT WOOT!!

anyways, your thoughts and feedback would be much appreciated!!

all the love,
nina <3