"Celebrate your life, you are your own light" – Lailah Gifty Akita
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Chapter 38|Part 2
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I continued to clutch the very edges of the sink. My fingers shook as I heard their laughter. Her laughter.

I didn't expect for it to happen so quickly. I thought that I would at least have a couple of days, or even weeks to process her arrival. But, instead, she was in the kitchen right now. Being the 'mother' to Ryland that she should have been all along.

"Kimberly, come on!" I heard my dad shout.

I scowled at myself in the mirror. How could he, of all people, be alright with this? Him and Ryland were the ones she hurt most, yet she was forgiven so easily. But, I had said yes to her returning so I was partially to blame here.

Right on time, I thought as I heard the sound of Raven's horn outside. Immediately, I grabbed the things I needed, and returned to the hallway.

I barely caught Ryland's voice behind me. "Where you headed so late?"

I cringed as I remembered that I failed to mention the party to him. Dad did as well, since he knew his reaction would decipher the conversation very quickly. Ever since I came to live with them, he'd been protective. I figured it was him trying to make up for all of the years I had to endure with my mother and brothers, but perhaps he could have stopped this party thing before it even started. Even though I wanted to tell him so many times, my dad always persuaded me otherwise.

"Just going out," I lied.

Rylands' eyes ran over me, searching for any signs of dishonesty. "Where?"

My mind jumped until I found, "To a pizza parlor," I tried to sound convincing.

"With—" he began before my dad curved the conversation.

"Boy, she's a teenager, let her leave," my dad said to him as he stepped from around the corner.

I heard Raven slam her hand down on the horn, again. "Well, that's my cue," I rushed before kissing my dad's cheek.

"Wait a minute," Ryland began before I felt his arms embrace me.

"Try to have fun," he said as he hugged me.

I smiled, leaning back from his overprotective stance. "I think I'll make it."

I smothered my scowl as I heard her enter the room. "Wait, you're not staying for the tater tot casserole? Your brother told me it's your favorite."

"No thanks, Teresa," I emphasized her name with disgust, arms over my chest.

She frowned. "Well, I'll make sure to save you a piece, then. If these two don't eat it all first though." I had to stop myself from throwing up at her chuckle.

I'd give it to her; Teresa did play the part very well. Her once golden blonde locks were darkening at the roots, though it still curled upwards at her slightly narrowed chin. Her oblong face structure was often accompanied by cherry, red lipstick, sharp green eyes, and a slightly crooked nose. Her clothes were usually carefully chosen and stylish. Ryland was a spitting image of her, though they were nothing alike, not to me. My brother wasn't one to leave when things got tough, something his mother obviously did.

I heard dad mention a couple of times of her drug addiction. How when she left, she got mixed up with the wrong people and spent the past four years strung out on whatever she could get. It wasn't very surprising once you saw her up close. If you went past the carefully plastered makeup, you could see a pair of cracked lips, wrinkled corners of her face, and a slightly crinkled forehead.

"Yeah, thanks," I mumbled before walking towards the door.

I rolled my eyes as I heard their conversation drift away behind me. Like the small family Ryland, dad, and I had formed. Our family.

"My phone is on me at all times, dad!" I called out before shutting the door.

I contemplated on turning around, walking back inside, and pretending I was deceased. Even though staying home with dad was a good excuse, I actually was worried about his health. Every time I asked him how he felt, he would give a short answer, and dismiss the subject. I couldn't help but let it worry me.

As soon as I looked toward Raven's car, I knew there was no running. Not without being chased, or tackled until I gave up, and went to the party.

Raven rolled down the window, but not very far since it was so chilly. "Oh, c'mon, at least smile!" she shouted.

I scowled in return. "Let's just get this over with." Once I was in, I shut the car door behind me.

Raven began to pull off. "You won't be saying that when we're dancing our asses off," Maggie said from the backseat. "Don't get me started on the amount of shots I'm doing tonight."

I chuckled at that. "There is no way I'm dancing," I murmured, head against the window.

"Then, we bought these for no reason?" I turned at Jax's voice.

He raised an outfit up by the hanger, and my mouth fell at the sight of it. It was a burgundy cropped top, one that should reach just below the matching skirt, one with a slit at the bottom. It looked like it should reach the middle of my thigh, but I shouldn't have to worry about the scars as long as I find a pair of tights. It was more than out of my comfort zone, but that didn't matter right now. It was beautiful.

I glanced over at Maggie, who held her hand up. In it were burgundy booties, low heel.

"We didn't know what type of shoes you would like, so I settled on something smaller than the last time," Raven joked, turning into her driveway.

"What the fuck," I whispered.

"I said you had to show Kade what he was missing, didn't I?" Maggie grinned at me. "He's going to flip his shit when he sees your fine ass in this!" Jax and Raven nodded in agreement, both grinning at me.

I couldn't help the smile that crossed my lips as I nodded. I blinked a couple of times to get rid of my shock that I was actually kind of excited to try the outfit on.

"This outfit will look absolutely perfect on that ass of yours," Raven reached over to squeeze my hand. "I'm gonna have to fight to get a dance with you before the nights over."

I giggled at her, despite the blush in my cheeks. I knew that she was trying so hard to make tonight enjoyable, and I did have to give her points for effort.

"What about you guys?" I asked as I realized they weren't dressed yet either.

"Our outfits are in the back, now come on!" Raven yelled with glee, before hopping out of her car. For a moment, I had to double check that she put the car in park.

I listened to Jax go on about his 'friend' from last night. By the blush of his cheeks, I knew that the guy was far more than that. I was happy for him, and I could tell the others' were as well by their engaged attention.

I thanked Maggie as she handed me my outfit. "Did you tell Jax about last night?" I whispered to her.

She pushed at Raven's door, before laying her dress down on the bed. "Hell yeah, and he laughed his ass off. Then, he warned me to get checked for a disease since I touched the place the same place their vaginas were on." I chuckled at this. Typical Jax.

I sat down on the bed as she entered the bathroom. Raven and Jax decided to get ready in the other rooms. "So, how do you feel? From last night?" she asked me through the bathroom door.

I shrugged my shoulders, though she couldn't see. "Pretty good, I guess. It doesn't feel very real, sometimes."

I heard her chuckle. "Well, it was very real."

"So was the rush," I smiled.

I was telling the truth. I did feel different since last night. I couldn't describe the rush I was feeling, though. It was more of a confidence boost, instead of an adrenaline rush. Either way, I felt good.

But, those good emotions melted to mush as I thought of Kade and I's conversation. As embarrassing as it was, I did cry last night. I did find myself swiping at the tears in my bedroom. No matter how hard I tried not to.

I didn't know the labored connection I shared with him was so...intense. One minute we were on our cloud nine, then the next, we weren't. We were back to square one, without any type of communication, or understanding of the others' feelings. Even if I were inexperienced in relationships, I knew that we weren't meant to be in one yet. There were too many road blocks to face, ones that would be the cause of our crash and fall.

I raised my head at the sound of the bathroom door opening. "How do I look?"

I was at lost for words at the sight of Maggie. She wore a lace, black low-cut top that pushed at her cleavage, with straps that went behind her shoulders. As my eyes ran over her, I got to the black skirt, which hugged her bottom beautifully. It reached below her waist, and right at the beginning of her thighs. She didn't go with tights like I would, but instead finished the look with a pair of black boots, as well as a short black jacket.

Her light-makeup face lit at my reaction. "Hot, right?" she gloated, a grin on her face.

Before I could respond, Raven barged through her bedroom door. "I wanna see your jaws drop, bitches!"

Mine did at the sight of her. Raven wore a thin-strapped, royal blue mini dress. Her shoulders, as well as her chest were open on display. The dress hugged her waist and hips effectively, and it reached the beginning of her thigh as well. To finish it off, she added a pair of matching shoes: blue, strapped heels with straps that curled around her ankle. Her porcelain skin was lightly beat with makeup, and she added a couple of jewelry pieces to her neck and earrings that would shine throughout the night.

Maggie nodded appreciatively. "Damn," she chuckled. "If I were into girls, I'd hit right here, right now."

Raven chuckled, "You flatter me. We'll see when the alcohol hits." Her eyes averted to me, thrusting my outfit in my hands. "Your turn, pretty girl. Go, go, go." I blushed as I realized that this was actually happening again.

I entered the bathroom with my back to the mirror. I didn't want to see myself until I was finished.

Once I put on the outfit, I turned around. My eyes ran over my appearance in the mirror, nerves on edge. And, I had to say, I was quite satisfied.

As I thought, the skirt reached the middle of my thigh, the slit revealing some of my scars. But, Raven gave me a pair of fishnet tights, so that part of me was hidden from view. The top curved around my breast perfectly, adding a significant push to them. When I turned, as Raven said, the skirt added a sensual curve to my backside. The shoes didn't feel so uncomfortable the longer I walked in them, and they truly finished the outfit effectively.

I smiled at my reflection. Never had I felt so pretty. The only time I'd ever felt the slightest of beautiful was when I had been with Kade. Now, I was on my own and I saw it for myself.

I cursed at myself as he managed to scurry into my head, again. I couldn't think of him, not tonight. Even if he would be at the party, I would only have to hold my head up high, and have a good time. I looked good, and I deserved to feel like it tonight.

I sighed. "Easier said than done," I murmured to myself.

I opened the door to the bathroom, stepping out with a shy smile. I felt their eyes fall on me and for a moment it felt like judgment day, but then, Raven's squeal filled the room.

I jumped as she hopped up. "You look so..." she trailed off as she tried to find the words.

"Fucking hot," Maggie finished for her, nodding appreciatively from the beanbag chair.

"You know what, I get Maggie's' point," Raven chuckled, smoothing her hand over my skirt. "I'm taking a shot at you tonight. You look hotter than us."

I blushed under their gaze. I couldn't help but shake my head in disagreement at their words. We would have to be on another planet for me to look better than they did. They were gorgeous.

"Jax!" Maggie shouted at her very slow-paced brother.

Raven asked if I wanted her to curl my hair and do light makeup. Since I had already gone out of my comfort zone with this outfit, I accepted. She sat me down on her bed, leaning over me to kiss my cheek. "Kade's going to lose his shit when he sees you," she gushed over me as she undid my ponytail.

While she curled my hair, Maggie showed us the result of our 'adventure' last night. She was right, someone had live-streamed the pep rally, just as they always did, but just as the music began, the cheerleaders went crazy. We didn't hit them all, as some of them were innocent. But, I still remembered them individually, as did Raven so those were the ones we touched.

The video snippet of their screams and shocked reactions had gone viral, from Maggie's' word. I even saw some of the girls, specifically Amber and Natasha rip their outfits in order to get it off. It had been reposted and altered into hilarious memes, Raven even started some of them over the last few hours. We all spent the next several minutes giggling over it all.

"What—whoa," Jax stopped as he laid eyes on us. "Look at my children, all grown up." He pretended to swipe a fake tear as he stepped in the room.

I smiled at him before Raven turned my head back towards her. I allowed her to toy with my face; she was astronomical when it came to makeup.

"If you and that Kade guy weren't a thing, I'd try my chance," Jax whistled as he winked at me. "I promise Kimberly, I'd be so good to you."

I rolled my eyes with a blush to follow before teasing, "Keep that confidence and I might let you have your shot."

Jax was handsome, past that actually. His black hair lacked grease, or any other manufactured product, it did its own thing. He wore a short-sleeved gray button-up top, but the first three were undone, casually revealing a muscular chest. His legs were covered with a pair of dark gray jeans, his feet covered with a pair of freshly appearing white shoes. His green eyes only flourished his looks, the pretty orbs flickering back and forth to Raven and I.

Maggie tapped at something on her phone. "You got that right. Kade and Levi are going to regret their shit tonight," Maggie chuckled as the thought passed by her brain. "It's gonna be so much fun to witness. My own personal Days Of Our Lives."

"Done!" Raven said, squeezing my shoulders once. "Look!" She fumbled behind her for a moment before handing me a mirror.

I looked into my reflection, awed at the fact that she managed to make my appearance even better. My hair was done up in a tight ponytail, the brown pieces curled to perfection down my back. My makeup was light, but I could see how flawlessly she had applied it.

Maggie grinned before standing from the beanbag. "Let's go get wasted, motherfuckers," she yelled, slapping her brother on the back as she passed.

I followed behind them in slow steps, my courage tested by every second that passed. Just as we reached the bottom floor, I felt a hand grasp me from behind.

Raven turned me around by my shoulders. "Hey, don't worry. We'll stick together the entire time," she promised me. "You're going to have fun, I swear."

By my flustered expression, I knew that she sensed my nervousness. I nodded my head to reassure her even though my nerves were still on edge.

The sun was beginning to set outside, already. I joined everyone inside of the car, continuously clenching the ends of my outfit.

"You know what we should listen to for our cameo?" Jax said as Raven started up the car, holding onto her headrest.

"Anything Nicki, and I'm in," Maggie suggested, chuckling after her words.

I giggled at her, shaking my head. Raven grinned at this, and hooked up her phone to the radio before feeding into the suggestion.

Before she pulled away, she grabbed my hand in hers, smiling at me. "This will be a night you'll never forget."

My sigh fell into a a smile. "Let's hope I will," I murmured.

***

"What about him?" Raven suggested.

I followed her finger to a red-headed guy, who appeared to be in a complete drunken state. I shook my head. "Way too drunk."

Maggie's arm fell across my shoulder. "Aren't we all, Ki-Kim..." I giggled as her drunken tongue struggled to prononce my name.

"Kimberly," I reminded her.

She pointed at me "Right." My nose scrunched in disgust as she tilted the red cup toward me. "Here."

Raven chuckled, before taking the cup from her. "Nah, Kimberly's not drinking tonight."

I shook my head at her words, though they were true. I wasn't comfortable with alcohol, or consuming it. Raven knew of my reasoning, and quickly dismissed the cup Maggie tried to give me.

The big house was packed with a large handful of teenagers. It was a three story house, though it could barely fit the heavy amount of people continuing to pour in.

I shuddered as I felt another sweaty body brush past mine. As the stranger passed me, I caught a whiff of what smelled like alcohol, and whatever drugs were available tonight. It was hard to decipher the scent specifically, since every passing person smelled the same. The atmosphere did as well, but the longer I was here, the more my nose seemed to grow accustomed.

As soon as we arrived, Maggie dragged Raven and I to the kegs. Jax disappeared from the scene minutes later, though it was no question where he went due to his newfound 'friend.' Raven and Maggie both attempted to get me out on the dance floor, but I still hadn't gotten that far quite yet. When we entered the house, I thought it was Raven or Maggie who attracted the attention of the guys here, but instead, I shared the stares, too.

I blinked a couple of times as I noticed another guy staring at me. Well, at my tits or my legs.

"I think he wants to fuck you," Maggie slurred in my ear.

I blushed. "Well, he'll have to wish a little harder."

"Fuck," Raven mumbled, though if I weren't so close to her, her words would have gone unheard.

I looked at her with confusion. "What—"

"Fuck!" she cursed louder.

I searched around the house before looking back to her. "What?" It could have been the alcohol, but she hadn't drunk that much yet.

Her eyes were wide, arms crossed over her slightly exposed breasts. "He's here," she said.

I followed her eyes, until I finally saw what she was talking about. There he was. There they were.

Maggies' eyes dragged over Kade, who stood with both Luke and Levi. "Time to dance! Let's show them wha-what they're kissing...I mean missing!" Her arms slumped over Raven and I until we were forced to basically carry her. Her lips pinched into a frown as she glanced between us. "Do either of you know how to dance? If not, just stand behind me and catch my shit."

Raven ran a hand over her face, huffing. "I need a shot for this," she mumbled, before downing Maggie's cup.

I was far too concentrated on the walking devil himself. My hands grew sweaty, my heart grew heavy, and my breathing struggled to stay steady.

I felt my head spin as I saw the different girls turn his way. I attempted to regather my being at the sight of attention he was receiving, but to no avail. As bad as it sounded, the aching pain in my heart continued to rebuild as I pinpointed my unwanted jealousy.

I jerked back around from the sight. "I think I'll have one, too," I murmured, to my own surprise.

Never had a drop of liquor touched even the very tip of my tongue. Thoughts of my mothers' drunken tantrums threatened to drown me out as the influential atmosphere settled around me.

Maggie's grin approved of my suggestion, before she dragged Raven and I to the overflowing table of teenagers.

"Babe, are you sure?" Raven yelled over the music.

I nodded, my smile shaky. "Y-yes. I just need to..." I trailed off as I felt the frustration crush me into a small pebble.

Raven nodded her head in understanding. "I understand...I need to get away for a minute or two. Even if that involves this." She pointed toward the white rimmed cups.

I stared down at the dark liquid before moving back to her. "How does it feel?" I asked her.

As I mentioned, I had never consumed any type of alcohol before. I only knew the consequences of alcohol from my mother, not from personal experience.

"Mhm," Raven hummed, throwing back a shot. Her face scrunched before she picked up another. "You kind of feel dizzy, everything is funny for no damn reason, you either don't give a fuck or you give a fuck too much, and...it feels good in the moment, but not in the morning."

I raked a shaky hand down my skirt. I searched around the party, eyes on alert. I tried not to panic but the thought was dubious. I was about to be under the manipulation of alcohol.

My sight grew rugged at I saw Kade. It was hard to notice in the abundance of teens, but I didn't fail to see him moving closer and closer and closer.

To me.

"Raven, they're coming this way," I yelled in her ear.

"Hmm," Raven hummed, before turning around. At sight of them, she jumped as if she had seen the shadow of a ghost. "Another one." I watched as she downed shot after shot.

"You ready?" Maggie glanced up at me, her eyes squinting across my image.

"I guess so." I gulped down any type of confidence as she handed Raven and I a shot, as well as herself.

"123, drink!" she shouted, before all three of us threw the shot back.

The drink slid down my tongue in a rough manner. My taste buds reacted negatively, triggering my acid reflex. I gagged in disgust at the taste of the alcohol.

Yet, I still downed another one. And, another. On my fifth one, Raven and I switched to the Jell-O shots, which were much more doable than whatever the hell we just had.

I looked up in time to see Kade, Luke, and Levi, all at the end of the shots table. My eyes fell down at the sight of Kade, before returning back to the stronger alcohol, then throwing back another shot for the night. This one wasn't any better than the last.

The small glass slipped out of my hand as I saw Kades' intense gaze wavering over me.

"Well, well, well," Luke taunted at the sight of us, a grin crawling across his lips as he nodded at his friends. "Look at what we got here, boys."

Maggie was one who never hid her true reactions, no matter how hurtful. Her expression grew disgusted as she gazed over Luke before moving over the rest of them.

"Raven, girl! Is this the little bitch you were talking about?" Her drunken tongue yelled as she pointed at Levi.

I said nothing as I watched a red-headed girl slither up to Kade. My gaze fell to another shot, but hell, tonight was testing me. I went for the full cup of liquid instead. Kades' eyes were on me, I could feel it. I could feel the burning stare he dragged across my face.

"Bitch?" Levi confirmed, his eyebrow raised.

"Little bitch," Maggie corrected.

I glanced at Raven just as Levi crossed his arms over his large chest. In a quick motion, Raven grabbed another shot.

Levi lurched his hand forward, wrapping it around Raven's arm. "I think that's enough for tonight."

Raven snatched her arm away, eyes murderous. "You don't get to tell me what's enough."

Maggie drug her eyes to me, her lips tilting into a wicked grin. "Now, your turn, Kimberly! We'll all have turns getting at these bitches." Chuckling, her eyes raked over all three men. "Puke, Knee High, and Spades, wasn't it?"

"How about you hush that pretty little mouth of yours before I call the spirits of the underground to do it for you?" Luke glared at Maggie, who was completely unfazed. "Or, I have something else that can shut you up, if you wanna go that route?"

"You know..." Maggie nodded slowly, her eyes trailing over him as a whole. "You're really fucking hot."

Luke smirked, a smile on his face. "I didn't need the confirmation, angel."

"Mhm," Maggie held out a finger, taking a small sip from the cup. Her lips rose into a tight smile, before throwing the rest of the alcohol in his face. "But, not hot enough to be an asshole."

I burst out into laughter without another thought. Luke's wet face leaked of complete rage, his eyes narrowing in on Maggie.

My laughter ceased as I noticed Kade staring at me. The busty redhead had her arm around his waist, but his attention was linked onto mine. I swallowed the thick lump at the sight; he hadn't moved her arm or even made a move. But, we weren't together, and we weren't friends or anything close to it. I shouldn't be so affected...but I was.

I placed the cup back down. "I-I need to use the restroom," I blinked rapidly as the words spilled out.

"Upstairs," the redhead told me, her attention leaving Kade for a slight second. 

I struggled to hold my frustrated scream back at the very sight of them. I didn't know what was worse, being in a room with him, again, or seeing him move on so easily. If there was anything to move on from in the first place.

I hurried up the stairs, despite my constant fear of the drunk strangers around me. I pushed past them all, thought they were all too engulfed in the other to notice me.

I struggled to find the bathroom in the huge house. Every room I opened was either full of people doing drugs, or very sexual activities. I contemplated on going downstairs and facing Kade head on just to stop from seeing someone else snort a line.

But, then that confidence was demolished at the thought of those brown eyes piercing my soul.

My hand went down on the door knob, once more. I pushed open, internally arguing if I should cover my eyes, or not.

I should have.

I stood in surprise as I saw Jax on top of what I'm sure was his 'friend.' Both men were both fully clothed, but their lips were far from apart. They paid me no mind, due to their intense moment.

My face flooded with color. "Sorry," I squeaked out.

I shut the door behind me, rather quickly. I shook my head in order to erase the memory, though it didn't work. But, good for Jax. At least one of us was having fun.

I turned around abruptly, but just as I did, I felt a liquid land across my open chest.

"Shit, I'm sorry," the voice was quite recognizable.

I looked up to see that it was the stranger from yesterday. His warm blue eyes blended with the shy smile he threw my way.

I willed myself to speak. "It's alright," I reassured.

I sighed as I realized my chest would probably be sticky for the rest of the night. I patted the spot his drink was spilled on, before he spoke again.

"It's you," he realized as he saw past my new look.

"In the flesh," I mumbled, glancing down at my feet.

I raised my head as he shrugged his shoulders. "I can't say that I'm not happy I saw those pretty eyes again." I blushed once his words settled in.

I released a breathless chuckle. "Yeah, well the circumstances are very..." I struggled to find a word to finish.

"Not in your favor," he finished.

I laughed, nodding. "Yeah, that's it."

He offered a large hand to me. "Well, if you'll let me, I'd like to try and fix that."

I struggled for an answer, in the moment. On one hand, I would have to somehow make a quick conversation with him. But, on the other hand, I could stay away from Kade a little bit longer. When I looked at it like that, I jumped at the decision.

I placed my hand in his. "I have no idea where the bathroom is, honestly."

His feet shuffled forward in a couple of steps before we were at the bathroom door. I blushed in embarrassment at the realization of the bathroom's location.

"I'm an idiot," I mumbled to myself.

"Nah." His eyes fell over mine, his laughter music to my ears. "You're fine, pretty girl." His wink made my throat lodge with nerves.

I sat down on the toilet top before he handed me a damp paper towel. I dabbed at my chest repeatedly, only raising my head when he spoke, again.

"I'm Daniel," he introduced himself. "I guess I should have told you that already."

Chuckling, I offered, "Kimberly."

The conversation grew quiet after we introduced ourselves. I struggled to find a new conversation, though there were too many things to talk about.

"Let's hope I don't smell like alcohol all night," I joked.

His smile could outrun a risen sunrise. "Don't worry. It's a teenage party, and I'm sure everyone smells of either sex, sweat, or every type of alcohol or drug known to man."

I nodded, nibbling on my bottom lip. "Thanks for that."

"Did you just move here?" I cringed at how nosy I sounded. "If you don't mind me asking."

He nodded his head, handing me a dry towel. "Yep, from the big apple. I miss the city, though."

"That's pretty cool. Well, let's hope that you like it here, too."

"I think I'll like it," his words were too close to flirtatious. "I'm sure you'll make it easy to enjoy myself." Shit, this man was smooth.

I didn't want him to think that I wanted more than a friendship, if that at all. I could only hope that he realized I wasn't trying to lead him on, or flirt in response to his actions. He was nice so far, and very handsome, but that didn't keep me from pulling away. Angelo and Carter had been the same.

I feigned a smile. "Well, I guess I'll see you later," I said. Before I heard his response, I was out of the bathroom and back into the hallway.

Before long I was downstairs, again. The atmosphere down here was different from the one upstairs. The air was heavy, and full of heavy stench, the roaring music, and rowdy teens. The air upstairs was light with few people, the way I liked it.

I walked back to the shots table where I had left my friends, but there was no sign of them. I sighed at the sight.

With the loud music clouding my ears, I struggled to find any of them. No signs of them were detected, and that worried me terribly.

"No, you shut the fuck up!" I heard the loud yell come from Raven through the thick music.

I looked around to see that there was a crowd gathering around something. Or, shall I say, someone.

"Can I not just talk to you without you going fucking crazy?!" I heard Levi shout in return.

I pushed past the crowd until I saw the root of the situation.

Raven and Levi were going at it, right in the midst of the crowd, one or the other yelling or shouting. Levi was red in the face, and his eyes rapidly searched Raven for some type of sense. Raven, on the other hand, looked completely distraught. Her hair was now astray, her fists clenched tightly as she grew closer to Levi. The alcohol she had consumed was really taking a toll on the situation. Kade and Luke were both behind him, watching the scene unfold without a care in the world.

"Really, you're calling me crazy? After everything you did!" she shouted. "Are you fucking serious?"

"I made a mistake, okay? I know!" he yelled back at her. "And, I'm trying to show that to you, but you're acting like a fucking lunatic!"

The thickened crowd was enjoying this. Most of their hands were holding cellphones, recording the entire argument. Others were too engulfed in the moment to reach for their phones.

"Oh, really? Now, I'm a fucking lunatic?" Raven shouted. Levi nodded, his eyes raking over her. "Pretty fucking much, yeah." Raven scoffed, before she reared her hand back.

I jumped as another hand grabbed at her wrist in a tight grip. I connected the body part with a face, to see that it was Luke.

He released her. "I wouldn't do that if I were you," he growled at her.

Before I could comprehend my own actions, I jumped into the situation.

With all of the strength I could muster, combined with all of the alcohol I had consumed for the night, I shoved Luke back a couple of steps. "Don't touch her."

I was never good at standing up for myself. But, when it came to my friends or family, I would take a bullet to the heart for them a million times over.

I heard the whispers around me as the situation settled in. I knew that this would be viral by the morning, but right now, that fact was anonymous.

By the spark in his eyes, I figured I had made a mistake. "Oh, isn't this adorable." He had pulled himself together quickly, his lips tilting into a sick grin. "And, who do you think you are?"

"Better than you, you piece of unwanted, pussy repellent, trash," Raven spat at him.

Luke averted his hateful gaze to my friend. "Unless I'm talking to you, then I suggest shutting the fuck up."

Levi stepped in front of us, then placed a hand on Luke's chest, eyes lit with an undeniable rage. "Okay, man. Don't go that far."

I gulped as I realized Luke was quite drunk. By the slight labor of his words, and the sway of his body, I knew he was intoxicated. He threw his arms in the air then motioned toward Raven and I. "Oh, no! How about we talk about two of the bitches you and Kade decided to fuck?!" I felt the embarrassment rise across my backside as he mentioned Kade and I.

I knew that Levi was growing angry now at his friend. With a shove, he knocked Luke back enough to make his nostrils flare. "Luke, I'm going to suggest that you go get your head together before you say something that gets your ass knocked out." 

Luke, despite the warning, continued on. My heart grew in pace as he turned toward Kade, whose arms were crossed over his black shirt.

He clapped a hand across Kade's shoulder, to which Kade followed with narrowed eyes. "And, what in the hell were you thinking with this one, buddy?" His eyes raked over me, before a dark form of laughter left his lips. "I mean, c'mon...she's not even on the level of bitches you could have, and have already had, man."

Levi tugged me back by the arm as Kades' eyes transitioned to his drunk friend. The air in the room shifted to a tense feel, tightening around my throat every second.

"What?" Luke tilted his head, grinning. "Do you close your eyes or something when she's blowing you? I'll give it to you though, she does have a pretty—"

I couldn't catch the action with my eyes quick enough. Everyone, including myself, jumped as Kade's fist swung so hard at his friend's jaw, the muscle popped under the strength. Luke's head jumped to the side, a curse spilling from his lips. Before he could recover, Kade had hit him again, this time in the nose.

Kade hauled Luke up by his neck like he weighed nothing, then shoved him into the nearest wall. I heard some of the pictures rattle and shatter to the ground from the impact.

Kade leaned into his face, his expression dark and lacking of any emotion other than rage. "I'll give you five seconds to get the hell out of my face before I fuck your ass up even more. If I hear you disrespecting her, again, you know what'll come next," his words were a growl-like warning, one that was not meant to be ignored. With one last shove, he stepped away from Luke. "Now, shut the fuck up about her, and get the hell away from me. I'm not repeating myself."

I expected Luke to fight back. They both were slightly the same size, though Luke lacked the same height as Kade. What I didn't expect was for Luke to glare daggers into his friends, before scurrying away from the crowd.

"Come on," Raven whispered into my ear, before grabbing my arm in her hand.

I struggled to find sight of Kade as it all happened with a flash. The crowd had grown thick once again, before we could even blink. I held my composure until we finally found a vacant room.

Raven leaned against the door, cupping her face as she sighed. Finally, her hands fell. "Are you alright?" she asked me, scanning my body for any injury.

I nodded abruptly. "Yeah...yeah, I think. You?"

Her laugh worried me. "Hell no. But, yelling at him felt amazing for me," she sighed, her eyes widening. "Holy shit, I can't believe that just happened."

I released a shaky laugh as I sat on the bed. "Well, we'll probably be able to watch it all over again in the morning."

"I didn't really snap until he called me a lunatic," she mumbled in a small trance before gazing up at me. "Can you believe it? A damned lunatic."

I chuckled, letting my hand rake through my hair. The curls were probably gone by now. "Because you are one," I smiled.

She shrugged, walking closer. "Well, I'll allow it from you," she laughed.

I felt the bed dip as she sat down, but I kept my eyes to the carpet. "Tonight has been a disaster already."

She bumped into my shoulder. "Nothing that a couple of drinks can't fix, right?"

I didn't answer right away. Instead, I buried myself in the different events of tonight.

Kade had stood up for me. I didn't know the meaning of this, nor was I sure I wanted to find out. I didn't want to react to the situation, but at the sight of Kade laying a hand on one of his best friends for disrespecting me...it didn't fail to turn my head upside down.

He basically stated that he hated me, that he despised my very existence. Yet, he went to that length to protect me from harmsway. Like always, he was there to protect me from mistakes I hadn't even caught. It was too confusing.

Finally, I felt my head nod. "Let's go," I said to Raven.

***

The party was now in full swing. Somehow, someway, Raven and Maggie had pulled me onto the dance floor, and somewhere in the midst, I was involved.

"Sorry!" I shouted into the air as I felt my body bump into a stranger. They carried on like normal.

Maggie was having the time of her life. As she said, when the stereo started to blast the music, all ambition was gone into everything else other than her ass. I had seen so many guys attempt to dance with her, I lost count. Maggie let them all pass, casually grinding and dancing until she grew bored, and found the next boy.

I giggled as we continued to dance. My mind was now elsewhere, due to the heavy weight of alcohol in my system. I couldn't even remember the last time I had picked up a red cup.

"Didn't we tell you you would enjoy this?!" Maggie shouted from behind me. She must have let some poor boy down.

I smiled as Raven held my hips from behind, swaying both of our hips to the song. Her eyes were closed, fully wrapped in either the music or the alcohol. By the constant head turns, I knew that it wouldn't take long for her to find another guy.

"You were right!" I responded with a laugh.

I giggled as Maggie grabbed my hands, placing them around her waist as she took the front of my body. Her hands closed around Ravens' as she swayed us. "Hell no you won't!" With a wink, she danced for a couple of more moments before she turned a little too hard.

My stomach began to clench in pain from laughter as she fell to the floor. I helped her up, before grabbing Raven's hand as well.

"Alright, Miss Hips," I chuckled. "Watch yourself before you break a leg."

Her eyes were lazy in weight now as she nodded in agreement. "Mhm. Are they looking?" I knew that she was talking about Kade and Levi.

They were indeed looking. They had been for the last hour, it seemed. Even when the crowd grew, they still remained in their spot, watching us. Either boy rejected the abundance of girls that had came upon them, their eyes set hard and motionless on Raven and I. Maggie had been the one to point this out, since Raven and I were too engulfed in our dance to notice them at first.

Instead of giving them the reaction they wanted, we continued to dance our asses off. Even if our bodies were dripping with sweat and our toes probably would have blisters in the morning, we never failed to dance along to whatever music came. It was weird at first, but with the alcohol, and Raven and Maggie encouraging me on, it became a little too easy. I was proud of my accomplishment, even if it took the manipulation of alcohol behind it.

"Bitch," Maggie informed me, her head flicking over to where they stood. "Kade's been staring at your ass this entire time. I'm not kidding; I haven't seen him look away for even a second."

I giggled at this piece of unneeded information. "He can stare all he wants, but he's not—" I stopped as I felt a pair of hands land around my waist.

"Are these circumstances better?" I heard Daniel's voice in my ear.

The rum definitely played a factor in the rush of adrenaline that coursed through my blood. I smiled, placing my hands on top of his. In a swaying step, I turned towards him.

"Much," I responded.

His smile was contagious. It brought out one on my face, before I made contact with the brown eyed devil behind him.

Kade's stance was still, his expression full of darkness. His eyes were squinted as if he were warning me of an upcoming event. The same redhead was around him, but he showed no interest toward her. A clenched fist at under his crossed arms confirmed his anger.

As he noticed my stare, his attitude shifted. His smirk read his intentions loud and clear. I bit my lip as his arm went over the girl's shoulder, before he whispered something in her ear. The girl giggled at whatever he said, covering her mouth with a manicured hand.

Two can play this game.

I forced myself to breathe through the anger as I averted my gaze from him. "Dance with me," I demand Daniel, who quickly took up the offer.

My body tensed for a second as his hands found their way on my waist. I shuddered before smiling at him with reassurance. Perhaps it was the alcohol, or maybe it was that cocky motherfucker in front of me that provided my newfound confidence.

The night continued to carry on, despite the everlasting stares Kade and I traded with each other. I didn't think anything of it when I felt Daniel run a hand just before the curve of my ass began. Instead, I continued to sway my hips to his beat, my eyes shut.

When I opened them again, I glared at Kade. He was now engulfed in the girl, his lips near her ear. His arm was around her waist, her body propped up against his. I rolled my eyes at the sight of her breasts against his large chest.

Like a moth to a flame, my eyes attracted his. I was sure I looked like a wild animal, strands loose from my ponytail, my body sticky with sweat, and my eyes wild with anger and jealousy. But, he wasn't any better. He appeared fine to the others' but I knew by the flare of his nostrils, by the tilt of his head...he was just as jealous as I was. That was the one thing that fueled me to continue this.

Just as Daniel's hand lowered, I saw something shift in Kade. His hand fell from the girl so quickly, she had to catch herself on Levi. I saw him pop his neck, his jaw ticking with waves of anger. When they met mine, I had to blink out of it a couple of times to realize that it looked as if he were preparing for a fight.

Daniel must have noticed my distraught figure. "You okay?"

I nodded hurriedly. though I was far from it. "Yeah, just a little hot. It's pretty stuffy in here."

His hands fell from my body. I released a breath that I never knew I was holding at the relief.

He tilted his head toward the crowded door. "Come on, we can go sit outside for some air," he suggested.

I nodded, turning to Raven. "Will you be okay?" I asked.

She was too busy imprinting on the man in front of her to notice my leaving for a second. It took her a moment to realize, before turning her head my way. "Of course! Keep your phone on, though." I nodded, chuckling at her dazed expression.

I thanked Daniel as he supported my steps. My feet were clumsy, and no longer thorough. I was sure that I would have been lost in the thick crowd of people without his guidance.

I welcomed the breeze of the wind outside. My lips parted as the toxic scene left my lungs for just a moment. It took Daniel a minute, but he finally found a secluded spot for us. I didn't see any signs of Kade following behind us, so I thought it okay, at least for a little while.

Daniel leaned against the brick, crossing his arms as he eyed me. "Better?" he asked.

I smiled at him, nodding. "Much. Thank you."

"It was no problem," he answered, his eyes raising to the night sky.

We were engulfed by silence for a second, until he broke it.

"I didn't really see you as a party girl," he confessed.

I smiled to myself, and him. "I'm not, actually. I'm kind of here against my will."

He looked down at me, blue eyes full of humor. "You'll get used to it."

"I saw you as a party guy," I commented.

He chuckled, nodding. "Smart girl."

"How's your fit?" he acknowledged, motioning toward my chest.

I hadn't even checked it this entire time. "It's drying up so far," I answered.

"It should be since it was water. Not much of a drinker since I tend to do the stupidest shit," he told me.

I couldn't help the laughter that bubbled up from my chest. "That's interesting." I averted my gaze to the stars. "Daniel?"

"Hmm?"

"You're new, right?"

"Mhm, why?" he looked at me, eyebrows closing in.

"Then, how did you know about the party?" I questioned.

"A friend of mine told me about it. I wasn't sure at first, but I'd do it all over again just to catch a glimpse of you," he flirted. "I hope the feeling's mutual."

Oh. I looked at him, eyes wide. "Listen, Daniel, I'm not looking for a—"

"Kimberly."

I looked up at the call of my name. I knew who the voice belonged to even without a face to go along with it. He was the only one who managed to turn my name into something special.

I jumped off the bricks, sighing. "What are you doing out here, Kade?"

I took a step back as he took one forward. Daniel noticed this, his eyes jumping between the both of us. I guessed he got the atmosphere, because he stepped right in front of me.

Kade kept his eyes on me. "Come on, you're going home," he declared, without my knowledge. "You did it. You had your little fun, you've pissed me the fuck off, now let's go. Don't get this fucker's teeth knocked out because of it." His eyes jerked over Daniel as if he were a pestering bug before returning to me.

I shook my head in a wild manner. "I'm not going anywhere, not with you anyway."

His eyebrow raised, his head tilting at me. "You're fucking wasted, Kimberly. Fight all you want, you're going home. Now."

It was like Daniel was invisible to him. Instead of stepping away, Kade only stepped closer to us.

His eyes narrowed at Daniel. "Move," his words held no discussion.

Daniel was brave, that was no argument. "It's obvious she doesn't want to go with you, so why the fuck are you still here?"

Kade chuckled, dropping his head. "We had a deal."

What?

Confusion didn't help with my clouded judgement. A deal? What was he talking about?

Daniel shrugged, pink lips upturning in a small smirk. "I'm only doing what you told me to, am I not?"

My drunken tongue struggled to get the words out in a correct manner. When I opened my mouth, the only words that managed to leave them were unneeded and unheard.

Kade nodded his head, a grin on his face. He kissed his teeth, running a hand down his clenched jaw as he drew in a breath.

I jumped in shock as his fist came at Daniel. It was so quick, that if it weren't for the consequence, I wouldn't have caught it. Daniel fell from the strength of the punch, and I couldn't see too well, but I was sure that Kade kept true to his promise about knocking one of his teeth out.

What was with this man and punching tonight?

Without hesitation, I fell to Daniel's level. His hand was on his jaw, his lids scrunched tight in pain. At the sight of him, I whipped my head towards Kade in anger.

He wasn't fazed in the slightest. With a tight jaw, he outstretched a hand."Come on—" he began.

I smacked his hand away, glaring at him. "Get the fuck away from me!. Have you ever stopped to think that violence wasn't the answer for once?! Now, move!" I helped Daniel up.

I glared at him from behind my shoulder as I guided Daniel away. I didn't know where we were going, but I knew that he would be safer away from Kade.

I grew angrier by the second at the latest memory of him. I didn't know what was going through his head when he decided to try, and take me home without any type of consent. Fuck him.

"Are you okay?" I asked, genuinely concern.

He nodded his head, his hand still on top of his jaw. "My car is just over there; I'll take you home." He pointed in the direction of his car.

"No," I shook my head with a smile. "You can go ahead and go home. I'll catch a way."

His eyes were unsteady on me. "You sure?"

I felt very guilty at his injury from such a stupid situation. But, I didn't know him for more than a couple hours. I wasn't going home with him, nor was I going home with Kade. Jax was supposed to be the DD tonight, so I hoped he stayed true to his promise.

"I'm sure," I responded.

***

"Someone's had a busy night," Jax chuckled at my painful expression. "Don't worry, it'll be even worse in the morning. But, water and tea will help."

I groaned at the thought, lifting my head from the window. "Thanks for the advice, Jax, truly."

He kissed my cheek goodnight, and I told a half conscious Maggie and Raven goodbye before leaving.

When I walked into my house, it was quiet, much to my luck. As quietly as possible, I tiptoed to my bedroom. Even though my dad knew I attended the party, I knew that he wouldn't be alright with the drinking. Nor would Ryland.

I kicked the shoes off of my feet, but that was all. I couldn't muster the strength for anything else, so with a sigh, I flopped onto the bed as the events of tonight unfolded in my head.

Kade was a man of mixed signals. I didn't know how to react to his actions anymore, due to the different situations. He defended me from Luke, one of his best friends, then grew jealous at the sight of me with another guy. Yet, he never acted upon his true emotions. It seemed like he still cared for me, but there was never reassurance with him.

I shut my eyes as the headache began to settle in. I tried to shove the thoughts of Kade, or any other event of tonight to the back of my mind just for a couple of hours.

"I showed that son of a bitch what he was missing," I murmured to myself before I was pulled into slumber.