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When we reach Kayla's I park the car while Riley allows herself one last glance in the mirror.

"You're too vain," I say as I reverse to fit well in the parking space we had just acquired.

"Well no more than you!" She says and I can't help but gape.

"See! You're in shock because I'm right." She says while turning in her seat to properly face me.

"What??"

Her hand stretches forward to my hair and pulling it over my shoulders to fall against my chest. She had really made some massive work on me like curling it and now it was in waves. Even though we were identical somethings always had to set us apart. Today it as the hair since Riley had straightened her hair and she did not feel like changing I was "blessed" with the magic of her hands to curl mine.

"Okay some ground rules." She says and I have to stop myself from laughing at her sudden caring/motherly tone. "No leaving your drink unattended, no accepting drinks from any guy and I mean annnnnyy..." she prolongs the any at the end.

"I know all that you know..Shane's football party last year. Remember?"

"Ooh.."she looks up as if in thought and then quickly waves her hand as if to dismiss the thought.

"Regardless. Just had to make sure you remember. "

"I will mom" I drawl at the end. " Can we go now?"

"Definitely." She turns to open her door to get out as I remove the keys from the car.

" one last thing.No sex" she steps out of the car as I make a face to show disgust and say, " Eewww..no thanks!"

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The moment we enter the house, Riley drags me along with her to the kitchen through the living room which is filled with loads of teenagers. Some making out on the couches while a few dance on the dance floor that has been created after pushing the sofas away. There is smoke in the atmosphere just like any typical teenage party with a few chain smokers in attendance. I spot Kristian with a beer in his hand and he waves at me after first letting some shock register on his face.

Nost of the school's cool kids are in the kitchen from the football team to the cheerleaders to the kids that just exist and yet are known.

Drew is the first to spot us and he shouts loudly, "The Winters twins are here."  A few people scream along turning to look at us. A few looks of admiration pass through the room towards us. Miranda the head cheerleader comes our way. 

"Who is who?" 

"Nice curls and locks is  Raphaela," Riley says with a smile feeling really proud of herself. One of the football guys shouts, "Can I have the number?"

We all laugh heartily as Riley and I grab some beers. Just then Kayla comes in and rushes to hug me. "Talk about fists" and we giggle.

"Guys the game is ready," she says and everyone screams running up the stairs. I really missed this rush right from grade 10.

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We all reach Kayla's room which has been redecorated or organised for this party. A few bean bags are in the room and some camp chairs. I spot an empty beer bottle and I know exactly what this is going to be. Some music is booming from Kayla's stereo and Saturday nights is playing.

The game starts off with a few simple dares and it is quite funny. I am seated next to Drew and Shaun. Drew is continuously commenting on everything and I keep giggling because he is really funny.

"Ohh.." Shaun says and I am silently wondering till I register that the bottle is facing me. Riley is putting on a mischievous grin as she faces me. I throw my head back and let myself laugh a little. The alcohol hasn't fully consumed me yet and that is good I hope since I am going to drive.

"Truth or dare," she asks and I boldly answer back.

"Bring the dare on." Some ohhhs and ahhhs pass through the room and Drew parts me as if to give me support.

"7 minutes in heaven," she says and still slitting her eyes at me. Some two girls I recognise as cheerleaders come towards me and blindfold me and lead me to the bathroom.

after what feels like 5 minutes and I am ready to walk out, I realize that the door is locked. I am using my phone's flashlight to light up the room as the lights are off.

"Guys!!' I hear a boy say as if in protest as he is led into the room then people giggle as they lock the door.

"Hey do you have a flashlight? My battery is low" he asks

"Ya," I say and turn it on. If I had been given this dare in ninth grade I wouldn't mind but now this is year 12  actually my second year 12. What is the point of being given chances if you cannot take them? When I turn up to look at the other person, I allow myself a jaw drop.

It's Asher Shelton. My crush since ninth grade when he moved to our town. The school's QB a knock on the door startles us and we give each other a look as we turn towards the door.

"Guys if you both do nothing in the next seven minutes, you have to take us for McDonalds tomorrow." Asher and I face each other in shock.

"Ohh and we know what is going on inside. You're being watched." Kayla says.

"Why do you think you were sent in here?" Asher asks.

I shrug lightly. " In all honesty, I do not know. Riley probably wants to get at me for not coming for all those parties." and I add a chuckle. "What about you?"

He rubs his finger across his brow as if deeply thinking, " Well you are not here because of that."

"What?" I ask slightly puzzled. 

"It's because of me." He says and I laugh quietly.

"Do not get full of yourself Asher," I say looking around the room.

"I am not getting full of myself. You're here because Riley knows that I like you." My heart first skips a beat then goes into Sonic mode as I face Asher. His hand goes behind his head as if a shy kid who has just stolen candy.

But throughout my first senior year, Asher did not like me. Not that I knew but he was always avoiding me in the hallways except the one time we were put to work on a project together.

"You are ever avoiding me at school clearly means you hate me." I fold my arms across his chest

"I do not hate you Raph." my Lord my name sounds so good on his lips and I feel the butterflies in my tummy get confused as I am.

"Not every guy is bold enough to tell his crush that he likes her."

"you're one of the school's most confident people," I say struggling to finish the sentence.

"Not everyone is what they are in the outside world. We all have insecurities and that thing that can make us different from what we show the world. For me, it is you."

My heart melts a little and I suck in my breath. 

"20,19,18...."  People start counting outside.

I do not see Asher move close to me but I register his presence when his lips meet mine and if it is not what I wanted then I do not know because it is worth being termed 7 minutes in heaven .

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