9

Skye's POV

Shit.

After nearly two years Blake still had that thing about her.

That irresistible thing that you couldn't help but feel.

Don't get me wrong, I didn't love Blake. At all. I didn't even "fancy" her, but there was always the annoyance I felt around her that she was the one who got away.

And the fact at least five guys were always in love with her, that made me think the way I used to feel about her hadn't been this amazing once in a lifetime, completely unique thing that belonged to me, was just the aura around her. That bugged the hell out of me.

Anyway, I should have been fixing my attention on Nerina. Sweet, cute, innocent Nerina who hung onto my every word like law. Fair enough, the fact that she'd disappeared halfway through me trying to chat her up was just confusing, and hugely irritating. Maybe Ricco had been right, this would be harder than I'd originally thought. But I was Skye Hall, I could complete any dare no problem and I wasn't going to lose face for the sake of a Cassidy junior's virginity. Even if it was Nerina's...

I sat down next to Ash on our bench underneath the oak tree. He was watching the it girl group walk past, his eyes fixed on Silkie.

'Do you think I should ask Silkie out?' he said, absently.

'What psycho bitch Silkie?'

'Yeah.'

'No. She'll scratch your face off.'

He shrugged 'it was worth a shot. How's Nerina going?' he asked.

'You know-' I said vaguely.

'Well, there's a party on Friday. You can make a move.'

'Who's party?'

'Natalie Staliettio' he replied 'I think she's trying to get in with the it girls or something.'

I laughed 'I wouldn't wanna be Kevin when that happens.'

'Neither' said Ash, taking a drag from a cigarette I hadn't noticed him lighting. 'Hey, the football team tryouts are on tomorrow. You trying out?'

I shrugged.

'Come on, man.'

'Sure I'll try out, but I can basically promise you I'll miss half the practices though.'

'It's what you're like on the pitch that matters anyway' he said 'besides we're seniors now, no one cares.'

Natalie's POV

Great. I had officially two days to plan a party.

And get the keys for the gym hall. And the only person I knew who had a copy, and keys for everywhere apparently... Kevin

Shit, shit, shit. It's bad enough that I have to see him. Let alone talk to him, ask him for a favor...

Eyes on the prize Natalie, eyes on the prize. This party will open doors for you.

'I'm having a party on Friday' I said as soon as I walked into the room. Jasmine was painting her toenails, Blake was doing her yoga again and Nerina was leafing through a magazine with headphones plugged into her ears.

'A party?' Jasmine looked up with one eyebrow raised 'you've never hosted a party before.'

'There's a first time for everything' I said, wisely.

Blake laughed 'this is a pathetic attempt to get on good terms with Silkie, isn't it?'

'No' I lied. 'I really want to host a party.'

'Well that's a lie' she moved into the butterfly position which was utterly ridiculous.

'Where are you going to have it anyway? Our room?' asked Jasmine, looking interested as she wiggled her toenails to examine the effect.

'No. The sports hall' I replied.

Blake laughed 'only one guy has the keys to there. And-' she looked up and saw I was serious. 'Well, he kind of does owe you a favor.'

'This party is going to be awesome' I sat down on my bed 'the one and only Natalie Staliettio hosts this year's hottest party...'

'It would have to be pretty good to beat Silkie's Spring party' said Jasmine, grinning.

'That was only good for you because you hooked up with Jason okay' I said 'to everyone else it was just an average party. Mine will go down in history and therefore I will go down in history as well. So there.'

At that point Nerina sat upright and pulled off her headphones 'have any of you heard of Dino Rodriguez?' she asked for no apparent reason.

'No' we all said in unison.

'Who is he?' asked Jasmine.

'I don't know. This guy I met today. What are you talking about?'

'I'm having a party' I said.

'Oh fun' she grinned.

'I don't mean a party with balloons and a dj while everyone dances at the front. I mean a proper party, at midnight with booze.'

'I get that' said Nerina, frowning at my annoyance. 'It will be fun. What should I wear?'

I was tempted to say none of her clothes but I just smiled 'you know, nice clothes but not too much.' The party dress was decided by Silkie though, whatever she came in was what you should be wearing. And by the end of the night clothes would have been added and altered so everyone was wearing what they should be. Blake was the only person who could get away with disobeying the rule, but Nerina would probably break it accidentally. I couldn't help but smile.