Emma: Tomorrow 7 PM, can you come to my place? Wear something nice!

Ivy: Could you actually be more obvious?

Emma: Don't know what you're talking about... See you there!

Ivy turned off her phone, sighing.
"Dad?" She called out.

"Yes?"

"Emma's planning a surprise party tomorrow. Can I go?" She bit her lip, almost hearing his mind think. Her dad opened her room door, brow furrowed.

"How come you know about it?"

Ivy smirked. "Cause Emma's one of the most readable people I've ever met."

"What time?"

"Leaving at 6:50, not sure when I'll be back."

"Be home before 10, okay?"

Ivy grinned. "I'll probably get bored, and leave around 8:00." Her Dad nodded, and left, answering his ringing phone.

Sighing, Ivy opened her homework.
———————————————————

With Emma's advice, threats, and instructions in her head, Ivy walked home. Upon her arrival, she immediately went upstairs, searching for something decent to wear.

Eventually, she can up with fitted jeans, and a plain white shirt, covered by a midnight-blue jacket. With Emma's selection, she chose a newer looking pair of converse, and let her dark hair fall loose.

With phone and keys, she was about to leave when her father called.
"Ivy?" She turned around, slightly annoyed at the proud look on his face.

"Dad, stop it." He blinked, then laughed.

"Sorry. Stay safe, alright?" With one final assessment, he turned to leave. "And please try not to punch anyone. I'm sure you can insult them just as well." He added it as an afterthought, thought it was said like a joke.

Ivy grinned. "Where's the fun in that? See you later."

Emmas house was close by, and it wasn't too dark yet. The wind was refreshing, as Ivy's thoughts lifted. Even if the party was awful, Emma and James would be there. Her phone buzzed, as Emma's nervous texts poured in.

Ivy scanned the area, as she approached. Loud music was already starting up, but the neighborhood seemed quiet, anticipating the recklessness of teenagers.

"Ivy!" Turning from her analysis, Ivy smiled at Emma. She was wearing a red dress that pulled in and out, finally loosening down above her knee. She wasn't very dressed up, and she easily ran forward, hugging Ivy.

"Happy late 18th!"

"Thanks, Emma." Ivy said gratefully. "How many people are coming?"

Emma rolled her eyes playfully. "Who cares? Just have fun, cause this is probably the last time you'll go to a party."

"Probably." Ivy agreed.

They walked in fashionably late, as Emma instructed. Ivy heard the party before she saw it. The music was average, but there was a strong beat. As she walked in, she saw the large crowd, and automatically turned accusingly to Emma.

"Emma," Ivy yelled, over the music. "One, I remember you saying, there will hardly be anyone there. There's over 50 people in this room! And, more importantly, I don't know any of these people."

Emma looked around. "Really? I'm pretty sure you once threw a glass of water at that guy." She laughed, but sighed at Ivy's disapproving face.

"Look, here's your chance to actually talk to them, instead of analyzing or insulting them." With this Emma was swept away, leaving Ivy staring around.

She headed to the tables at the back, not in much rush. Her mind flicked through some of the people there, but didn't find any of them interesting enough to try and talk to. She poured a glass of the berry colored juice, but as the liquid hit her tongue, she nearly spat it out. The drinks were already spiked, and heavily.

"This is going to end very badly." She said to no one in particular. Her body tensed as she made her way through the door, pushing wilder people away.

Suddenly her path was blocked. "Hey." The student was a large guy, with unfocused eyes and a lazy smile.

Ivy tried to tone down her disgust. "Brendan. What are you doing here?"

"Heard there was a party. I thought there was a mistake with the guest list, since I wasn't on it."

Remembering her Dad's words, Ivy unclenched her fist. "You know, I'd try and guess how low your IQ is, but really, it's a waste of time. Don't embarrass yourself, just leave."

Brendan's face twisted as he was caught between anger and cruel amusement.

"Hmm. That face isn't really helping your case."

"Just shut up, Cooper!" His breath came out in a growl. "You know, this party is so pathetic, I was about to leave. But now I think I'll stay."

Ivy took a step forward, but was distracted by something by the door. People were pouring in, some of them definitely not students. With her planning, Emma had not accounted for the attention this party would bring.

Ivy strode forward, stopping the pair of strangers from entering. "Excuse me, this is a private property, and invitation-only party. Please leave." The words felt too polite for this situation, but Ivy held their gaze, not backing off.

"Why can't we stay?"

"We have free drinks."

"We won't cause any trouble."

The empty reassurances and words flew past Ivy. Unfazed, she repeated her previous request, this time adding an edge to her tone. They reluctantly left, shooting resentful looks past their shoulders. Posting herself in the side of the door, Ivy maintained her watch over the arriving and partying students. Eventually she started to feel slightly bad. It was her party, but she had barely talked to anyone, let alone enjoyed the conversation.

A girl stumbled up from behind her. She had light brown hair and dark eyes. "Hi." Her words were slurred. "Do you.. know-" she hiccuped, "-Noah?" Ivy tensed.

"He's at this party?" The girl's response was mainly unintelligible, but Ivy understood part of it.

"How are you so drunk?" The thought escaped her mind, leaving her mouth. The girl laughed.

"Who? Me...I'm not-" She lost sense of her words and drifted off. "I should probably go home. Bye!"

Ivy watched her try to open her car door, before it had been unlocked. Sighing she walked over. "Where do you live?" Her clear question rang though the girl's hazy mind.

"29 Tupac Avenue." The girl responded, with no hesitation.

Ivy nodded. "Let's get you a ride. Remember to pick up your car tommorow."

"You know..." The girl began, "You're really nice, but you always seem so distant at school. I think-" She paused, still in a slightly dazed state. "You could be be pretty popular."

"Yeah... maybe." Ivy responded.

Ivy walked her to a station where she flagged down an uber, and told them the directions. As the car drove off, she thought over the girls words. Just drunk ramblings.

Dread seeped through her as she approached Emma's house. One thing was certain: the party was getting out of control.

********************************
Hi!
Was the drunk part correct? I've never really seen someone drunk, and this is based off random information. Same with these crazy parties.

Continuing on from this party, is there anything you'd especially like to see? I'd be happy to include it.

Comment what you think, plus any corrections. 🙂
Read123_321