Chapter Four
Everleigh Woods knew how to have a good time. She didn't need dim lighting, hard liquor, loud music, and sweaty random people around her to do so. Everleigh could have just as good a time in her sweats as she could in her fanciest, tiniest outfit.
But that didn't mean that Everleigh didn't like to party. The seemingly good girl could be the wildest person in town when she wanted to. She was the life of the party.
I don't know if I should feel sorry for people like Stacy or be jealous of them. I'd be jealous because they're obviously having an incredible time with an incredible social life. I'd feel sorry for them because that's all they ever do; wear something short and tight, listen to shitty music, dance with shitty people that they act like they don't hate, pretending to have a good time.
Needless to say, my views on life differ from theirs.
Yeah, life is short. Why waste it on things like that? I'd much rather prefer a cosy night in with a loved one over going clubbing.
Doesn't going out and doing the same thing all the time just suck the fun out of it? Doesn't it go from being special to becoming mundane?
"Red looks looks good on you," Everleigh observes. She lets me borrow one of her dresses and I finally get out of the gross towel.
"Thanks."
"So what do you want to do?" she asks. "We could go shopping or to the cinema,"
"Isn't it Saturday today?" I ask and she nods. "Astor Saturdays!"
"I'm not even going to ask how you know that," Everleigh says. "But that's a good idea!"
We spend the whole day together and I can't remember the last time I had so much fun. Everleigh is truly extraordinary.
Tall, blonde and blue eyed, Stellan Astor was devilishly handsome and he knew it. Unlike his best friend, he was extremely social. The extravagant parties he threw in his mansion every week assured that. Derek and Stellan had almost nothing in common but that didn't stop them from being as close as brothers.
The stench of alcohol fills my nose when I reach the Astor mansion which is only a couple of minutes away from Everleigh's. The mansion is massive, even bigger than Everleigh's.
"Welcome to my humble abode!" Stellan stumbles out, greeting us. He's an attractive guy. With his prominent cheek bones and jawline, he's the kind of guy Lisa and Stacy would go crazy about.
"You brought a friend!" He cheerfully says to Everleigh.
"Yeah, I hope you don't mind."
"Of course not," he assures. "The more, the merrier. I'm Stellan." he introduces himself, taking my hand and kissing it.
"I'm Paris," I smile.
"Say, Paris, would you like a private tour of my mansion?" He puts his arm forward, expecting me to take it.
"As tempting as that sounds, I think I'm good."
"Alright, that's cool. Have a nice time," he winks and goes back inside.
I head inside with Everleigh, excited to see what Derek is like in person.
In black jeans, a white t-shirt and a leather jacket, Derek Catallano does not disappoint. He has a beautifully sculpted face and a slight stubble that makes him even more attractive.
"Paris, this is Derek, my boyfriend," Everleigh introduces.
"Hey," Derek smiles and I try not to swoon.
"Hey," I repeat.
"Derek, this Paris," she says. "She's awesome, she's from another universe."
"Everleigh!" I exclaim.
"Sure, Ev," Derek chuckles. "Another universe!"
I start to laugh as well and Everleigh raises an eyebrow.
"Shun the non believer!"
We grab some drinks and dance to music that's so much better than the kind Stacy and Lisa listen to.
"Let's play truth or dare!" Everleigh announces and a bunch of people huddle around the coffee table.
"I'll start," she says. "Lucy, truth or dare?" I don't recognise Lucy or remember writing her. I actually don't recognise a lot of people in here.
"Wait," Stellan chimes in and everybody stares at him. "I have a better idea."
"What?" Derek asks.
"Let's play spin the bottle," He smirks and keeps an empty green beer bottle on the floor and people start to cheer. Seven of us sit in a circle: Everleigh, Derek, Stellan, Lucy, a guy and a girl whose names I don't know, and me.
"I'll start," Lucy grins and spins the bottle. I notice how pretty she is. She has bright blonde hair that stands out against her dark skin. I feel a little self conscious after noticing how attractive all of them actually are. The bottle points at Derek and I notice Everleigh stiffen next to me. I give her a look that says 'don't worry, it's just a silly game' and she nods.
Lucy gives Derek a quick peck and the game continues. Everleigh spins it next and it lands on the redheaded girl whose name I don't know. Derek watches them, looking amused as their kiss lasts longer than a little peck and Stellan hoots.
"Alright, my turn!" he announces and spins the bottle. Surprisingly, it lands on me. Butterflies fill my stomach when I think about the extremely attractive guy with Greek God-like looks kissing me.
And before I know it, that's exactly what he does. He kisses me and the butterflies start to flutter even more. His lips are gentle and tender and the split second seems like much longer, in a good way.
I stare at him dumbfounded when he pulls away and he gives me a cheeky grin.
We play for a little longer and then just lounge around, relaxing and talking. They let me speak and seem genuinely interested in the things that I have to say unlike my friends back home. They make me feel important and relevant and I try to be just as nice to them as they are to me.
"Tell you what," Stellan says. "I'll give you another chance to accept my offer."
"What offer?" I ask, raising an eyebrow.
"About the private tour," he reminds me.
I think about it for a second. Stellan is gorgeous, why should I pass this opportunity up? He's a million times more attractive than any guy who goes to my school. But Stellan is a fuckboy. I should know since I'm the one who wrote his character.
This is so insane!
"It's just a tour, Dayton. I'm not asking you to sleep with me," he chuckles.
"Wait, really? I thought a 'tour' was a code word or something," I say making air quotes at the word tour.
"No, it's not," he laughs. "Unless you want it to be."
"A simple tour would be nice, I suppose." I start to wonder what his house looks like. I never wrote about anything other than his giant living room and backyard where the parties took place. It just wasn't important. After all, Stellan Astor was only a minor character.
"So this is my kitchen," he says and grabs a flask from a drawer. The kitchen is silver and sleek, very modern like the whole house.
"This is the guest room," We enter a large room with wooden paneling all over and leave. "But it's nothing special."
"That's my dads' room and that's my sister's room," he just points, not opening the doors.
"I didn't you know have a sister," I say, surprised.
"Yeah, she's a bitch. We don't talk much," he shrugs.
"Oh."
"And this," he grins as we go up to the second floor. "Is the best of 'em all," He opens the door to reveal a large tastefully done up balcony. There are hundreds of small plants in pretty pots and fairy lights everywhere, making it look mystical.
"This is gorgeous!"
"Yeah, I spend most of my time out here," he says.
I see a swing similar to the one on Everleigh's porch, but this one seems even more inviting. I make my way to it and sit down, looking at the incredible view of the sea.
Stellan sits next to me. "The sea looks rough today," he notices and I nod. "Maybe we can go for a dip another night when it's calmer."
My face suddenly drops, remembering that there might not be another night. A next time.
This isn't my life.
This isn't my world.
"Hey, what's wrong?" he asks, lifting my chin up.
"Nothing," I smile. "Everything is perfect."
He takes a sip out of the flask, hands it to me and I do the same. The bittersweet taste fills my mouth and my insides start to feel warmer.
"Don't you get bored of it?" I ask him. "Partying all the time?"
"Of course I do," he states.
"Then why do it?" I question.
"Because my life sucks," he laughs without humour and takes a large gulp. "It sucks a little less when I'm drunk"
"I don't understand. I thought you have a great life,"
"Sure, if you call a dad who beats the hell out of me for not making the football team and not getting straight As great,"
"Oh my god, I had no idea."
"No one does,"
"Stellan, I'm so sorry," I take his hand, something that I'd never have done if I were sober.
"It's cool. I'm a tough guy, everyone knows that,"
"I thought your dad is always out on business. Isn't that how you have these parties?"
"Wow, someone did their homework," he chuckles.
"Everleigh told me," I lie.
"Well, yeah. That's true," he nods. "And when he's back, he does what I told you he does."
"What about your mom?" I ask.
"Never met her," he admits.
"Your sister?"
"Like I said, she's a bitch," he shrugs. "I'm sorry, I don't even know why I'm telling you all this. I've never told anyone any of this."
"It's okay," I say. "I'm glad you told me."
"Well, you know my life story. What's yours?"
"I'm just your usual outcast," I chuckle.
"Let me guess, you're a writer? Or an artist?"
"Writer," I say. "How can you tell?"
"Just a guess. What kind of stuff do you write?" He inquires.
"Fiction."
"Wow, I'm sure you're good. Don't forget me when you're a New York Times bestselling author," he smirks.
"I won't," I wink.
"Paris is a beautiful name," he says.
"Thanks," I blush. "So is Stellan."
"Thanks, it's Swedish," he smiles. "That's where my family is originally from."
We spend another hour, just talking, until Everleigh finds us.
"Paris, are you ready to go?" she asks and I nod.
"It was nice meeting you, Stellan." I take one last look at him and turn around, not knowing if I'll ever see him again.
"You too," he smiles, looking like he could fall asleep any moment. "I'll see you around, Dayton."
I sleep well at night in Everleigh's room. She was nice enough to let me stay the night, not wanting me to get into the freezing water. Her bed is the most comfortable bed I've ever felt.
The next morning, I realise that I have to go back and I try not to be too sad.
"This isn't my life," I remind myself.
Everleigh stays with me until I get into the water to swim to the buoy.
"Paris, I know we've only known each other for a day, but I feel like I've known you forever," she smiles.
"Likewise, Everleigh," I say. "I'll be back. Don't worry, I know I will," I try to convince myself as well as Everleigh. I have to think positive.
She hugs me tightly and I wave goodbye, getting into the water.
I wish I could stay here forever.
I reach the buoy in no time and reluctantly cross over to the other side. I sit still and the same white light envelopes me.
...
A/N
Hi everyone! What do you think of this chapter and the new characters that are introduced?
How's the header?
Alex Pettyfer as Stellan Astor!
Any other cast suggestions? I've only got the right actor to be Stellan so far and I'm rather clueless about the rest.
Thanks for reading! Don't forget to vote and comment x
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