''You know, you could have called or texted my friends to tell me to get out of there. You're supposed to be helping Skylar right?''

''I would, but I didn't have their numbers so...''

''...''

The two of us walked down the quiet hallways, towards wherever Isaac was leading me. He had told me that Skylar instructed him to get me since the birthday boy himself was busy being crowded around, and he of course knew about my dilemma just earlier.

My stunt into the water didn't attract much of an attention, but it was Louie's endless flailing and confused state that did the magic, especially when she assisted me out of the water. Even though I was completely drenched, she still hugged me tightly, mumbling words such as 'so glad you're alive' and 'thank god you know how to swim' to herself while I awkwardly embraced her.

''Nice to see you taking a dip already, though you said you were only here for the food?'' And that's when things turned embarrassing, with the appearance of Skylar.

I felt my face sinking deeper into Louie's embrace when he spoke, but Louie just had to let go during that time ''Skylar! Great to see you here, do you have like... anywhere for Chloe here to dry up?''

''As you see, she's entirely wet and...'' Her motherly instincts immediately took over, followed by an explanation that she oh-so-quickly wrapped up.

Skylar seemed to listen attentively to Louie's words, but I felt him eyeing me and my drenched state out of the corner of my eyes. It felt a little uncomfortable, but I could roughly make out why he did that.

Ever since I got to knew Skylar in Grade 7, the endless teasing and hilarious pranks had begun between the both of us. But nevertheless, I always managed to make a fool out of him, and he constantly swore that he'll get back to me.

It's been three years, but he still hasn't got over it yet, let alone get even with me with the amount of pranks I've done.

''But of course, I'll have a room prepped for you so that milady and your dearest friend could fully utilize it for your means.'' He replied 'gracefully', a small smirk visible on the corner of his lips.

The fact that he decided to say it in the middle of the crowd was embarrassing enough, yet Louie seemed to believe everything he had said, and nodded with literal sparks in her eyes ''Thanks!''

I pulled a strand of my wet hair behind my ears, and it was followed by glaring daggers towards Skylar. The male seemed amused by my reaction, and proceeded to point towards the building that stood in the middle of the party grounds ''There's a guest room you can use, in this case I'll suggest the one furthest down the right hallway as it seems to suit your tastes.''

''Ugh, really?'' I mumbled under my breath whilst rolling my eyes at his witty comment, but he didn't seem to hear it.

''Thanks a lot! Now come on Chloe!''

--

''Well, nice dress?''

''Not with half-wet converse, it feels like there's stones tied to it down there.''

''But I'm pretty sure the attention would be drawn to your dress, no one bats an eye at your shoes anyways.''

''I guess so, besides, I bet Miley doesn't even care if you have fish eyes right? Pftttt'' It ended with a small laugh.

Conversations between Isaac and me were always weird, but it was enjoyable in certain ways. We've had known each other since we were kids, but we barely spoke until we ended up in the same class during high school.

''Please stop it about me and Miley, we're just desk mates!'' He reasoned, placing a finger on the temple of his head and gradually began to rub it ''You have no idea how torturous it is to sit next to her every day, like I barely have time to myself.''

''Well, you could always move somewhere. But I doubt Miley would like it, you guys are so cute together!''

''Please no...''

The male sighed deeply, shoving his hands into the pocket of his jeans. That made me smile a little, knowing I've just knocked away all his possible comebacks at me whenever I teased him with Miley.

Well, if only.

''On the other hand, why don't you consider getting with Skylar? '' Isaac continued, causing me to jump a little at his words ''Excuse me, me and Skylar? Never going to happen!''

''Aww, why not? He's rich, you don't have to work if you marry him.''

''Hah, why don't you marry him instead? And why are we even talking about marrying someone already when we're still single and clueless about our future?''

My reply was firm and quick, and that basically made Isaac shut up. There was no way; I was going to get a boy at this age where I barely understand myself, let alone trying to figure out what I want in the future!

Sure, there will be occasional crushes, but they'll eventually fade away into blank nothingness.

At least that was what I hoped for.

The two of us reached the end of the hallways, which meant that our walk had come to an end. We arrived back at the party grounds where everything was as lively as before, but that had awaken the little anxiety that hid within me, which reminded me that I was alone here now without my friends.

I always felt uneasy whenever I'm alone in a crowded area. Because everyone would be grouped together with their friends, and my mind would constantly remind me that people would be gawking and murmuring 'Doesn't she have friends?' or 'What a loner, pftt.''

I resented that.

''A few minutes ago you managed to confuse my reply system, and now you basically look terrified now that we're here. Feeling guilty?'' Of course, the notable Isaac had to speak up.

''Not exactly, but can I skip this?'' I asked, scanning the crowd in the area. If I was accompanied by friends, I would have no problem hanging around.

But I'm entirely alone here.

I pulled off my best puppy eyes at Isaac, placing both hands on his shoulders and proceeded to shake the living daylights out of him ''At least let me bring my friends, or I'll escape this instant!''

''I'm afraid not my friend, Skylar had specifically mentioned to not let you get off the hook to this gameshow, and your friends shall be comfortably seated in the audience before you can even reach them'' He replied coolly, seeming unaffected by my actions.

''Excuse me, gameshow?'' That made my jaw drop, and my movements came to a halt as I stared at Isaac wide-eyed.

''Yes my friend, and it shall be broadcasted live on social media to spread awareness of our dearest friend's birthday!''

This was an absolute nightmare.

--

I guess I left another cliffhanger? 

Whoops ;)

Anyways, I hoped you enjoyed this chapter, and hopefully the previous ones too so far! 

I'll try to update another chapter somewhere within this week, and hopefully that habit shall sustain for the future. 

And this chapter was a little short compared to others if you have noticed, as the word count(for me) was a little below average but I wanted to complete this chapter before heading to bed. 

But fear not, future chapters shall be filled with (hopefully) much more  hilarious and interesting content that'll keep you all tuned in 

And always, thanks for reading and supporting this book. 

I shall see you too in the next chapter then :D 

-Adyrin