NB: I want to clear any confusion for all my returning readers, I changed Matthias to Ethan. And rather than Lily being an Aspiring singer, she's an Aspiring photographer. Sorry about that, you may now continue.

"You okay cuz? You look like you just ran a marathon."

I ignored my cousin as I collapsed on the nearest couch.

Finally in the safety of my own home, I was so grateful I almost kissed the floor.

Key word: almost.

"Where's Aunt V?"

I dragged my exhausted form into the kitchen. Which took extreme effort in the unnecessarily large manor I now called, 'home'.

Jasper grunted as he got up to follow me, "She just left for the night shift."

"Where have you been? School let out ages ago."

I hummed in response as I raided the fridge for my lasagna from the previous night.

The only thing I'd been looking forward to all day.

"You do realize we have a chef that cooks everyday, right?"

"Unless Rosalyn made lasagna, I do not care"

I slammed the door shut as I retrieved my after school lunch and moved to the microwave.

Why is the microwave so far away.

"Why are you in such a crabby mood?" he asked as he grabbed a faux apple from the fruit basket and began playing with it.

"I had to run for my life today," I said simply as I took the first bite of the heavenly mix of spices. I could feel my bad mood melt away as the food simultaneously melted in my mouth.

Jasper raised his brows waiting for an explanation to my vague comment. I just sat at the island enjoying my food while he stared me down.

"What?" I asked finally.

"What did you mean by 'running for your life'. Was someone after you, do I have to beat someone up?"

"Puh-lease, spare me the rantings. You couldn't even beat me, not to talk of a random creep who could be ten times your size,"

He just glared in response as I giggled at the thought of the slightly lanky boy in front of me, being pinned down by someone as big as John Cena.

"So what did happen?"

"Well, I was just minding my own business, when I heard noises coming from the basketball court. Being the good student I am, I proceeded to the court to apprehend the potential intruder-"

Jasper scoffed, interrupting my monologue, "Yet, I'm the delusional one"

"Hush, I'm telling a story here. Like I was saying, don't you dare roll your eyes at me," He raised his hands in mock surrender as I continued.

"Anyways, I was just about to apprehend the suspect when I realized he was actually a student of the school. Now assured of the safety of our beloved institute,"

"Delulu," Jasper coughed and I shot him a glare which seems to silence him, for now.

"I turned to leave and was stopped by a rack of basketballs. The same basketballs I intended to save from the intruders," I huffed as I finished off my lasagna.

"What ungrateful creatures"

"Of course, you, of all people, would know ungrateful. You never gave me a proper 'thank you,'"

I screeched, my heart doing a little tap dance in my chest as I prayed I had misplaced the voice that, quite rudely, interrupted my kitchen rantings. I whipped my head around, and there he was, Ethan, chilling in the doorframe like he belonged there.

Take me now, Lord.

"So, you're my enigmatic stalker?" He accused me, feigning melodramatic horror.

"You could've given me a heart attack," I yelled back, even though my heart had already returned to its non-thumping state. The two guys just rolled their eyes at my theatrical tendencies.

I took offense at their dismissive attitudes, considering I was quite the drama kid back at my old school. Some people simply didn't appreciate the arts anymore.

"How do I know you're not stalking me? I mean, you are in my kitchen," I retorted, my attention now divided between rinsing my plate and the two teenage boys.

Jasper, though taller than my 5'5" frame, didn't quite reach Ethan's skyscraper level, who was playing the part of an effortless interloper as they stood side by side.

The two boys painted a contrasting picture. Ethan exuded playful vibes with his disheveled dirty-blond hair and sapphire blue eyes, while Jasper gave off a more serious aura, his dark hair and light brown eyes adding depth to the picture.

I supposed it was all in the genes, as I shared Jasper's color palette.

The banter between Ethan and Jasper was like watching a live comedy show. These two dudes were like peanut butter and jelly, just inseparable. Their jokes flew like ping-pong balls, and honestly, I couldn't keep up. I mean, how did they even come up with this stuff?

As I stood there, sandwiched between their witty crossfire, they were in their own world, giggling like schoolgirls at a slumber party. I thought I was the drama queen here, but these guys took the crown for the best comedy duo.

But then, out of the blue, Ethan did this dramatic 180-degree turn, flinging his arm around my shoulder with a flair that'd make a circus performer jealous. And with a grin that could outshine the sun, he declared, "I don't need you, Lily is my new best friend!"

I swear, if I'd been drinking something, I'd have snorted it out all over the kitchen. I couldn't help but laugh, and in the midst of the laughter, I realized that maybe, just maybe, I'd stumbled into a sitcom of my own, starring the weirdest but lovable cast of characters.

"Best friends? What is this, elementary school?" I scoffed when I'd finally caught the breath that got away before I sauntered away from the potential comedy show, trying to ignore their rising argumentative voices as I climbed the stairs.

But amidst the lighthearted banter and playful antics, I felt a sense of warmth and acceptance I hadn't experienced in a long time. And something else I couldn't quite place.

Patting myself on the back for abandoning the amusing bickering between Ethan and Jasper, I retreated to my room for a much needed shower. Who knew running was so sweat-inducing.

I now had a new found respect for Olympic track runners.

I shuffled into my room, I couldn't help but chuckle at the absurdity of it all. These boys had crashed into my life like a pair of misfit comets, and they were proving to be quite entertaining.

Once inside my room, I took a long warm bath and began the elaborate process of preparing for bed. I turned on some soothing music and twirled around in my room with the grace and elegance of a dancing elephant. I couldn't deny that there was something about the bizarre circumstances that was oddly endearing.

I rounded up the majority of my night time rituals and got into bed, wrapping myself in an excess of blankets. It was as if I was preparing for the coldest night in Antarctica instead of a cozy slumber in my oddly oversized bedroom. What can I say? I liked my blankets.

Just as I had cocooned myself to my satisfaction and began my last nightly ritual of playing peekaboo with my cat socks, the door swung open unceremoniously. I squealed, or it might have been more of a yelp, and theatrically clutched my blankets to my chest, my last line of defense, as if I were a bizarre combination of a deranged ninja and a fashion-conscious yeti.

"Do people just not knock anymore?" I exclaimed, wide-eyed and melodramatic, my voice oozing with the shock of being caught unprepared.

Ethan, ignoring my performance, strolled in and leaned casually against the doorframe. It was as if the idea of knocking had never crossed his mind. He regarded me with an amused twinkle in his eyes, shaking his head.

"You're weird," he said with a chuckle. "You're going to bed and it's barely 7 o'clock."

I defended my peculiar habits with a sense of pride. "I like to wake up in the middle of the night to read. Call me a nerd if you want, but it's peaceful."

Ethan playfully rolled his eyes. "Alright, you're a nerd, Lily. But back to why I'm here in the first place."

I sat up properly and motioned for him to continue.

"Jasper and I were thinking of going to a party later tonight. You in?"

My heart skipped a beat at the mention of food, my second love, after my cherished books. I perked up at the idea but remained reluctant. "You're a mind reader, aren't you? Okay, I'm in, but you need to promise me it'll be an unforgettable night."

Ethan grinned, a playful twinkle in his eye. "You really love your food, don't you?"

I defended my culinary enthusiasm my pride still fully intact, "Absolutely. Food is my soul's greatest companion."

"I thought I was your greatest companion.", he pouted as I got out of bed but I just shook my head as I laid a hand on his shoulder reassuringly.

"Keep dreaming, buddy."

Disappointed, he shrugged my hand off as I laughed at his mock dismay.

I turned to my closet, thinking of something to wear while Ethan stood beside me, looking like he was pondering the mysteries of the earth.

"Uh, a little privacy please?"

"Oh, right," his face flushed a cute shade of pink as he scrambled out of the room like his butt was on fire.

I couldn't help but chuckle.

Yet, they call me the theatrical one.

With my attention now fully on my closet, I decided to wear an oxblood bodycon dress with my black heels.

Satisfied with my choice in party ware, I grabbed my black purse and my favorite gold hoops from my dresser as I sat to do some light makeup.

I never understood people that took joy in wearing excess makeup, but hey. Everyone with their different tastes. I mean there was probably someone out there that ate sushi with a fork or drank orange juice right after brushing their teeth.

You know, psychopaths.

"Lily, if you aren't down in five, we're leaving without you," the annoying voice I identified as my brother's came from downstairs, as I stumbled with the latch on the earrings.

"Coming!"

Why were these my favorite again?

I dashed down the stairs, as fast as my heels would let me, in an attempt to avoid anymore yelling; only to find the culprit sprawled out on the couch.

And as any other frustrated seventeen year old would do, I walked right up to the TV and unplugged it

"Hey, we were watching that".

"I wasn't," Ethan seemed more glued to his phone than his surroundings.

"Way to back me up, dude".

I rolled my eyes at them as I walked out.

"If you aren't out in three minutes, I'm driving to the party".

Jasper scoffed as he got up with a grunt, "You don't know how to drive, sweetheart".

"Then I guess, I'll have to learn with your car, sweetheart," my sweet tone held an underlying threat I knew Jasper wouldn't ignore. I mean, he loved that car like a dang child.

True, I didn't know how to drive but I did have my permit. And I wasn't really going to anyway but the guys didn't know that.

Which was why they were ready and in the car with a whole minute to spare.

"Let's go princesses, I don't have all day," Jasper glared at me from the rearview mirror while I just smiled innocently. Ethan chuckled throughout our comedic exchange as we finally headed to the party.

❧❧❧

Why do I come to these things again?

My eyes roamed over the now drunk and disheveled teenagers, as they roamed the back yard fueled by infatuation and alcohol.

Not the best combination I must admit.

When we got there, the guys were warmly greeted by the rest of the football team, including the host whose name I learned was Isaiah.

We got to the backyard and we all sat around the around the bar. Yes, he has a bar in his house  to tell you how often he throws parties.

"Alright fellas. Grab a drink and have fun!" Isaiah said as he trailed off which a brunette. Leaving me with six to ten teenage boys.

Yay me.

I eventually got acquainted with everyone and we all went our separate ways, except me. I stayed at my stool sipping a tequila as I watched people come and go.

By the time they'd left, most of them were drunk or well on their way. Well, except Jasper  since he lost rock-paper-scissors and was our ride.

I looked around to see if I would catch a familiar face but I realized I only knew majority of these people by sight.

My eyes darted around the room for a while. The bar overlooked the pool and I watched idly as it changed to different colors, partly illuminating the backyard while doing so.

I eventually gave up my futile search when I saw a bunch of guys playing beer pong on an old ping pong table. I immediately went to go and join them.

I was and still am the Queen of beer pong and I never missed any opportunity to show off my skills. Some would call it bragging or showing off but I'm just really good compared to everyone else.

"I'd like to try" I spoke up when I got to their table as I scouted my competition and was surprised to see Ethan among the players.

Another surprise was the voice that answered me.

Josh scoffed as he looked me up and down, silently surveying me but I didn't show a sign of weakness. Holding my poker face as my only defense.

"If it isn't the little bitch with the tummy trouble. You sure you can stomach it when you lose?"

He cackled as well as the other occupants of the table and I could feel my facade cracking but I pushed on.

"I'd be more concerned about you. Since all you do is whine like a baby, I'd hate to have to listen to your annoying voice after I beat your ass," I smirked as I saw the frown on his face deepening.

"Care to put your ball where your mouth is?"

"Why don't we play and find out?" We stared each other down for a full minute in utmost dislike before he reluctantly threw me a ball.

"Ladies first," he smiled but it lacked any empathy and of course I had to return the gesture.

~~~

It was the first to ten and we were tied nine-nine. With every turn we moved further away from the cups until we were close to eight ft away from the cup on the table.

Did I mention it was a very pong pong table.

Josh bounced his ball for the last time and it bounced off the edge of the cup.

It didn't go in.

I could see he mentally scolded himself for missing it and but his arrogance came back just as easily as a lazy grin overtook his face.

"If I couldn't make that shot, there's no way you're gonna make it. Why not just forfeit now and I might just go easy on you?"

I ignored his sly comments psyched myself up. I could hear the silent laughter coming from Jasper and his friend but in that moment I was fully emersed in the game.

I could see the teenagers were getting bored of waiting for me to take the shot, apparently, we had gathered quite the crowd but I'd shoot when I was ready.

Finally I took my shot (after like eight minutes), the ball bounced off the table.

Josh smirked, "Game over." He mouthed with a cocky grin but I smiled back, knowing I wasn't done yet.

The ball bounced off a nearby stool, on the floor, back unto the table and, yes you guessed it, into the freaking cup!

Josh stood there dumbfounded and so did everyone else that witnessed it. Then they broke into cheers. Ethan even put me on his shoulders and yelled, "All hail the beer pong queen!"

Everyone yelled in unison, "All hail the beer pong queen!"

I raised my hands in victory as people cheered for me. After everyone had dispersed, Josh made his way towards where I still stood.

"Congratulations beer pong queen" Ethan said as he put me down with a goofy grin on his face expecting to see one on his face as well but I was met with something a bit different.

All of a sudden, I felt the wind leave my lungs as our eyes met.

He looked at me strangely before he asked, "Where was this confidence in the cafeteria?"

I couldn't help but feel a mix of surprise and embarrassment as Ethan's gaze bore into mine. My mind raced to come up with a witty response, but all I managed was a nervous chuckle.

"Well," I stammered, "confidence is like Wi-Fi. It comes and goes, you know?" Ethan arched an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced. "Seriously, though, the cafeteria is a war zone. This is more like a one-on-one match."

He smirked, the corners of his mouth quirking up. "I guess so. But what's the occasion for this sudden burst of bravery?" He gestured to the lively party around us, the music thumping in the background.

I shrugged, trying to play it cool. "Maybe the stars aligned, or maybe I just needed the right audience." 

He gave me another one of his boyish smiles and I felt my face heat up. And almost simultaneously, a familiar knot appeared in my stomach, one that never led to anything good.

"How about I get us some drinks?" Ethan, though confused, tried to insist he got it but I was much more persistent. I needed to get out of here.

I stumbled through the lively crowd looking for the punch bowl but before I could locate it, a sudden force jolted me from behind. Panic surged through me as I tried to regain my balance, but before I knew it, I was plunging into the pool with an undignified splash.

The water enveloped me, and for a moment, all I could hear was the muffled thud of music and the surprised gasps of onlookers. I resurfaced, sputtering and dripping, desperately trying to salvage some semblance of composure. Ethan's eyes widened, a mix of concern and amusement dancing in them.

"I didn't know you were that thirsty," he quipped, extending a hand to help me out of the pool.

I shot him a mock glare, my wet hair clinging to my face. "Remind me to thank whoever decided to turn me into the party's unexpected synchronized swimmer."

As I climbed out of the pool, I couldn't help but laugh at the absurdity of the situation. The crowd around us erupted in a mix of laughter and applause, turning my unintentional dive into an unexpected spectacle.

Ethan handed me a towel that magically appeared from somewhere. "Looks like you're the star of the show now."

I rolled my eyes, trying to wring out my soaked clothes. "Just what I needed, a poolside debut."

"We should get you inside," he reasoned still chuckling at my deflated figure. I probably looked like the lockness monster, if she had shoes this good.

"Forget inside, can you drop me off? I think I've had my fair share of parties for tonight," I smiled apologetically but he didn't seem too worried about missing the rest of the rager.

"Fair enough"

He escorted me out, through the blasting music and all I could focus on was how I enjoyed his warmth. But it was probably just because I was soaking wet.

As we got out, though I'd lost a good chunk of my dignity, I still had a goofy smile on my face. Though it didn't last long, as Ethan drove away the last sight I caught of the party was blond hair, icy blue eyes, and a smile that promised trouble.

~~
Author's NOTE:

I run up to you panting and you catch me just before I fall.

"What's the matter?" You ask, "Who are you running from?"

You look around but you don't see anybody as you wait for me to catch my breath and respond.

"This- this was- the literal longest chapter. I've written in a while"

You roll your eyes at my theatrics as you drop me to the floor.

"Stop being so dramatic, I've read longer."

"It's long for me!"

"Yeah, yeah," you brush me off as you walk away.

I would chase you, but as I said before, I'm out of breath.

"Will you at least vote and comment?" I yell as you turn a corner.

"I'll think about it"

Please pity my sprint and vote, comment, and share!

Mwah🤭💋