Forged by Fate (The Aqua Collection Book 1) Page 10

  “Nothing wrong with that.” Thomas commented with a glance in Minerva’s direction.

  “Yeah, we’ll still have a good time.” Ron added.

  The school bell goes off. The sound of shuffling feet and clinging trays filled the cafeteria. I stand up, along with the rest of the people at my table.

  Thomas bumped me lightly in the shoulder. “Alright! Do you remember where English is?” He asked, sounding pumped.

  I grin, shouldering my bookbag. My bag is much heavier today now that I’ve gotten all of my books. “Yeah, I do.”

  “Show us the way then, know it all.” Thomas challenged, referring to him and Jen.

  “Follow me.” I say proudly.

  The tardy bell rings a few minutes later, and I realize that there’s no hope. “Okay, just show me the way. I’m lost.” I mutter in defeat, leaning against a locker.

  Jen looked anxious. She and Thomas had been following me around, keeping quiet, trying to let me find the classroom on my own. “Ohmigosh, we’re tardy!” She cried. “And my arms are about to fall off.” Jen adjusted her books for the third time.

  “I’ll take these.” Thomas took Jen’s books from her. “And I’ll also take the lead…no offense.” He smiled at me.

  “None taken.” I reply with a wince.

  Jen turned bright red upon entering the classroom. Heads swiveled in our direction, and the teacher paused mid-instruction.

  “Nice of you three to join us.” Mrs. Parson said dryly. She’s one of the stricter teachers in the school.

  Thomas scratched the back of his head. “Sorry, Mrs. Parson.”

  “It was my fault.” I confess. I can tell that Jen is embarrassed, and I definitely don’t want her getting into trouble. Or Thomas for that matter. “I got lost. You know, second day and all. They were just trying to help.”

  Mrs. Parson eyed us for a moment longer. “Take your seats. Don’t let it happen again.”

  “Yes ma’am.” I say, ducking my head and taking my assigned seat. She liked for all of her students to fill up the seats from front to back, so being the new student got me a seat in the rear. Jen sat up front and Thomas in front of me. Their seats had been assigned to them at the beginning of the year.

  “Let’s begin.” Mrs. Parson announced and began droning on about the assignment. The lecture becomes background noise after a while.

  “So Iris, you coming to the party tonight? You won’t want to miss it, the whole school’s going to be there. I mean the best part of high school are the parties, right?” Trace whispered. His seat is right beside mine. He doesn’t give me time to respond. “I know what you’re thinking. You hate Dara and she hates you. So, why would you want to go to her party? But trust me, you’re not gonna’ be the only Dara hater there. Most of us just go for the free booze and a great time. I know she’s a pain, but at least she knows how to throw a good party.”

  “I’m going.” I whisper back. I don’t tell him that I’m only going to her party out of spite to show her that the stupid joke she pulled yesterday didn’t have the effect she hoped for. Plus, I need to blend in, not stick out. I’m just your average party-going teenager, ready to live it up. Nothing weird about me.

  He let out a sigh of relief. “Good, otherwise she would’ve roasted you.”

  “What do you care?”

  “People on my team have to look out for one another. It’s a big ocean out there with lots of big sharks.” Trace silently laughed at his cheesy joke.

  “Wow.”

  ✽ ✽ ✽

  “Let me get this straight. You’re asking me if you can go to a party…tonight…with two guys that I haven’t even met.” My dad took a long sip of his coffee. He was sitting in a recliner reading the newspaper. “No.”

  I fall to my knees to start begging. “Please dad. Please. Please. Please! You don’t understand what it’s like to be a teenage girl…I’ll never get to live this down. Dara will…” I trail off imagining the humiliation. “She’ll roast me! It will be so embarrassing! And you’ve already met Thomas! Remember?”

  “You said it yourself, you’re a teenage girl. There’s no way I’m letting my little girl go to a party ‘down the block’ with some guys.” He tried sounding hipster. “And I thought that guy’s name was Tyler.”

  “What? No. It’s definitely Thomas. Come on, dad. They’re really nice, you’ll love them. Besides, this is a matter of pride! You’ve got to let me go, otherwise Dara will win.”

  “Pride, huh?” He calmly flipped a page of the newspaper. He seemed to understand how serious this situation is for a teenage girl at a new school trying to fit in. “Alright, but I want you back by eleven.”

  I frown. Kind of stingy, but I’ll take it.

  “I also want those boys’ names, addresses, and numbers. Check in once you get there. Somewhere in between. And when you’re about to leave. Face time style, no texts. And write down exactly where the party will be. The code word will be seaweed. If you get into trouble just say something like ‘wow dad, I’m really craving seaweed.’” He ordered sternly. “I would say to stay away from the alcohol, but lucky for me you can’t consume it.”

  I cringe. This’ll be interesting.

  Chapter 15

  Half-Pipe of Brotherhood

  Blaze

  The scorching sun above us beats down on my shoulders and the back of my neck. It seeps beneath my skin, heating my blood. I faintly hear someone calling my name. Probably Travis. I ignore him and continue to relax. Didn’t they ever just want to relax? And not the high they resorted to after school every day. To just sit in peace and quiet beneath the sun.

  My head jerks up in attention after one of them threw a stick at me. “Blaze! Wake up. Get your ass over here and have a puff.”

  I sigh internally, my ill mood returning. They’re the ones who needed to wake up. I stand up and take my time in stretching before walking over and sitting against the ‘half-pipe of brotherhood’ or whatever it is they like to call it.

  “You over there dreaming about unicorns?” Dean was a skinny boy two years younger than me that Travis had recruited a short while back. He was annoying and seemed to think he was bigger in size than he really was.

  I clench my teeth. Dean’s eyes widen, and he seemed to shrink back from my stare. Stupid punk.

  Travis held out a burning blunt. His dark eyes were already unfocused. “Heeere man. Loosen up.”

  I look from Travis to the blunt, and then back at him. He knew that I quit that shit a long time ago.

  “I’m good.” I mutter.

  The revving of an engine catches my attention. It had pulled up at the park’s gate and appeared to be waiting for something. Travis squinted his eyes at the car. “Who the hell is that?”

  I recognize the dark-skinned boy inside. Ron.

  “Aye, Blaze! Don’t you have some place to be?” He yelled over his engine.

  I grimace, fully aware of what he’s referring to. I feel the light throbbing of a headache begin to set in. Everyone seemed to have that effect on me now.

  Travis, the only guy stupid enough to kick me in the shin, does exactly that. “What’s he talking about?”

  I stand up and knock the blunt out of his fingers. “Mind your own business.” I growl and twist my foot over it before he can grab it.

  “What was that for?” Travis hollered, splotches of red on his cheeks.

  Dean sniggered behind his hand. I feint his way, which has him scrambling away from me. The boy looked like he was about to piss all over himself.

  “Yo! Blaze, come on man!” Ron called again.

  My lip curls up. Why he felt the need to intervene, I have no idea. I grab my skateboard and walk over to the low-riding car. “What?” I demand, leaning inside the car to give him a level glare.

  “Get your ass inside. You know why I’m here. Don’t act stupid.” Ron remarked.

  I stare up at the sky for a long moment. “Alright.” I lay my skateboard in the back seat before getting in and slam
ming the door.

  Ron raised an eyebrow. “Watch it with the slamming.” He warned.

  “Why do you even care about this?” I ask, not giving a reaction or apology to his warning.

  “What, you don’t?” He shifted the gear into drive and rolled onto the main road.

  I shrug. “Not really.”

  “I think you do. Otherwise you wouldn’t have come with me. You don’t want some innocent girl who was afraid to ask for another partner to fail because of you, right? You aren’t that bad of a guy…are you?” Ron’s voice had lost its confidence.

  “You tell me.” I retort. “Everyone seems to have me figured out.”

  Ron sighed. “Look man. I don’t know you. I don’t know the shit that’s happened in your life to make you like this. But I do know Jen. She’s got a hard enough life as it is. I’m not about to let you make it worse.”

  “Jen’s got a hard life?” I laugh mockingly. “I’m sure.”

  Ron shook his head. “The world doesn’t revolve around you, asshole. People fight battles every day, you’re just too self-pitying to see it.”

  My hackles rise and I struggle to calm the fire that had begun to burn in my gut. “Let me out.” I say through gritted teeth.

  “No way. You’re gonna’ sit your ass right there and let me drive you to Jen’s house. Then you’re gonna’ work with her on the project without any complaints. Just sit there and be humble for once in your life.”

  Chapter 16

  Potato Chips Across His Chest

  Iris

  I dim my lights as I pull into Dara’s driveway. It only took a second to get here, because as it turned out, Dara lived on the same road as Thomas and I. Plus, the party was nearly impossible to miss with the loud music, flashing lights, screaming teens, and many vehicles that line the lawn. I park on the first patch of grass available and watch people enter and exit the house. My palms start to sweat, and I begin to think that this isn’t such a good idea.

  Thoughts of doubt fill my head. This is a dumb idea. I don’t even know anyone who’s here, except for Ron and Thomas. What if someone tries to dance with me or gets handsy? What then? Is my outfit good enough or should I have chosen something else? I spent a full hour picking out what to wear before finally deciding on a dark red romper and black velvet choker.

  I groan and rest my forehead against the steering wheel. “What am I doing here?” I ask aloud.

  My phone lights up in the dark. It’s a group message from Thomas and Ron asking where I am. That reminds me to call my dad and check in. Afterwards, I shoot a text to them saying that I’ve arrived and get out of the vehicle. There’s no chickening out now.

  The air is cool against my warm skin and a crescent moon hangs in the sky. It’s a pretty night. Maybe I can hang out here instead of going into that raging house. I’m able to hear the music’s bass pulsing all the way out here for goodness sake.

  “Yo! Iris!” Ron yelled from the front door for the entire world to hear.

  “I’m here!” I say in embarrassment. They make their way towards me.

  “What are you still doing out here? The party’s inside.” Thomas said with a grin. He held a red solo cup in his hand and his cheeks had a pink tint to them.

  “I know, I’m coming. I was just…”

  Ron watched me struggle to find an excuse before butting in, “We can hang out here for a while if you want. It’s pretty intense in there.”

  I give him a small, grateful smile. “I would love that…but I’ve got to do this.”

  “Yeah, maaann. She’s gotta’ do it.” Thomas slurred.

  Ron laughed and lightly pushed Thomas on the shoulder. He lost his balance and Ron said, “Dude, you’re already out of it.”

  It almost sounds like Thomas giggled in response.

  “Let’s do this.” I say after taking a deep breath.

  The music got louder as we drew nearer. When Ron opened the door, a whole new world unfolded. The entire floor was covered with people dancing and drinking and jumping around. The loud music beat at my ears to the point where I could barely hear my own thoughts. I look up a double staircase, which is filled with more teens dancing with one another. Banners hung from the ceiling, and the flashing lights nearly blind me. It’s crazy but awesome all at the same time.

  I am only able to recognize a few faces from school, not that I recall their names. “Thomas, you watch her for a sec! I’m gonna’ go get more drinks!” Ron shouted over the music.

  “What?” Thomas leaned closer to hear him.

  “Awesome!” Ron yelled in response and became one with the crowd.

  Thomas started to push himself through the masses, and I attempt to follow behind him but end up getting sandwiched between hot and sweaty bodies. I try to keep up, but by the time I inch past one set of people, I lose sight of him. Great. Newby partyer loses her friend upon entering the house. I try and push harder past people, but it’s hopeless. All I can feel are bodies rubbing against me or pushing me as they dance their hearts away. Gee, thanks for leaving me Thomas. Note to self: Thomas isn’t very reliable when he’s drunk.

  “Iris…Iris!” I look around and spot Ron waving at me through the crowd. Relief washes over me as he started weaving his way through the mass as if it’s nothing, and they basically part like the Red Sea for him. He finally got close enough to grab my arm and pulled me through the crowd and into the kitchen.

  I catch my breath, leaning against the counter for a moment.

  “Here, have a drink. It’ll loosen you up a bit.” He took two solo cups off the counter, handing me one.

  “I…can’t really drink that.” I say sheepishly.

  A lightbulb seemed to go off in his eyes. “Is that what you meant by ‘weird allergies’? You can’t drink alcohol? Are you serious?”

  “Um, there’s a little more to it than that, but yeah.” I respond, faintly wondering how we even have alcohol at this party in the first place.

  “Well…” He grabbed an empty solo cup and filled it with water from the sink before passing it over. “Have this instead.” He gave me a wink.

  I nod and sip on the cool water. It tastes just as good as usual and loosens me up more than liquor probably could. I take a deep breath and let it out after the first swallow, releasing the wound-up tension in my shoulders. “Thank you.” I smile at Ron. Telling him about me was one of the best choices I’ve made since moving here. Even if he doesn’t always remember everything I told him.

  “Aye, what are friends for?” He said with a slight shrug of his shoulders. After downing the rest of his glass, he continued, “Speaking of friends, I think we need to go find one. Can’t leave Thomas alone too long when alcohol’s in his system. Last time he…well, he might not want me tellin’ you about that. Shortcut.” He pointed to some spot to my left.

  I follow Ron out a sliding glass door that leads to a huge rectangular inground pool. There’s a different atmosphere out here. It’s quieter. And with the way the moonlight reflects on the calm water you’d think we were somewhere else entirely. I can see steam coming off the surface of the pool, so it must be heated.

  There’s a small crowd of people huddled near the diving board, and all of a sudden the words “Drink! Drink! Drink!” fill the night air.

  I narrow my eyes, looking closer as we walk alongside the house. Trace is sitting on the grass in swimming trunks downing a pitcher of beer.

  “That’s gotta’ be the third time he’s done that tonight.” Ron muttered.

  “What’s he gonna’…” I gape as Trace came to a wobbly stand, made his way towards the diving board…and jumped off. “Oh my gosh! Ron!” I clutch his arm to stop him from walking.

  “Don’t worry, he’s fine. Trace does that, and his swim buddies are always there cheering him on.” Ron waved them off.

  “That’s so stupid and dangerous! Maybe we should check on him?” I start inching over there, worried as can be. My first party and someone’s already died. Dad will never let me g
o to another one after this.

  I lean over the pool, heart racing. It doesn’t look like anyone’s in there. Where did he go—

  Trace’s head suddenly broke the surface, and he yanked me into the pool. It all happened in slow motion. I let out a small screech as I go down and hit the water face-first.

  “You idiot!” I yell angrily, wiping water from my eyes. My clothes are soaked. My hair is a mess. I want to literally growl right now. The rest of the team and Ron laugh from the sidelines.

  Trace backstroked away from me before I had the chance to splash him. “I could kill you right now!” I bite out.

  “Come on! You were basically asking for it when you leaned over the water like that. And besides, it’s not like you could catch me.” Trace retorted, waggling his eyebrows.

  I hear an “oooooohhhh” from the people watching.

  Trace goes on, “Why don’t we do a practice match right here, right now?”

  I roll my eyes. “You sure you don’t want to do this when you’re sober?” And when I’m properly dressed.

  “Please. I could do this in my sleep.” He responded while floating on his back with his hands behind his head. I’ll have to admit that he looks pretty comfortable in the water, more so than most.

  “Alright, let’s do this.” I say in defeat, although I feel excitement stirring inside.

  “Whoo! Let’s do this!”

  We both pull ourselves out of the pool. I yank off my heels, which are clogged with water now. My clothes are heavy and cling to me, but I’ll have to deal with it.

  “I’ll be the ref!” Ron announced.

  “Okay, so here’s the deal. You’re gonna’ go down and back twice, freestyle.” I recognize the guy speaking as Todd from 6th period.

  I nod my head, adrenaline beginning to rush through my body. We both walk to the edge of the pool, slightly crouching down. I shake my hands out and briefly stretch.