Chapter 5 The Party

Inez's POV 

I spewed out a thousand and one reasons not to attend the party.

Irene would have none of it. Irene’s voice was honeyed persuasion, the kind that always made me feel like resistance was useless with her.

“Come on, Inez,” she said, tugging at my wrist as if sheer force could drag me into enthusiasm. “It’s Panda’s birthday, you know, Harry? You can only turn a blind eye to Ethan for all I care. You know he doesn't deserve you. You can’t keep hiding forever.”

I pulled back, folding my arms tight across my chest. “How can I ignore him? You know Ethan cannot stay away from these occasions.” My voice cracked slightly, betraying the nerves I tried to mask. 

Irene rolled her eyes, but her smile was gentle. “Exactly why you should come. You need to loosen up, confront your fears. You can’t let him think that you're still hooked up on him. And besides, you can waste this breathtaking outfit." She gushed at the dress I wore.

Irene's dad had gotten her a killer crystal sequin mini dress, but it didn't fit her anymore - she'd put on some weight. She'd tried to return it but changed her mind the moment I slipped it on. And she just couldn't stop raving about how flawless I looked in it.

Her words about Ethan stung because they were true. Still, my stomach twisted at the thought of seeing Ethan again. The betrayal, the unanswered questions—it all felt too raw.

But Irene was relentless. “Please, for me? It will be fun, I promise. Just one night. If it’s awful, we’ll leave.” her green eyes stung me.

I sighed, softened by the look on her face, clearly defeated. “Fine. But if I regret this, I’m blaming you.” I huffed as we got down from her car.

The party was already buzzing as we walked in. Laughter, music, the clinking of glasses echoed through the hallway. It all felt too loud, too bright. I tried to shrink into the background, but Irene nudged me forward, her energy a shield against my hesitation.

Then I saw him. 

Ethan. 

Standing across the room, his arm draped casually around a golden-haired girl. My breath caught as I watched him lean in, kissing her like it was the most natural thing in the world.

She turned, laughing as he fawned over her.

In that split second, I caught her face.

Hannah.

She was the Doe?

I knew she was part of the cheerleading team in our school.

My chest tightened. 

So, I was right. He had been cheating on me all along. The vindication was bitter, laced with hurt. I wanted to scream, to cry, to laugh at my own foolishness for never doubting my instincts.

Yet I was disappointed that I never discovered this sooner.

Irene’s hand squeezed mine. "He has the guts!" She was disgusted, moved to fury.

As she surged forward, I grabbed her hand and pulled her back towards me. "Tell me you're not going over to him?" I reminded her.

Her eyes widened. She wanted to fight for me, but I didn't want any of that.

I didn't want to be in this party in the first place. And I don't want to be the center of attraction either.

What happens if something goes wrong?

"Inez, I know you're soft and all that. But we need to teach him a lesson. Something he would never forget." She looked into my eyes.

I gulped, hoping my dry throat wouldn't give me away. "Let's just enjoy the party, please. We will stay out his way." I uttered.

Her eyes were murderous. I was afraid she would choose to do what she intended to do. That was Irene, she never left the fight for another day.

“Okay,” she whispered, her tone soft but firm. “If that's what you want. But if his woke ass doesn't stay out of our way -" she put a fist before me.

I gasped and tried a shaky laugh.

I swallowed hard, blinking back tears. 

It shouldn't hurt anymore.

Before I could retreat, someone called out to Irene. “Irene, come join us!” A group had gathered for a game, their faces expectant, their voices insistent. I tried to shake my head, but Irene nudged me forward again.

“Come on, let's join them,” she said with a mischievous grin. “It’ll be fun.”

I wanted to protest, but the circle closed around me, pulling me into their laughter and dares. My heart wasn’t in it, but I forced a smile, trying to mask the storm inside.

I turned to drink in each of their faces and my heart stopped when I saw Adrain.

I momentarily stopped to rub my eyes. 

It really was Adrain.

What was he doing here?

The girl beside him was the same girl who he had brought to the party.

I turned sharply to Irene who was beside me, but she wasn't there. She was just here a moment ago.

Where was she?

Veering my head around, I caught a glimpse of her walking to the entrance and a phone to her ear.

Where was she going?

"Have the game started already?" Ethan's voice cut across the ring as he walked alongside Hannah.

My heart thumped loudly.

Will Irene be back?

I tried to bury myself in the thoughts that Irene would possibly return.

Both Adrain and Ethan hadn't recognized me in sequin dress. Perhaps, I didn't look exactly like me - that was why they hadn't recognized me.

"What game are we playing?" A girl with dimples asked.

Ethan took a seat close to Hannah.

My heart kept thudding constantly as I looked away from him. 

"Truth and dare," Harry put in, "I'm sure it will be fun. Whosoever the crown of the bottle faces will be asked a question or dared by the bottom." Harry said.

There were so many faces here, and I shouldn't be here. My hands began to clam.

As I turned to look away from Ethan the umpteenth time, Adrain's blue sharp gaze met mine.