* * * *

     I managed to chug the remaining beer just before Joyce approached me. When she did, she halted to a stop and gave me the dirtiest look possible. 

"Do you want to tell me why my boyfriend has a cut on his cheek that he says came from you?" She hissed.

Taylor and Callie wandered over to me when they saw Joyce on her way over. 

"Oh, you're boyfriend didn't tell you what happened?" I shot back. 

Callie and Taylor stared at me expecting me to tell them what the hell Joyce was talking about. 

When I arrived home after school, I didn't bother to text anyone or even check social media. I just needed at least an hour to myself. 

I looked at them, mouthing the word "later," before turning to face Joyce. 

She had changed since the last time I saw her which was at lunch. It seemed like the moment she got out of school, she changed into something even more tighter and shorter. 

"I hear you've been talking shit about me too. I'm right here, do you have anything to say to my face?" She barked, her lips curling into an ugly scowl.

I bit my lip to keep myself from laughing. She was trying to act so tough, when she was really the opposite. 

"What? You think I talk behind your back when I can just say it to your face? Okay. Fine. Joyce, I think you're a stuck up bitch who has her head stuck in her ass. You keep starting drama with me because you're dating my ex. I think you should stop trying to act like you are all high and mighty when in reality, you're just trying to raise your self-esteem by putting other people down."

And once again, I left the queen bitch looking like a fish out of water. 

Taking a step closer to her, I stare her dead in the eyes and say, "to be clear, your boyfriend came up to me today. Congratulations, I guess your bitchy act is starting to wear on him. The next time you want to threaten me, Noah is not the one who is going to have a cut on his cheek." My voice had raised as I finally spoke my mind.

Of course, I've stated my feelings towards her bluntly before, but this time, she asked for it. Literally asked.

A few minutes rolled by, the air thick with tension, yet the four of us standing by the makeshift table were silent. 

Suddenly, Taylor stepped in front of me and smiled sweetly at Joyce. "Okay, you got your answer, now shoo," Taylor taunted, gesturing for her to walk away.

Joyce wiped her face clean of emotion for a split second before replacing the surprised look she had on a moment ago, into one of bitterness. 

With a glare and a soft scoff, Joyce sauntered away. 

When she was out of ear shot, I sighed, rubbing my forehead. "I think I feel a headache coming on already," I turned to face my two best friends only to see Callie holding out another bottle of beer for me. 

I took it with a grateful grin, before eagerly opening my second beer. This was going to be a long night. 

* * * *

     Two hours later, I was already on my seventh beer and slightly tipsy. I've had alcohol plenty of times before so I wasn't a light weight, which I was thankful for. I saw all of these people tripping over their own feet and puking their guts out after only having a few bottles or cans of beer. 

Like I had known from the start, it didn't turn out to be a small gathering. Thankfully, Will had a huge backyard which gave everyone enough space to roam around without bumping into one another even if there was about eighty people here. 

My best friends and I were dancing around the immense fire with a handful of other people. Music was blasting from the speakers on the back patio, people were dancing, drinking and just flat out having fun. 

I have to admit, after talking to Joyce, I thought my night was officially ruined. That wasn't the case after my fourth beer.  I haven't seen her around. I did however, see Noah a few times but he made no attempt to approach me which I silently thanked him for.

A few songs later, I was dancing alone. Callie had gone to hang out with Luke, and Taylor made a trip to the bathroom. I would have gone with her, but she insisted I stayed outside and had fun. 

After dancing for a few more minutes, I approached the makeshift table. All three coolers had been refilled once already. Taking a can of Budweiser and a few crackers from a container, I make my way back to the fire. 

After engulfing the crackers, I chug a mouthful of beer. Pulling the can away from my lips, I curl them in disgust. Crackers and beer did not go well together. But I knew I had to stay somewhat sober so I wouldn't get in trouble for going home completely drunk.

Standing behind the occupied lawn chairs, I raise the can of beer once again and take another swig.

"Where the hell is Taylor?" I muttered to myself.

Knowing her, she probably fell asleep on the toilet or something, I start to make my way to the back door to go find her, but I slow down when I see a familiar brown haired boy pacing back and forth near the fence, his phone raised to his ear.

Squinting to get a better look, I bite my lip when I see Noah meet my gaze. It looked like tears were about to fall down his cheeks, but it was too dark to be sure. 

All I knew was that something wasn't right. Whether it had something to do with Joyce, or something totally different, Noah was clearly upset.

Shaking my head, I continue my way to the back door. 

Unfortunately, I was such a sweet, caring, generous person, I stopped and heaved a deep breath. No matter how much Noah hurt me, I knew something had happened. The way he stared and me, with so much pain in his eyes made me want to run over to him and pull him into a hug. 

The pain in his eyes reminded me of the pain I saw when he said the words "I can't do this. We're over," but I wasn't that drunk, nor stupid right now. So instead of sprinting over to comfort him, I decided on a subtle, more original way. 

Setting my beer on the railing of the patio, I head in the direction of Noah Slater at an easy pace, praying with all my heart that not too much concern would be visible on my features. The last thing I wanted him to think was that I cared enough about him to show it. 

* * * *

Ahhh! Chapter 9 is complete! I am so, excited to wright chapter 10!

Please, I want to know. Do you think Noah AND/OR Malona still have more feelings for each other than their letting on?

As usual, leave your thoughts in the comments, vote and share!