Saturday

Saturday appears out of nowhere, leaving me with a bitter taste in my mouth. Tonight might be the end of us both. Mum and Dad are sure to bury Theo outside for abandoning the sacred house rule of no party and if Leighton rejects me, I might as well save myself the trouble and jump in Theo's grave.

I spin back and forth, my eyes scanning each inch of my body in the mirror. Does this outfit look perfect? I need to convince Leighton this isn't a bad idea, even though it probably is. First times are awkward enough, I just want it to be over so that I can move to the good stuff. I've already decided I'm not the rose petal kind of girl, I don't need that crap getting in the way of things.

After many wardrobe changes, I've settled on a loose-fitting grey shirt with a v-neckline, along with a pair of black shorts. I'd considered wearing a dress, but the shorts accentuated my butt and since I'm not a boob girl, I need something to work in my favour.

I keep my makeup simple and soft – only adding a touch of red lip gloss and thick eyelashes. My smoky eye look didn't work out, so I went for a glittery white shadow to help the black eyeliner stand out.

When I'm finished getting ready, I head downstairs and find Theo and Leighton mucking around in the kitchen.

They've set a couple of plastic bowls on the table with chips and dips inside of them. One of the larger bowls has punch with weirdly chopped fruit floating in it. Kind of looks like someone has ninja chopped the fruit – or massacred it.

I grab one of the red cups from the table and begin filling it with the punch. I'm sure to bypass the fruit.

"Be careful, it's really strong," warns Theo.

"I'm sure I'll be fine." I smile. "Unless you put pills in here?"

"Would you like some?" teases Leighton.

Ignoring his comment, I walk out of the kitchen and into the lounge room. I take the single seat facing the kitchen / outdoor area so that it gives me the chance to see everything. Leighton and Theo continue to set up the house. They mark off the stairway and put away any breakables.

Instead of helping, I lounge on the couch sipping my drink. I have to admit, they've made it so strong, just holding the cup has given me a buzz.

Soon enough, the doorbell rings and Theo runs through the house to answer. From then on, a steady stream of people, none I know, walk straight through. They either go into the kitchen for a drink or filter outside.

My gaze catches the likes of Leighton. As per usual, he rests his back against the pool gate and pulls the packet of cigarettes from his pocket. He places one in his mouth and then cups the end of the cigarette to light it.

I'm not sure how I'm going to convince Leighton that I'm not just his best friend's sister. He's already knocked me back, so what next? Do I dance with another stranger? I definitely know I don't want to be with a random stranger, I'm afraid of that. Leighton is someone I know and trust. At least I'll be safe.

As I go to take another sip, I come up empty. Without realising it, I've polished off the drink in one sitting. I wonder how many standard drinks that might be, four?

"Damn it," I groan.

Climbing off the couch, I wander back into the kitchen for a refill. The bowl if half empty which makes me worried – what will I drink when this is gone?

Someone turns the music on, so I walk outside and attempt to mingle. Not sure how an awkward nervous person is supposed to do that. A small group of people forms a dancefloor on the grass, so I join. There's enough alcohol circling through my veins that I don't care.

I swivel my hips to the beat and drink my punch as the song plays through the night. It's too easy to finish the drink the way, so easy, I find myself going back for thirds.

On the way back outside, I trip over the doorframe and drop me drink. Arms grab me and I eventually see Leighton looking down at me, a disapproving look covering his face.

"Are you alright?" he asks.

"Yes." I giggle.

"You need to slow down and drink some water," scolds Leighton.

"Nope." I shake my head.

I step away and re-join the group dancing. Some guy walks over to me and starts dancing beside me. When our eyes connect, his arms wrap around my waist and my smile widens. We dance to the techno song and I secretly hope Leighton is watching this.

"Are you having a good night?" they yell over the music.

"I'm hoping it'll get better," I tease.

The man twirls me around and I almost trip over my feet. Somehow, I fall into his chest which seems to make him happy. As I look up, his face comes closer to mine and then his lips reach mine. He presses his body against mine and I keep my arms wrapped around the mysterious man's neck.

As we continue to kiss, I feel the gnawing feeling in my stomach. This isn't right.

"I have to pee," I announce.

The guy looks at me weirdly and then smiles, "Sure."

I walk back inside and grab a bottle of cheap vodka off the table before plotting onto the couch. I unscrew the cap and take a small sip. The liquid burns my throat but I keep drinking.

After a couple of sips, I place the bottle on the table and then scramble to my feet. The weight of the world whisks me off my feet and onto the couch. Shit, at least I'm at home.

I wait a couple of minutes before trying to stand again. This time, I fall forwards and land on my hands and knees. Out of nowhere, Leighton scoops me into his arms and begins walking to the stairs. My arms dangle in the air and I look up to stare at his face.

All I can smell is cheap alcohol and smoke.

"The party is the other way," I point out.

"Your bed is this way," he explains.

"But the party?" I pout.

"I think you're all partied out," he explains.

"No." I shake my head. "The party just started," I shout.

Leighton completely disregards my comment – it's almost like he never heard me. He opens the door and then lays me on the bed. I grab the covers and wrap them around my body for warmth.

He tries to leave the room, but I call him back.

"Where are you going?" I ask.

"Back to the party," he says.

"Stay with me, please."

"I can't."

"But I want you to." I reach out and grab his warm hand.

Without force, Leighton easily collapses onto the bed. I wiggle to the side so that there's enough room for him to lay beside me. Leighton tries to push me away, but I snuggle into his chest. He eventually gives up and wraps his arms around me.

"I really like you, Leighton," I confess.

I feel him take a deep breath before I completely pass out. I hope he likes me too.

What do you think will happen next?