Music blasted throughout the neighbourhood, attracting people in the area towards the house where it was coming from. The house was big, definitely didn't look like your typical student house, but rather that of someone who was rich.

There was a gravel driveway at the front of the house, with grass on either side. Some people were drinking and chatting on the front lawn, trying to find a quieter place. The house has three floors, and has white pillars on either side of the front door. As I walked inside, the party was in full swing. Yes, Harvey convinced me to come to a house party hosted by someone he knows.

There are flashing lights in the living room, where the furniture was moved out of the way and a dance floor took its place. I made my way to the kitchen to make myself a drink. I needed to relax. I didn't know anyone here and I haven't seen Harvey yet.

The kitchen was once again, full of people, but I managed to squeeze past the horde of people and stood in front of the alcohol selection. I decided to have vodka with a mixer, and since it's my favourite drink, I made it quite strong.

I took a gulp and looked around the house again, looking for Harvey.

Where is he? He can't drag me out of the house and then not show up. 

Maybe he's outside.

I started walking towards the back of the house, pushing past people dancing and drinking. Seeing the door to the outside, I made my way towards it, but unsuccessfully as someone suddenly pulled on my arm. I looked to my right and saw a table with red cups that framed a triangle on both ends of the table.

Beer pong.

"Play a game, we're short one person" says a girl with straight blonde hair, a button nose and blue eyes. She was an image of pure innocence and beauty. "You're gonna be on my team okay?" she asked me, standing in front of the table where beer pong was set up.

"Bring it on" I said as she handed me a ping pong ball. The opposite team consisted of 2 guys, both smirking and confident that they will beat us in the game. They've got another thing coming, since they have no idea how good I am at this game.

I rolled the ball between my palms, assessing the formation of the cups opposite me, took a deep breath and threw the ball. It landed straight inside the cup in the back on the left-hand side. The girl next to me started jumping up and down, screaming in celebration.

"Omg yes, that was amazing. You guys are going down" she shouted, pointing her finger at the two boys on the opposite end of the table.

"Alright I see how it is. It's on" one of the guys with black straight hair that was gelled into a small quiff said. His friend had brown hair with blonde highlights, brown eyes and a nose hoop. His left forearm was covered in ink, but I couldn't exactly see what the tattoo was.

We played the game back and forth, the boys weren't half bad, but I still haven't missed a single shot. The boys had one last cup placed in front of them, whereas we still had three. It was blondie's turn to take the shot, and I noticed that she has started to sway a little bit. She must be a lightweight.

She took her position and squinted her eyes at her aim. She moved her hand backwards and forwards; preparing for her shot. As she took a deep breath, she let go of the ball which was heading towards the last cup. My eyes followed as the ball was flying through the air and as it was coming down, it landed perfectly in the centre of the cup.

"Yaaaasssss!!!! Omg omg omg I did it! Suck it losers! Hahah!" blondie celebrated next to me, jumping up and down and grabbing my hands to join her. We celebrated for a bit longer, the boys came to our side of the table to give other people a chance to play.

"That wasn't half bad, what's your name?" the boy with the hoop ring asked.

"I'm Amber, and you weren't too bad either, just not quite good enough" I replied cheekily, high-fiving blondie.

"Alright I'll give you that. I'm Shane, this is Greg and Sophie" he introduced the guy with black hair and the blondie that was next to me. "So who are you here with?"

"I'm supposed to be meeting my friend Harvey, but I can't find him anywhere" I said, once again taking a look around me to make sure I'm not missing him.

"Ohhh you're the girl from one of our classes! We saw you next to Harvey a few days ago!" blondie, I mean Sophie, said; recognition flashing in her eyes. I took another look at them all, and I do distinctly remember them as the group who were shouting Harvey's name on my first day of classes.

"Yep that's me. Have you guys seen him anywhere? He texted me to meet him here and I can't find him anywhere"

"Forget Harvey, you've got us now so let's go and have some fun!" shouted Greg, pumping his hand in the air.

I guess it won't hurt hanging out with them for a bit.

They led the way back to the kitchen and started making their drinks. I still had my cup in my hand, but it was empty since I didn't get to drink much during the beer pong game. Yep, that was a bit of shade on my part.

"What's your poison?" asked Greg as he grabbed the empty cup from my hand.

"Vodka and mixer, thanks" I said and pulled myself up to sit on the empty space on the kitchen counter. Shane and Sophie told Greg their drinks choices and we all huddled into a small circle in the kitchen.

"So what's your story then? Harvey mentioned you were new around here but he wouldn't really say anything else" said Sophie, taking a sip of her drink.

"That's probably because I haven't told him much to be honest. I moved here from New York around 2 weeks ago to live with my Aunt, Uncle and cousin to attend college. Nothing else to it really" I didn't want to get into detail, because believe it or not, but people tend to judge you once you mention your regular usage of heroin.

Speaking of heroin, I wish I brought some with me now. A hit could do nicely with my social awkwardness.

"Oh, the way Harvey wasn't willing to talk made us think you've got some awful, dark secret" Sophie said, chuckling into her cup.

"No secrets here but I'll tell you what, I am craving a smoke so I'll see you guys in a  bit" I jumped off of the counter and started heading towards the back door, where I was originally going half an hour ago.

"Do you mind sparing me one? I've finished mine and I can't be bothered going to the shop" asked Shane, giving me puppy dog eyes.

"Yeah sure, let's go"

We made it to the back garden of the house, and yes it was huge. There was a small patio right by the house, and as you walked further, you walked onto grass which surrounded a massive pool. Some people were having a swim and drinks in the pool. Did people just carry bikinis and swimming costumes with them to every party?

I pulled out my packet of cigarettes and offered one to Shane, which he gladly took. I gave him the lighter and after he was done, I used it to light up my smoke.

"So Amber, how you finding California?" asked Shane, taking a long drag of his smoke. The blonde highlights really suit him I have to admit. It doesn't work for a lot of guys, but he's got that innocence mixed with bad boy vibes, and it really looks good on him. He's wearing a subtle floral shirt with the top 3 buttons undone, showing off a little bit of his chest, along with blue skinny jeans and trainers.

"Yeah not bad, nothing like New York though. It's so relaxing and chill here, and it's hard to get used to that" I do miss the busy city a lot. I always loved fast-paced environments, because it's so easy to get lost amongst all the people rushing around you, whereas here I can always hear every thought that crosses my mind and that honestly scares me a little.

"But New York doesn't have any beaches, or piers, or me" he said with a smirk.

"How have I lived without you?" my dramatics came through when I said this, purely for his benefit.

"Honestly babe, I've got no idea"

We finished our smokes, talking and cracking jokes. He was a funny guy, I have to admit. I wouldn't mind being friends with him during my time here. The whole group seemed like good company.

I just hope they won't get offended when I leave in a few months without an explanation.

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Until next time xxx