WELCOME TO THE TRASH HOUSE

It had been three weeks since the media club's end-of-semester showcase, and with Nat's seventeenth birthday—and Christmas—just around the corner, excitement was in the air.

Nat, balanced on the edge of a chair, adjusted one final strand, as Gino eyed the decoration with a raised eyebrow, "Wow, these decorations are very... something," He deadpanned, standing back.

Without missing a beat, Nat hopped off the chair, "Gino, I don't give a frickle-frackle what you think." She shot back, brushing off invisible dust from her hands. "These decorations are dope."

Just then, Rosa and Y/N walked into the living room, Y/N's face split into a grin, "Wow, bug, this place looks seriously party-ready!" She exclaimed.

Nat's lips curled into a smile as she glanced toward Gino, who responded with slow, sarcastic applause.

"Well, in case you care about more than just looks," Nat began, stepping over to the food table. "We've got cucumber sandwiches, spring rolls, mini pizzas, and birthday cupcakes. So, yeah, we're all set for a wild—but totally responsible—night."

"Good," Rosa's lips twitched ever so slightly in the corners. "We're heading out now, Mija. Don't burn the place down." She added, grabbing her bike keys.

"You got it." Nat bobbed her head.

"Alright, have fun," Y/N gave a fond look over her shoulder, already halfway out the door.

"I will." Nat gave the pair a thumbs up before the door clicked shut behind them, and almost instantly, she turned back to Gino with a conspiratorial gleam in her eye. "Okay, let's get this party started!" She announced.

"Yeah!" Gino matched her energy, pumping his fist in the air.

Nat leaned closer, her voice dropping to a whisper as she crouched near a cupboard, "Don't tell anyone," She began before emerging with a grin, holding up a box. "I brought something that's going to make this party amazing..." She paused. "Extra-large rolls of paper towels."

Gino blinked, staring at the box, "Paper towels?"

Nat's grin never wavered, "Yeah," She said like it was obvious. "You never know when someone's gonna spill something."

For a moment, Gino stood frozen, then slowly dragged a hand down his face, "Amy Winehouse was right..." He muttered under his breath. "What kind of fuckery is this?"

"Hey, you'll thank me later," Nat tossed a roll of paper towels to Gino. Just as she did, the doorbell chimed, pulling her attention toward the front. "Oh, that should be the rest,"

Swinging open the door, she was met by the familiar faces of Mac, Luna, Darcy, and Tyler standing in the hallway.

"Happy birthday!" The four greeted in unison.

Luna stepped forward, handing Nat a perfectly wrapped card, "I made sure it's exactly what you'd want—a card with a heartfelt message and a list of the top ten things I admire about you." She explained. "I even color-coded it!"

Nat's eyes widened as she took the card, "Oh, mama! You really went all out," She smiled, stepping aside to let them in.

Darcy glanced around the room, "Your place is so cool! It's like Beauty and the Beast's palace!" They declared with awe. "Right, Mac?" They added, nudging Mac.

Mac gave a faint nod, though his gaze drifted more towards Tyler than the decorations, "Yeah, it's great," He mumbled.

"Are these festive party hats for us?" Tyler chimed in as she picked up a dino-themed one.

"You bet!" Nat beamed before grabbing a hat. "Dinosaur hats with rockets!" She twirled the hat.

Gino adjusted his own hat, "Wow, who knew you could get this excited about party hats." He teased.

"Well, if I knew how to do a backflip I would have added one." Nat shrugged.

Gino rolled his eyes, though his smile remained, "Of course you would've."

As if on cue, the doorbell rang again, breaking the moment.

Luna paused hands mid-air over a tray of spring rolls, "Did you invite anyone else?" She asked, her brow furrowed as she looked over the small group.

Nat's brows knitted, "No, this is everyone," She glanced from person to person.

Gino's smile spread wider as he clasped his hands together, the picture of guilt, "Well," He began, stretching the word out. "I might've accidentally mentioned the party to Missy Carrington."

"Uh!" The teens all collectively groaned.

Darcy's eyes nearly popped out of their sockets, "Missy Carrington? She's got the biggest mouth in our year!" They threw their hands up. "She once told me about my own uncle's funeral before my family did!"

Nat's face paled, "Yikes," She muttered. "You don't think she's told everyone about my party, right?"

As if to answer, the doorbell rang again, this time followed by a chorus of loud knocks and voices.

Nat laughed nervously, glancing at the door, "That could just be one person." She gripped the handle, hesitating for just a second before pulling it open.

A tidal wave of people rushed in, their voices booming as they crowded into the living room. One uninvited guest lugged a keg through the doorway, while another cranked up a speaker.

As more guests poured in, Nat stood frozen near the door, her jaw slack, "Oh, boy..." Her eyes widened as the party erupted around her.

~

Nat's eyes swept the crowded room, her arms flailing slightly as she tried to take it all in.

"There are so many people here!" Nat's voice cracked, though she tried to mask it. "It's okay. I mean, it's not okay, but it's fine," She muttered, glancing toward the TV where a group had already taken over the Wii. "Seriously, someone's already claimed Mario Kart," She grumbled.

Mac's face lit up as he spotted the console, "Mario Kart, yes!" He handed his party hat to Nat with a soft chuckle, though a flicker of sadness crept through his smile as he entered the crowd.

Nat huffed, watching him disappear before looking back at Gino, "Think I can just tell everyone to get the hell out?" She asked the circle.

Gino shook his head. "Girl, no way. You can't put your thoughts into words, remember?" He jogged the girls' memory as Darcy and Luna nodded in agreement.

Nat groaned, slumping slightly, "True," She sighed, defeated. "But—" Her eyes darted back to the Wii. "They're playing with my stuff."

Tyler, who had been quiet until now, gently placed a hand on Nat's shoulder, "Nat," Her eyes softened. "This isn't a catastrophe. Sometimes, you just have to adapt. Accept the chaos. You might even end up enjoying it."

Nat's breath hitched as she looked up, catching Tyler's gaze. Her heart fluttered, and she quickly averted her eyes, cheeks flushing. She shifted awkwardly on her feet before meeting Tyler's eyes again, "Yeah, okay," She murmured, her voice quieter than usual. "Maybe a huge party isn't so bad."

Tyler's lips curled into a faint smile, "Indeed." She fidgeted with her moon sun necklace.

Gino, watching the two from the corner of his eye, grinned knowingly, "Great, it's decided! Here, have a drink." He handed Nat a red solo cup.

Nat raised an eyebrow, "Where did you even get this? You didn't even leave the group."

Gino bobbed his shoulders, "When you gotta drink, you gotta drink," He glanced between the group before leaning in. "Now, let's un-circle we look like a boy band before their set." He waved his hand, shooing the four away.

Luna, Darcy, and Tyler dispersed, leaving Gino alone with Nat. Just as she began to step away, he grabbed her arm, pulling her back with a knowing smile.

Nat's forehead creased as she examined Gino's expression, "What's with the weird look on your face?" She asked.

"My crush radar is going off," Gino whispered.

Nat's eyes widened, "What are you talking about?" She tried to mask her discomfort with an awkward loud laugh. "Tyler's just a friend."

"Oh, come on. You can't fool me. You two have been painfully awkward since the breakup." Gino pointed out.

Nat's face flushed as she shifted her weight from one foot to the other, trying to play it cool, "Seriously? Gino, you're reading way too much into this. I don't have a—"

"Oops, did I say her name?"

Nat's jaw dropped, she opened her mouth to argue but couldn't hide the truth spilling across her face, "Oh, holy crap-balls."

Gino raised his eyebrows and wagged his fingers in the air, "You've been hexed by the love bug, Nat. You have totally fallen for Tyler."

Nat rolled her eyes, fighting back a smile, "Well, you can't blame me. I have low iron," She quipped, brushing off her embarrassment.

Gino leaned in closer, "Do you want my tips on how to talk to her?" He whispered.

"Yep." Nat didn't hesitate.

~

Over on the couch, Mac was fixed on the TV. The loud music and laughter from the party felt miles away as he fidgeted with the edge of the cushion, lost in his world.

Darcy weaved through the crowd and slid onto the couch beside Mac, "Hey, Mac," They said gently. "What's going on?"

Mac let out a heavy sigh, finally turning his gaze to Darcy, "It's this Tyler thing, man. I thought we had something epic, but now we're broken up, and I'm just, like, a sad sack of feelings."

Darcy placed a supportive hand on Mac's shoulder, "Breakups are the worst." Their face softened.

Mac tilted his head, "Have you ever been in a relationship?"

"Nope, but you won't believe the things I can romanticize!" Darcy beamed.

"Right..." Mac's eyes drifted back to the TV. A smirk slowly spread across his face as he sighed. "You know what? Who needs Tyler when you've got booze?" He raised a random cup he'd found. "It's like, 'Hey, alcohol, you're my new best friend!'"

Darcy's face fell, genuinely hurt, "I thought I was your best friend?"

Mac slouched further into the couch, his drink in hand, "Oh, come on. You say you're my best friend, but where were you when my Instagram story only got four likes?"

"Making four accounts!" Darcy's face lit up.

Mac's expression softened into a genuine smile, "Damn. Maybe you are my best friend." He chuckled, grabbing another cup from the table and handing it to Darcy. "To get over Tyler!" He toasted.

The two clinked their red solo cups together before downing the contents. Mac made a face as he tasted the drink, "So much warmer than I expected," He cringed.

"Yep." Darcy grimaced.

~

As the party went on, guests became more tipsy. A group gathered around the snacks table, chatting and grabbing mini pizzas.

A few guests attempted a makeshift dance, and others played charades in a corner. The decorations were askew, and empty cups and plates were scattered, but the party stayed under control.

~

Meanwhile, over with Luna, she was cleaning up dirty plates and empty cups. As she rounded the coffee table, she noticed a guy placing his drink down right on the table without a coaster.

Luna's eyes narrowed as she approached him, "Excuse me, sir, but you didn't use a coaster for your drink. The coffee table is a delicate surface, and it's important to use coasters to prevent damage."

The guy looked up, "Oh, come on. It's just a coffee table. It's seen worse." He argued.

Luna's face tightened, "It's not just about the table. It's about taking care of the space and showing respect for other people's belongings."

The guy raised an eyebrow and gave her a grin, "Respect for a table? Really? I didn't realize I was in the presence of a coffee table conservationist."

Luna took a deep breath, determined to make her point, "Yes, really. Using a coaster is basic courtesy. Scientifically speaking, condensation from drinks can cause heat and moisture damage to surfaces. It's like basic physics—keeping the moisture away from the wood prevents it from warping or getting those unsightly rings."

The guy leaned in with a half-grin, "I didn't know you were a woman in S.T.E.M."

Luna raised an eyebrow, "Yeah, 'Surface Treatment and Environmental Maintenance Club,' and let me tell you, we take our coasters very seriously."

"Uh-huh," the guy said, his smirk widening as he took in her serious demeanor. "And here I thought I was just at a party."

Luna's patience snapped, "Alright, I'm sitting here until you agree to use a coaster. Consider it my personal mission." She huffed and took a seat next to him

The guy raised a brow, "Wow, you're really making a stand here."

Luna folded her arms and leaned back in the seat, "You bet I am. I'm not moving until this table is properly protected."

The guy chuckled, shaking his head, "Well, fair enough."

~

As the night wore on, the party descended into chaos. Empty cups and crumpled napkins were scattered everywhere, and the snack table was a disaster, with chip bags torn open and pretzels rolling off the edge. A spilled drink formed a puddle near the ground while guests danced bumping into each other as laughter and shouts drowned out the music.

~

Meanwhile, near the food table, Nat and Gino, who were oblivious to the mess, kept a watchful eye on Tyler from a safe distance.

Nat leaned in, her brow twisting as she focused on Tyler, "You think this is a good idea? I don't want to swoop in and date Tyler while Mac's still bummed out about their breakup."

"Nat, I'm here to offer tips, not perform miracles." Gino snapped back. "Alright, step one: flirting. Do you know how to flirt?"

"Nope, but I know how to argue," Nat replied, crossing her arms over her chest.

Gino popped a chip into his mouth, shaking his head in disbelief, "Wow, you're already failing."

"What? I could be worse," Nat bobbed her shoulders. "Like, acting like my father."

"But you technically don't have one," Gino pointed out, hands resting on his hips.

Nat nodded sagely, her finger tapping her chin, "Exactly. I could just not exist and never speak to her again."

Gino let out a dramatic sigh, his shoulders slumping as he leaned against the table, "Okay, let's not go down that road. I've invested too much time and effort into this to let it fail."

~

Now back in the middle of the party, Mac was still drinking his woes away, swaying on the dance floor with Darcy.

"There is such weird energy in here today," Mac called out, referring to his brain. "The alcohol is working—I can feel my heart mending itself." He slurred.

"That's great!" Darcy yelled over the music.

Mac smiled and took another deep sip from his drink, letting the rhythm of the music take over. Around them, the party raged on, with guests joining in on the dance floor.

~

As Mac and Darcy danced, in a nearby corner of the living room, a group passed around a joint, its smoke curling up towards the ceiling as a couple of people took turns with a vape.

~

An hour later, the music was louder, and the room was even messier. Luna remained firmly in her seat beside the boy who continued to disregard the coasters scattered on the coffee table. The surface was now a mix of drinks, each one leaving a ring of potential damage.

"Still here, huh?" He shot her a sideways glance.

"Still here. And still no coaster. Some things never change," Luna replied, crossing her arms over her chest.

He lifted his drink to his lips, savoring the sip before placing it back down with a soft thud, the plastic leaving a damp mark on the table, "You know," He said with a smirk, "You could make this easier by just letting it go. It's just a table."

Luna tilted her head, a hint of a smile creeping onto her face, "And you could make it easier by using a coaster. It's not that hard."

His smirk deepened, "I've never met anyone quite like you before. I'm Cameron." He extended his hand, his fingers brushing hers with a lingering touch.

Luna grasped his hand, their eyes locking for a moment that stretched a bit longer than usual, "Luna," Her gaze was steady. "It's nice to meet you, but I'm not backing down on this."

Cameron's grin widened, "Alright, Luna. I'll play along. For now."

~

As the party got later and later, the house was chaos. There were more empty cups and napkins littered on the floor, while pizza boxes, and spilled drinks now stained the couch. Music blared as people bumped into the coffee table, sending drinks splashing. The kitchen sink was overflowing with dirty dishes, and a sticky puddle of soda spread across the counter.

~

Back with Nat, she was still blissfully unaware of the mess around her as she watched Gino in action.

"Follow me on my socials," Gino purred, blowing a kiss to a random girl who giggled and waved. He strutted back to Nat. "And that, my friend, is how it's done."

"Seriously? How do you pull off this effortless flirty thing?" Nat's eyebrow arched.

Gino flicked his wrist dismissively, his grin wide, "Oh, sweetie, that's not flirting. I'm just hot and talking." He shrugged. "Confidence is key, even if you struggle with anxiety."

"I don't struggle with anxiety. It actually comes really easy to me," Nat corrected before returning back to the discussion. "But you're making it look way too easy."

Gino's eyes sparkled with mischief, "That's because I'm basically a walking confidence factory. You should jot that down!" He insisted, but Nat had no paper. "Alright, step three..."

~

As Gino started step three, Mac tripped over to a hat stand with his eyes watering.

"Tyler!" Mac slurred, reaching out with a trembling hand. "I can't believe it's you!"

"Mac, that's not Tyler. It's a hat stand!" Darcy cautioned, rushing over.

Mac threw his arms around the hat stand, hugging it tightly, "I missed you so much!" He cried into its wooden frame. "Why did you leave me?"

Darcy awkwardly patted Mac's back, trying to stay positive, "It's alright, buddy."

Mac pulled back slightly, his face streaked with tears, "Maybe alcohol isn't the best way to handle a breakup," He sniffed.

Darcy pulled Mac into a tight hug, "You're gonna be just fine, Mac." They held each other tightly.

Mac clung to Darcy, wiping his nose on their shoulder, "Oops, I may have gotten snot on your shirt."

"I know, I can feel it," Darcy said, unfazed.

~

As midnight approached, Luna and Cameron sank deeper into the couch, determined to stick to their plan.

"You know," Luna leaned in. "Your stubbornness is starting to get a little predictable." She teased.

Cameron shot her a glance, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth, "Predictable? I'd call it consistent. I like to keep things interesting." He bobbed his shoulders.

Luna felt her heart race, her smile widening as she shifted closer, "Interesting, huh? Because I have to admit, your approach is definitely... unique." She leaned in, the distance between them shrinking.

Their faces hovered inches apart. Cameron's fingers brushed against hers, sending a warm thrill through her, "Maybe," he said, his voice dropping to a flirtatious whisper. "We should try a different strategy."

A flutter of nerves mixed with excitement washed over Luna, her cheeks warming, "A different strategy?"

Cameron moved in slowly, his gaze flicking to her lips. Luna's breath hitched, her stomach fluttering wildly. When their lips finally touched, it was soft and tentative. Her eyes widened slightly, and for a moment, she froze—this wasn't how she'd imagined her first kiss. But as Cameron's lips brushed against hers, a spark ignited, and she instinctively leaned in, her nerves melting away.

When they finally pulled apart, they were both breathless, Luna's cheeks burned as she looked up at him, slightly dazed, "That was... wow," She breathed, a goofy smile spreading across her face. "So... does this mean you'll start using a coaster?" She raised an eyebrow.

Cameron chuckled, holding his drink up, the condensation trickling down the side, "What's the fun in that? I like to live dangerously."

"Living dangerously? More like living recklessly!" Luna teased, rolling her eyes. Leaning in closer, she narrowed the space between them. "How about this: you keep that drink in your hand, but every time you don't use a coaster, you owe me a fun fact about yourself."

Cameron's eyebrow arched, "A fun fact? Just for a coaster?"

"Yep," Luna replied, nodding eagerly. "It's a win-win. You avoid ruining Nat's precious table, and I get to know you better."

Cameron's grin widened as he took another sip, his gaze lingering on her lips before returning to her eyes, "Alright, deal." He then placed his cup down on the coffee table without a coaster. "Also, who is Nat?"

~

As the clock struck midnight, Nat was still caught up in Gino's advice talk.

"...And who cares what people think of you? They're just 'fan theories!'" Gino declared, swatting at imaginary critics. "And with that, you're ready to conquer!"

Nat tilted her head, "Ready? Are you really sure about that?"

Gino bobbed his head with unshakeable confidence, "Absolutely! You, with your two personalities, ninety-seven playlists, and seven pocket knives, are totally ready to take on the world of talking to girls!"

Nat rolled her eyes but couldn't suppress the smile creeping onto her face, "Don't call me out like that."

Gino waved her off, "Go on—find Tyler and make your move!"

"Okay," Nat replied, determination swelling as she chugged the last of her soda for a final boost. "I'm ready!"

With her heart racing, Nat took a deep breath and started toward Tyler, weaving through the crowd when a sudden commotion caught her attention.

The front door slammed open, crashing against the wall. Nat froze as Rosa and Y/N stormed in.

The living room was a huge mess. Cups were scattered everywhere—some tipped over, others smashed. Chips crunched underfoot, and a sticky puddle of soda slowly spread across the floor. Meanwhile, a half-eaten pizza lay abandoned on the couch, forgotten in the chaos.

Rosa's narrowed eyes swept across the scene, disbelief etched on her face, "Alright, everyone, listen up!" Her voice sliced through the noise, and the music cut off abruptly. "This party is over. Everyone out. Now." Her words left no room for debate.

The crowd blinked in surprise, confusion rippling through them, but soon grumbles erupted as party-goers shuffled toward the exits.

Y/N joined Rosa, hands on her hips and her brow furrowed in frustration as she waved guests out.

Nat felt a cold sweat prick at the back of her neck as she watched the last guest slip through the door. As silence settled in, she surveyed the wreckage of the night around her, and her stomach twisted as she took it all in. This wasn't meant to happen. She hadn't planned for a big party.

Rosa turned her piercing gaze toward Nat, arms crossed tightly over her chest. "You're grounded!"

~
Note:

ANYONE WATCHING AGATHA ALL ALONG??

Published:
5/10/24