Author's Note: I know I know, I took a LONG time to post and the chapter isn't even long. I'm so sorry. Hope you like it!

The next day, when my parents went to bed, I started to get ready. I put on my dress, coat and shoes and half past midnight I got out of my bedroom and tried to walk downstairs without making any noise.

Dick's house wasn't far from there so I went by foot, walking fast, a little afraid because it was late and very dark. I found the house anyway and rang the doorbell.

-Jane? - Dick opened the door with a bottle of beer in his hand - I thought you weren't coming anymore.

-Yeah, I know I'm late... I'm sorry.

-Don't worry, get in.

There wasn't many people there. Only the band and two other boys and four girls I didn't know. There wasn't much noise either. There was a record playing, but very low. They were sitting on the sofa or standing up, drinking, talking. No smoking.

-You know, we decided to do a smaller party. Keith's one is very recent, we better don't get in trouble. And my parents wouldn't let me though... They are upstairs by the way, they don't care about us at all, just don't brake anything or play the music loud. They don't like smoking inside the house so if you want to do it, just go outside, okay?

-Right. - this is great. No more trouble for now - Uh... Where's Michael?

-Oh, he just went to the kitchen to get more beer. He'll be right back.

-Jane? - he comes out with a box of beer bottles - You came!

-I told you I was coming, didn't I? - I said as I walked closer to him.

-But why didn't you come earlier? - he placed the box on a table.

-You know, I had to go out while my parents were sleeping.

-Oh... yes. - he looked down.

-What's wrong?

-You know. The whole thing. The fact that you have to run away. The fact your parents hate me. The fact you can't see me unless you have told your mother you are going to buy cherries.

-I know, I know, it's awful but it's not my fault, okay? I'll try to fix that. I just didn't want to stop seeing you guys because of that. Do you want to stop seeing me?

-No! It's not what I said.

-Do you remember what you told me that day?

-Jane, please...

-You told me you loved me. I know we were drunk but I felt something. Didn't you?

-Yes, I did. But I didn't know it was going to happen.

-What happened made you change the way you feel about me?

He cleaned his lips with his tongue and took a while to answer.

-No. It didn't.

-Is it Shirley?

-What? No, Jane, for God's sake. It's not her, nothing happened.

-So what is it then?

-I told you already. I don't want you to be in trouble. I don't want to ruin your life.

That's what my father told him that day.

I realized how stupid I was acting. I mean, they probably don't even want to walk with me anymore and anyway I looked for them and came to this party... Michael only invited me after I insisted to see him again. And now that I'm here, he acts like this. What am I doing?

-Okay. I got it. You know, I think I'm going home, I don't even know what I'm doing here. I don't know, I just wanted to see you all even though I could be punished if my parents found out, I'd take the risk because I can finally be myself with you and I didn't want to lose that. So - I handed him the box I brought with me - I bought something for Chris. It was his birthday last month, right? A little too late now but I didn't have the opportunity before. Give it to him, please. - I walked to the door.

-Jane, wait - Michael came my way and when I turned back he kissed me.

It was intense and I could feel it was true, you know? I know the whole thing hurt him too. I'm so confused. I don't know anymore how to feel about it. Maybe he just didn't want to be bad for me.

-I'm sorry. I don't want to confuse you, I just couldn't watch you leaving like this. Please, don't go, nothing has changed. We'll find a way, okay?

-I told you the moment he saw Jane, he would get back to her.

-Shut up, Dick! - Michael blushed.

-So you were talking about me, uh?

-No, Dick is just kidding.

-Yes we were. - Keith laughed.

-Damn, whatever.
•••

The party was very nice. I mean, it was very quiet but fun. We had an amazing time! It was great to have a simple party. We could just sit and talk again, I was missing it.

-Hey!

-Hello - Keith said - I'm glad for having you with us again.

-Yeah, me too. I acted a little dramatic when I was talking to Michael? - I laughed - I know I did, I'm just so confused...

-I know, you must be. But the important thing is that you are here. And that you and Mick are together again.

-Yeah! So - I smiled - You and Anne?

-What? Oh, my party... No, no... I was drunk... I can barely talk to her now...

-You should go talk to her. I guess she likes you.

-I don't think so... She was drunk too. Those girls just talk to me because I'm Mick's friend. He's the one who knows the girls. Oh no, wait! It may have sounded wrong. I mean he's everyone's friend... I didn't mean he is popular with girls in another way, I...

-Don't worry, I know - I laughed - Why didn't they come by the way? Didn't Dick invite them?

-Well, he did. But I knew they wouldn't come. This is too boring for them. I'm sure they have better places to go on a Friday night than a 12-people-party with parents upstairs- he laughed.

•••
-Why do you have to go now? - Michael asked - You've just arrived...

-I arrived three hours ago!

-For the time you spent at home!

-I really have to. I'm afraid they notice.

-How would they?

-You told me you didn't want me to be in trouble... So let me go - I laughed.

-Okay. Promise me I'll see you soon.

•••
I took my shoes off to make less noise as possible and walked in, closing the door slowly.

-You arrived early! It's not even four yet!

-Mom???

-Are you alone? No police officers this time?

-How did you...

-It doesn't matter. Where were you?

-I... I... Does dad know?

-Maybe. Now tell me where you were.

-Okay, I... I was at Dick's house. It was his birthday. But I swear it wasn't a big party, only the closest friends and even his parents were upstairs!

-Who is Dick?

-He's a friend... Uh... Mick and Keith's.

-Mick and Keith were there too?!

-Yes.

-Damn, Jane! Why are you doing this? You used to be so well behaved! Your father was very specific!! You know he is going to kill you!

-Mom, please - I started to cry and hugged her - don't tell dad about it. Please mom!

-I don't know. I don't like to hide things from him. Specially something like this!

-You know what he can do if you tell him. I'm not doing nothing wrong... I finally have friends... Can't you let me have fun once in my life?

-Okay. I won't tell him now. But if you do something like that day...

-I won't! Thank you so much!