୨ ♡ ୧

Devon was in the cafeteria, having his lunch at his usual table. Everyone was talking at the same time, but it was quite amusing to listen to them. He had grown somewhat accustomed to all of them, and they seemed to like him. For the first time, he felt like he had friends. Maybe they weren't super close, but it felt good to have people to share silly things, tell jokes, or hang out with.

Everyone burst into laughter, except for Bella, after Eric shared the story of the fishing trip with his father, ending up in the river. Mike approached with a big smile, holding a bunch of leaves in his arms, which he dropped on the table. Everyone looked at him curiously for a moment.

"Hey, guys," he took a seat next to Eric, "I finally printed the invitations, so I hope everyone will come." He handed a sheet to each one of them. "It's going to be an amazing party."

Devon looked at the invitation for a moment when Mike handed him one. It was simple and, he would dare to say, ugly, but it served its purpose. He had been hearing about Mike's party in every class he attended, but honestly, he didn't expect it to be something spectacular, although he was excited to go.

Mike said something more, but Devon wasn't paying attention. He noticed Mike leaving and continuing to distribute invitations to everyone, except the Cullens. Maybe he was just too embarrassed to give them an invitation because it seemed like he wanted to go with one of them but then changed his mind. Devon couldn't help but find the situation amusing.

From his seat, he watched as one of the Cullen girls, Alice, approached Mike to ask what he was handing out. Mike couldn't say anything while a deep shade of red covered his face, and he handed a sheet to Alice.

"Of course, we'll go!" Devon heard her say with great joy. He smiled to himself, not stopping to watch the amusing scene.

Mike stood frozen in place for a while, assimilating what had happened. When he processed the situation, he continued on his way, distributing invitations to everyone. It was quite funny since Mike always said that Alice was very strange, but at that moment, he seemed enchanted or fascinated that the girl had spoken to him.

Devon looked at the invitation again while the others now began to talk about the party, asking if they would go, what they would wear, and what time they would arrive.

"You're going, right, Devon?" Jessica asked, and he looked up to meet her gaze. She seemed very excited to hear his answer. But not only her, everyone seemed expectant for his words.

Devon revealed a small smile as he nodded.

"Of course, I am."

"And you, Bella?" Eric asked this time.

Bella shifted uncomfortably in her seat under the sudden attention she began to receive.

"Uhmmm... I don't think so. I'm not a big fan of parties," she said, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, "plus, I have a pending book, and I'd like to finish it this weekend."

"You should come," Angela insisted, "it will be fun."

Bella looked at her with a mischievous smile and, for a moment, glanced towards the Cullen's table. She had also heard that they would be at the party, and maybe she could muster the courage to go if they were there.

"I'll think about it," she finally said.

Lunch ended, and everyone returned to classes.

Saturday arrived quickly, and Devon was already getting ready to go out. His shoulder still ached, but it was bearable enough to go out and have some fun. Either way, he didn't plan on getting into fights or overdoing it with alcohol.

It was almost eight when Devon left his room with his helmet in one hand and his jacket in the other, hiding a couple of bottles of tequila and whiskey with it.

"Don't drink if you're driving," his mother reminded him sternly when she saw him coming down.

Devon looked at her. It was true that driving in Forks was already quite dangerous just because the roads were always damp and sometimes even frozen. But he also wanted to drink as much as possible.

"I can take you," Bella's voice came from behind, and he looked at her. She seemed ready to go out. "I don't like drinking, so I can be your designated driver."

Devon gave her a smile.

"Oh, thanks, Bella."

She nodded with a tiny smile.

"Then go have fun," Amy told them, "Charlie will be back late, but don't overdo it. If there's any problem, don't hesitate to call me or Charlie, okay?"

"Agreed," they both said.

Devon left his helmet on the couch and went out with Bella to his truck.

"If you want, I can drive on the way there, and you can drive back," Devon suggested.

Bella thought about it for a moment before nodding and tossing him the car keys. Devon revealed a big smile as he caught them in the air, and both got in. It was a short and silent drive, silent in a good way. It wasn't uncomfortable or strange. Devon understood that Bella didn't like to talk much, and that was okay.

They arrived at Mike's house, and Devon was a bit surprised to find it quite large and nice. It wasn't a mansion or as spectacular as the Cullens' house, but it was big.

There were already several cars parked outside and everywhere. There were also several people in the front yard with red cups in their hands, and the music playing inside was actually not bad. Devon parked the car a bit farther to avoid any mishaps and got out with Bella. Both walked in silence, although Bella seemed very regretful to be in that place. Devon noticed it and stopped walking before getting closer to the entrance.

"Bella, you don't have to be here if you don't want to," he spoke gently, "if you don't like being in these places, it's okay. Don't feel responsible for bringing me. I can ask someone else to take me back home, or I could stay here until tomorrow and come back when I feel better."

Bella seemed grateful for Devon's words but ultimately shook her head.

"I'm fine; I really want to be here."

Devon frowned worriedly but nodded, and they continued walking.

Both entered the house. The regular lights were off, replaced by flashing blue and purple lights everywhere. There were many people Devon didn't even remember seeing at school, but everyone seemed to be having a great time. Both walked through the crowd; Devon had taken Bella's wrist so that she wouldn't get lost or crushed among the people. Bella mentally thanked him. They both reached the kitchen, the only room with the lights on. Mike, Eric, Angela, and Jessica were there.

Bella ran over to Angela, and the two started chatting. On the other hand, Devon showed them the two bottles he had in his hands. Both guys revealed big smiles.

"You're awesome, Devon," Mike took both bottles and placed them on the island with a few more.

"No problem."

"Honestly, I don't want to know how you managed to buy them," Angela commented, taking a sip from her cup.

Everyone burst into laughter.

Devon grabbed a new red cup and filled

it with the first thing he saw. On the other hand, Bella accepted a cup that Angela offered her, which only contained a little lemon soda. Devon drank all the contents in one gulp and immediately refilled it with something different but didn't drink it all.

"See you around," Devon gave them a smile before returning to the crowd.

The place felt quite hot. Many people were dancing and drinking; some were in the corners kissing and almost undressing. Devon joined those who were dancing, and a girl quickly approached him to dance. Devon followed her rhythm. It didn't take long for Devon to realize that the Cullens had arrived. Not all of them, just Alice, Edward, and Emmett. The three headed to the kitchen; Alice and Emmett were carrying some bottles and seemed quite happy to be there. Edward, not so much—he seemed to be looking for someone.

Devon couldn't help it, and since his cup was empty, he decided to go back to the kitchen for more. He moved through the crowd, smiling when some girls approached to dance with him, but he just smiled a bit and kept moving.

Upon arrival, Mike was placing the bottles that the Cullens brought with the others. Eric was handing them a cup with something they had prepared, and the three of them took a sip.

"I hope you like the bourbon," Alice said after taking a sip from her cup, "it's Carlisle's special reserve. He doesn't drink much, so he won't mind us having some."

Devon walked closer to the group, standing near Eric to pick up a bottle.

"Thank you very much," Mike said, still not believing that the Cullens were in his house, "I hope you enjoy yourselves."

Bella, who was talking with Angela and Jessica, looked at Edward intently, ignoring her friends' words. However, Edward was looking at Devon and following his every move as he served more in his cup.

"Oh, hi, Devon," Alice greeted and approached him for a hug.

Devon seemed confused at first but then smiled and returned the greeting.

"I'm glad you guys came. The whiskey is very good."

Alice showed a big smile.

"I bet it is, but I prefer vodka." She took the vodka bottle to pour a little into her cup.

Devon gave her a smile but looked at the other two Cullen siblings.

"Do you want me to fix you something? If you prefer something lighter, there's beer in the cooler."

Emmett let out a snort that sounded more like a laugh and handed his now-empty cup to Devon.

"Something heavy, I'm quite tolerant to alcohol."

Devon took the cup and prepared a drink with tequila and Coca-Cola, more tequila than Coca-Cola and plenty of ice. He handed it back to Emmett, who took a sip and smiled quite pleased with the result.

Then Devon looked at Edward.

"Something for you?"

Edward looked at him and approached to give him his cup.

"I want what you're having."

The others were absorbed in some conversation or had already gone to dance or kiss someone at the party. Even Bella had gone with Angela after she insisted on dancing for a while. Jessica took Mike, and Eric was chatting with Alice. Emmett, on the other hand, seemed like a kid in a candy store, quite fascinated with the party in front of his eyes.

Devon smiled and glanced at his own cup, which was completely filled with what he had prepared a moment ago. He took a sip and offered it to Edward, who didn't stop looking him in the eyes. Edward took the cup and, without breaking eye contact, took a big sip, feeling the combination of whiskey and ginger ale on his tongue.

"How's that?" Devon asked.

Edward put the cup on the table and nodded.

"Not bad. What else can you make?"

Devon shrugged.

"Vodka with pineapple juice? It's my favorite."

Edward nodded, and Devon started preparing it. When he finished, he handed the drink to Edward, who drank it in one go.

"I thought you were a good guy, Edward," Devon teased, "but I see you're not."

Devon took another bottle, this time brandy, and combined it with Coca-Cola. He didn't wait for Edward to say anything else before leaving the kitchen and going back to the party. Devon already felt more relaxed and joined the guys who were dancing.

A couple of minutes passed; Edward was still in the kitchen, trying not to think about the annoying noise pounding in his head. Sometimes he hated reading minds, other times he quite liked knowing what others were thinking. He left the cup that Devon had given him and decided to look around.

Alice was having a blast dancing everywhere, and Emmett was with some guys in the backyard, drinking from a huge beer barrel. At least his two siblings were really having fun. Edward walked through the people; many weren't even from school, but no one seemed to mind. However, he quickly found Devon's figure. The guy was dancing, and neon lights splattered his skin. Edward followed his movements for a while; it was evident that Devon had already drunk quite a bit but probably not enough. Then he saw Devon approaching a random guy and simply leaning in to kiss him. The other guy also returned the kiss and even put a hand under Devon's shirt.

Cullen didn't understand why he felt annoyed seeing that scene. He had no right, but he didn't like it. Then he saw Devon separate from that guy, and both went on dancing in different directions. Devon sat on the sofa to rest for a while, and Edward decided to approach and take a seat next to him.

Devon observed him from his place; he felt dizzy and somewhat dazed, but he was still in his senses.

"Enjoying the party?" Devon asked.

"It's all too noisy," Edward replied simply. "You seem to be having a lot of fun."

If Devon were honest with himself, he just wanted to forget for a moment everything that had happened in the last few months. He didn't want to think about anything for a short moment and enjoy the small things life gave him.

"I'm having a great time, honestly. Maybe I'll find someone to spend the night with, and then it'll be a perfect night."

Edward looked at him slightly annoyed.

"Anyone?"

Devon let out a laugh.

"Why, are you offering?" he teased, but Edward didn't seem amused. "Come on, Cullen. I was just joking; don't make that face."

"What face?"

Devon smiled but shook his head.

"Never mind. See you later." He stood up, and Edward almost took him by the arm but restrained himself and watched him walk away.

He also saw him approach another random guy and lean in to kiss him. Edward knew it was wrong to stare, but he couldn't help it. Devon and that guy were practically devouring each other, and Edward felt irritated and wanted to go interrupt them. However, someone else took a seat next to him, and he stopped watching. It was Bella, who was now by his side.

The hours passed, and little by little, the students fell asleep anywhere in the house or left with their designated drivers. Devon was on the single sofa in the corner, asleep with his shirt completely unbuttoned and a bunch of hickeys all over his body.

Edward and Bella were in front of him because it was time to go home,

although Bella had no idea how she would get him to the car. It was Cullen who leaned in to wake up Devon and help him stand. Devon was more asleep than awake, but he let himself be taken to the car.

It was a brief farewell after Edward settled Devon in the truck. The three Cullens got into a Jeep and also left for their home.

Somehow, Bella managed to get Devon to his room on his own without making too much noise.

When Devon woke up the next morning, he could barely remember what happened the night before, but he swore he would never drink again.

I honestly think this chapter is very bad, too long and somewhat unnecessary, but I went out partying and drank a lot and suddenly I couldn't get this idea out of my head SJAKALA I still hope you liked it <3