21st November

"We're going to that party!" I insist.

"Ellie I really don't want to," Jordan groans, smoothing the dress I forced her into.

"Molly is hosting it!" I chide. "She invited me personally."

"I know," she whines. "Can't you take someone else?"

"You know I can't. It's either you or Roman and I'd rather not go with my brother."

"But I have an assignment to complete."

"Please," I sing. "I'll buy you milkshakes for a week."

" . . . okay."

"You need to be bribed to spend time with me. I feel so appreciated right now," I deadpan.

"Milkshakes broke me," she shrugs.

"As long as you come," I sigh, dragging her out.

"When can we leave?" She questions halfway through the drive.

"My curfew is one, so around half past midnight," I answer.

"Your parents are so cool," she says dreamily. I forced a smile. She doesn't notice. "But mine aren't so I need to be home before midnight."

"I'll talk to your mom," I say. She hummed in agreement. Mrs. Kyle likes me. We both know she will not scold us if I go with Jordan. I'll sweet talk to her mother in seconds, an ability that Jordan lacks herself.

I slide into one of the parking spaces that Molly had reserved for the team. We get out and I lock my car behind us. The party is raging and the setup is sick. We greet acquaintances around the room and eventually make our way to the drinks table.

"I'll take water," I tell the cute guy who seemed to be manning the stand. He smirks and passes me a sealed bottle. I wink at him as I uncap and take a swig. Jordan gets a beer.

"Why do you keep flirting with the boys on the team?" She asks when we walk away. The guy at the bar now has my number.

"It's fun," I say.

"You just lead them on."

"A little flirting never hurt anyone."

"They fight over you." She frowns.

"As I said, it's fun." I laugh. She shakes her head and takes a sip. "I can't get you out of drinking too much, Jordi," I warn her.

"Chill, I won't drink anymore." She calms me. I nod and we go back to socializing. We are dancing with the others on the makeshift dance floor when we stumble across Molly.

"Hey girl!" I hug her. "Awesome party!"

"Thanks!" She says as she pulls back. "Bee tee dubs, love your outfit."

"Thanks, I like yours too," I lie. What? She's a close friend of Adrian's. It's hard to be friendly with them. It's a wonder I was invited. 

"Come on, the real party is upstairs!" She urges me.

No wonder that place was declared off-limits when we came.

"Really?" I ask skeptically. I have a bad feeling about this

"Yeah, it's mostly just Seniors and their girlfriends or boyfriends. You two will be the only other Juniors, I guess."

"Are you sure it's okay for us to come?" Jordan questions.

"Of course! It's my party, what I say goes." Molly laughs. "Besides, you are the coolest in your grade so you'll have a free pass anyway. Let's go."

Jordi and I make eye contact in a silent question to each other.

Should we go?

I would be lying if I said that I didn't want to. Although we often do hang out with Seniors, they still have a separate group. It's like they are the ruling royals and we are the next generation. 

Maybe, we don't have to be the next generation. 

Going up would mean that we are a part of the ruling royalty. But we don't know who all are upstairs. I don't get along with a few Seniors. In fact, we loathe each other. 

It can go both ways so I leave the decision to Jordan.

In the end, she shrugs uncaringly and I sigh.

"Upstairs it is." I smile at Molly, who smiles back and grabs our arms, pulling us with her.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *