Max looked up from a sofa in the downstairs living room as we walked inside. Muting the TV, he said, "Great, you two are back! I've got news."

This better be good.

Annie flopped down on one of the other couches in the room. "What's up?"

Max smiled at me. "Actually, this news is of more importance to Angelo."

How wonderful.

I frowned. "I wouldn't bet on that."

"Think again. You got invited to your first annual Society gathering!"

My jaw dropped. Holy shit!

I squeaked, "Really?"

Simultaneously, Annie asked, "I thought he had to wait until he turned eighteen?"

Eyes alight, Max shook his head. "The Society leaders decided that since he's old enough to attend their next annual ball. Which makes sense, 'cause he turns eighteen in November. It's in two weeks."

'The Society' is an ancient organization that controls the world from the shadows. Five powerful families govern their members. Its members consists of the upper echelon of various societies all over the globe.

These families split the world's continents between themselves to gain factions where they hold dominance. But, they all retained an equal grasp of power on Asia and Antarctica.

Every year, The Society's leaders throw a party for its members and their families. Mike and Annie's family happens to be one of the leading ones, and each year they both attend this gathering.

After so many years, I finally get to attend! Fuck, I can't imagine what being in a room filled with so many powerful people will be like. Of course, I can't act nervous 'cause-

My head lurched backward as the cushion that had hit it fell to my lap. I glared at Annie.

She rolled her eyes. "Don't look at me like that, I've been calling you for the last minute!"

Shifting my attention to Max, I said to him, "I'll be happy to attend the party. At least that's one piece of good news I've received today." I shot a pointed glance at Annie, who had the decency to look guilty.

Max nodded. "Good, I thought you'll say that. One more thing I need to tell you; you should bring a date."

I frowned. Bring a potential embarrassment to one of the most important nights of my young life? Over my dead body!

Despite my feelings, I muttered, "I'll think about it."

Gasping, Annie leaped up. "Really?"

I scoffed. "No."

Her face fell. "Oh. Why am I not surprised you're running from even the slightest trace of intimacy?"

"Why am I not surprised you'll jump at the chance to poke your nose into my business?"

"You ungrateful-"

"Anyways, Angelo," Max interjected, "are you sure? It's a good way to make a good impression on the other families."

"Yeah, I'll pass." I grinned. "Besides, what better way to establish my dominance?"

Annie rolled her eyes.

Max chuckled. "The other members have no idea what they're going to dealing with."

. . .

The rest of the weekend zoomed past. In the blink of an eye, it was recess on Monday.

After getting myself chocolate bars from the school's vending machine, I headed to a table. People occupied it over a few minutes.

Hans, being among them, said to me, "So, about the party. I've got everything sorted out."

I nodded. "Have it anytime this weekend. It doesn't matter when."

His face fell. "Friday it is then. Though it'll help a lot if you show more interest."

Laughing, Andy clapped him on his back. "Man, what is your problem? If Angelo doesn't want to come, leave him alone."

Maybe Andy is smarter than I give him credit for.

Hans stood up, muttering, "Whatever. I've gotta use the bathroom."

Andy frowned as he walked away. "Jeez, why is he acting like such a bitch today?"

I frowned. "Isn't that his default attitude?"

Laughter flowed across the table, and the comments began.

I frowned. Come to think of it, Aimee hasn't said a word to me today. Not that it's a bad thing... but we had the first two periods together. That's weird. Well, at least she can't make any arrangements for our meetings- wait, I have literature next! Fuck!

Standing up, I headed towards the cafeteria's exit.

Not even five seconds later, I heard Seth ask, "Hey, where's Angelo going?"

Ah, fuck.

I glanced back. "I don't see how-"

Ring!

Oh shit!

I resumed my journey without completing my statement.

I rushed through the corridors that contained the classrooms. After almost a minute of navigating through a sea of students, I finally found my way to my destination.

I burst into Miss Lane's class. Yes, I'm the first student to arrive!

I sat myself down on the seat closest to the door.

I grinned. I've done it! There's no way that Aimee will be able to catch me before I leave-

A hand pressed against my forehead, snapping me out of my thoughts.

I jerked away, hissing, "What the hell do you think you're doing?"

Miss Lane retracted her hand. "Sorry, I'm-wait, no!" She straightened up, brushing her hands on the dark blazer she wore. "I mean, what the hell- oh shit! I mean, what do you think you're doing, arriving early to my class and just grinning into space like that?"

Oops, guess I let my emotions show a bit too much.

I frowned. "I have a few questions of my own as well. First of all, are you trying to encourage me to come late to your class?"

"What? Of course not-"

"Secondly, what happened to you today? Forgot to do your laundry this weekend, so no more dresses for now?"

Her outfit comprised of a purple shirt hidden under a dark blazer. Matching dark pants covered her legs.

Miss Lane's face flushed as she once again tugged at her blazer. "Not that it's any of your business, but today is the monthly teacher's evaluation day."

Oh, my sweet summer child! Prickleberry cares about how you control your class, not whether you wear dresses or not!

"Also, Angelo?"

"Yeah?"

"That was quite a rude question you asked me earlier. Don't ask me anything of the sort again, or there will be grave repercussions. Do I make myself clear?"

Miss Lane, of all people, is threatening me? Someone is taking this day way too seriously!

I smirked. "Honestly, the only thing 'clear' in this situation is that the stern look is definitely not for you."

Miss Lane's eyes narrowed. "Excuse me?"

I rose up my hands, still smirking. "Hey, I'm just sharing some advice! You look more like you're suffering from constipation than anything else."

"Oh my-"

In the nick of time, students began to pour into the classroom.

I grinned. "Great, it looks like the class is about to start!"

Miss Lane's eyes flitted across the students, then they landed back on me. "We are not done here!"

I shrugged.

She tugged at her blazer, plastering a smile on her face as she did so. Wheeling around, she called out, "Hello dears!"

I relaxed. Now all that's left is to avoid Aimee.

I should have realized that's easier said than done.