I don't think it is so hard to guess what happened next, right? I was mortified at what my lack of speech due to infatuation - ahem, fascination with Dylan's eyes costed me. I know something's wrong with that sentence, but it's the most I can do with my limited vocabulary so deal with it.( I really hope this phase doesn't last long, though.) And obviously, I was subjected to lots and lots of reckless teasing from Zara and Becky. Apparently, they're placing their money on us, whatever that means.

I was busy finding millions and trillions of reasons as to 'Why Juliann should not attend the party? ', but they countered every single one.

It began with: "Guys, I can't go! Because I have to.... um... because I'm a natural klutz, and me being with you at the party can ruin your image!"

"Please, it's already in the drench- how much more can it possibly be ruined?"

Okay... I'll take that as a... compliment?

And after two days, reached: "Guys, I have no idea where this place is", I slumped my shoulders in defeat. That was a pathetic excuse, but I was running out of excuses!!

"Ha! You seriously thought that we would let you on your own? When you can't even walk ?"

Ouch, but true.

Ha! I have one last shot-

"Who'll take care of Granny?"

*  *  *  *  *  *  *

Today is ... 'The PARTY day', as per Zara and my 'coming out day', as per Becky, when in fact, it is a perfect 'doomsday'. Seriously, Me and parties have been enemies forever! And my friends can't just accept that. Hence, this utterly unnecessary trip.

So what about Granny? Well all it took was a phone call to my Granny and she so graciously waved me off, saying that 'no granddaughter of hers was going to miss a party for such a lame excuse'. And get this - she was the one to shoot down my excuse of 'lack of outfit' by getting me a frock! So maybe it is casual, but it was totally me! So you can say that I did sort of cave in....

Grannies are just the best, aren't they?!

Oh well, so currently I was in Zara's car, enjoying the wind in my hair. She has a convertible, and it's like, awesome! Seeing her car almost raised my spirits. The party is supposedly at a club owned by one of our classmate's family which, unsurprisingly, is called the 'Parker Avenue'. According to Becky its one of the best clubs in town.

I was terribly surprised that people enjoyed such luxuries even in this sleepy town. I mean, c'mon, this was Chiseltown- the place only has farms and meadows wherever we look!

"That's were you're wrong", Zara had smirked, "this is just a town with many faces... and you've only seen one."

And that changes today (apparently).

As Zara effortlessly slid in to the parking lot, I realized just how much I was not prepared for this party (or any other, for that matter).

It was loud; I am silent.

It was flashy; I am simple.

It was flamboyant; I am plain.

It-

"-is getting late! Let's go, girls!" Becky cried, snatching my hands and my thoughts away. As we opened the door, the nauseous scent of alcohol, sweat and sickly sweet perfumes hit me.

-is going to be a long night...

*  *  *  *  *  *  *

Honestly, I've never felt so out of place than at this.. party, if you can call it that. Advantage of having a party in an actual club - you loose sight of your friends easily, and you end up alone, with no sense of what or where. 

That... was sarcasm.

Apart from our whole grade, there was also a lot of other people drinking and dancing the night away under the neon lights. But you would never know how unacquainted they are from the view I am getting. Everyone's the same - high in spirits... or high on drugs. Its been a while since I've seen my two buddies who'd found dancing partners and almost instantly dissolved into the crowd.

So here I am, sitting in a corner and very innocently sipping lemonade. To be honest, it was no good - too dilute, tasted like water with sugar and a hint of lemon - but I was not even thinking about it... I was far away.. nine years back and waltzing around the house with the baby in tow, when suddenly-

"BANG!", a hand slapped onto the table right beside me and I was startled out of my dream.

" Enjoying the view?", a familiar voice asked (guess who?). 

"Ha! More like 'enjoying the solitude'. What brings you here, Markus ?", I retorted knowing he hated that name. And I was proven right, when I saw his grey eyes flash with fury-

No, its peaceful...

Yeah, its a peaceful storm.

A peaceful storm? Now I've totally lost it! Did this lemonade have alcohol? Last I checked they didn't do that.

"I would have loved to say that I'd stare at - sorry, gaze at you smiling stupidly at your own stupid self for hours, but that would be me lying, and I can't do that to my dear Julianna now, can I? So come on girl, you are at a party, I am at a party, LET'S PARTY!!!"

And successfully diverting my attention with his long banter, dear little Mark had managed to take my hand and lead me straight to the middle of the dance floor. Guess it was a couple song that's playing, since I saw Celine with a very comfortable looking Dylan (if his contorted face and stiff posture was any indication), Zara with none other than Alex Parker and Becky with.... Sandy boy.

Hey, I still don't know his name!

"Uhh.. from the direction you're staring, I'm guessing you are talking about Ryan Martinez? Funny, I never thought that glasses were the new thing. I should get one of those..." Mark trailed off, while I was still trying to grasp why my mouth was such a traitor. I refrained from rolling my eyes at Mark's subtle dig for praise.

Boys...

"I just didn't know his name that's all... You don't need glasses to get attention, y'know?", I patted his shoulder in assurance.

"True", he gave me a smug smile, which momentarily put me in a trance. I guess I had forgotten why this guy was popular for a minute there.. Thanks for reminding me, Marky!

I averted my eyes and suddenly became aware of something-

Mark and I were dancing! In the middle of the dance floor!

So much for fading to the shadows.

"Mark... I really don't dance", I stammered, my nerves rattling.

"That's okay, I can", he smirked.

Ohhh, soo cliche!

"No, listen Mark - I really don't dance... I always-" he swirled me around and my hands hit somebody who groaned- "do that", I finished.

"Do what?"

"Hurt others or-" another swirl and this time I fell down, and everybody snickered "- end up hurting myself", I grimaced and looked up with a red face, expecting him to be... you know giving me his hand to get up? But Mark being Mark, he was the one laughing his ass off.

So you think you are funny?

Without wasting a second, I swept my leg, and with a yell and a 'thump' Marky Dumpty had a great fall. And I had a great laugh.

"Oh yeah? That's how you roll? Fine! DJ! Change it to my number!", Mark yelled and the music changed to something with a lot of bass and beat, making me gulp.

Markus had an evil grin on his face "Let's get this show on road..."

__________________________________________________

Hey guyz!

What do you think of Markus? Cocky? Badboy? Sweet guy? Or.... secretive??? 

And, tell me what you think our lil' heroine should do -

a) accept defeat to the tornado?

b) unleash the cyclone at him?

Stay tuned for more drama!!

~ceredeneTT

[Hey, cry! Thank you for your listening ears during those trying times.... I miss you! :'( ]