[Jarvis Harding]

I think I know why Nona Larsen insists on being innocent. The Principal isn't exactly a transparent person and the fact that he tries weaseling out of our request to see video footage is already suspicious.

On the other hand, Jay and Audrey don't believe this theory. In particular, they're set on thinking Nona is only trouble and insist that she does have a part in this mishap. As much as I'd like to dismiss their attitude towards Nona as prejudice, I can't. They're my best friends, whereas she is only an acquaintance to me.

To avoid arguments, I just ignore this topic around them and decide to focus on finding evidence on my own.

***

It turns out my search for proof has to wait. Fallon Snow, the President of the School Council, is throwing a party tonight and the last thing I want to do is hear her making remarks about the rest of the student body no-one asked for. Yet, I don't want to disappoint Audrey and Jay, because they're both going and expect me to be there with them, as well. This is going to be a nightmare.

Even though my parents are excited that I'm going to a party, I'm anything but. First of all, I only take part in those when I want to, not because someone else tell me to. Secondly, I don't like Fallon Snow's parties, they're so boring. Last, but not least, I don't like Fallon Snow herself.

She's the kind of person I'd never befriend. I mean, she's sassy and knows how to put mean people in their place, but she isn't really nice. Apart from being annoying every time she has to point out something, she's also very prejudiced against whoever doesn't form part of her close-knitted circle.

And, yeah, my friends and I are no exception. I don't even know why Audrey and Jay want to make a good impression on her, since she always looks them down.

Never mind. I'll have to go and, who knows, maybe I'll find a way to mess around a little bit.

***

"Ugh, Jarvis, you're right," comments Audrey, admitting that she was misguided in believing Fallon would be nice to the invitees. "She's already getting on my nerves!" Wow, she's not alone. The more Fallon struts around the house, engaging in small talk and bossing around to make sure everything it's perfect according to her standards, the more I want to punch her face.

On the other hand, Jay scoffs. "Come on, this is her house, so she makes the rules. You have to bear with her, guys, sorry." It's obvious at this point that he's into her. There's no other reason why he's defending her behavior.

I decide to ignore the two to-be lovebirds and look for drinks. I desperately need one. I don't want to think I can bear with this bullshit without having at least a Red Bull and some punch. I know, it sounds stupid, but it's what I need right now.

As I get rid of Jay and his attempts to hit on Fallon, I approach the kitchen counter, where all drinks lay. There's at least one of everything, starting from Coke and soda, moving on to punch, Red Bull and apple juice, and closing on a high note with beer. I know, I shouldn't drink alcohol. Although I'm eighteen and, as a result, can legally drink, I don't want to take chances with Mom and Dad. Moteover, I have school tomorrow.

Oh, screw school! That's the place where everyone believes they can be entitled about anything and no-one wants to score a date with Nona Larsen. Hey, one moment. What the heck is Nona doing here? She's trouble. She shouldn't be here. I'm sure she came here without an invitation. She might be savage and all that jazz, but, hey, if Fallon doesn't want her around, then she shouldn't be here.

I consider waving hello at her, but I don't as I catch Audrey's frown, probably directed straight at her. I don't know what's the problem between the two of them. One day or another, I'll find out. Not now, though. I need to resist the temptation of grabbing that can of beer. I don't want to get in trouble.

Audrey notices I'm hesitating and encourages me, much to my disbelief. "Come on, just take it. Your parents will never get to know, that is, unless Fallon-"

I don't let her finish and grab the beer instead. I open the can and swallow the liquid in a matter of seconds. That's pure pleasure in my mouth.

As soon as I'm done with the beer, I look for the trash bin but Fallon stops me on my tracks. "Hey hey hey. Harding, you're already into alcohol. Careful, or you'll be back home wobbling." Her snide comment doesn't affect me at all. The fact that Jay says nothing to defend me means that he's either too into Fallon or that he doesn't care about me anymore. I hope it's not the latter, of course.

She goes back to her chit-chat with some other invitee, leaving me looking for that goddamn trash bin. I should've asked her where it is. Well, actually... Nah, she wouldn't tell me. She hates me. That's a good reason for her to treat me the way she does.

Audrey notices I'm down in the dumps and suggests. "Hmm... This party is boring as fuck. Let's go back home."

I nod. "That's a good idea. There's a lot better to do than listening to Fallon's antics." That said, my friend and I collect our stuff and head to the entrance door, but, again, Fallon stops us. I know, we should be good guests and stay for her sake. However, I don't want to be here anymore. I want to go home.

"The party isn't over, Jarvis," she points out. "Where are you and Audrey going? I hope not home, because the real fun has yet to begin." Is she kidding? What does she mean with 'real fun?' Is it another of her ways to make herself look good and the rest of us miserable? Well, she's clearly not succeeding in her goal.

"Listen, Fallon, we had fun and a couple of drinks, but Audrey and I really need to go," I insist. It's an excuse, of course, I can't tell her the truth or she'll resent me forever. She can say and do what she wants, I'm not afraid of her reaction. I've dealt with much worse in my life.

Fallon, however, doesn't want to listen to us. "You're going to stay, period. You can't just leave and that's it. It's disrespectful to the other guests." Well, she hasn't done much to make this an interesting party, to be honest.

Defeated, Audrey returns to the living room and I follow her, hesitating and worrying about Jay. I don't know why he's still trying to hit on her, especially because she's making him serve drinks to the other invitees, as if he were a waiter.

Since he's busy with her, I can't tell him to just come back home with Audrey and me. So, the only thing I can do and watch this boring little show at the sidelines. That is, until I hear someone tapping my shoulders. I turn, only to find trouble in person. Nona Larsen.