"Oh, and the smokes in that cigarette box on the table they just so happen to be laced with nitroglycerine."

Lydia gathered herself up and reentered the party with her mask back on her face. There was someone waiting for her at the door. Someone in white pin stripe pants.

"Are you okay? I saw you run in there and I was worried," said Ryan Ross.

Lydia shrugged her eyes wide and staring at the thin boy before her. How long had she had a crush on him and never had the guts to talk to him?

"What's wrong?"

"I'm just having troubles with gossip," she mumbled.

His mouth opened into an O. "Are you Lydia?"

She nodded. How wonderful, he's heard it too! she thought grimly.

"I heard those but I knew they weren't true. I've seen you at school; you seem to pretty to not be able to get a guy. And that dress is definitely not from the garbage." Ryan smiled warmly.

"Thank you so much," she said sincerely, a blush blossoming on her cheeks. "I'll be right back, I could use a smoke."

"Please, take this one." He handed her a thin cigarette. "Those ones on the table were laced with nitroglycerine as a joke to whoever took one. Stupid drunk bastards, they could kill someone."

"Yeah, you're right," she agreed, lighting her cigarette and blowing a puff of smoke. She never really liked cigarettes but they helped her calm her frayed nerves. Luckily, she wasn't addicted or stupid. She'd be careful.

"And I know it just doesn't feel like a night out with no one sizing you up."

"So you're okay?" Ryan asked again.

"Yeah, I guess. I only wanted to be popular for a night. "

"I know how it is with you girls. You all want to show each other up and get all the guys and crap like that. It's all just a big contest, isn't it?"

"Basically," Lydia agreed.

"Well, with a night out it may be okay, whatever. You want to look good but you can only take so much. Don't make it a life-long contest. You shouldn't care what anyone else thinks. Just care if you feel good about yourself. Does that even make sense?"

"Yes." She gulped loudly.

Ryan took her cigarette, stuck it in his mouth, and then when he was done, smashed out the ember with his shoes. "I'm glad you understand, Lydia. No one would want to see you suffer like that."

"Elise would."

"Well, she's a bitch."

Lydia smiled and realized her heart wasn't racing. Talking with Ryan had been smoother than she'd ever imagined. He was extremely kind. She was a little anxious though.

"I've never been so surreptitious so of course I'll be distracted when I spike the punch."

"I've had to deal with Elise for too many years. She deserves to be on the other end of her pranks and gossip or at least be the one with embarrassment for once."

Ryan's hand trailed down to his pocket and pulled out a silver flask, liquid sloshed inside.

"Vodka anyone?" he joked slyly.

"What are you planning on doing?"

"I happen to know that Elise gets drunk very easily and when she does, it's crazy. Also, she tends to throw up a lot."

Lydia made a face.

"We are going to spike the punch. Man, I've always wanted to do this at a party!"

Ryan took her hand and they slinked over to the bar. On the counter was a huge bowl of red punch. Quickly, Ryan threw the contents of the flask into the punch and turned the other way, acting nonchalant.

"We should leave now," he murmured in Lydia's ear.

"And miss Elise barfing her guts out?"

"I'm sure we'll hear about it at school," Ryan assured her.

He gripped her hand tighter and led her towards the door.