We rounded the last corner and the Cullen's house came into view. We stared at it in silence for a moment. Man, were they rich. I think my house would be less than half the size of theirs. It wasn't completely a shock; their fashionable attire at school which hinted designer origins had subtly displayed their immense wealth.
The white house was three storeys tall and surrounded by huge shady trees. The suburban was already parked off to the side, so Ben slowly edged forward to park behind it. The thousands of twinkle lights wrapped around the trees on either side of their long driveway – making the map in the invitation unnecessary – and the music coming from inside that could be heard as soon as we opened the car doors, made it clear the purpose of our visit.
This reason was intensified when we were let in by Bella, with Eric and Katie just behind us. Our mouths dropped open. We had walked into a nightclub. At least, it looked like a nightclub, although I was sure you wouldn't find one this trendy for many, many miles. There was no furniture other than long white tables that were pushed up against the side wall, weighed down by platefuls and platefuls of food. Drink refreshments were nearby. Huge speakers stood next to the largest open area. The music was so loud that it was almost deafening; you could feel the floor vibrating with the beats. Pulsing red and purple lights roved around the room, casting everything in a strange light. Smoke hovered around the floor and you could see it floating through the air in the shining rays of fluorescent light. The opposite wall was glass. It looked mindblowing; partly a window to see outside and partly refelecting the scene back towards us.
That was all I could examine before a figure interrupted my view. "Angela!" Jessica's hug was very tight. "Oh my god! Can you believe it?" she screeched over the music. I smiled at her, not bothering to try and be heard over this modern, upbeat song. "Come on!" she grabbed my hand and dragged me over to the other side of the room, showing me everything I hadn't spotted at first. Ben stayed by my side. Soon more guests were arriving and the door was left open to allow everyone clear entry. Jessica was practically flying around, so thrilled that her eyes looked wild with the excitement.
The food disappeared in no time at all, yet it had looked like the tables were about to collapse from the weight. The music was catchy and some people were dancing, or on the verge of dancing. The atmosphere was thrilling and unlike anything I had ever experienced before. I found I was enjoying myself, despite this not being my kind of thing.
Ben went to hang out with his mates, though he came back and found me often. I hung out with all my friends and even people I usually didn't speak to, yelling over the music yet swaying with it. Soon I felt Jessica's firm grasp on my hand and she was yelling in my ear.
"How are you enjoying the party so far? It's amazing isn't it?! I can't believe it! But oh my god, I've been so nice to Bella and she was totally just so rude. She, like, left when I was talking to her. She better apologize later."
My attention was diverted when I heard a strange ringing noise in a pause in the music. It took me a moment to realize it was the doorbell, hours later than the last time guests had arrived. Who wasn't here yet?
I turned and shouted in her ear. "I'm sure she had a good reason. Don't worry about it."
"Yeah, you're right. Let's just enjoy this awesome party."
I looked towards the entrance. The door was opening and for a second I could see part of the starry night sky, for once not completely obscured by clouds. In the next second something was blocking the doorway.
"Now, let's dance."
This song was extra loud. "What?"
I strained my neck trying to see past the crowd. Who had just arrived?
"I said, let's dance!"
"What?!" I still couldn't hear her.
Now when I stared I could see a couple of big figures just inside the house. I heard a deep voice call something but I couldn't make out what it was.
"Let's dance!" Jessica screeched in my ear.
I shook my head quickly. She let go of me to make begging hands.
"No!" I shook my head again.
One of them was moving across the room now, with a swiftness I could hardly believe. I could just make out two, maybe three people standing by the door, one or two of them barely inside the doorway.
When I turned back she had pulled out the puppy dog face.
I sighed. "Oh fine…"
"What?" She cupped her ear.
"Alright!" She jumped up and down, clapping her hands, then put her arm through mine and dragged me to the dance floor. There were already some people dancing.
At first I felt really awkward. But surrounded by everyone under these hypnotic lights, I was soon influenced and having a great time. Jessica grinned at my newfound enthusiasm. She was a much better dancer than I was.
I took one more glance at the door and had to do a double take. There was just one person left standing there; leaning inside the doorway. A red light shined their way so for a split second I could see half of his face.
He was tall, that much was obvious. He wasn't as large as the others had been though. His deep black hair was chopped short. His skin was dark too, and I recognised him as one of the Quileutes from the reservation down at La Push. He was staring over in the direction of the door to the kitchen. Then the light moved on and his face was once again cast in darkness. I turned my attention back to dancing with Jessica.
The song changed, the next one on the play list booming through the room. This one was really popular. Girls screamed with joy and rushed to the dance floor. Everyone who had already been dancing was jostled. Since me and Jessica had been on the edge, we were right in the path of the delighted partygoers. I reached out to grab her arm but I was pushed backwards before I had the chance.
As soon as I regained my balance I was being pulled along with the crowd. I ended up in a different place to where I had been. I tried to look for Jessica but I couldn't see her. I didn't try to yell because I knew she wouldn't be able to hear my calls. I was still being jostled and suddenly I felt someone's weight collide with my back, knocking me to the ground. Someone stumbled and stepped on my foot while another walked on my hand. My other hand shot up to hold my glasses in place so they wouldn't be smashed under anyone's feet.
I tried to get back on my feet without success. What great fun this party was turning out to be.
I looked down, hoping that people hadn't been paying attention to my fall. I gathered my legs under me, so they wouldn't be in risk of being stood on again. I looked back up and unexpectedly there was a hand in front of my face. I grabbed it without thinking.
Their other hand cupped under my elbow and helped me to my feet, pulling me through the people and away to the side of the room in the same motion. My foot was hurting where someone had stepped on it, so I stumbled. The person who had helped me steadied me again, positioning our bodies so I was against the wall and they were standing protectively in front of me.
Finally I had the chance to see who it was. Just as I looked up the purple and red nightclub lights shined on the face in front of me. Perfect timing.
His dark brown eyes bored into mine. I was totally and completely captivated. He did not look away. A million emotions were running across his face. His eyes widened.
