Chapter 8-Questions, Bruises and Liquor
Max's head rested against the window of Chloe's pickup truck as she bobbed in and out of consciousness. She was struggling to keep her eyes open despite it being only around four in the evening. The sound of Chloe's soft humming was soothing and didn't do Max any favours, if anything it just made her more tired.
The sun was still up, even though it was masked by some clouds. The warm autumn glow would soon be coming to an end. It was one of those things you never really appreciate until it has gone. It makes you feel, happy and yet melancholy at the same time. Max couldn't argue, autumn was her favourite time of year and this was one of the reasons.
Chloe couldn't help but giggle to herself whenever she would look over at Max. She was all scrunched up on the seat with her arms all tucked up under her head as she struggled to stay awake. Chloe couldn't help but think how cute she looked as she lay there.
The car ride eventually came to an end when Chloe pulled up outside her house. Max was still groggy at this point so Chloe, being the stellar friend that she was, opened the door, helped Max out, closed the door and then proceeded to give her friend a piggyback to the house.
Chloe placed Max down on her bed before going over to her window ledge. As Max lay on her bed, Chloe lit up a cigarette and started to have a smoke. Time seemed to slow down as she inhaled the toxic shit from the stick in between her fingers, the only thing moving was the clouds in the orange sky. As the smoke travelled down Chloe's throat, she just thought of Max and how glad she was to have her best friend back again. If anyone would help her plan a party, it would be Max.
Max was a low-key perfectionist so Chloe knew she'd set this party up so good, it would be hard to top. Then again, not that many people would be coming so it didn't really matter how good it was set up. Chloe had a rough idea of who she wanted to come and she knew that those people wouldn't care so much about décor or shit like that.
As the birds started tweeting, Max started to stir; Chloe took one last drag of her fag before chucking out her open window. She then walked over to the bed and jumped on it, landing next to a now awake Max.
"Hey sleepyhead, nice of you to wake up" Chloe said as she looked at her best friend.
"Mrghm, how long was I out?" Max grunted as she rubbed her eyes.
"Eh, not long, we've only been in my house for like ten minutes so I wouldn't worry if I was you"
Max just took a few shallow breaths as she processed the situation. "You should've just dropped me off at Blackwell, save you giving me a ride there later" Max responded with once she was more aware of the situation.
"You might as well just stay here tonight and skip tomorrow, it's only one Friday lesson"
Max just giggled before responding with "That's not how it works Chloe"
"Come on, you're telling me no one's ever pulled a sickie in all the time you've been there?"
"Well, no but.."
"Ah, I got you Caulfield, there's no backing out now. You're officially ill fir tomorrow" Chloe said, cutting Max off. Max knew there was no point arguing with Chloe when she made her mind up like that.
"Urgh, fine but you gotta lend me some clothes for tomorrow?" Max asked.
"Yeah, yeah, yeah, no problem; now, what movie do you wanna watch first?"
Max was stunned at the fact Chloe could watch another movie so soon. Max was still ready to go to sleep but the big smile on Chloe's face made it hard for Max to say no.
The two of them didn't realise how happy they were to be having a sleepover again. As the two girls sat there, all cuddled up eating popcorn, they were in a place of absolute bliss. The only thing lighting up the room was Chloe's TV, the only sound was that of the movie they were watching and their laughs or screams the two girls would occasionally make. Max didn't care about sleep anymore, she wanted to do this forever. This was a bond many wished for but few achieved.
Aaron was tired after his run; the warm shower did him no favours either, if anything, it made him feel more tired. He would have gladly gone to sleep if it wasn't for the constant gnawing thought in the back of his mind. Come on, just text her, it won't be weird, will it?! No, don't doubt yourself, it'll be fine, just do it Aaron thought as he looked at his phone. Fuck it; Hey Kate, There's this arty I've been invited to tomorrow and I was wondering if you'd like to come? I know that's probably the last thing you wanna hear right now but Max's friend Chloe is throwing it and there's gonna be no assholes there and I'd really like it if you came.
Aaron felt like a right insensitive bell end. This girl was still getting over the shit if the last party she went to and now he's asked her to come to another one. He felt stupid, felt like Kate would turn up at his room and bash his fucking skull in. As he lay there, recounting all the meme's about sending risky texts, his phone made a noise.
Hey, um, I guess I could go, If you're gonna be there with Max, I guess I could give it a shot. You sure it'll be safe? Kate's text read as Aaron looked at his phone.
I can't promise anything, but I'll make sure no one hurts you. If you don't wanna go, it's cool, I understand. It would be nice if you came though.
I guess I could give it a shot. Kate's reply made Aaron breathe again; he didn't realise he'd been holding his breath. He was delighted she said yes.
OK, great, I'll talk to you about it more tomorrow, see you then. And with that, Aaron was able to go to sleep happy
He didn't know what drew him to Kate, but he just loved spending time with her. Aaron thought she was a great person who had been the victim of something terrible. This was what drew him to her in the first place, she was alone and Aaron hated to see someone like that. He was just doing what any decent person would have done by being nice to her. He gave her the opportunity to hang out with someone as she had become a recluse, shit in away from people as she was still scared by what had happened at the vortex club party not a month ago.
Aaron didn't plan for this to happen, he didn't think he'd grow so attached quickly, he didn't think he'd be in over his head. He liked her and there was nothing he could do about it. He just wanted t spend as much time with her as possible, to see her smile, to make her happy. Aaron had no idea he was falling in love.
Kate was sitting by her desk contently on this sunny Friday morning; she was waiting for Mr Jefferson to turn up and start their lesson. It was just coming upto half eleven when Aaron walked in and sat in his usual seat. He flipped his hair out of his eye and turned around and gave a smile at Kate.
"Hey, how you doing?" He asked as he took his notebook out of his bag.
"Oh, you know, surviving, how are you?" Kate asked in response.
"I'm ok, just wish I was still in bed"
"It's eleven thirty, how can you still be tired?" Kate asked with a slight laugh"
"Kate, one can never have enough sleep" Aaron said with a smile on his face. Kate just sighed through her smile before shaking her head in dismissal.
"You seen Max today?"Kate asked.
"Nah, last time I saw her was yesterday when she went out with Chloe. Speaking of which, you still wanna come tonight?"
Kate looked him dead in those blue eyes of his, he was so kind to her and she loved that about him "Yeah, I'll go but I don't wanna stay too long" she said.
"That's great, I'm not gonna force you to do anything, it's upto you" Aaron said in his charismatic tone "Just know whatever you decide to do, I'll look out for you"
Aaron's words made Kate smile as she looked back at him, she couldn't help but see him as such an amazing guy and wondered why he'd waste his time talking to a girl like her.
Mr Jefferson finally closed the classroom door as everyone turned to face him.
"Ok everyone, today is unusually sunny and hot for the middle of autumn so I want each of you to go outside and spend the next hour taking some shots for your autumn portfolio. Need I remind you that these seasonal portfolios will make up 20 percent of your final grade, that's five percent each so please don't slack!" With Mr Jefferson's announcement, everyone in the class left and headed to the outside.
Aaron walked alongside Kate, slowly and calmly as the talked idly. They ended up sitting on the benches just outside the main entrance, in the cooling shade of the trees alongside them. Aaron took his jacket off due to the heat, revealing his white and black stripy t-shirt that he was wearing underneath. Even though there was still black on it, it added more colour to his apparel.
"So, on the topic of photography, I'm gonna ask the one question you probably don't want me to" Aaron just smiled and looked at the floor before looking back up and flipping his hair out of his eyes. "How does it feel to be the youngest artist ever to have work on display at Greenwood?"
Aaron sighed with a smile before saying: "Yeah, I kinda get that a lot" Aaron said before he composed himself "Well, I gotta be honest, it was a shock more than anything. I mean I've always enjoyed taking photo's, I have for a long time and when you go on holiday, people tend to take a lot of photos. This one night, me and my dad went for a walk just up some of the mountains around the ski lodge and when we got to the top of one of them, I looked out and saw the sky, the lodge and the mountains behind it and just thought it was bloody beautiful. I took my camera and took the picture, just like that" Aaron sounded a lot more shy and reserved than he usually did as he answered the question.
"Wow, so you didn't even mean to apply?" Kate asked as she listened to the story.
"Nope, when we came home, I was uploading a few of them to my computer when my dad walked in and saw it on the screen. He went on about how great it was blagh, blagh, blagh and I eventually caved and sent it to a publisher. Now I just expected to get into a magazine or something but the publisher thought it was better than that and he's the one who set things up with Greenwood. A week later I got the call saying they'd like to put on display at the international museum. The funny thing is it's still there today. Whereas most works are only up for a season, mine stays up as its two attractions in one. 'Aaron Heartfield's Slopes of Salzburg' and 'Aaron Heartfield, youngest artist to have work on display at Greenwood International museum of art' Yeah, my instagram kinda blew up" Aaron said with a laugh as he ended the story.
Kate couldn't help but smile as she stared at the boy in front of her. He was everything and nothing, all in one. He was forthcoming yet reserved, confident yet shy, kind yet could. He was everything she wanted but didn't realise it.
"So, whadda you plan to shoot for your portfolio?" Kate asked as she Aaron met her gaze.
"See, that's a surprise; you'll have to let me take you out again if you wanna know?" Aaron said as he smiled a back at Kate.
"Oh Aaron, I'd love to but I feel bad for taking up all of your time and I know you're busy and you have things to do..."Aaron cut her off by placing his arms on her shoulders and looking at her, taking her voice from her throat as he stared at her.
"I wouldn't have asked if it wasn't the thing I most wanna do" his firm hands on Kate, along with the calmness of his voice made her shudder in a good way. His eyes didn't help either. Kate found herself almost entranced in Aaron's beautiful blue eyes as his fixed gaze started into her, almost as if he was looking into her soul. Kate felt helpless yet safe at the same time.
"Yo-you really mean that" Kate replied. She could feel her cheeks reddening under Aaron's gaze.
"I like spending time with you Kate, why do you think I asked you to come tonight?! You're a great person who had something terrible done to her and it's not fair for you to suffer alone through this. I'm here for you"
Kate was left speechless, this was probably the happiest she'd felt this month and her innocent little face was radiating with that happiness. Without thinking she let herself fall into Aaron and started to hug him. Aaron was a bit shocked but retuned the hug in full, pulling Kate in a comforting embrace.
Time seemed to freeze around them as they hugged, there was no other place they would rather be, it was perfect. Kate felt safe with Aaron's arms around her, as if nothing would be able to hurt her again.
The time finally came for the two to stop hugging and when they did, the happiness was noticeable on both of their faces.
"Ok, you have a deal. We'll go out again but the you gotta promise to tell me what you plan to do for your portfolio" Kate said as she hit behind her hand that was now covering her mouth out of shyness.
"Only if you come tonight?" Aaron replied as he smiled back at her.
"Ok fine, you win" Kate admitted in defeat.
The two had enjoyed their time together, then again, they always seemed to enjoy each other's company. They were two young kids who were too naive to realise they were attracted to each other. For two kids with near-perfect G.P.A's, they were both incredibly dense on this matter. The rest of the lesson went by with Aaron and Kate being happier than they had been at the start and things were only gonna go up.
"Ok mom, I know you're worried but Max'll be here to take care of me" Chloe said as she handed a suitcase to her mother who was standing outside the house as David loaded the car. "I promise we won't burn the house down or anything like that"
"Chloe, please be careful. This is the first time me and David are gonna be leaving you like this, give us a reason to trust you like this more often" Joyce pleaded as she hugged Chloe goodbye. "Max, make sure she doesn't do anything illegal for me"
"You got it Joyce, I'll look out for her" Max replied from her position next to Chloe.
Joyce and David wanted to take the weekend off and have a vacation for just the two of them. Chloe being the wild canon she was, was the reason they never took a vacation due to how worried they were about what Chloe would do. Now that Max was back, they figured she would be a good influence on Chloe and keep her out of trouble while they were gone.
Joyce knew deep down Chloe would do something bad, she just hoped Max would be able to minimize the damage.
The slight breeze that the wind offered caused any fallen leaves on the sidewalk to float away as David and Joyce pulled out of the driveway. It was nearing mid day and the sun was shining right in Chloe's neighbourhood, it was a great day to have a party.
As the car drove away, Max leaned into Chloe and said "She has no idea you're having this party, does she?"
"Not a fucking clue" Chloe responded through her smiling mouth. "Come on, Super-Max, we have party shit to set up"
Max giggled at the thought of Chloe doing actual work as the two girls disappeared into Chloe's house.
Chloe was vigorously pulling all of the things for the party out from under her bed and handing them to Max. "Take these and set up beer pong on the dining table. Make sure you put this table cloth on, it's plastic, therefore waterproof, therefore alcohol proof. No more alcohol stains in this house" Max couldn't help but laugh and recall the memory of when they spilled the wine on the carpet.
Max always loved being reminded of her childhood days with Chloe, they made her feel all warm and fuzzy again. As Max made her way downstairs, she made a mental note to spot the wine stain which was still on the floor, nearly ten years later.
As Max set up the beer pong, Chloe had turned her stereo up full blast. It was so loud that Max felt as if she was actually shaking. The house might as well have started dancing, the vibrations were that bad.
Max loved seeing Chloe be so carefree, it made her smile every time. Max was really looking forward to a party hosted by Chloe but felt bad for having it behind Joyce's back. Max made up for it by telling herself she was responsible for the house and any mess that occurred, she'd have to clean up. Guess I might as well play mum for Chloe tonight, it should keep her out of trouble...I hope. Max thought as she laid the cups out in triangle formations at each ends of the table.
The music was still blaring as Chloe came down the stairs holding something in her hands. She walked upto Max, allowing her to see what said box was.
"I was thinking I set this bad boy up outside and put shot glasses on the spots" Chloe said, sounding as mischievous as ever.
"Drunk twister, that doesn't sound dangerous at all" Max replied, sounding as condescending as ever.
This cycle was one that the two girls were both used to: Chloe would suggest something fucking stupid, Max would object and Chloe would do it anyway. Twister wasn't gonna be any different.
Max just sighed and carried on setting things up. Chloe was extremely aggravating almost all the time and yet, Max wouldn't change her.
They had just started and Max could tell this party was gonna be too much for her to handle. As if Max needed more proof of Chloe's foolishness, the blue-haired girl decided to pull out an inflatable pool from the garage. Needless to say, Max's head found itself in the palms of her hands.
"Chloe, why the hell are you gonna bother putting a pool up?" Max asked "It's not like people will actually wanna use it and it's more likely to cause more trouble than it's worth" Max new arguing with Chloe was pointless but as the birds tweeted in the tree's and the wind blew through the open sliding door, Chloe just looked up, grinned and carried on unpacking the pool from its box.
"Come on, buzzkill, it's like a hundred degrees out here, people will wanna cool off" Chloe protested.
Max just sighed as she finished with the beer pong setup and walked over to Chloe who was not attaching the garden hose to a tap outlet. "It's not like the sun will be up much in the evening anyway, I just don't see why you have to make so many problems" Max couldn't help but feel some sort of problem was inevitable with that pool being out and she knew she'd have to be the one to clean it up.
"Hey Max, come 'ere" Chloe called from her back yard Max reluctantly agreed. Not able to see Chloe due to the blind spot of the garden, Max stepped through the door and turned to her right, where Chloe's voice had come from.
Max immediately regretted her decision as she saw Chloe standing there, hose in her right hand and the tap handle in her other. Before Max could say anything, Chloe had turned the hose on and blasted her best friend with cold water. The outcome would have been a lot worse for Max if Chloe hadn't placed her thumb in front of the nozzle and created a fan effect with the water. Sure, Chloe soaked herself but it seeing Max's face was worth it.
Max stood in front of Chloe; drenched and annoyed. She thought nothing would be able to wind her up more...but Chloe was a master at pushing Max's buttons.
"I thought you'd need to cool off" The pun rang in Max's ears and if it had come from anyone else, she would have kicked off.
The shit eating grin on Chloe's face and the look of disgust, yet very subtle amusement on Max's made the moment between the two complete. The only thing breaking the silence was Chloe's giggling as she dropped the hose into the pool to let it fill up.
Finally, Max managed to find her voice: "Are you fucking nuts, Chloe?! I can't believe you just did that, oh my God!" Max's tone conveyed her unhappiness. "What the hell am I gonna wear for the rest of the day Chloe? Urgh"
Chloe just walked over to her best friend and hugged her, forcing their wet clothes on each other. Max was still not amused but Chloe couldn't stop smiling.
"Relax grumpy, I've got some clothes you'll be able to borrow so quit your worrying" Chloe said in a chilled tone, trying to calm Max's mood. "You need to remember how to have fun again, Max. Come on, let's go change"
Max could never stay angry at Chloe, even as the two walked up to Chloe's bathroom, Max found herself hugging her taller best friends arm. Chloe turned the light on and closed the door behind them before taking off her beanie and throwing it in the wash basket that resided by the door.
Both girls took off their wet clothes, stripping down to their underwear. Max passed her wet clothes to Chloe who placed them in the wash basket along with her own. It was when Chloe had her back turned that Max saw it.
"Gee Chloe, is that what I think it is?" Max asked as she looked at the tattoo etched into the left side of Chloe, by her ribs.
"Ugh, no, there's nothing there" Chloe said nervously as she placed her right hand around her front in an effort to cover it.
Chloe's efforts were in vain however as Max stepped forward and removed her hand. There clear as day was the words 'Max and Chloe' in a small heart on the lower, side part of Chloe's back. Max was left speechless as she stared at it while Chloe just buried her face in her hands in shame as she could feel Max's eyes burning a hole through her.
"Chloe, when did you get this?" Max asked as she studied the ink on her best friend.
"I...I had it when you moved back. After finally being with you again, I realised how much I missed you, how much you mean to me Max. I feel about you the way I've never felt about anyone and I don't wanna lose you again" Chloe confessed as she turned around to face Max. Her eyes glistened in the light as Max stared back at her.
"You don't have to worry about that Chloe, I'm never leaving you again, I promise" Max replied as she hugged Chloe. You mean so much to me and I don't know what I'd do withought you by my side"
Max's words made Chloe smile and hug her friend again. Max made Chloe feel so much better and Chloe wished she could hold Max like this all the time but always thinks back to what Aaron said about Chloe's feelings for Max. The more Chloe thought about it, the more she agreed with him and it killed her. Even though the moment between the two was touching and wonderful, Chloe couldn't help but stare at Max's body as she stood there in her underwear.
Max's innocent, doe like appearance drove Chloe crazy. She couldn't help but see Max as a meek innocent animal that needed Chloe to keep her safe. Chloe knew full well Max could handle herself but just wanted to make sure nothing happened to her. Even know as they were hugging, Chloe wanted to pick Max up and cary her off to safety.
"You ok with hugging in our underwear, sista?" Chloe asked, breaking the silence.
"Chloe, I'm so comfortable around you, I'd hug you naked" Max replied, pulling apart from Chloe.
"I might have to take you up on that" Chloe said, only half joking unbeknown to Max's blissful ignorance.
Max walked out of the bathroom and into Chloe's room before calling "Come and dress me peasant, I can't keep walking around your house in my underwear"
I wish you would. Chloe thought to herself with a grin as she bit her lip and left the bathroom, turning the light off as she closed the door.
The two girls still had a lot to do before the party was ready; Chloe had invited all of the people she considered her friends. There wasn't that many but at least no preppy assholes were invited. Everything should be nice and chill. Well, should be...
Aaron's head was pounding, his vision blurred, ears ringing with the sounds of distorted voices as he pulled himself up off of the cold, unforgiving concrete floor that he was so used to now. How long had it been, ten minutes, fifteen? If he finished it now, he'd be at Chloe's before eight.
Aaron breathed as he stood up, cocking his right hand as he brought himself upright. In less than a second he'd brought it back and fired. It was over.
The party was in full swing and had been since just before seven. There was a large number of people there but not too many. The number was around 20-25 and all of whom Chloe knew well enough to invite. There were familiar faces such as Justin, Trevor and the other Skaters but there were also people Kate had never seen before.
Their style seemed somewhat alternative, ranging from tank tops to flannel shirts-ripped skinny jeans to stripy skirts with knee high socks-Nike's to combat boots. It was clear that they were Chloe's friends.
Idle music played from Chloe's stereo which had been brought downstairs and plugged in next to the TV. The music ranged from grungy, alt rock to Deathcore-depending on who had their phone plugged in. The music was loud enough to fill the downstairs but not interfere with people's conversations.
Everyone was getting along with each other and respecting people's boundaries but at the same time, everyone was having fun.
Kate found herself standing awkwardly by Chloe's staircase as the party happened around her. Not big on drinking, there wasn't much she was able to find comfort in seeing as Max was nowhere to be found and Aaron was a no-show.
Kate couldn't help but feel vulnerable in the environment she was in. Not a month ago she was drugged and made a fool out if by the Vortex club so the sweat starting to build up on her forehead was justified. Her innocent eyes tried everything they could to avoid looking at anyone who was in Chloe's front room. As Kate's eyes darted from side to side, she eventually saw Max walk in from the back garden and immediately walked over to her.
"Everything alright, Kate?" Max asked as she took a swig of her drink from a stereotypical red cup.
"Oh, hey Max, I just don't feel all to good right now" Kate replied as she buried her head in her shoulders as an effort to hide from everyone around her. "would you mind staying here with me for a bit?" Kate asked, her voice so quiet it was almost a whisper.
"Sure Kate, no problem, you want me to get you anything, a drink maybe?" Max asked before giving Kate a reassuring hug.
"I'm ok, thank you; so how's your night going"
"Eh, I can't complain, I'm having fun. Justin just downed ten shots of vodka before drinking some pool water. Usually I'd find that sorta thing gross but for some reason, I couldn't stop laughing" Max said as she covered her mouth with her hand in an effort to control her giggle as she recalled what just happened not ten minutes ago.
Max was obviously, slightly intoxicated. She was by no means drunk but she was noticeably different and all signs pointed to alcohol as being the culprit. Max was a lightweight due to how little she drank. It wasn't her fault and she had no idea two drinks would be enough to infect her with what everyone other than Kate was feeling.
"So, any sign of Aaron?" Max asked Kate after finishing her second cup.
"Nothing since before seven. I'm worried something might have happened to him Max" Kate responded, the sound of genuine worry in her innocent voice.
"You shouldn't worry so much, Kate; if anyone can take care of themselves, it's Aaron" Max said, sounding less reassuring than she thought she did. "Come on, Kate, just relax, everything will be fine"
Kate looked at Max and decided she was right, she was worrying quite a lot and she realised she should do her best to calm down...at least a little. Nodding in agreement, Kate followed Max over to the couch and sat down. Max leant over Kate to the laptop that had been plugged into the speakers and put on a song that was a lot more quieter, or one that Kate would prefer.
"There, this should chill you out" Max said as 'Soundcheck' by Catfish and the Bottlemen started playing from the speakers. Max was grateful that someone had plugged a laptop in to the speakers as it saved everyone plugging their phones into the speaker every time they wanted to play a different song.
"It's not exactly my cup of tea but thanks Max, I do appreciate it" Kate said as she let out a meek smile.
Not soon after, Chloe came in from the back yard. She was slightly wet and hadn't stopped laughing. She stood in front of Max and Kate who just watched her laugh. Chloe finally composed herself before saying:
"Oh my God you guys, Justin just jumped off my roof and into the pool" Chloe couldn't help but laugh as she spoke. "He practically soaked everyone who was watching; Justin is off the chain tonight" Chloe said before continuing her laughter. It proved infectious as Max started a slight giggle of her own. "Anyway, what's going on with you guys, you seem glum, Kate?" Chloe asked.
"Oh she's just worried about Aaron, he hasn't turned up yet and is worried he's in trouble" Max said in place of Kate who was just looking at the floor in her timid manor.
"What are you talking about, he's right there" Chloe said as she pointed behind the two girls, in the direction of the front door.
Max and Kate immediately turned around to see what Chloe was pointing at and low and behold, Aaron was walking in their direction. His face held that charismatic smile and his hair was once again covering his right eye.
"Ok, everything's dandy now. Hey Max, come with me, I'll need your help with drying off" Max and Chloe disappeared upstairs while Kate walked over to meet Aaron.
"Hey you; sorry for leaving you in the lion's den for so long" Aaron said as he placed his hands into his pockets. His clothes were different, well his shirt was at least. He had a black and white striped shirt on under his jacket this time, but that wasn't the only thing Kate noticed was different about him.
Aaron had a cut on the right side of his bottom lip, the left side of his face seemed red and there was a small cut on his chin.
"Oh my gosh, Aaron are you ok?" Kate asked as she turned his head to the side, taking a closer look at his injuries.
"Huh, oh that?" Aaron replied, playing dumb. "I slipped off the curb on my way here, landed on my face. Hope I'm still pretty (!)" Aaron said sarcastically. He'd managed to throw Kate off, at least for now.
"It looks really sore, let me help"
"I'm fine Kate, really; you came to this party to have fun, not look after me" Aaron felt a warm feeling inside, it was nice to know Kate cared about him enough to focus all her attention on fixing him up. Aaron was smiling on the inside as well as the outside.
"Trust me, fixing you up will be the most fun I've had all evening" Kate replied before grabbing Aaron's arm and leading him over to the kitchen sink. They passed one guy cuddling a bottle to himself in the corner, a guy and a girl making out up against the counter and one dude even pissing out the side window...and it wasn't even nine yet.
"Hold still" Kate asked as she finished wetting the dish cloth and dabbing gently at the side of Aaron's head.
Aaron winced a few times as Kate started to dab the cut on his chin; he tried his best to seem ok but he was hurting on the inside more than the outside showed. Nevertheless, he kept his composure and let Kate look after him.
After Kate finished with Aaron's chin, he jumped down off of the kitchen counter and walked past Kate before turning to face her.
"Hey, I really appreciate what you just did, it's been a long time since anyone's shown care for me like that"
"You don't need to thank me, silly; you've been so kind to me, it was the least I could do" Kate replied, even going as far as letting out a smile.
"Did I tell you that you should smile more? You look amazing"
Aaron's words made Kate feel really happy; her smile grew in size and her eyes shone bright. Aaron was always so kind to her.
The two walked outside and found a two chairs set up by a patio table. Aaron turned them upright and he and Kate sat down. The sky was dark but the light from the house and all around the garden made things easy enough to see.
Aaron found an unopened bottle of Budweiser and claimed it for himself. Kate again declined the offer of a drink, opting to go with some juice from the fridge. The two enjoyed the cool weather of the outside, especially Kate who found it a welcome change from the humidity of the house and its atmosphere.
"I came to the party, now you gotta tell me about your portfolio" Kate asked as Aaron took a swig of his drink. Kate felt so comfortable around Aaron, she'd spoken more freely to him in the twenty minutes he was there than she had to anyone for the past two hours.
"Gee, you got me there; fine, I guess I'll tell you but I have to say, I'm surprised you haven't figured it out already"
Kate just looked at Aaron in confusion.
"You, Kate; I was gonna take pictures of you" Coming from anyone else, that would have sounded creepy but Aaron made it sound so privileged, so prestige and so sweet. Kate couldn't help but stare at Aaron and smile.
Aaron stood up and looked at Kate before saying:
"Kate, I think you're amazing and when I've said this before, I meant it. I think you're kind, thoughtful and loving. No other person or object or person could compare to your beauty so, with your permission, I'd like to use you as the model for my portfolio"
Aaron's words meant nothing to anyone else in the party, they were meant for Kate. His Charismatic vibe, his electrifying persona made him seem on a higher level that Kate. She couldn't help but not feel good enough for someone of his stature and yet here he was, wanting to spend copious amounts of time with her. Kate saw herself as a nobody, a nothing who would do the world a favour if she died but Aaron saw so much more than that.
Standing up to meet Aaron, Kate just looked at him with her mouth slightly hung open.
"You...you really mean that" she asked, still so timid.
"Yes Kate, a thousand times yes" Aaron replied as he flicked his hair out of his eye.
Kate couldn't help but hug Aaron, as she wrapped her arms around him, she could feel his arms going around her and pulling her close. She felt safe, secure, as if the world would never be able to hurt her like it had again. Aaron's warm body made her not want to let go, ever. Kate wanted to stay like this for as long as possible.
The moment obviously had to come to an end and when it did, they both found themselves smiling. Kate found herself having more and more of these moments around Aaron...not that she was complaining.
As she stared at Aaron, she noticed his cut lip again. Kate placed her left hand on the right side of his face as she pulled herself closer to look at it.
"You ran away before I could clean this, you should lemme take a look at it"
"Don't worry about it, it's not big enough to warrent a damp cloth, there's probably a way easier solution" Aaron replied as he leaned into Kate.
The two were inches away from each other; the party seemed to stop and the world stood still around them as they inched closer and closer. Their eyes closed and before the sparks could fly, the two of them pulled away from each other.
The moment was awkward yet sweet; the two teenagers desperately tried to avoid each other's gaze before finally looking back at each other. They both saw the same thing in the other's eyes. A look that said 'Not yet, but I's like to, soon'. Aaron did his trademark smile and Kate just giggled back at him before going into him for another hug. Tonight hadn't been so bad after all.
Meanwhile, Max had helped a stumbling Chloe upto her room. Both girls giggled more and more with every step they climbed. By the time they reached Chloe's room, they were both out of breath from all the laughing.
"Chloe, you need to calm down, you know that" Max said as Chloe fell onto her bed.
"Relax, Max-Attack; now do something useful and help me get out of these wet clothes, I'm starting to feel all icky" Again, the two girl's giggles as Max helped Chloe take her shirt and jeans off. As max was pulling at Chloe's jeans, she lost her grip and spilled her drink all over herself. Chloe started to point and laugh at a now equally wet Max who was sitting on the floor giggling to herself.
"Ok girl, your turn to strip, come on" Chloe said, still in a fit of laughter. Max happily agreed and just like Chloe, she ended up in her underwear alongside her best friend.
"Hey Chloe, this is twice we've both been in the same room, nearly naked today" Max said as she stood up and hugged Chloe.
"How much have you had, girlfriend?" Chloe asked as she spun Max around.
"Only like three cups, but I don't drink so pthhhhhh" Max said as she blew bubbles with her tongue. Chloe couldn't help but giggle as she fell on the bed and on top of Max.
"I'm so glad you're back Max, I missed you when you were in Seattle" Chloe whispered as she rested her head on Max's chest. "My beautiful best friend is back"
"Chloe, shhh, I'm not beautiful" Max replied as she started to play with Chloe's hair.
"Maxine Caulfield, don't be stupid, you're the most beautiful girl I know"
"I'm not silly, stop talking nonsense"
"Max, you're the one talking nonsense now stop talking before I shut you up" Chloe said as she propped herself up and looked down at Max.
"Go on then, if you think I'm beautiful, shut me up with a kiss" Max called as she looked up at Chloe.
Without hesitating, Chloe planted her lips firmly on Max's and unleashed all of her built up lust that she had hidden so long. She didn't realise how much she wanted this and Chloe would never have found the courage to take this step if she was sober.
The surprise came when she found out Max was kissing her back. It was unusually but Chloe was too drunk and happy to care so Chloe continued to kiss Max like she wouldn't have another chance...for all she knew, she wouldn't.
The night went on and everyone who attended Chloe's party had a good time...apart from that one Goth chick who cries about everything who spent her night throwing up in Chloe's toilet and crying about how her boyfriends left her for another dude. But on the whole, it was a pretty good night. Whether tomorrow will hold repercussions about what happened was a mystery and they'd all have to wait and see...or pray.
A/N:- I know I'm useless and I'm sorry. I aimed for this chapter to be out way sooner but my computer decided that saving documents isn't allowed, therefore I couldn't save the new chapter to upload it. I hope the size of it makes up for the wait. (I know, I suck ass)
Please Follow/Fave and Review, the more feedback I get, the faster I'll be able to pump these chapters out. Again, any questions, ask me, I'd love to help! Until next time, Annoying Cunthouse awayyyyyyyyyyyy.
