Chapter 6: Partying Degrassi Style
AN: Ew, I haven't updated in forever. A million apologies. Sadly it will be much longer between updates till summer, cause I am super busy. But please enjoy and thanks again for all the reviews :)
That friday everyone was talking excitedly about Spinner's party, which would surely be the event of the year so far. All the invited kids were talking how much fun it would be, whereas the unfortunate few who weren't pretended not to notice, while actually eating up every detail.
JT was in grade nine MI class with Mr. Simpson, bragging loudly about his invitation to the party.
They'll definitely be a ton of hot older girls, and not just the average upperclasswomen, really super hot chicks, like Matilda from grade 12 and Christine from grade 11. You know her, she's captain of the girl's volleyball team, he was boasting to his best friend Toby. Toby was happy for his friend, but like all the other ninth graders who were uninvited, was insanely jealous.
That's cool. But don't think those girls would ever go for you.
Maybe they wouldn't, but it's nice to dream.
Won't you feel kind of out of place at this party? Who will you hang out with? Toby was hinting for an invite-by-association. And don't say Paige and Spinner. They'll be too busy making out.
I don't know. Some people from our grade are going. Jane and her friends.
They hate us.
Correction, they hate you.
What? Why?!
Don't know, something about you being a big nerd. Don't let it bother you, man. So what are you doing tonight?
he said bitterly. Nothing at all. JT sighed.
I know you want me to bring you, Toby. And I want to bring you. It's just... this is my first invitation to a party. I want to go, give a good impression, which will lead to more party invitation, where I can confidently bring you. Ok?
Fine. Whatever. Toby was mad, but JT didn't know what else to say. He didn't want to put his potential popularity in jeopardy.
Unbeknownst to them, Liberty had heard their entire conversation. These days, Liberty was listening to everything she heard about the big party. Truth be told, she had never really been to a party. She had decided that Spinner's party would be the perfect to put the new Liberty on display. She had a plan. And JT would never look at her as an ugly duckling friend again.
***
In the grade 10 english class, Mr. Miller was losing control. There was a heated debate as to what was the greatest book of all time. Ashley shouted out the name of an exitensialist book debunking politics and their design. Craig suggested American Psycho by Bret Easton Ellis. Regan had said (by Vladimir Nabokov) and winked at him slyly, but no one else had noticed that.
Ok, ok. Clearly no one can say what is the greatest novel of all time, it's impossible. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and all that. I don't know how we went from a polite discussion of Lord of the Flies to whatever it is we're talking about now. I blame you, Ashley. Ashley grinned, loving being picked up, but protested.
Why me?
I don't know, you're an easy target. Everyone laughed, including Ashley, who threw a crumpled up paper at him.
You can't blame us, Mr. Miller, Sean shouted out in one of his rare class participation moments. It's Friday. There's a big party tonight. Everyone's pumped.
Except for Miller, cause he's not invited. Regan said, earning another round of laughs.
Mr. Miller, thank you. And for everyone's information, I happen to have a date tonight.
Ooh, ladies man! Craig said. Tell us about it!
Well, seeing as it is Friday, it's the last class before weekend and there's only 10 minutes left-
What's she look like? Jimmy yelled out.
Is she a MILF? Spinner asked, laughing stupidly.
A MILF? How old do you guys think I am? I didn't warrant this conversation.
Come on, Miller. Tell us about your hot date. Regan allowed her tongue to click every consonant of the words. She stared at him evenly. Meanwhile, in the front row Ashley was practically dying of a broken heart.
The truth is I don't have a date. Some friends and I are getting together and going to a Leafs game. Is everyone satisfied? Jeez. I never thought teenagers would be so interested in their teacher's love life.
Ah, Miller. That only adds fuel to the fire of rumours that you're gay. Regan said. Marco perked up a bit.
Is that the rumour?
Well, do you have a girlfriend? Hazel asked boldly. Mr. Miller paused and smiled, shaking his head in such disbelief that the tenth graders had come to know and love.
No. No girlfriend at the moment. Can we put an end to the questions regarding my personal life now? Ashley felt like squealing, jumping up and down, screaming at the top of her lungs- but she stayed seated, doodling in her notebook and hoping to look busy.
Just then the final bell rang, and the weekend began. As the class emptied, Regan took her sweet time and walked up to his desk at the front of the class.
What can I do for you, Regan? She smirked. During school hours, they had kept the facade of a platonic teacher/student relationship. In reality for the past week when the school halls emptied, he locked the door, closed the blinds and put a paper over the door window. They had done some serious making out and yesterday she had even gotten his shirt off(and yes, those abs were rock hard, thank you). That was progress, for a span of 4 days.
Nope. Just stopping by to say good class. She lowered her voice. And that lately you're looking disgustingly sexy. She gave him a quick kiss on the cheek and skipped off before he could reprimand her, no one had seen, but he was shocked and paranoid anyway.
Are we ready for the big party? She asked, catching up with Sean in the hallway.
Most definitely. You sure you don't wanna go together? I want to be sure you know where you're going. Regan smiled. Sean was really a sweet guy. She made a mental note to hook him up with one of her better-looking Laurier friends.
No way, I'm going all out for this party. Arriving single and stylishly late. I'm definitely look for you when I get there though. Try to fight off the hordes of screaming girls long enough to hang out with me, ok?
Whatever. Get out of here. See you later.
***
Manny Santos sat in her bedroom, looking at herself in the mirror. She'd straightened her hair, which looked great, and she was wearing a cute black dress with short puffy peasant sleeves. She was somewhat apprehensive. Maybe it was excitement for the huge party.
The doorbell rang, and Manny grabbed her purse, her jacket and sprinted downstairs so that she could open it. She opened the door, where Craig was standing looking impossibly adorable. When he saw her his mouth dropped slightly.
Manny, you look... he stopped and shook his head in amazement. He paused, caught himself and grinned goofily(and in Manny's opinion, adorably). You're gorgeous. You know it. She giggled and put on her jacket.
Should we go to the party? Craig's happiness dropped. He didn't really want to go to the party anymore, after all it just be a bunch of drunk high schoolers staggering around, and he didn't want to risk the chance and losing Manny in the crowd. But it seemed like she really wanted to go, so he forced himself to smile and nod excitedly.
Let's go, he said, taking her hand.
***
It was about ten thirty when most of the guests began to arrive. The house was filling up quickly, but Spinner(with the help of Paige) had been prepared and had more than enough drinks and food to last the entire night.
Awesome party, man Jim Goode, a twelth grader who was captain of the hockey team said, passing by. He nodded his head in approval to Paige, who squealed(once he was out of earshot) and rushed to find Spinner in the living room.
Oh hun, the night is just starting and it's already a success! I'm so happy! She gave him a big kiss, which he gladly returned. Just then JT entered the front door tentavely. Paige sighed. JT was wearing a tie. I'll handle him, she promised to Spinner as she marched over.
Oh hey Paige! This place is really... something.
she said, not meaning it. JT started jerking as though he was having a conniption fit. What are you doing? she hissed.
I'm dancing, he said, confused. These are some hot beats flowing.
Don't say beats. Don't dance. Take off your tie. Don't tell anyone I invited you. Don't do ANYTHING that could potentially embarass me or Spinner. So long as you obide by those rules, you can stay, and still have a good reputation on Monday. Get it?
Got it, JT said, taking off his tie and stuffing it in his pocket. Paige went back to Spinner. Ok, every man for himself. Where will all the babes be found? He searched the options. Ah, the kitchen. He made his way over. To his luck, a group of grade nine girls(Jane and her friends) were standing around the keg while some prospective stautory rapists(Jim Goode and his grade 12 goon friends) were flirting it up with them. Hey there! He said, jumping into the conversation.
He was replied with a lot of confused, angry and surely you're kidding stares.
Can I help you, junior? Jim asked. You lost? Looking for your mom? The gaggle of girls laughed at the stupid joke.
Actually I was uh- JT thought up a cool thing to say. What would Sean say? I was just looking for a worthy opponent to have a chugging contest with. A lot of guys around here are uh... pussies. Jim raised his eyebrows.
Big words from a little guy. I'm up to the challenge. We've got a keg right here, or cans of Bud in the fridge if you that's the way you do it. JT paused, feeling kind of sweaty. He'd never actually chugged alcohol before. He figured it wouldn't be much different than Coke and brushed off his worries.
Jim nodded and laid out 5 cans for each guy. The girls looked on dubiously.
We can start out easy. Ready?
Of course. JT swallowed hard.
Three, two, one, go! Jane shouted out. After one and a half cans, JT felt like he was going to throw up, but he pressed on. At three cans, his stomach started to glurp and at 3 and a half, he had to stop. Jim had already downed his fifth and was staring at him with what JT first saw was digust, but then realized was respect.
You're not bad, for a kid. Course I'm better, he said cockily, shooting a smile at the girls. We're doing shots later tonight, if you wanna join in. With that he and his posse walked away.
For sure. JT said, his head spinning.
That was pretty cool, JT. JT didn't know if it was the alcohol taking an effect on his body, but it sounded an awful lot like Kacie, Jane's best friend, was talking admiringly to him. Kacie wasn't as hot as Jane, but she was no dog.
Maybe you could teach me to chug, she said smiling, getting closer to him. At that moment, JT knew this would be a night he would never forget.
***
At about 11:30, Regan was putting the finishing touches on her makeup. She was about to go out to do what she usually loved best: drink, dance, laugh, talk, make out with a complete stranger and drink. However tonight something just didn't feel right. She wasn't really looking forward to this thing as much as she normally would have. Why?
Oh this is so gay, I've been looking forward to this party for a week. Her eyes landed upon an essay she had written for english and Mr. Miller's written out critiques.
Regan, please proofread before you submit, there is no need for this many spelling errors. The writing of this piece is not what you are capable of. You have much more potential to be discovered. See me for extra help and tips.
Regan smirked. Ok, so I wanna see him. Big deal. She sighed and checked herself out in the mirror. Ultra-skank, just the way she liked it. She grabbed her usual black purse and jacket.
Where do you think you're going? Trevor, her stupidass boyfriend came out of their bedroom wearing a loose bathrobe. You look like a two dollar whore.
I'm sure that was an harcore insult back in the 70s, but it's 2004. Get new material. Regan said, brushing past and out the door, hopping into her waiting cab and not looking back. She couldn't believe her mother had been waived of basically all lawsuits as if the whole fight thing had never happened. She was now back to doing what she did best, drinking 40s and bitching at Regan. I don't know when my life turned into a cliched made for TV movie, Regan thought, annoyed. She arrived at the party where the music could be heard a block away.
Sean saw her and gave her a hug. Here, you can take this, I'll get another. He gave her an unopened can of beer and went off. Regan downed it and starting dancing.
***
So, this is it. Craig said to Manny as they arrived at the steps to the front door of the party. Manny hesitated.
Craig... do you really want to go in?
Honestly?... it's just another high school party to me. I thought you really wanted to go, is all.
I thought you really wanted to go! Manny said giggling in relief.
Nah. I just wanted to be with you. I don't care where. He took her hand and started playing with her fingers, looking at them.
We could go to that cafe on Queen Street, Manny suggested. Doesn't close till 2am and there's live jazz music and poetry readings.
Really? Sounds awesome. Lead the way, Ms. Santos, and I'll buy you an ice cap. She grinned and started away from the house, before he puled her back.
I thought you didn't want to stay at the part- before she could finish her sentence, he leaned down and kissed her softly.
I don't. I just thought it was a good opportunity to... well you know. She grinned, stood on her tiptoes(that Craig sure was tall) and kissed him back.
I know. She said, still smiling. With that she took his hand again and led him up the street to get a cab.
***
