Chase's House

"How could you let Angela go to a party without asking me?" Patty demanded, hands on her hips.

Her husband barely glanced up from his cookbook. "We've let her go to parties before."

"With her friends, Graham, not Jordan." Patty emphasized loudly.

This time Graham looked up, his expression clearly displaying his I-just-can't-win thoughts, "I thought you said you liked Jordan."

Patty closed her eyes briefly. "I did-I do. But they're spending too much time together! Like what happened on Wednesday." She groaned at Graham's bewildered look. "Never mind. The point is, he has too much influence over her. And besides, what if this party gets out of control? Anything could happen!"

Graham blinked, looking slightly concerned. "What? Like sex?"

Patty threw her hands in the air, her voice also rising, "Sex, alcohol, drugs, the police…anything."

"I don't think Angela's going to get into that stuff, Patty. We have to trust her at some point." Graham told her, standing and walking towards his wife.

Patty relaxed as his arms went around her, the anger slowly seeping out of her. Reluctant to completely give in, she said quietly, "You should have checked with me first."

Graham kissed her. "I'm sorry, I guess I just got sidetracked when Hallie called."

Patty's body tensed at the name. Despite her decision to trust Graham, Hallie was still a sore subject. "Oh?"

"Yeah, actually I'm gonna be late if I don't get going." Graham said, looking at his watch. He pulled away with a final kiss and started gathering his notes together.

Patty crossed her arms, feeling slightly out of place and awkward. "Where are you going?"

Graham's voice was distracted again. "I'm meeting Hallie at the Chinese restaurant to go over last minute decisions."

"Well, that's…nice. When will you be home?" She asked nonchalantly.

"I have no idea. Hallie likes to talk a lot, so it may be awhile. Don't wait up." He called back over his shoulder as he walked out of the kitchen.

Patty nodded slowly even though he wasn't there to see her. "Right. Don't wait up."

Tino's Party

The place was crowded. It seemed even fuller than the last time I had been there. People were everywhere; drinking, dancing…making out. Guys on the makeshift stage were singing so loudly they drowned out people's voices. Someone else was controlling the lights and flashing them across the crowd.

Jordan took my hand and led me through all the people to the side of the stage. A couple guys stood there with beers in their hands and Jordan greeted them with either one of those guy-bonding handshakes or a nod of acknowledgement.

"Catalano! Hey man…where've you been lately? We never see you anymore." One of the guys said, exhaling smoke from the cigarette now dangling casually between his fingers. He was slightly shorter than Jordan, and looked almost Italian, though he didn't speak with an accent. His dark hair was slicked back and a gold chain hung around his neck, lending him an air of class that the people around him didn't possess.

"Yeah, I know. Work's been crazy and my band has rehearsals most nights." Jordan answered, releasing my hand. I wrapped my arms awkwardly around my middle out of habit.

A blonde guy wearing a leather jacket passed him a beer. "Can't be every night, man. The other guys still find time to hang out with us."

When you're standing in a group of people you don't know, and the one person you do know hasn't introduced you after several minutes…you start to feel like maybe you aren't supposed to be standing there.

Jordan shrugged but didn't answer. The whole scene was eerily reminiscent of my own attack from a friend this afternoon on the bus. The only difference was Sharon knew it was Jordan occupying my time, while it seemed Jordan's friends weren't even interested in meeting the girl standing next to him, much less knew that I was the one he spent all his time with.

However, my thoughts were proved wrong when the Italian guy abruptly jerked his head at me, "Who's this?"

Jordan glanced down at me hesitantly and I caught the brief flash of doubt on his face. After another second's pause he cleared his throat and answered simply, "Angela."

Not girlfriend, not girl. Just AngelaI swallowed and forced a smile on my face, determined not to let my feelings show.

The blonde guy in the jacket and the third friend- a skinny guy wearing all black- nodded at me with little interest. The Italian stared at me for a second then I saw recognition dawn on him. "Oh yeah, Joey's mentioned you before."

Who? I tilted my head and frowned questioningly at him but he lifted his cigarette to his lips and took a long drag. When he was done his attention had returned to Jordan. "So what's this I hear about you being the new singer?"

And just like that, I was dismissed. The guys continued talking, but I was no longer of any interest.

"Woah, you serious?" The blonde asked, turning to Jordan for affirmation. "Oh man, Tino's gonna be pissed."

Jordan shrugged and took a large drink from his beer. "He wanted out. We couldn't wait for him to come back forever."

At that point, my mind sort of drifted away from the conversation. Not that I didn't care about the band…I'd just heard it all before. Many, many times. I looked around at the people partying curiously.

I didn't recognize anyone from school. The teenagers here were all Jordan's type of people- the kids who skipped class and smoked outside the bleachers. A few I vaguely remembered from my freshman year- they had been seniors or drop outs at the time. Very few people actually looked my age and the realization made me feel even more out of place. I wonder if Rayanne's here, I thought looking around for her then rebuked myself when I remembered that we weren't really friends anymore.

Some guy with a mohawk was standing near us, jumping around crazily to the music. One particularly large jump landed him far too close for comfort and I inched closer to Jordan to avoid being hit. He glanced down at me and then over at the mohawk guy. A faint line appeared between his eyebrows and he tugged me around to stand in front of him.

It wasn't much of an improvement though because it put me in the center of the loose circle his friends had been standing in and they all eyed me in annoyance.

The Italian guy blew his cigarette smoke in my direction, and I shifted uncomfortably. "You go to Liberty?"

I nodded and braved actually speaking. "Do you?"

He scoffed and the other guys chuckled slightly. "Not anymore. I quit junior year."

The blonde guy laughed louder this time. "Pascal, they kicked you out man."

The Italian- Pascal- smirked, "Yeah, so? They just couldn't handle my idea of education." He shrugged carelessly at me, "I would've quit anyways. Unlike you losers." He scowled at Jordan and the other two guys.

"My dad would kill me if I even thought about dropping out." The blonde said defensively and downed half his beer quickly.

"Travis, don't be stupid. You've only got like what, 4 months left?" Jordan said and I pressed my lips together to hide the smile threatening to break.

Travis laughed mockingly. "Well, what's stopping you Catalano? You know you're never getting' out of junior year. Why don't you just quit and try the whole band thing for real?"

Jordan was silent. I frowned at Travis for making the whole 'never getting out of junior year' comment, but he didn't even notice. Pascal seemed oblivious and simply kept smoking. In the silence that followed I twisted my neck around and smiled up at Jordan's blank face. "You'll graduate next year," I whispered confidently so only he could hear. He glanced at me startled and narrowed his eyes, searching my face.

"So what about you…Angela, right?" I turned back around to face Pascal. He pointed his cigarette at me. "I don't remember seeing you at Liberty."

"Angela's a sophomore." Jordan spoke up. I stiffened in surprise when I felt his hands snake around my waist and he pulled me back against his body. I relaxed against him and rested my arms on his, trying not to feel too giddy.

"Ah." Pascal muttered, not sounding too impressed. Silence fell around us, only broken by the occasional swish of their beer bottles as they drank. At last, Pascal dropped his cigarette and crushed it with his foot. "This blows."

Travis glanced over at him. "Where's everyone else?"

The silent boy wearing black shrugged loosely when they looked at him. I wondered if he was stoned then looked up at Jordan when he started to speak. "Shane and the rest of the band are all coming."

The three nodded, but after another few minutes silence headed off to look for them. I watched them leave, torn between feeling guilty for their departure and relief that me and Jordan could be alone now.

Jordan bent his head and kissed my cheek from behind. I twisted in his arms and smiled up at him. "So. Those are your friends."

He shrugged. "Some of them. I don't hang out with Pascal, Travis and Nick too much anymore."

"Nick? Was he the quiet one?"

"Yeah, he's always like that."

I nodded and looked around then returned my gaze to Jordan. "So, what do we do now?"

It's amazing how Jordan's eyes can change. Sometimes they're just blue eyes- gorgeous- but showing very little emotion. Then at other times, his eyes display every single one of his feelings and you feel like he can see into your soul or something.

Like right now, it was obvious there was only one thing on his mind. The intensity in his eyes made me blush and look away, biting my lip. He smiled and I knew that he knew what kind of effect he was having on me. His voice dropped and he whispered, "I can think of a few things we could do."

I looked up at him warily but he simply smiled and leaned down to catch my lips between his own. Just as the kiss was heating up someone knocked into us and we broke apart. I was panting lightly unlike Jordan who was more experienced. He glared over at the guy who interrupted us and I laughed quietly at his angry expression.

A white fence stood a little bit away from us. Ivy was twisted through it and on the other side an old worn-out couch had been placed-probably just for the party. Jordan pulled me over to the couch and kissed me again. I responded with slightly less enthusiasm, aware of all the other couples around us. It felt…cheaper, like we were just one of those couples, only kissing for show not because of any deeper emotion.

"What's wrong?" Jordan asked between kisses.

I shook my head and he pulled away, eyeing me. Self-consciously, I tucked my hair behind my ear. "There's just a lot of people."

He glanced around at all the other couples and then back at me with a blank expression. "Yeah, so?" Jordan muttered, leaning towards me again.

I gave him a look and he paused, watching me thoughtfully. A smile slowly spread across his lips and despite his slightly guarded expression, his blue eyes watched me intensely. His fingers traveled up to my hair and he murmured suggestively, "We could go inside."

I bit my lip and looked away, desperately wishing we didn't have to go through this again. Reluctantly I looked back at him and my feelings must have been shown in my eyes because his eyes cut away and he exhaled slowly. With his head still turned to the side he glanced back at me and we stared at each other. After a moment he shook his head in resignation. "Forget it."

Jordan moved away from me and leaned his head on the back of the couch. "We'll just sit here and enjoy the beautiful night." He muttered sarcastically. Somehow a bottle of beer had found its way back into his hand and he took a long drink from it.

I watched him helplessly. I couldn't give him what he what he wanted but every time I refused him I felt worse and worse. Inwardly I wondered if this was how I would end up losing him. He took another long sip from the bottle and I scooted over to him and put my hand on his shoulder, "Oh c'mon. Don't be like that."

The anger in his eyes when he turned to me caught me off guard. I backed away slightly at his expression. "Like what Angela? I can't- I don't understand you. What do you want?"

"What do you mean?"

He looked up in exasperation and then turned back to me, gesturing with his right hand while he clutched the bottle in his left. "You want me to kiss you, but not in public. But you don't want me to when we're alone either. So, what Angela? What do you want from me?"

"I want you to stop pressuring me!" I cried out, unable to remain calm. "Gosh, Jordan, I'm just not ready. Why can't you accept that?"

My voice carried slightly and it registered vaguely that other people were watching our argument but I didn't care. Jordan did, however, and he glared around at the curious eyes before turning back to me angrily. His voice was tight and controlled as he bit out, "So when will you be ready Angela?"

I stared back at him, my body tense. Millions of thoughts spun around inside my head but I couldn't find an answer for him. When? I have no idea. I just know that right now it's not right. I mean, I haven't even fully gotten over the whole Rayanne thing. The last thing I need is to start sleeping with you out of guilt. It's like Rickie said, sex should be beautiful. If we haven't even gotten to the point where you can call me your girlfriend without being embarrassed, then our relationship's not ready for it.

I opened my mouth to tell him that, but once again we were interrupted by his friends. "Catalano!"

Jordan and I stared at each other for a moment longer and I saw his jaw clench before he turned to look carelessly up at Shane. "Hey. What took so long?"

Shane shrugged, the ever-present drumsticks in his hands. He glanced over at me and nodded in acknowledgement. I smiled back half-heartedly.

Shane's eyes narrowed and he looked questioningly at Jordan who shook his head. I pretended not to notice and rubbed my wrist slowly across my forehead, wishing I was at home in my bed.

The dark-haired guy that had leered at me in the school parking lot stepped up beside Shane. He scowled when he saw me. "Why am I not surprised?"

I frowned up at him in confusion, but Shane shoved him with a harsh, "Shut up Joey." He turned back to Jordan and I realized that he was anxious. His fingers tapped his drumsticks against each other quickly as he told Jordan, "Look, Tino wants back in the band."

"What?" Jordan demanded, surprised. I looked over at him quickly, our argument immediately forgotten in my concern for him.

"You know Tino." A shorter guy with long greasy hair added. "Someone told him you're singing, and he's pretty pissed. So let's go."

"Where?"

"He wants to talk to the band."

Jordan's eyes narrowed and his voice came out angry and determined. "Oh, he does? Let's go then."

Jordan stood up and I copied him, not sure what else to do. The other guys started to walk away but Jordan stopped and glanced down at me. His eyes still held traces of anger from our fight and he said shortly, "Stay here. I'll be back in a minute."

I nodded in resignation and watched him disappear into the crowd. After a moment I turned back towards the couches, stumbling slightly as I slammed into someone's chest.

In the next instant the front of my shirt was drenched in alcohol as it splashed up from the person's cup. I cringed from the sudden cold and wetness.

"Sht!" A loud male voice swore, distracting me from my own plight. The teenager in front of me was…attractive, to say the least. Black hair that curled slightly and fell messily around his dark eyes, flawless dark skin and a strong build. He was around Jordan's height, and the buttons on his green plaid over shirt were all ripped off, revealing a white wife beater that clung suggestively to his muscular chest.

But when my eyes finally met his, I found none of the beauty the rest of his body held. His deep brown eyes were furious, and the unfortunate object of his anger was me. I dropped my eyes and noticed that most of his alcohol had splashed out of his cup- a little on his hands, but mostly all over me. It was obvious he couldn't care less about the state of my outfit- it was the loss of his drink that was the unforgivable crime. With a final glare he shoved past me, the force of his shoulders knocking me off balance into yet another person.

I righted myself, clenching my teeth. The rest of my journey through the crowd proved much the same- I was knocked and pushed around so many times I wasn't even sure if I was heading in the right direction anymore. My shirt reeked of alcohol and I closed my eyes every time I thought of the reaction I would get when I returned home. Mom will never let me go out again…much less to spend time with Jordan. Though at this point he probably wouldn't even care.

I'd finally returned to the couch, and I dropped down onto it miserably with closed eyes. A giggle from the other end of the couch made my eyes open, and my mouth followed suit at the sight that greeted me.

Can this night get any worse? I wondered.

Rayanne Graff was on the lap of the guy I had bumped into earlier, kissing him unabashedly. Simply watching their display made my cheeks burn. I dropped my eyes and focused intently on the bottle in his hand. After our run-in he must have replaced the cup with the less spill-able bottle.

The guy moaned and I stood up abruptly, unable to stand the awkward situation any longer. My movement must have attracted Rayanne's attention because she glanced over, her eyes glazed and out of focus. Upon seeing me she scrambled up off him and gave me a hug. "Angelika!"

Awkwardly I backed out of her embrace, tired of seeing her again and again screwing up her life with alcohol. She turned excitedly to the guy she had been kissing, "Hey, look, you can finally meet Angela!"

Rayanne was grinning when she turned back to me and I mustered a small smile. Her child-like expression of happiness and devotion crumpled at my less-than-enthusiastic reaction and she stepped closer to me again. The guy watched us with disinterest, sipping at his beer bottle lazily. "Why don't you like me anymore?"

Again I looked at Rayanne and bit my lip at her pitiful expression. Because of this, Rayanne. Because of this. I wanted to say, but couldn't. She wouldn't even understand.

"Is it because of Jordan?" She persisted bitterly.

I glanced away and ran my tongue over my teeth slowly. She was so drunk.

She reached towards me and then snatched her hand back. Her voice dropped to a mere whisper. "I didn't-I didn't mean to. It was-" She screwed her face up in concentration, struggling to find the words. "I didn't even- I didn't like him! And God knows he didn't like me!" Rayanne laughed mockingly, at herself or at me, I'm not sure. "He only talked about you…and Rory." She shook her head to clear it. "I mean, Corey. He didn't-he didn't even see me."

Her voice was so quiet I had to lean forward to hear her. She seemed sad over her last words, but I got the impression she meant 'he' in a more general way.

Despite my desperate desire to, I couldn't tear myself away. Even if she was drunk, and most likely wouldn't remember any of this tomorrow, her words were clear and real. I'd waited so long for an explanation- of any sort- that would help me to understand why she'd betrayed me.

"Graff, c'mon." The guy said impatiently, gesturing for her to resume her ministrations. The sappy girl moment must have been boring him.

She frowned at him and backed away, holding one finger up. "Wait- wait one…minute." She looked back at me intensely and demanded, "Why do you like him more than me? Aren't I your best friend?"

I think it was at that moment that the anger I had carried with me ever since they had slept together started to melt. That one question, delivered with so much emotion got to me in a way that nothing else had.

My lower lip trembled and I blinked rapidly, struggling against the tears. I can't do this, not now. Not tonight. Not when she's drunk. "Rayanne…look, can we can talk when you're not drunk?"

"NO! I'm fine. You won't talk to me later. You'll just ignore me, and hang out with Catalano."

I looked away, and met eyes with the cute guy on the couch. He stared at me for a second, his brown eyes narrowed. His brows were drawn together in a frown and it looked like he was about to say something when suddenly someone appeared next to him and whispered in his ear. His face changed quickly into an expression of anger and annoyance and he stood up quickly. "Graff, let's go," he commanded and his eyes lingered on me for a moment longer before he turned to leave.

Rayanne was watching him too, and despite her inebriated state she quickly moved to follow him. Suddenly she paused and turned to face me, crying out, "I'm sorry, okay? I'm sorry!"

And with that she was gone, leaving me standing alone.

AN: Haha! YESSSSS! Finally something remotely exciting! So what'd you think of Rayanne's little breakdown? And Jordan and Angela's fight? And Jordan's friends? Oh, and the 'mysterious' guy with Rayanne?

Thanks to inTHEgrid is where I live, guardqueen22 and gabster07 for reviewing! It really motivates me to write! hint hint…all those people out there who are reading and not reviewing… I know you must have something to say, whether it be good, bad, or you simply don't care!