Heavy bass poured from the open doors and windows when Mariah walks up the drive with her friends following. Mariah could feel her blood rush, feeling right at home for the first time all week. The heat in the house hit her face first, and it's all she can do not to leave Mariam's side to join the bodies dancing in the living room.

She'd been waiting for this all day. The music pushed thoughts from her head, and for a while, nothing else mattered.

Julia pulled her arm, dragging her back. "I came for you, but when I want to go, we go,"

"Okay, okay," Mariah yanked her arm free. She'd begged Julia to come with her. At first, Mariah thought that Julia was still upset over what had happened with Tala. And while her disinterest in the party had to do with her turbulent relationship with the redhead, she surprised Mariah by clarifying she wasn't mad anymore.

Julia's reasons did nothing to lessen Mariah's ever-multiplying concern for her growing attachment to her school friends.

Mariam was neutral, happy to be at the party, and not concerned in the least what was happening between them. It seemed that she had the same firm belief Ray had; whatever happened between them, they'd work it out.

No. She was not supposed to be thinking about Ray. That was a no-go place.

Thursday night, after she finished her homework, she told the girls about the strange conversation between her and Ray. She pretended it was no big deal, but she knew she was looking for answers - something other than what her heart was telling her.

Mariam and Julia were no help at all.

Go for it, Mariam texted, we're only young once so screw up now

Easy for you to say

You could do worse, Julia added.

No one can stop you now, Mariam continued. She was, of course, referring to her brother and how he would shut down any interest anyone showed Mariah beyond being friendly. And she was right. Mariah had thought that more than once.

Did he really brush your hair back?

Yeah...

Julia sent heart eyes.

You're not helping.

You came to the wrong place if you're looking for discouragement, Mariam added a laughing face.

Guys this really can't happen! I need a distraction.

Mariam mentioned the party first, concluding that to get her mind off of a certain boy, she should turn her focus to another. Any other.

Mariah begged, eager for the clarity a night away would give. Mariam agreed easily, already excited. Julia resisted but eventually giving in. Later, when she couldn't sleep, still disturbed by her racing, confused thoughts, Mariah called her friend.

"Are you still mad at me?"

"You called for that? Please," Julia groaned. Mariah could hear Raul shush her from across their shared room. "Hold on," she said.

Mariah waited, listening as she heard the door open and close, probably going to the trampoline they had in their back yard. They used to have all of their serious conversations on the trampoline. It felt strangely comforting that she'd go there now.

"I'm not mad," Julia started, the rusted springs squeaking over the phone. "I get it, okay."

"Then what's up?"

"I just want to stay away from that crowd for a while. They're not the best influence you know."

"And I'm not suggesting we spend every weekend with them. But I just need a break. I feel like my brain is being filled with Ray and his friends and their problems. I want a rest."

Julia stayed silent for a moment. Mariah could feel her thinking. "You know I'm not a gossip," she said, "but I think you should know,"

Mariah listened as Julia let loose her thoughts, missing pieces falling into place. It was a while before she could speak again.

"So, that's why you're not mad at me anymore,"

Julia huffed. "While I have it in me to stay angry forever, I find my talents are better directed,"

Mariah laughed. It was nice to hear Julia joking with her again. They stayed on the phone a while longer, talking freely.

She showed up for the party, make-up box in hand, but not exactly matching the feverishness that Mariah and Mariam had developed, already barely a party playlist from Mariah's speakers. Eventually, they got her into the mood, if only because it was impossible not to get caught up with them. Still, she made them promise to leave when she wanted.

"Once Tala shows up, I'm out of there," she ground out, swiping a darker lip stain against Mariam's parted lips.

Mariah laughed. "Sure. Otherwise, next thing you know, we'll find you both upstairs."

"I doubt they'd make it to a bed," Mariam added, barely missing Julia's open hand aiming for her head.

"Not this time," Julia pointed to both of them, "because we're leaving. Right?"

"Right." Mariah nodded, rolling her eyes. "I doubt they'll even be there,"

They were there a full thirty minutes before Tala walked through the front door. Mariah and Mariam were already engaged in a round of shots. All the while, Julia engaged in what was looking to be a riveting conversation with Johnny.

Mariam saw him first. He was easy to find when followed by Bryan and Spencer, who stood heads over the rest of the crowd. She nudged Mariah and nodded, a secret smile stretching across her lips.

After Mariah saw the boys, she glanced over to Julia to see if she noticed. Julia had yet to be distracted. Turning back to Mariam, she shrugged.

"Maybe another hot-tempered redhead will serve as the perfect distraction,"

"You girls and your distractions," Mariam said, swallowing another shot. "I don't see the problem. You like someone, just go for it."

Mariah laughed uproariously and her simplicity. Her veins buzzed, and she could feel the tingle in her cheeks. She needed to slow down. "I didn't tell you," she emptied another glass before leaving the table dragging Mariam with her, "but I told Ray that he should let his hair down."

"I thought we weren't talking about him."

"It was to pay him back for touching my hair,"

"In what way?"

"Well, now he can think about it all the time,"

"It sounds like you were flirting."

Mariah turned to her on the dance floor. "No, I was just - "

"Flirting," Mariam swung her hips to the beat next to her.

Mariah disagreed, but she wasn't going to waste her breath arguing with Mariam over the speakers. The lights in the living room were colored and flashing, making things difficult to see, and in the smaller space, the bodies pressed together helped Mariah lose her focus. She couldn't think of anything other than the pounding of the bass. Nobody was looking at her, nobody was judging her, nobody was expecting anything.

She grabbed Mariam's arm, "I need water," she shouted.

Mariam nodded. "Check on Julia while you out there,"

Mariah moved her way out of the crowded room. Passing the hall, she smiled when she saw dark silver hair leaning against the wall, waiting in line. He stood between two couples making-out, only paying attention to his phone.

Mariam did say she needed a distraction.

"You seem lonely," she said slyly, walking up to him. He smiled and put his phone away when she stopped right in front of him.

"Lonely? Ha. I call it freedom."

Mariah smiled at his easy casualness. "Hey, Bry,"

"'Riah,"

She tried to glare at him. He knew that nick-name was reserved for family and close friends, having been on the receiving end of Lee's intense look more than once.

"I was supposed to leave when you arrived," she told him instead. "Something about our friend's not being able to be in the same room without immediately declaring war or stripping,"

"Usually, the pattern is to declare war, strip, fraternize with the enemy, and then resume the war."

"Seems healthy,"

He leaned in, "I haven't heard the declaration yet. I think you can stick around for a bit,"

"Do you want me to stick around?"

Remaining close, Bryan smiled. Mariah always thought his smiles had an edge to them – a little crazy and sharp as a knife. She had to admit it gave her a thrill. "Always," he said.

Mariah looked away, not wanting to get too caught up in his flattery. As she looked down the hall, she stalled.

That couldn't be right; she blinked a few times.

No. That was Ray. And Hilary. And Tyson. Clustered together at the beginning of the hallway, where the living room merged into the kitchen.

She swore.

Bryan followed the direction of her sight. "Woah," he said. "Is that the girl that was at Tala's?"

Mariah pushed him, pointing a finger in his face. "No." She said. She didn't know what else to say.

Because they looked... Different.

Tyson looked the most similar to the way he did is school, but the enthused, engaged smile he had as he looked around gave him new energy. He looked like he was vibrating.

Hilary stayed close to Tyson's side, gripping his shirt. Her white skirt emphasized the long, toned legs usually disguised in the khaki pants of the school uniform. The light floral shirt fell off her shoulders. And well, she had assets other than a brain. Who knew? Not Mariah.

But Ray.

She was having trouble processing what was happening with him. Because it was clearly Ray. Unless he'd been impersonated or hijacked or possessed.

The sleeveless black shirt gave her a great view of his developed arms. Even from her place, she could see the curve of his muscle. However, what was causing the most problems was the high ponytail that he'd pulled his hair into, which now hung loose in silky strands, moving with each movement of his head.

When she said he should let it down, she didn't mean like that.

Well, she did.

Just at school, when she wasn't thinking dark thoughts like the ones she was trying to filter out now.

It was only the confused and troubled expression on his face that caused Mariah to break away from her thoughts.

"Ray?" She had to shout over the music, but he turned toward her. Immediately, he smiled. He motioned to Hilary, moving closer to Mariah.

She shook her head and followed Tyson into the kitchen area, out of sight, leaving Ray alone.

"Hey," he said when he reached her, having fought the crowd of bodies on his way. Mariah wasn't bothered by the lack of space in the house before. However, now she was standing close enough to Ray that she could feel his breath on her cheek. She hated those that bumped into her, pushing her ever closer.

"What are you doing here?"

"Tyson wanted to come, and Hilary had the address?"

"Hilary?" Mariah spared Byran a look, but his face revealed nothing other than his obvious enjoyment of the circumstances. "Why didn't you try to talk them out of it?"

He tilted his head. "Why? Is this a bad place to be?"

"Well, no. But," Mariah huffed, being shoved even farther into Ray's personal space. Now they occasionally brushed against each other. "I just don't think you'll have fun."

There was a shift in his golden eyes. Were they darker because of the lack of light, or was it something else? Mariah couldn't figure it out.

"Are you worried about me not having fun, Mariah?"

Mariah, more aware of her thoughts towards Ray than ever before, felt more than saw the looks he was getting. And why wouldn't he? Ray was obviously physically attractive and fit. More than that, he was new blood.

Did he notice too? No, he'd always been oblivious to it before. His attention was on her.

Mariah took Byran's hand and draped it over her shoulder, knowing he'd play along as she curled into her side. "I'm a little busy tonight," she said, giving him a pout, "sorry."

Ray looked up at Bryan, and though she couldn't read the expression on his face, Bryan was having a ball. He hugged her closer.

"Sorry, friend, she's all mine tonight. But you can have her back Monday."

Mariah's heart stopped as she waited on Ray's response. She didn't know why it matter – she'd already made her mind up about the situation.

Finally, Ray's face relaxed into a smile, the same friendly gesture she'd come to recognize. "It's not a problem. I'm not here to ruin your night. We can all have some fun,"

"Right on!" Bryan agreed, grinning between them. His blue-gray eyes held a world of mischief, and if she could have gotten away with it, she'd have socked him right on his lip.

Mariah sighed, already annoyed with the situation. This was not the night she had planned.

"Say, Mariah," Bryan started, his voice overly sweet and mocking, reminding her of his impish tendencies. "You should be a good friend and show him around while I wait here." Bryan unwound his arm from her shoulder and pushed her towards Ray.

He caught her, his hands holding her shoulders so that they didn't collide, and they remained there.

Mariah glared at Bryan over her shoulder. Grabbing one of Ray's hands so that they didn't get separated, she led him through the crowd.

"First stop," she grumbled, "drinks."

She expected to see Tyson and Hilary in the kitchen. Her hope was she could convince them all to leave and save her the headache. However, Tyson was playing beer pong outside on the patio, and Hilary was out of sight. Now knowing the girl's state of mind, Mariah knew she'd have to deal with that later.

First, though, was the angry Julia coming out of the crowd with Mariam in tow.

"I thought we agreed: as soon as Tala walks through the door, we're gone,"

"But you were talking to what's his face,"

"Johnny," Mariam supplied cheerfully. "Hi, Ray,"

"Hey,"

Mariah snapped. "Johnny. What happened to him?"

"He saw Tala."

"Oh."

"Exactly," Julia blew her bangs away from her forehead, feeling the effects of the packed house. "Apparently, as long as Tala's around, I'm more trouble than I'm worth."

Ray leaned forward, closer to Mariam. "Is Max here?"

Her green eyes lit up. Reaching forward, she grabbed Ray's other hand. "Follow me,"

Ray gave her a helpless look as he was dragged away. Mariah let go, happy for a moment to think without feeling exposed.

"So, what's the deal with that?" Julia asked once they disappeared.

Mariah shook her head. "I don't know. I mentioned the party at school, but I didn't think they'd show up."

"His hair's nice,"

Mariah, not in the mood for humor, stared at the taller girl. "Do you want me to drag Tala over?"

"Calm down, he's all yours,"

"He's not mine,"

"He wants to be,"

"Shut up."

They'd made their way over to the counter, covered in bottles and glasses of various contents, some identifiable and others a mystery.

Julia grabbed two bottles of spiked lemonade for them. "Well, whatever he is, I think it's nice he's trying to meet you halfway,"

Twisting the top, Mariah took a sip. "What do you mean?"

"He could expect that you only meet his friends, do his things, hang on his side of town. I wouldn't stand for it, but that's me."

Julia wasn't saying anything Mariah hadn't already thought.

"What if it's just a ploy to get me, and then once we're together, he does expect those things?"

"Maybe, but I don't think so," Julia shrugged, taking a deep gulp. "He seems nice. Not controlling. Not distrustful."

Mariah twisted her cap off and took a sip, feeling like their conversation had taken a hard left into Julia's relationship with a certain someone.

"I'm gonna go find them," Mariah said, leaving it up to Julia if she wanted to follow. She stayed, surveying the crowd, looking disinterested.

Knowing where she'd find Max, and therefore Mariam and Ray, Mariah headed back down the hallway to find the stairs that led to the basement.

On the way, she passed Bryan, still waiting in line for the bathroom. Mariah stuck her tongue out at him when he snickered, asking what was going on between Mariam and her new friend.

At the end of the hall, there was a staircase that went up and one that went down. As Mariah started toward the basement, a slow movement up the stairs caught her eye, and she just barely was able to tell that it was Kai heading up. Weird that he'd be at the party, but figures that he'd head straight to the closed-off rooms, seeking some solitude. The boys must have dragged him, she figured before going down to the basement.

It wasn't finished like hers, but that didn't keep people from congregating in the cooler and quieter area.

There was a folding set up for a card game and a few couches. Though the music carried down through the ceiling, it was significantly quieter.

At the bottom of the steps was a card table set up. There was a vacant seat, where Max must have sat before Mariam interrupted. To the right were a cluster of small, lumpy couches and a small fridge. A group of people sat around, a cloud of smoke hovering over them, but not the people she was looking for. She found Mariam and Ray to the left of the room, standing off to the side with the tall, smiley blond.

Despite only having met him a few times before, she'd always felt a sort of kinder spirit with Max. He was another version of her, trading one life for another. She envied the way he was able to merge with his new group in a way she'd never been able to copy. It must have been an innate skill, considering his ease in being with the mixed company of Ray and Mariam.

Ray noticed her first. "Mariah," he beamed, waving her over earnestly. She was a little bothered to see he was holding a bottle of something stronger than her lemonade. "Where's your friend?"

"Who?" Mariah asked in confusion, watching as he healthy swallow from the glass.

"The guy upstairs?"

"Oh, Bryan?" She shrugged, "I don't know. He's fine,"

Mariam started laughing, hiding her face behind her own bottle. "Oh no, you went with Bryan?"

"I didn't go with him,"

"Bryan was Mariah's first kiss, you know, and he'd never turn down the chance to go further."

"Mariam!"

Max gently took the bottle from her hand. "Maybe give that to me," he said, "you seem like you've had enough for tonight."

Mariam stood up straighter. Even though she'd been laughing just moments ago, her face had hardened into an unpleasant glare. "You're too nice," she said, pushing him away.

Mariah wished she could have warned the poor boy, but it was too late.

Mariam whipped around to Ray. "And you're too nice. If you want her, you should just get her. She likes you."

She was motioning vaguely in Mariah's direction. For the second time that night, Mariah had a feeling she wasn't the focus of her friend's rant.

Mariah reached forward in an attempted to contain her friend when Max, still bright in the face of Mariam's antics, set a hand on her shoulder. Mariah watched ad Mariam calmed down. She didn't soften under his smile, but the difference was remarkable to Mariah.

"Come with me," Max laughed, catching her eye.

She shrugged, "Fine." To Mariah and Ray, she pointed. "I'm keeping my eyes on you,"

Mariah wasn't sure what to think as Max dragged her away to the other corner of the room where a small cooler was sitting.

"She's still a hand full," Ray laughed, "but I'm confused. Does she want me to kiss you or not

Mariah choked on her drink. "No!"

She wanted to shout at Ray and demand why he would say that, if not to add to the thoughts she was already shunning. However, when she caught his teasing smirk, she couldn't help but laugh along with him.

Maybe if she could let go, the night wouldn't be so bad, Mariah reasoned. She seemed to be the only one wound up, ready spring. If Ray could relax and have a good time, then why couldn't she? Let the chips crumble, or the cookies fall, or how ever the saying went.

Maybe whatever happened at the party could stay at the party.

Mariah bit her lip, thinking about what it would be like to get Ray upstairs and on the dance floor. He didn't seem like the type to know how to dance, but she already knew he was a diligent student.

"Mariah!"

Mariah turned at the alarmed voice. Julia stood on the steps, peering into the dark basement.

"We need to go," she shouted, "You too, lover boy. Your friend needs you."

Ray's smile dropped, his demeanor shifting immediately, as he climbed the steps. Mariah was quick on his heels, followed by Mariam. She seemed to have sobered up abnormally quickly - too quickly for her outburst to have been caused by the alcohol.

Upstairs was an attack of loud music and shouting. Mariah struggled to keep up with Ray as he moved through the mass of bodies crowding the halls.

They followed through the kitchen and out to the backyard, where a large group had formed. Breaking through the hoard, Mariah stood next to Ray, trying to understand the scene in front of her.

Tala and Bryan were throwing fists with two other guys Mariah hadn't seen before. The poor victims of Tala's anger and Bryan's uninhibited excitement looked to be about done if their lulling heads gave any indication.

Julia came around the crowd, shouting at Tala for causing a scene and taking things too far. He interrupted her accusations with some of his own, the argument getting louder as people lost interest and went back inside.

Through the moving bodies, Mariah saw Hilary standing off to the side, arms crossed, as she glared pointedly at Kai, who couldn't even bother to appear disturbed by the intensity.

As Julia and Tala continued to feud in the backyard and Bryan celebrated his win with Spencer and Ian and a couple of beers, Mariah went over to the detached odd couple. "What's this all about?" she asked, looking between them.

"Nothing," Hilary snapped.

"She needed help,"

"I was fine,"

"You wouldn't have been once they got you into that room,"

"Did I ask for your help?"

"No, but I heard you say you didn't want to go."

"But did I ask you for your help?"

"Hilary," Ray admonished, looking at his friend in distress. Mariah could sense the conflict within him. She pulled Kai away, leaving the two to talk, hoping that Hilary would finally be honest about what was going on with her so that Ray could help.

"Thank you for stepping in," she said to Kai once they were far enough away. "I know it's not usually your thing."

He looked at the two others; his gaze was unexpectedly soft. "Things can be confusing when your world's falling apart. It's beneficial if someone keeps an eye out for missteps."

Mariah nodded. "So, you know then."

He turned back to her. "Nothing stays a secret at Tala's,"

"Hilary!"

Mariah watched, mouth agape as Hilary broke away from Ray, running past them and into the crowded house. She caught Julia's eye. Her and Tala's fight halted at the sound of Ray's voice. She nodded to Mariah before following after Hilary.

Turning her attention back to Ray, Mariah stopped him as he charged forward. "Wait," she said, catching his arm.

He tore away. "Something's wrong. Sorry, Mariah, but I need to focus on Hil right now."

Mariah sighed, knowing he wasn't going to stop. She couldn't deny that his dedication impressed her; it was the same love she'd give to Julia and Mariam. And he deserved to know the truth.

"The reason why she's been acting weird," she sighed, "is because her parents are getting a divorce."

hey, everyone. thanks for sticking around to read this far. i know things seem heavy and dramatic right now, but they'll lighten up. a little. Let me know any thoughts you may have. stay safe - konix