Hey! So here's the next chapter in case anyone is still interested. Enjoyyyy!
"Annie don't you think maybe you're going about this all wrong?" Naomi demanded of Annie's reflection, while clasping a lavish golden choker around her neck. Flecks of gold glittered in her green eyes and bounced off the necklace, she smiled satisfied with the result.
"I mean it's not like Liam and Jasmine's relationship doesn't have an expiration date and what girl wouldn't want to start at California U a free agent? You could have the best of both worlds, window shop and have fun while their relationship self-implodes without getting your hands dirty."
Annie glanced up from her phone, where Patrick had just sent another antagonizing text demanding she agree to return home to Kansas. It was all too much, why couldn't she be all carefree like Naomi. Why couldn't Patrick grasp she was home, at least she was where she wanted to be. Naomi was preoccupied dancing to a catchy pop song in front of the threeview floor mirror. She was supposed to be helping Annie pack to spend the night at the massive beachside condo she shared with her sister.
"I don't like Liam and I am not going to be some kind of rebound." Annie remarked unconvincingly.
"I don't believe you," Naomi twirled in front of the mirror with a fluorish. "You liking Liam is practically the first thing I learned about you. Besides even without Jasmine's existence you would still be Liam's rebound from me. But I've totally made it my mission to get Max back so I have no use for Liam whatsoever." Naomi stated magnaminously.
"You're diabolical," Annie commented, both admiring and despising Naomi's nonchalance about relationship drama.
"I know...it's a gift," Naomi grinned. "Now what are you wearing to Ade's party?"
"Uhh nothing Stardust is 21 and over."
"Hmm that's not stopping me."
Annie studied Naomi's perfect features, trying to detect whether she was seriously planning to attend this birthday party. Dixon had returned earlier that day and Annie convinced him to let her spend the night at Naomi's. Of course he also thought her older sister would be present to keep an eye on things, which was a lie. "And how do you plan on getting in...use your sister's id?" Annie wondered aloud; contemplating her new friend's scheming.
Naomi flipped up her luxurious blond hair flirtatiously, "We are friends with the birthday girl. I'll bet we can figure out something more creative."
"Really?" Annie asked skeptically.
Naomi tossed her an exasperated look that said she had proven methods for getting around their underage status.
"Okay, but what about my interview tomorrow? I need to prep if I actually have a shot. I don't think a hangover from drinking long island iced teas and watching Jasmine cavort around all night will do me any good."
"Annie, becoming a daycare drudge can wait. Honestly don't you ever get sick of always doing the right thing?"
"But I need a job and a teaching internship at the enrichment daycare is perfect. It fits with my class schedule. I don't want to work in some greasy food place or do someting brainless." Annie said, fighting her conscience.
Naomi studied her manicure, "Annie one night. Let's do this..we need this."
Annie mentally debated. She really wanted to do the right thing and go to the interview. On the other, she really wanted to hang with Naomi and go to Ade's party. And Liam was going to be there.
"Thinking about Liam?" Naomi pried.
"No! Uh ..he's so frustrating...I just don't know whether to kill him or kiss him!" Annie said, feeling herself flip out as she stormed into the kitchenette for some juice. At that precise moment, Liam swung the door open, entering the apartment with a scantilly dressed Jasmine a few steps behind preoccupied with ogling herself in a compact. Her bouncy blond hair appeared possessed by newly implanted bleached highlights and extensions flowing down her back.
"Kiss who?" Liam asked.
"Wouldn't you like to know." Naomi cut in mysteriously.
"Do tell," Liam prodded giving Annie an unreadable look.
"I bet I know, her old boyfriend Patrick. So lame." Jasmine put in.
"Wait. Patrick? I thought that tool was history." Liam asked pissed.
"He was, well is, well he just sent a few dumb texts. I'm ignoring them." Annie answered quietly.
"Well he needs to lose your number," Liam said, anger boiling through his statement. "This guy seems dangerous."
"What do you care anyway?" Naomi said tauntingly.
"Right who cares, why are we even talking about this baby?" Jasmine demanded, plastering her hands on Liam's ass. "Go get ready, duh, Annie doesn't want your help."
None of the girls objected.
"Right," Liam ripped off his shirt compliantly.
"Oh my gawd..why are you trying to blind me?!" Naomi shrieked, shielding her eyes dramatically.
"Mission accomplished," Liam pumped his fist before wrapping his King of the Bar shirt around Annie's neck in a slow, deliberate motion. He relished that she shivered just a little at his touch. "You better let me know if I gotta be your hero again," he whispered in her ear.
Annie nodded unable to catch her breath. Jasmine glared bullets at her as Liam disappeared into his room.
"Aren't you just the darling little laundry wench?" Jasmine spat, snatching Liam's shirt away from Annie. She clutched it to her chest. "Don't even dream about going tonight or getting your filthy lips anywhere near my boyfriend!"
Annie shuddered at Jasmine's rage. Naomi just shrugged, seemingly enjoying herself.
"You will not last here bitch," Jasmine continued, pulling her revealing skirt down in order to perch on the bar stool.
"Excuse me?" Annie said feeling irritated by Jasmine's entitled act.
"Now there's the first smart thing you've said to me." Jasmine replied condescendingly. "And you're excused...by all means get the hell outta my boyfriends apartment and go on back with your ex."
"Oh shut up Jasmine," Naomi interrupted. "You're no one to talk."
"Oh I get it, you're still bitter over the Max debacle. Too bad he didn't want a call girl ruining his image."
There was a moment pause. Annie was completely lost, half distracted by her mind racing over Liam and half having no clue that Naomi even knew Jasmine. At least she never mnetioned it. This social circle seemed to be closing in on Annie from all directions.
"There's only one way you'd know that." Naomi said bridging the conversation.
"Which way is that?" Jasmine stared hard at Naomi. "Go ahead I dare you."
"You're not worth it Jas," Naomi said spitefully. Annie eyed the girls; Naomi with her glamour and sultry beauty against Jasmine's exotic charm.
"I think you're just off your meds," Jasmine sneered. "Oh wait that's your other declase friend, Silver." Jasmine laughed, before turning on Annie. "You see what I'm saying, don't become a lost cause like this one," Jasmine nodded toward Naomi, "Better keep your head down and go back to Kansas before it's too late."
Suddenly, Annie had it with everyone telling her that going back to kansas. "No, Jasmine," Annie said, finding it time to call this intruder's bluff, "you better watch your mouth before it's too late. Come on Naomi, let's get ready I have a feeling were going to have a blast at Stardust." Before either one could say anything, Annie ran in Dixon's room grabbed her purse, bag and dashed back to save Naomi from the wrath of Jasmine. Annie knew enough from her own history with Patrick that you didn't have to let your past control your life.
Will Naomi and Annie get into Adrianna's party? Will there be any other unexpected guests?...stay tuned!