Just like i promised, i'd like to dedicate this chapter to Lovely, who was too lazy to log on and send a review...

Chapter 9 Party

I really don't know how much longer I can avoid him. I mean, he's everywhere! Even when he isn't there, there's always some idiotic girl talking about him. Like when I walked into the ladies' room this morning, there were these two girls putting on lip-gloss, arguing over who he would dance with at the Halloween party.

Who's 'him' you ask? Natsume, obviously.

I've been trying to stay away from him, but of course, it just doesn't help that I'm his slave. And it definitely doesn't help that almost everyone (no, make that everyone) was well aware of the fact that Natsume had kissed me.

The rumors that were flying around were outrageous as well. There was one that I was a witch and had made a secret love potion, and another one that I was an evil siren who would lure Natsume to his destruction. It was so obvious that they watched too much TV. I mean, seriously, a siren?? And besides, aren't they only supposed to live in the sea?

I could swear that I as on the hit list of at least a hundred girls. The glares they threw me were so loathsome, I almost wondered if they were filled with nothing but hate. You should've seen the expressions of the people in class when I walked in the next day, trying unsuccessfully to hide my face with my backpack. No, wait, never mind, you shouldn't have seen them.

But most annoying was the fact that Natsume didn't seem affected at all. He was his normal, all-growl-no-smile self, without any apparent changes, while I had to literally wear a mask everywhere I went to hide my face. (Not to say that it always worked, though. Half the time, I was spotted, and, well, you don't want to hear the rest.)

It was worse because for some reason, no one suspected that Natsume would have been at fault. Instead, they all come running to me, even though he was the one who was kissing me, not the other way around! God is it so hard to understand that? And I didn't even know who had leaked the pictures so that I could pummel them to death…how bad could somebody's life get?

Apparently, a lot worse, because there I was, sitting in my bedroom, being used as a Barbie doll…

"Guys, please! I'm begging you – NOOOO!!!!!!!!" I wailed as Nonoko brought mascara closer and closer to my face. Ana (who was holding my arms behind my back) giggled, watching me struggle.

"How can you guys be so cruel?" I groaned, looking at the damage done to my face in the mirror.

"Come on, Mikan," said Ana, rolling her eyes. "We can't let you go to the Halloween party in a mess!"

"And what do you call this?" I protested, indicating my eyes.

"I dont know about you, but normal people call it mascara. You put it on your eyelashes," sighed Nonoko. "Now sit down. We've only got two hours, and we still haven't gotten ready yet."

Seeing that they would never listen to me, I tried a different tactic. "You know, you guys don't really have to do this for me. You won't have time to get ready!" Oh yeah, I was totally sucking up to them. But desperate times call for desperate measures, right?

"And haven't you already done enough by getting me this?" I continued, nodding my head over to my bed, where a blue dress was laid out, covered by a white bed sheet. Why they didn't want me to see it yet was a mystery – I was the one who was going to put it on anyway.

But Ana was one step ahead of me. "Nice try Mikan, but that wont work on us," she smirked.

I sighed in defeat as I watched Nonoko laugh evilly. "Can I at least see the dress now?" I had never really liked surprises much, and the suspense was killing me – not to mention that I was suspicious that Ana and Nonoko would actually give me a dress for free (What if it wasn't completely…covering?) …unless they knew that I didn't have reasonable party wear in my closet…in that case, I think Hotaru's suspicion was rubbing on me.

Speaking of Hotaru… "Is Hotaru coming?" I asked, trying not to move as Ana deftly applied eyeliner to my already twitching eye.

"Don't know," said Nonoko, taking my hand and filing down my nails. "We invited her, but…"

"Well, you know how Hotaru is. She just looked at the invitation and said 'maybe'."

"Hmm…" I frowned, watching as Nonoko shook a small bottle of nail polish and applied it smoothly onto my thumb. At least it wasn't hot pink – though it was a very light – almost silver – shade of blue. "She said she'd be back by lunch, but I haven't seen her since today morning. I hope she can make it."

"Yeah…Any luck on finding the culprit?" asked Ana distractedly, pulling up strands of my hair into pink little curlers. I still couldn't believe I was going through with this.

"No…But of course, I have tons of help from all those people who are so willing to help me!" I said sarcastically, my tone barely masking my anger. "What's everybody's problem, anyway? Its not like they even know what's going on! I mean, for all they know, I might be Natsume's cousin, and he might just be giving me a sisterly kiss…" I trailed of as I noticed Ana and Nonoko glancing at each other warily. I guess that they were used to my outbursts by now. Just as they were used to my bizarre excuses.

"OK, fine, maybe not. But that still doesn't explain why they don't blame anything on him. Oh, no, of course not – they just have to blame me. The one who's the most freaked out!" I couldn't remember the last time my voice had been so full of venom. At least it felt good to finally have all of that of my shoulders – well, not quite, but you get the picture. "Besides, he's the one who kissed me, not the other way around!"

Ana and Nonoko looked edgy, both seeming to contemplate what they could say that wouldn't make me turn into a human volcano.

"You know what you need?" asked Ana, her eyes lighting up.

"No, what?" I tried to make my voice softer. No need to take out my anger on them.

"A look at your perfect dress," said Nonoko, and then steered me away from the mirror.

And I have to say that it actually was perfect. I couldn't stop admiring it even when I sat in Ana and Nonoko's dorm an hour later, waiting for Ana to show up with the heels that I was supposed to wear. Of course, they didn't have any of my protests, insisting that none of the shoes in my limited closet would be appropriate for a party. For once, though, I didn't mind that much – that is, until I actually saw them for myself.

"Ana, I cannot wear those! Just look at them! It's a walking death trap!"

"Come on, Mikan, You'll look awesome! Besides, they're only 4 inches!"

"Four inches!!! I have trouble walking around with two!!!" I waved my foot around, avoiding Ana's hands as they unsuccessfully tried to shove on the blue stilettos.

"Mikan, they're the only shoes that match you dress!"

I paused, looking at the folds of blue chiffon and silk as they elegantly draped across my leg. It was true that this dress was one of the only ones that I was certain not only looked good, but also felt good. But I wasn't so sure that I would go around, sauntering like a duck, just to pull of a stinkin' dress. One last look at Ana's pleading face was enough for my resolve to waver.

"Ok…fine. But if I trip, I swear, you'll pay the medical bills."

I couldn't be sure that she actually heard me past the 'ok' part, but Ana nodded, eagerly lacing the straps up my ankle.

"Great, now try standing up."

I gulped. This was the part I had been dreading. But no pain, no gain, right? So I stood up shakily, grabbing Ana's arm to steady myself. Only with heels, I was a good four inches taller than Ana, (but then again, she hadn't put on her shoes yet) and I ended up grabbing her shoulder instead.

I had never put on heels that were higher than 1 inch, no matter how much my mom had tried. And trust me, she's tried a lot. And no wonder – walking in heels hurt.

"Are you sure that this is safe?" I asked incredulously, letting go of Ana's arm and walking across the room in a style that closely resembled that of a tightrope walker. Only without all the grace. "Seriously, don't ever let me insult a model again. How can they walk in these things?" I flailed my arms around in a desperate attempt to steady myself as I misjudged a step.

I whirled around (well, at least tried to, before I lost balance again and almost came crashing to the floor) at the sound of a loud snicker, and saw Nonoko standing there, trying to cover her mouth with her hand. Noticing my livid, (and somewhat embarrassed, even though she was my friend) expression, she straightened up, her lips pressed tight from trying not to laugh.

Eventually though, she gave up and said in between snickers, "Sorry, but its just that," – another burst of laughter – "you look so funny, and," – snickers – "Ana, just what are you thinking? You can't let her wear heels for the first time now, of all times, in front of the whole school!"

I could've sworn that I heard the words "and Natsume," slipped in at the end, but I ignored it. I was used to the gossip now, and my friends seeming endless torture of claiming that they knew that me and Natsume "were meant for each other."

I had fought back as well, of course, insisting that Ana and Nonoko had it in for two certain blond friends of Natsume, (Hem, hem, Yuu and Koko) to which they had replied, "You know, if I wasn't worried about ruining your dress, then I would be happy to try out Hotaru's new and improved Baka gun on you."

"So Mikan, you ready?" asked Nonoko, who'd just finished changing.

Her dress was longer mine, and was purple, the bottom part covered with a gauzy green film, just like her sleeves. Around her neck was a silver chain with a spider web-like pendant (Obviously showing Halloween spirit) hanging from it. Ana had on the same dress, only with the colors switched around.

"Yeah," I replied, regretful that I didn't have any more time to practice walking in heels.

Ana, who mistook my expression as one of anxiety, said, "You look fine, Mikan," and turned me around so that I had a good view of the mirror.

I glanced at my reflection reluctantly, (I hadn't looked at myself after I'd gotten completely dressed, and I was apprehensive to what I would find – besides what I could already feel, which strangely included extra weight added to my hair.) but was completely surprised at what I found.

The dress was knee length with spaghetti straps, in a light, powdery blue that reminded me of freshly fallen snow. A white silk sash was tied at the waist, everything below it shimmering with different shades of light blue.

The extra weight had turned out to be the elaborate curls that Nonoko had pinned up, strands of my normal hair slipping out of the clips elegantly. It was also a good thing that I'd already had my ears pierced, because the most beautiful snowflake earrings were hanging from my earlobes, matching the necklace perfectly.

Even though I liked the dress, I couldn't help but think that it all looked a bit too much 'Ice Queen'ish. I had, of course, asked Ana and Nonoko why we weren't dressing up (like a costume) for the Halloween party, but they had just responded by laughing their butts off.

"You've got to be kidding! Nobody in the whole high school dresses up in an actual costume, ever since an incident with some kids from the elementary division sneaked in wearing masks. So we don't have masks anymore, so that we can see who's coming."

I was actually a bit disappointed – (getting dressed up with fake fangs and nails was one of my favorite parts of Halloween – except for trick-or-treating, only I quit that in eighth grade) that is, until I saw how good I looked.

"Wow," I breathed, for once actually interested in my appearance.

"Wow is an understatement," came a low voiced whistle.

I didn't need to turn around to see Koko. "Hey," I said to his reflection, choosing not to notice his complement. "What are you doing here?"

"What do you mean? Didn't Nonoko tell you that she invited us to come with her?" he said, looking at Nonoko in confusion.

"We?" I echoed, turning around to see Yuu standing in the doorway.

"Hello," he said politely, closing the door behind him.

Nonoko, meanwhile, was saying sheepishly, "Yeah, I was going to tell you, but…"

"You forgot?" I finished, raising my eyebrows at her. "But Nonoko, how are we all going to fit in your car?"

"Who said anything about a car?" replied Ana, who was holding Yuu's hand (apparently she thought we couldn't see it, but we could, as plain as day) with a blush creeping up her cheek.

Well, lets just say that I have no clue where they got a limo, (Yes, a limo) but it was definitely there, all right. OK, so maybe it wasn't my first time, (being a businessman's daughter and all, I've been able to take a ride in one a few times) but I couldn't help but gasp. "You're kidding me, right? Which school would have a limo?"

"Not a limo, they actually have quite a few," smiled Yuu, nodding to the chauffeur as we piled inside.

"This is one scary school," I admitted, dashing to the mini bar for a coke the moment I was inside. "But I'm totally not complaining."

"Hey Yuu, have you seen Ruka or Natsume? I haven't seen them all day," said Koko, a finger on his chin as he thought. "It's not like them to miss an event like this."

I turned away to the tinted windows to hide a secretive smile. Natsume wasn't coming!!!!

"I saw him over at his dorm earlier today…with Ruka." My smile turned into a scowl, which deepened when Yuu added, "He was trying to get Natsume to come."

I must not have made a good job of hiding my disappointment because Koko snickered. "Don't worry, Mikan, I'm sure he's looking forward to seeing you."

Oh no, he did not just say that. I glared at him, flexing my hand. "Koko, you're a dead man," I growled.

"Mikan, I'm sure there's no need for violence here," said Nonoko hastily, holding my arm back. "I'm sure Koko was just joking," she said, shooting daggers in Koko's direction.

"Yeah, Mikan, take a chill pill. I was just kidding!" said Koko, moving to the far end of the limo and shielding himself with his arms.

"Oh look, we're here!" said Ana in relief, opening the door.

I took one last look at Koko, (who was literally hiding behind a bemused Yuu) and stepped out into the chilly October night.

The lawns of the clubhouse were completely covered with smoke machines and small spotlights that moved around, illuminating the gravestones and coffins that were half hidden by the smoke. No one back at home ever decorated this much for Halloween.

As we walked down the path, one of the coffins moved, the lid lifting of its hinges with a loud creak. Even though I knew that there was nothing in the coffin, (except maybe an electronic Count Dracula) I couldn't help but suspect that the goose bumps on my arm had nothing to do with the cold air. I shivered as a recorded tape of screams began to play from somewhere in the darkness.

I reached across to hold Ana's hand, but was surprised that it wasn't there. "Ana," I called hesitantly, my breaths coming out in short gasps. "Nonoko? Koko?" Where was everybody? "Yuu?" I looked around, but nobody was there…heck, I could barely see my own two feet in all the smoke. Was I even going in the right direction?

I was about to turn back when I felt a cold hand on my shoulder. I turned around slowly, my blood frozen…and then screamed.

"Ha, Mikan, you should've seen your face!" came a loud guffaw from somewhere behind me.

Koko stepped out of the smoke, holding his stomach and tears in his eyes from laughter, closely followed by Ana, Nonoko, and Yuu. "Whose idea was it?" was all I said, even though I already knew the answer.

They all raised their hands mechanically and pointed to Koko, who was now on the floor and rolling around. "We told him not to do it," apologized Ana, shrugging her shoulders in defense.

I stepped over to Koko, who was taking off a white glow-in-the-dark glove. "Hem, hem," I coughed, tapping my foot.

"Oh, yeah, sorry," he said in between snickers, getting up. Ok, maybe I didn't have to punch his lights out. "But you've got to admit, the look on your face was just so – so –" and then he lapsed into more laughter.

Never mind, I had to punch his lights out. "Koko, if you any sense of self-preservation, you'd run right now," I growled, and then ran after him.

I watched as various forms of guys twirled around with their dates, perfectly in time with the music. Like always, I could never understand how they could move with such precise movements. Did they practice before time or something? And just how in the world could those girls dance in heels for crying out loud? My feet were already bruised from running after Koko! (Well, at least I managed to give him a good bruise.)

I sighed, heading over to the punch bowl. I picked up a filled glass and grabbed a tray of bat and pumpkin-shaped chocolate cookies, just to keep me busy. (It wasn't like I was actually going to dance or anything, right?)

But as I was walking back to my seat at the far corner of the room, I noticed a familiar flash of black and crimson. A guy with raven hair was sitting on one of the benches, and in his arms was a girl, decked out in a red and black dress. But even more astonishing was the smile on his face, a smile I knew that he would never show any stranger. Natsume…

Slowly, everything else in the room darkened, highlighting his joyful eyes. As I watched, transfixed, those eyes turned towards me, and instead of showing something along the lines of guilt, they lit up even more, almost as if he was happy to see me. What game was he playing at? How could he hug one girl, and be happy to see another?

But as he took in my frozen appearance, the happiness faded from his eyes, and was instead replaced by confusion. "Mikan…" he started, standing up and raising his hand as if to touch me.

I raised my hand as well, turning my palm up to him as a signal to stop. "Save it," was all I managed to choke out. And then I ran.

I didn't know where I was going, but I didn't have to. My feet were taking me through the doors and through the smoke as if I was being followed by a pack of wild dogs, which in a way, I was. The images of Natsume and the girl kept replaying themselves in my head with sickening detail. Even though I knew that the pictures would follow me no matter where I went, I didn't stop.

Eventually, though, when the pain in my feet (from running in heels) numbed the other, more severe pain in my chest, I paused, sitting down on the curb of the road. I stared unblinkingly at my hands, trying to puzzle out my jumbled thoughts.

Why did I even have to run from him like that? It wasn't like I actually care about what Natsume does with his life…right? Besides, I should've know that a bastard like him would never be able to settle for one girl…then again, what was the proof that he even liked me in the first place? But why did my chest feel hollow, almost empty?

I groaned, watching the screenplay in my head with detail – the perfect contour of his coat as it fit over his white shirt, the exact shade of his jeans, the shape of his lips as he said my name for the first (and probably last) time…

Wait…He said my name?? Impossible, right?? Does that mean that he actually has feelings – however subtle they may be – for me? A small plan started forming in my mind. "His pride is going to be his downfall. How ironic." I looked to the sky, smiling impassively. "Look out Hyuuga. Cause you won't know what hit you."

Yeah, you might be wondering what that last part means, but my lips are sealed...at least until the next chapter...
Right, so please tell me any of your suggestions.... so...yeah....