Chapter 11: Backhanded Compliment
Halloween arrived. Reid Garwin was hosting a costume party as the Garwin estates. His parents are away fortunately. Halloween fell on a Friday. So, they go to the school, get smashed, and still have the weekend to recover. That was Reid's plan anyhow. And this wasn't going to be a little get together. Oh no, this is a giant Garwin Gala (nice alliteration). The theory was the more girls invited, the more likely to get laid. The whole school was practically invited but his close friends were the only ones allowed to sleep over.
The party was the talk of the hallways of the school and dorms. Everyone was anxious til school ended. Then, students gushed out of the school to getting ready, buying costumes and props, alcohol (I know they're underage), and any other necessity warranted for the evening.
The girls were winding down before getting ready. After all, they need to save their energy for the night's activities. Elliot however, started immediately because her indecision of outfits, makeup, and hair. Teresa was going as Tinkerbell. Elliot was Wonder Woman. Alexandra was a ballerina. Browen was a witch. Like always, Browen takes a separate car. The rest of the girls in one of the other cars.
They headed to Reid's house early to help with decor. They ranged the doorbell. Pogue answered it as Indiana Jones. "Trick or treat!" Alexandra proclaimed. Pogue slammed the door at their faces. Alexandra's face dropped. Pogue opened it, "Just kidding, nice costumes." All the girls head in and Alexandra hit Pogue's arm lightly for the door slam. A little decoration was up but far from done. Poor Tyler was sitting on the stairs blowing up the balloons. He only went through a third of the pack before getting light-headed.
Teresa greeted Tyler and used to inflate all the balloons needed. Tyler was dressed as Super Mario. The whole floor was covered with black, orange, and green balloons. Caleb was attempting to hang streamers from walls, lights, and ceilings. He was dressed as a vampire. Alexandra used to set the streamers and even hung them from the chandelier in the foyer. Pogue and Reid were mixing drinks and making punches. Reid was dressed as a devil. Browen and Elliot made an ice sculpture of a pumpkin. Most of the light bulbs were replaced by black lights or colored bulbs.
The house was finished with twenty minutes to spare. What to do? Pre-game! They all took a shot to commemorate the occasion. They blasted the music. They continued to drank. Sure enough, the mob came in. Of course, most of the girls were dressed sexy or slutty. The ballroom was filled and everyone was dancing.
Browen was talking to some classmates when a voice whispered behind her. "I thought you were supposed to dress up as something that you aren't, sweets," Reid breathed into her neck. She turned around, "You should talk." He smirked and couldn't argue that. They stared for a few seconds. "Have you ever danced with the Devil?" "Can't say that I have." "First time for everything." With that, he took her hand and led her to the dance floor.
It was easy for them to find the beat but harder to keep the friendship just that. The others were able to gravitate to one another. Why is this taking longer? It was just the people that were involved. Reid was never a settling guy. She would never take it to the next step. So, it's either going to take time or a dramatic event for them to realize one another.
Reid was looking at Browen's face, mainly her eyes. I want her so bad. Browen was weirded out by this. "Staring problem?" "You know, you would be even hotter if you kept your mouth shut," Not that she can't get any hotter. "Nice backhanded compliment." "You're ruining the moment, sweets." Why does she always have to comment with sarcasm. "What moment?! Are you feeling okay? Are you drunk?" Why is he acting different?
"Forget it." So, they danced. After the song, she said she wanted to get more alcohol. She was in the kitchen overhearing some girls gossiping. "Yeah, I think Browen Green is fuck buddies with Reid Garwin." "Why would you say that?" "Because, he hangs around with her a lot. You know he's only letting her around if she's giving something." Browen said "Ahem." The girls stiffened and turned around red. That should shut them up. She got her drink and left the kitchen.