The Party
Vanessa’s house looked like something out of a movie, all sleek lines and glowing windows. Cars lined the driveway, their chrome glinting in the soft light, while music spilled from the open doors like a heartbeat.
I swallowed hard, my grip tightening on my bag as I made my way up the steps. My phone buzzed, and I glanced down to see a text from Sarah.
Sarah: Still think this is a mistake, but I’m here if you need me.
I sent her a quick thanks and slipped inside, immediately overwhelmed by the sheer scale of the party. It was like every popular kid in school had descended on Vanessa’s house. The living room was packed, the kitchen overrun, and the patio glowing with fairy lights and laughter.
“Emma,” Logan’s voice pulled me out of my thoughts. I turned to see him leaning casually against the wall, a drink in his hand. He looked effortless as always, his dark eyes scanning the room before landing on me. “You made it.”
“Barely,” I muttered, stepping closer. “This place is insane.”
“Yeah,” he agreed, his lips quirking into a smile. “Vanessa likes to show off.” His gaze flicked over me, his smile softening. “You look good, though. Really good.”
My cheeks flushed, but I didn’t get a chance to respond. Vanessa appeared out of nowhere, her heels clicking against the floor as she approached us with a practiced smile.
“Emma! Logan! I’m so glad you could make it,” she said, her tone overly sweet. Her eyes lingered on Logan, and the knot of unease in my stomach tightened.
“Great party,” Logan said smoothly, his hand brushing mine in what felt like a silent reassurance.
“Thanks,” Vanessa said brightly, then turned her attention fully to Logan. “Actually, I could really use your help with something. It’ll only take a second.”
Logan hesitated, his eyes flicking to me. “You good?” he asked quietly.
I nodded, forcing a smile. “Go. I’ll be fine.”
He followed Vanessa, and just like that, I was alone in a sea of people. For a while, I wandered, keeping to the edges of the crowd and trying not to look as out of place as I felt. Just as I was about to retreat to the kitchen, a familiar voice called my name.
“Emma!” Sarah waved from across the room, a soda in her hand. Relief washed over me as she made her way over, her expression half-annoyed, half-concerned.
“You came,” I said, surprised but grateful.
“Of course I came,” she said, giving me a pointed look. “I wasn’t about to let you face this circus alone.”
For a while, we stuck together, watching the party from the sidelines and laughing at Vanessa’s over-the-top decor. Slowly, I started to relax, thinking maybe—just maybe—I’d gotten through the night unscathed.
But of course, Vanessa wasn’t done.
“Everyone, can I have your attention?” Her voice rang out, amplified by a microphone as she stood on the staircase overlooking the crowd. The music quieted, and all eyes turned to her. My stomach churned as her gaze swept the room, her smile sharp and knowing.
“I have something special to share with you all,” Vanessa said, her tone syrupy sweet. Her eyes met mine for a split second, and the knot in my stomach tightened into a vice.
