Chapter 2: The Party Darling, why are you taking such a long time to park your damn car?

Shut up Jodie, and stop calling me your darling! Alex exclaimed as they walk up to Marissas door. But arent I your girlfriend? Jodie asked in fake wonder. Nudging her with an elbow, Alex rang the doorbell and waited for someone to answer as Jodie snickered. Hey Alex, Jodie, glad you both could make it, Marissa smiled as she answered the door. Happy birthday Marissa, Alex said as she handed her gift over. This is, er, from the both of us, Alex added as she cast a warning look in Jodies direction. Rolling her eyes, Jodie muttered, happy birthday, Marissa with as much contempt as she could muster before sliding past the birthday girl and into the swing of the party. Wow, she still hates me huh, Marissa asked in a slightly hurt tone. Nah she doesnt. Okay fine she does, but dont mind her, shes just bitter she couldnt get a beautiful girl like you to be her girlfriend, Alex said. Well she didnt do too badly in the end did she? Marissa grinned. Youre beautiful too. Marissa, were not.. Alex started. I know, I know, Marissa laughed as she dragged Alex into the house. Just enjoy the party tonight alright? Here let me introduce you to a friend of mine

After half an hour, Alex finally found Jodie next to the kegs chatting up a pretty blonde whom Alex has never seen before. When Jodie saw Alex approaching, she leaned towards the blonde and whispered something in her ear. The blonde smiled seductively at Jodie before walking away with a lingering glance at Alex. Hmm, fast work Jodie, Alex commented. Yeah well, you know girls cant help being charmed by me. Take yourself, for example, madly in love with me. Alex snorted. Anyway, this is the only reason I agreed to come to Coopers party, to try and hook up with a few of these rich girls. What about you? Managed to hook any young flesh? Jodie asked.

Ooh, plenty, Alex said sarcastically, what were you whispering to that girl anyway? We were talking about tattoos and I just told her Ill look for her in awhile and we can go look at some of my tattoos. Those that are at slightly more, lets just say, intimate places, Jodie smirked. Urghh, Alex said. I did not need to know that. Oh look, here comes your fan club, Jodie said with a raised eyebrow as Michelle and another girl who has a crush on Alex spotted them and try to make their way towards Alex through the crowd. What do they like about you anyway? Scrawny git whos afraid of cats and not particularly charming, Jodie summed up with an appraising look at Alex. Excuse me? said Alex with disbelief on her face. What do you mean by scrawny git and not particularly charming? And I havent been afraid of cats since I was, well, 12. I knew I shouldnt have told you about that, Alex said before being interrupted by a sudden hug from behind. Hey Alex! Michelle gushed as she held Alex. We havent been spending much time together lately, are you avoiding me? Michelle asked with a pout. Er, Alex said, trying to extract herself from Michelles hold, I, um, Alex turned to Jodie with a pleading look in her eyes but Jodie just shrugged and grinned at Alex, apparently remembering how ungrateful Alex had been the last time she had helped her. Before Alex could say another word, however, they were interrupted by someone else. Alex, the girl asked, pushing Michelle aside, Wanna dance? Sure Christine, er Ill catch you later Michelle, Alex quickly said to the enraged girl and saw Jodie raise her eyebrow again. Mouthing anything is better than Michelle, Alex soon got dragged onto the dance floor by the other girl.

Moving slightly on the spot, Alex forced a smile on her face as Christine danced as close to Alex as she possibly could. Alex felt highly uncomfortable and tried to edge away from her but the girl was determined and was slowly running her hands down Alexs body before she was interrupted. Hi Christine, Im sure you wouldnt mind me dancing with Alex for awhile would you? Christine glared at Marissa and looked like she was about to refuse but Alex quickly interrupted and said, of course she doesnt mind, youre the birthday girl and this is your party, am I right Christine? Unwillingly, Christine had to give up her dance partner but not before giving Marissa a glare of deepest loathing. Thanks for saving me, Alex whispered to Marissa.

No problem, Marissa laughed. You should be more careful you know, what if Jodie sees you? Seeing as shes probably making out with a blonde friend of yours now, I dont think she would mind very much, Alex replied. Oh, Marissa said, looking shocked. You guys broke up? NO Marissa, Alex rolled her eyes, We were never together! Hmm, really, I guess weve all been wrong then. So since youre single, why have you been rejecting all these devoted girls, Marissa asked, gesturing towards Christine who was standing at the corner with her eyes still on the two. Alex replied with a shrug as they continued to dance. Alex could feel her heart racing as Marissa smiled at her and wish she could find the courage to tell Marissa how she felt. That she had already fallen for her years ago when they were kids on a sleepover, that she had never even thought about going out with all those girls because the one girl she likes only see her as a good friend. Inwardly, Alex sighed as she knew she could never tell Marissa how she felt. She treasured their friendship too much to risk losing it all for the sake of a few impulse moments. All too soon, Marissa was whisked away by someone else and Alex made her way back to the kegs where she stood for the rest of the party.

Alex awoke with a splitting headache the next morning in a bedroom that most definitely did not belong to herself or Jodie. The room seemed oddly familiar though, but before Alex could spend more time pondering over where she was, Marissa entered the room carrying a cup of coffee and smiling at Alex. Hey. Hey, Alex replied. Sorry I passed out last night, must have had 1 too many drink. Boy is that an understatement, Marissa laughed. You ought to thank me you know, for saving you. Frowning, Alex asked, why, what was I attempting to do? Pretend I was superman? Run around your house naked? No, Marissa said amused. But you were making out with Michelle and she was about to drag you off to her place with her. WHAT? OH. MY. GOODNESS. Alex exclaimed, burying her head in her hands. I cant believe I did that. Still laughing, Marissa stroked Alexs back and tried to comfort her. At Marissas touch, Alex stiffened up but slowly relaxed as she thanked Marissa for stopping her from doing something she would greatly regret.

Oh by the way, wheres Jodie? Alex asked. She er, left when I found her and Becca in my parents room, Marissa said, blushing. Something about finishing their business at Beccas place. She asked about you before she left though, and I told her I will take care of you. Aha. Now do you believe me when I say Jodie and I are just friends? Alex teased as Marissa hit her with a pillow. Ow, I still have a splitting headache you know, Alex said, massaging her head. Oh poor baby, come on let me give you a kiss to make up for it, Marissa said, kissing Alex on the forehead and laughing when she saw Alex blushing. Alex pushed Marissa gently as they laughed and agreed to go and grab lunch together once Alex has taken a shower.