Chapter 4 Homecoming

Aellorah

I didn’t want to go to the party. I knew Daddy would never approve of such a thing. “A girl doesn’t go to an event alone, especially something like that,” he’d told me when I wanted to go out for my high school graduation. He never approved of me doing anything that didn’t involve him or my brothers.

“Aellorah, right?”

I was picking up my latte at the café counter when he walked up. He seemed vaguely familiar. Part of the football team, I recalled. “Jason,” he introduced himself with a polite smile. “I’m Sherry’s brother.”

“Oh, right,” I replied with a smile. Sherry and I were in the same psych class. I had been studying with her the night before—well, I was studying. She’d been gossiping with Vanessa. That’s why I recognized him. He often picked her up from class.

“You coming to the party tonight?” he asked, reaching for the coffee that was placed on the counter.

“I don’t think so.” I took a sip of my latte before continuing, “It’s not really my scene, and my parents don’t approve of that sort of thing. Why? Is Sherry going?”

“Yeah, I always drag her along. Freshmen don’t usually get to mingle with the upperclassmen. I’m her ticket.”

“That’s really nice of you. Most brothers aren’t really like that. Mine are overprotective assholes,” I replied with a smirk.

“Why don’t you come? You can be my date.” I almost spat my drink out in surprise.

“You’re kidding,” I breathed out.

“Not at all. It could be fun…” he insisted, his blue eyes shining.

“Is this some kind of dare?” I asked skeptically. He was the second senior to invite me to the damn party. It had to be some kind of joke. “See if you can get in the freshman’s pants, or what?” His eyes widened, his lips parting in shock at my blunt distrust.

“Of course not! It’s just—I—well… you’re pretty. And you seem nice,” he finally stammered out.

“Thanks, but I have plans, anyhow,” I replied with a strained smile, turning to leave.

“Can I at least have your number?” he asked as I reached for the door.

My number. That was harmless enough.

“Sure,” I agreed with a sigh.

[1:27 PM: Jason: Come on. It’s just one party. I’ll be the perfect gentleman, I swear.]

We’d been texting off and on all morning. He was rather polite, and funny too. I enjoyed our conversation.

[1:32 PM: Me: Fine, but it’s not a date. I’m going to hang out with Sherry.]

[1:33 PM: Jason: DEAL!]

I smiled at my phone and dropped it on the bed, wandering across the room toward my closet. I had no idea what I was going to wear…

Max

I leaned against the kitchen counter, sipping my whiskey and glancing at the clock. It was almost ten, and Aellorah had never shown. I didn’t want to admit it to myself, but I was disappointed. I hoped she would come.

“The little mouse is here,” Jax commented, nudging me. It would be a lie to say my pulse didn’t quicken as I glanced toward the door. There she was, in a little black dress with spaghetti straps, looking completely out of place. And clinging to the arm of Jason fucking Castille.

The music was still blasting, people were drinking and dancing, but everything around me faded away as my temper flared. I had invited her, and she showed up on the fucking quarterback’s arm?!

My gaze fixed on her as I wove my way through the crowd, heading straight for her.

“What the fuck are you doing?!” I snarled as I pushed into their space.

“Yeah, nice to see you too, Max,” Jason replied with a grin. His oblivious response only enflamed my temper further.

“I invited you, and you show up with him?!” I demanded, turning to look into her wide, grey eyes.

“I wasn’t planning on coming,” she answered in a small voice, her words barely carrying over the cacophony of partying going on around us, “But Jason—” Her excuses died on her pink lips as she noticed how pissed I was. “Uh, nice party…” she offered instead, as if changing the subject would diffuse my anger. “I bet half these people won’t remember a thing come morning.”

“Yeah, well, that’s kind of the point. Letting loose, you know?” I replied, my words were sharper than I intended. “A chance to forget about the everyday woes of life. Now, get your fucking hands off her, Castille."

“Max—”

“Shut up, Blackwood. I’m not talking to you.” I growled out. I knew I was being rude, but I couldn’t find the will to care.

“Whoa, dude. You need to fucking chill.” Jason said.

“No, you need to get your hands off of my date, before I break your fucking fingers!” I snapped. Jason was a jock, but he wasn’t entirely dumb. He seemed to sense my sincerity and decided on the easiest route—avoiding a full-blown altercation. His arms slipped away from hers, and he raised his hands in mock innocence.

“I’ll just… see you around, Aellorah,” he finally grumbled, turning and weaving through the crowd toward the rest of the football idiots.

“I can’t believe you came here with that fucking cunt,” I snarled, turning to look down at her. She shrank under my livid gaze.

“I’m not supposed to be here in the first place,” she mumbled. “I didn’t come as his date; his sister is in my class and—”

“I don’t fucking care. I invited you—you’re mine—” I swallowed my words. I hardly fucking knew her, and I was acting like some obsessed idiot. “Let’s get you a drink,” I offered instead, swallowing my anger and flashing her a smile.

“A drink… sure…” she replied hesitantly. Before Aellorah could protest, I grabbed her by the hand and pulled her toward the kitchen island. We had everything under the sun set up in a little makeshift bar.

“What’s your poison?”

“I don’t really drink,” she replied timidly. “Something sweet, I guess?” I smirked and began to load her cup with a mix of rum, vodka, and sweet juices.

“Try this,” I finally declared, handing her the plastic cup. She took a sip, grimaced, and then nodded.

“It’s good.”

For the next few minutes, we made small talk. I asked her about her classes and how she liked college. Her answers were always short, as if she were afraid to reveal too much about herself.

Eventually, her posture relaxed. She leaned back against the counter as she finished her drink.

“I think it’s time for a dance, princess…”