Partying | A TWELVE

Stepping into school past noon was generally an odd feeling. Purely just because it's out of the ordinary period I'm used to arriving. However, striding in with Ben parading the halls holding the trophy that signified our victory was something else.

After getting back school grounds, the others members had separated without my comprehension. Granted, it was hard to keep focus with people applauding all over and delivering commending pats on the back. Teachers didn't even bother shushing anyone being rowdy or blocking the pathway in their packs. The prominent group being from the football team when they appeared. They were one of the most popular clubs in the academy, not to mention two of the Aces were among their star players when they weren't putting their brains to use at Coeus.

"Garren my man, I see you brought home the win," began the football team's captain, Clyde Yates with arms crossed. He briefly examined the polished metal. "Not as big as the one we got for the match in Port though."

Garren rolled his eyes. "Don't forget who scored the tie breaking goal in that game."

"Assisted." smirked Clyde. "Anyways, you planning to celebrate?"

I had a feeling that was his motive from the start as the football team were known for the party scene.

"For a win this easy? Would be a waste." I saw Clyde along with a few of his teammates slump their shoulders. Then without warning, an arm coiled around my shoulder and I was reeled to Garren's chest. Furthermore, to the centre of everyone's focus.

"But," Garren added. "On the case of the new addition to the Aces here, that would be something worth celebrating."

I could only blink.

Looks of surprise and astonishment met my gaze along with coherent murmurs. Clyde had on a particular expectant countenance. His eyes gleaming. "So, party?"

Garren responded with a simple nod and the boys lit up instantly, fists clenched in the air. In the midst of that, something hooked the corner of my eye and I turned my gaze to see in the crowd Liam and Ashton.

**

"New addition?!" exclaimed Ashton.

That had definitely not gone unheard unfortunately and I was forced to have the conversation much too early. I wanted to at least collect my textbooks for class, which I'd be undoubtedly late for now.

"I thought you said you were just getting along with them," Ashton spat my own words back at me. "That's what you said, wasn't it? Liam isn't that what she said?"

Liam nodded.

"I know that's what I said but-"

"Did Garren threaten you?"

"What? No."

"Then what, blackmail?" Liam pressed.

"It isn't what you're thinking. Look, a lot went on at the set and—"

"What could have possibly happened to have you agree to selling yourself to that incarnate of Satan himself and his cohorts?" Ashton snapped, eyebrow cocked. "Were you drugged?

Armageddon? Did Chris Hemsworth call you saying his mother was kidnapped and the only one who could save her was you by joining the Aces? Because those are the only reasons I'm willing to accept. Go on, let's hear it."

With how deadly serious the pair looked, finally letting me speak, I didn't doubt they were truly expecting me to feed them excuses so ludicrous. Not that I blamed them. No explanation in the world would justifying what I'd done. Why I done it was still something I couldn't quite grasp, so I went with what I had mentally scripted on the bus ride. "Garren actually came to meet me when I visited me at my parents' place last week."

Ashton and Liam's jaws were dropped, eyes resembling saucers with how wide they had expanded in sheer shock. They could hardly form coherent sentences, stuttering and exclaiming over each other.

I quickly continued, "Yes, yes and yes. Anyway, it made me realise Garren is the relentless type who won't quit until he gets what he wants."

"So you're letting him win?" Ashton scowled.

"This isn't a winning or losing matter, Ash. It's reaching a solution. Garren's satisfied that he has me where he wants but that's ultimately on the impression that I would fit his little enterouge. We all know I'm no Ace and I certainly don't see why I should bother trying to uphold his delusions. Once it crumbles, he won't admit his mistake of course and get me to leave on my own," I summarised.

I stood watching the series of emotiond run its course through my friend's faces, taking it all in to eventually turn into calmer looks.

"So it's basically reverse psychology— classic." Liam nodded in approval. "I would've probably done the same."

Ashton still held this hint of unease in her tone, which was expected. She wasn't as simple as Liam. "Well, I won't doubt you haven't thought this true but if your diagnosis of that twisted prick is right, he's not just going to be idle about having you converted or whatever. What if he like, tries to brainwash you?"

Liam snorted. "Okay, I know we joke that he's a cult leader but come on, Ash. Brainiac or not, he's just some rich twat at the end of the day. And Stevie's our friend."

A smile broadened my lips. Although I'd practically spent the entirety of my laugh at St. Sinclair with these two, I had hardly ever heard them use the F word out loud. Truth be told, they hadn't a clue they were my very first friends— period. A secret I hoped maybe one day I would share with them.

"If he does try anything, you'll be here to set Garren straight, aren't you?" Liam playfully nudged Ashton's shoulder.

She tried to hide it but the proud smirk slipped through. "Yeah, yeah alright." Her eyes turned serious again when meeting mine. "Just try to avoid being alone with him when you can, okay? And from now on, tell us everything they do and say. Don't keep anything from us again, promise me."

I solemnly nodded. "Promise." Right then, I felt a vibration from my pocket and I pulled out my phone to find a new message. "It's Will. He sent over the address."

"Address?" Ashton echoed.

"To Garren's— for the party," I hastily added when catching her eyes wide in alarm. "He lives in Pearl Peeks and they said I'd need to sign up to some kind virtual ID card to gain access so he needs me to fill in a form..."

"That's because Pearl Peeks is a private province, it's not actual residential area but more like a lodging place. It was built for governors and other big national figures to conduct certain 'affairs' without worrying about tabloids spying and hotels weren't trusted after scandals of wiretapping," explained Liam. "My grandfather met two of his ex-wives there."

I could only blink. Just what kind of a party was this?

"Right." From Ashton's clenched jaw, it hadn't crossed her mind that I would of course now be an expectant participant to events involving the Aces. She was tugging on the hem of her blazer, a nervous habit I'd observed overtime.

I didn't like the look on her at all. It made me feel guilty I was keeping part of the truth to why I was agreeing to be part of their world. "I can say something came up and can't make it, if you want," I offered.

"It's fine."

Liam looked equally as stunned as me by Ashton's reply. Catching on, she added, "Well, Stevie says she's got this under control so what's the harm? Besides, why should I miss out on a perfect opportunity to get shit-faced?"

I beamed. "Wait, you guys are coming too?"

"Duh. You'd think I'd let you go to a dangerous place like that alone? 'Sides, I've got new wedges I'd been dying to use."

"I don't even own a pair of heels though. Unless, I count my Mary Sue's I got when I was like, ten," I sulked.

"Relax. There isn't any dress code to all these Adler parties," Liam assured. "People can practically wear anything— this one bloke left wearing nothing but a sequin tong once. It's havoc."

His enthusiasm started to dwindle when regarding the quizzical glances

Ashton and I were giving him.

"... Or so I've heard."

**

I was surprised to discover it wasn't only my friends who were attentive on Garren's statement regarding me. When walking into the classroom, there were lingering stares from all around me. Additionally, when the lesson ended and I took to the bustling corridors, people would move out of the way to pave a straight lane for me to walk. It was weird and I knew it had to be the incredible influence of The Aces.

Upon the night of party date, I found myself looking forward to its arrival. Primarily in hopes to rid memories now that the game show was released to the screens. With my failure broadcasted for nearly the entire nation to view and I expected to be bombarded with ridicule at the academy but it was just the opposite. Everybody had assumed it was 'staged'. To add suspense since our team was winning so easily. I could've corrected them but if everyone wasn't fussed then why bother over little details?

My parents knew I wasn't acting though when they called earlier on to give me feedback and commendations. Ashton and Liam too.

**

Liam had an early birthday in December so he was old enough to drive but his parents weren't buying him his own car until they felt he was ready for the responsibility. Which meant having to borrow his dad's car and Mr. Sherwood was very protective over his precious set of wheels. We waited through a twenty minute long lecture before Liam was finally given the keys to the Benz.

"If you get so much as a skid mark on that, don't bother coming back!" Mr. Sherwood hollered.

"I love you too, dad!" Liam shouted as he turned on the ignition.

When the GPS stated we were nearing our destination, I did a double take to the scenery beyond the windows. I had always thought of the architecture and surroundings in where Uncle Louie's hotel was located had been exquisite— Pearl Peeks knocked my naïve knowledge right out of the park.

Gilded gates guarded every seven digit sized so-called 'lodge houses' on the block, adorning intricate sculptures of angels or lions by the entryways. I could've sworn we passed one sporting bloody dragon and this was apparently only the first level units. As the car ascended the slick roads to drive into the destined estate, the skies were lit with vibrant shades of emerald and lilac embellishing what was probably the right door watched over by angels playing harps.

I felt as though the marble eyes were leering down at the outcast I was that dared to walk through the threshold, Liam and Ashton barely batting an eye to it's presence. Once stepping into the compound accompanying a swimming pool that could probably fit almost every luxury car parked outside, the more audible the sound of music pumping through some sort of speakers became.

The first floor was buzzing with activity. A multitude of people dancing to the verberating beats with a sense of symphony like coral reef flailing to the currents. As if making their bodies become one with the composition. Their shadows were casted by the overhead spotlights which were the source of the colours bleeding outside, fanning out their shifty shapes to dance around the spacious house. It was like a piece of art.

"Is that a ball pit?" Liam pointed.

Ash and I followed his finger to see in fact, there was a gap reserved by familiar looking red rubber balls. There was a loud sort of war cry before I saw a figure leap from the stair case and plummet directly into the ball pit. Then finally emerging triumphantly and receiving applauses from lads which I recognised a few as the football club.

"Wow...." gawked Ashton, "that is-"

"Wicked." Liam beamed. "I have got to try that."

"Are you for real?" Ashton questioned.

"What? It looks like fun. I thought that's what we came here to do." He turned to me. "Do you wanna go, Stevie?"

"Um..." I rose my head to examine the large scale of the staircase to the depth of the pit. I wasn't afraid of heights but I didn't enjoy risking breaking an arm or a leg.

However, Liam was putting on his best persuasive look. I was rescued from having to confront it when I spotted a familiar face. "Will!"

He turned his head to my direction and smiled, approaching. "Oh hey, I was wondering where you were. Did you just get here?"

His eyes flickered to the two individuals beside me. "Your friends?" He guessed.

"Yeah, this is Liam and Ashton," I introduced.

"Nice to meet you both," said Will, offering a charismatic smile.

"Yeah, I have one question for you mate, are you ga— ow!" Liam yelped when Ashton indiscreetly stomped on his foot.

"Ignore him. He spews complete rubbish most of the time," said Ashton before turning to the boy she'd assaulted. "Don't you have some death jump to be getting to?"

"I'm only going 'cause I want to. Not because you told me to." Liam quipped childishly and steered a course to the pit.

"Speaking of which," I started to Will. "It kind of looks exactly like the one on the game show."

"It is," confirmed Will. "Ben wanted to dive in it just like the contestant did so Garren bought it off them."

"He bought a ball pit?" the disbelief vibrant in Ashton's tone.

"Yep."

"The super rich really do spend their money differently." Ashton shook her head. "Come on, Steves. Let's make sure that idiot doesn't actually get himself killed. See ya, Butler."

Ashton didn't give me a chance to bid Will any kind of farewell and brought us into the multitude or it seemed like we were drawn into it. It was hard to know which one and hard not to accidentally brush body parts with other people. I'd cross familiar faces but none of which was our adrenaline junkie friend.

"He couldn't have gotten up that quickly," said Ashton.

"Are we even near the stairs?" I questioned, glancing around.

Every which way in sight was bombarded with people. I couldn't tell in which direction we'd even came from. It was a labyrinth of partying.

"We actually lost him? Great." huffed Ashton.

"Let's not use all our time searching. He's a big boy, if something happened we'd hear his screams over the music," I pointed out.

Ashton chuckled. "True."

"Statistically speaking, we'll run into him eventually. Let's just enjoy ourselves."

Ashton lifted a brow. "You're going to dance?"

"Isn't that what you do at parties?"

"I'm just surprised you'd have the guts to show off those chicken steps in public."

"Like you could do any better."

Ashton's mouth was ajar, bearing a look of surprise with a little hint of amusement. "Oh, is that how it is?"

I nodded with an urging look and she conceded, joining me to fall into uncoordinated steps and silly arm flailing. For me, it was easier to dance around in large numbers because I knew it would be the last place I would stick out. I restrained from my most flashy steps due to the limited space and I didn't want to poke someone's eye out but gradually loosened up.

I had no clue what the bloke in the song was going on about but the tempo was simple to harmonise with and I deduced that was the reason for parties playing songs with shallow lyrics. It wasn't important as long as you had a good time.

As each next song would bleed out of the speakers, the tunes seemed to be rapidly climbing and we were literally whipping our heads madly. I accidentally traced back too far and ended up bumping someone behind. "Oh, sorry-"

I stopped when I met pretty green eyes.

"Hi." grinned Shaun.

I grinned back. "Hi."

"Didn't mean to interrupt your grooving there." He teased.

"That's okay," interjected Ashton. "She probably would've ended up getting whiplash if she didn't stop soon. I'm Ashton, by the way."

"Shaun."

"Oh, yes I know." Ashton passed me a large smirk. "Stevie talks about you non-stop."

"Ash, shut up!" I hissed at her, heat rising at my cheeks. I cautiously reverted my gaze to Shaun, worried he hadn't gone to think I'm obsessed or something.

No such indication was apparent on his face. Or he was the best actor in the world. "You wanna go get a drink?"

I perked up at the invite. "Yeah."

"Uh, how about you?" Shaun asked Ashton. I hoped he was only asking out of politeness and nothing more.

Much to my gratitude, Ashton declined. "Nah, I'm alright. You two go ahead."

As Shaun took the lead in navigating us through the sea of bodies, I noticed Ashton send me a wink. Shaun knew his way about the maze pretty well as he moved with ease and expertise but I had a little troubling catching up. It got to the point a stranger's foot unknowingly stomped on the back heel of my pumps and I tumbled.

Shaun caught me in time. "You okay?"

"Yeah. Fine." I couldn't say the same for my pumps as the covering for my heel felt awkward. The back of it had been tousled by some prick.

All at once, a warmth covered my hands like a glove and I stared at Shaun's hand on mine then gazed up to him.

"It'll be easier if we stick close," he reasoned.

I nodded, not a single protest in complaint. If it was easier then so be it. We resumed our journey, my tarnished shoe completely forgotten. I hadn't realised how much I needed a drink until reaching a vast table hoarded with shiny machines. They'd looked like they'd come right of whatever posh antique they'd been shipped from and after delicately working out how to use the contraptions to dispense sparkling water, I guzzled it down in the champagne flute in no time. All my rapid movements and the constricting created a high rise in temperature which had me dehydrated.

Shaun looked at me with marvel. "You really needed that huh?"

I nodded and went for a refill.

"Congrats on the game show win, by the way." He said, raising his flute to gesture.

"Thanks." I lifted my own and we coincided to tip them for a clink. The rims touching before they'd go back to our lips. One could even classify it as an indirect kiss and that was exactly what I did. There was heat flaring in me but this one hadn't been from dancing.

"So," Shaun started. "Are you actually friends with um, those guys? The Aces. Is it true you're one of them?"

One of them. It felt surreal to my ears. I didn't feel like I was truly one of them. Excluding the sudden announcement by Garren, there was nothing to verify it like a badge or something. "I consider them as more than just club associates and I believe it's the same vice versa," I settled to say.

Shaun bore an unreadable expression. "Right... so, where does this more stand with them individually?"

I knitted my eyebrows. "Individually?"

"Yeah." He began to shuffle his feet, rubbing the back of his neck. "Like um, Garren for example."

"What about Garren?"

"Would you... Well, would you say you and him are-?"

"Stevie!"

Boomed a voice and an all too familiar boy throwing his arms around me. Of course Ben had to pick now of all times to come crashing in. I took notice of his tousled clothes and dishevelled hair along with the lipstick marks on his neck. "Finally, Garren's been looking all over for you."

"He has?"

"Well, technically no. He spoke to Will who said he saw you and then Garren got mad at him for not reporting it to him immediately. The he sent me to come get you but I had no idea where to look 'cause there's so much people. So I had to ask around which took time depending on which girl I was asking but now I found you!"

His words came out like he was put on fast forward but I managed to get the gist of it. "Yeah, you did," I concurred. "But I'm kind of in the middle of-"

"It's okay, Stevie. Go ahead," Shaun allowed.

"You sure?" I questioned.

"Yeah." Shaun nodded. "We'll catch up after. It sounds like Garren needs you."

"... Okay," I accepted.

Ben started leading the way but I had a spark of defiance which made me quickly trace back to Shaun. "Can I get your number though?" I hastily blurted it out before any criticising thoughts could shun it.

Shaun blinked at my sudden request.

"So I can call to find you if you're somewhere else, it's a big house. It'll be easier," I reasoned. "Or even after tonight?"

I'd gambled on the chances of me coming out as sounding desperate and judging by the small smile spreading on Shaun's face, I guessed it didn't sound half bad. He complied and we exchanged numbers before I resumed to follow Ben.

I wanted to give myself a pat on the back for the bold move that succeeded. I wasn't sure where the confidence to take that leap came from but I would be glad if it remained.

I went through numerous passageways that seemed more confusing than the human maze downstairs until finally Ben came to a halt. We had arrived at a spacious sort of lounge room coloured with beige. Beige walls, floors, fireplace and long sofa where a couple of people were present. In the centre of the group was of course, Garren.

He straightened from his slouched posture when he spotted me. "Stevie!" He beamed in an unfamiliar cheerful tone. He stood to his feet, slightly swaying in the process then approached me.

"You really like to keep me waiting." He grinned. Surveying the others, I saw playing cards lying around and tiny glass cups with bottles of what definitely wasn't simply grapefruit. The drunken glazed expression a few of them held was enough to confirm alcohol was present.

"Uh, what did you want to see me for?" I questioned.

"You're the guest of honour tonight, it's my job as host to personally make sure you're enjoying yourself," he declared.

"Oh thanks, I am. So... I'll just let you get back to whatever you were doing." I made an attempt to turn around and leave.

Garren hooked his arm around my shoulder, keeping me in place. "Whoa, not so fast. Stay and play."

I blinked. "Play?"

"Yeah, we're playing Switch."

"Oh... I don't know how to play Switch though," I lied.

"Not a problem. It's simple enough for this lot to get it, you'll be fine." Garren assured. I was practically dragged to join, people budging up to give me room in their circle and I wondered where Ben had gone off too.

"Well if it isn't Buns," piped a voice.

I locked gazes with crystal blue eyes and came to realise one of the players as the Hess guy Shaun was glaring at the other day. He regarded my surprised look with a wide smirk. If I didn't already hold reluctance in participating, I certainly did now.

Garren briefly explained the rules which were like he said, simple to understand. Although strangely, I didn't detect a hint of liquor in his breath despite how close I sat by him.

"You forgot to mention the fun bit, Garren," said a redheaded in a pretty black laced dress. "You have to take a shot if you have the highest hands at the end or the lowest."

"I don't drink," I said.

A boy with dark slicked back hair chuckled.  "Well you do now."

"It's the rules, babes," Redhead replied.

"If she doesn't wanna drink, she's not drinking." Garren retorted as he gathered the cards to shuffle.

"But those are the rules-"

"Well I'm in charge so if I say it's fine, then it is and if anyone has the audacity to talk back, consider your parents and yourself blacklisted from any future Adler events and I won't hesitate to throw your pathetic ass out this province myself."

No one dared to let out a breath. Contrary to the lightness in his tone, there was a deadly darkness in his sharp gaze. He suddenly didn't seem as tipsy anymore. Nor drunkenly merry. The room fell into a still silence.

Then Hess rose his hand. "Request; can I take shots in her place then? Because I was planning to get pissed off my arse and I'd like that to happen as soon as possible."

Chuckles filled the room and just like that, the heavy air had subsided if only a little.

"Whatever, just get a designated driver this time so there's not another Audi in the pool incident," said Garren. He extended the deck of cards to me. "You deal."

As if sensing that I was about to protest, he added, "Last rule; when an Ace joins the game, they have to deal."

I quirked a brow. "You just made that up."

"Yep." He smiled and it mysteriously held the power to bring me comfort. Comfort that I didn't have to worry about being surrounded by strangers including dodgy guys.

Comfort that I was in an untouchable position because of this one person sitting with an unwavering air of authority.

I dealt the cards.