Life of the Party

by Christine Anderson

  “Hello?”

  “Hey, Charlie, it’s me.”

  “Oh, hey baby! How’s it going?”

  “Good.” I could barely make out Charlie’s voice amid the noisy din in the background. I could hear a number of voices and loud, angry music. “What’s going on over there?”

  “Oh, not much. The guys are over; we’re just drinking and hanging out.”

  “Oh, yeah?” I listened harder, frowning. I hated not being there with them, I hated missing out on anything. “That’s cool.”

  “Can you come over?”

  “I don’t think so, not tonight anyway. But my last test is tomorrow, so after that I’ll be free.”

  “Oh, great. I bet you’re looking forward to that.” She was exhaling her smoke; I could hear it over the phone.

  “I am. And, you’ll never believe this but … I think I just got kicked out of my house.” I cradled the phone against my shoulder.

  “What? Really?”

  “Yeah, I think so. I mean, ultimately I guess the choice is mine, but there’s no way I’m going to choose to live here with their gay-ass rules.”

  “No kidding. Wow, that’s crazy. What—no, Mackenzie got kicked out of her house.” She was speaking to someone there. “I think so, I don’t know … hey, Mackenzie?”

  “Yes?”

  “Grey wants to know if you’re okay.”

  I smiled. Pure happiness spread through my entire being. “Yes, I’m okay.” I answered. I heard her relaying my message.

  “Grey wants me to ask if he should come and pick you up.”

  I laughed. His concern made my whole night. “Tell him thanks, but that’s probably not the best idea.”

  “So, what are you going to do? Where are you going to live?” Charlie wondered when she was back to me.

  “I don’t know, I’ve got to find a place, I guess. You don’t know of anything, do you? I can’t afford much ….” I thought of my measly paychecks from the restaurant. “But I guess once school’s done I can work full time or something.”

  “I don’t know … I don’t know of anything off hand, but, maybe I can figure out something. I’ll let you know as soon as I do.”

  “Thanks Charlie. That’s a big help, I don’t even know where to start.”

  “No problem.”

  “I should let you go have fun.” I decided wistfully. “I don’t know if I’ll be around tomorrow either, I think a bunch of family is coming out for my grad.”

  “Oh right, that’s this Saturday, isn’t it?”

  “Yeah. Oh hey,” I bit my lip, “I was actually going to ask about that. I forgot to get an appointment for my hair and stuff … do you think you could help me get ready?”

  “For grad? I’d love to.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “Of course I’m sure. Just come over Saturday, bring your dress and everything, we’ll make sure you’re all gussied up.”

  “Oh, thanks Charlie.”

  “Anytime. No problem. Hey, I’ve gotta go, it’s time to hit the rails. See you Saturday?”

  “Yeah, Saturday. Have a good night, do one of those for me.”

  “I already have.” She giggled. “Night Mac.”

  “Night.” I hung up the phone and sighed heavily. I tried not to think of all the fun they were having without me. It didn’t work.

  CHAPTER 26

  Saturday morning dawned clear and bright. I lay in my bed, blinking at the sunlight and thinking about everything I had to do that day. Despite myself, I was actually a little bit excited. Having never graduated before, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Our school didn’t go all out or anything, there was a family reception followed by a formal ceremony and then the grad party that happened afterwards. It was basically just an excuse to dress up and celebrate the end of school and the beginning of the sweet, sweet freedom that I’d been looking forward to for so long.

  I made myself get out of bed and get in the shower. I took extra care shaving my legs, careful not to knick my knees like I always did. I put on extra lotion afterwards so my skin would gleam. I didn’t have to worry about my hair and make-up and clothes yet, Charlie would help take care of that. I put on my black lace underwear and matching bra, then my jeans and a t-shirt overtop. I let my long dark hair air-dry over my shoulders.

  The house was bustling. My Aunt Linda and Uncle Paul had come the night before with my three rowdy little boy cousins; I could hear them running around downstairs. I got a kick out of them; they all still called me “Mac ‘n Cheese” instead of Mackenzie, a nickname given to me by the oldest one when he was just learning to talk. Other than them, the only family coming to the graduation was my Grandma and my Uncle Pat, who lived in town. My other aunts and uncles and cousins either lived too far away to make the trip or they were all grown up with kids of their own, too busy to come so far for just the weekend. I didn’t really mind, I wouldn’t have a lot of time to spend with them anyway. I tried to ignore the fact that nearly every single one of them had been present when Marcy graduated.

  I guess I couldn’t blame them though. There would be no honours behind my name when I crossed the stage, no scholarships or awards, not like when Marcy graduated. I wasn’t even sure I had passed my tests. No, my family would be seeing nothing that day but an unremarkable Mackenzie who had scraped by with the minimum of effort. And that was just how I wanted it.

  I bounded down the stairs and into the kitchen. Aunt Linda was standing in front of the stove flipping pancakes. She was definitely my favourite Aunt, tons of fun, constantly laughing and joking. She was plumper, with curly red hair streaked with blonde and cut short. I leaned on the counter and watched her for a minute.

  “Good morning, graduate.” She smiled warmly at me. “I’m making your favourite for breakfast. Pancakes with whipped cream and maple syrup!”

  “You spoil me.” I grinned.

  “As much as I can.” She admitted. “You make sure you eat today. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement and wind up fainting because you’re half-starved. You don’t want that to happen when you’re on that stage, do you?”

  “No ma’am.”

  “That’s right. Now sit yourself down and eat these before they get cold.”

  “Okay. Thank you.” I grabbed the plate piled high with steaming pancakes, loaded them up with whipped cream and syrup and then sat down at the table to dig in. Dad came in as I was eating; he nodded at me and smiled at my Aunt as he got himself a coffee. We were still at an impasse, him and me, but since my Aunt and Uncle had arrived we’d all been acting like nothing had happened. Like he hadn’t kicked me out and I wasn’t leaving as soon as possible.

  It was fairly amusing to me that we instinctively put on a show of being a happy, functional family around other people. At least we could agree on that.

  We may have been acting civilly, but the tension was still there, right under the surface. I don’t think my mom had forgiven my dad for kicking me out without consulting her first. Dad was clearly still pissed at me, as I was frustrated with him, but for the moment it simmered just below the surface, safe and out of sight. He had—to my horror of horrors—driven me straight to school the day before so I could write my last test. He picked me up afterwards as well. When I walked out the front doors his car had been there, idling, as if he expected me to make a run for it and was fully prepared to chase me down. We spent the drive, both there and back, in total heated silence.

  Luckily we hadn’t had to spend much time together since. He was preoccupied with my Aunt and Uncle and I was able to hole up in my room, painting my nails and making other important preparations for my big day. My dress was pressed and hung up in my room, my little clutch purse held all the necessities—cigarettes and a lighter, some clear nail polish and shiny lip-gloss.

  “I’m so excited to see your dress.” Aunt Linda exclaimed. She joined me at the table and took a sip of coffee. “Your mother was telling me about it, it sounds … neat.”

  I laughed. �
�I doubt my mom thought it was neat. But I think it’s awesome. Just wait till you see it on.”

  “I can’t wait! So, where are you getting your hair done?”

  “Oh,” I finished chewing and swallowed. “At my friend’s house. She’s really, really good, I’m trying to convince her to go to school for it.”

  “Fun! I can just imagine the giggling and the boy talk.”

  “Yeah, there’s definitely some of that.” I nodded. And hard drug use.

  “So, tell me about it.” She leaned in conspiratorially, checking to make sure that neither of my parents were around. Dad had gone into the den to watch TV with Uncle Paul. “Tell me about the boy.”

  “What boy?”

  “The boy.” She rolled her eyes at me. “Come on, Mackenzie. There’s always a boy.”

  “Is there?” I giggled. “Yeah. There is.” I smiled at the very thought of him.

  “So, what’s he like? Are you two serious?”

  “Not, like super serious. But I really like him. Like, love him, like him.”

  “Really? Tell me more! Is he handsome?”

  “Oh, yes, so handsome.” I pictured Grey’s dreamy face. “He’s perfect. He sings in a rock band, and drives a motorcycle and he’s just ….” I sighed happily. “He’s great.”

  “Will I get to meet him?”

  “Oh … I don’t know.” I frowned thoughtfully. I hadn’t actually told Grey about my grad or invited him or anything. I’m sure he had a trillion better things to do than come to a high school graduation. “Maybe, I’m not sure.” I shrugged.

  “Well, if he’s there, you be sure to introduce me.”

  “You’ll know him when you see him. He’ll be the hottest guy around.”

  “I bet.” She winked at me. “Oh, to be young. There’s nothing like it, you know. You treasure these days, Mackenzie.”

  “I will.” I smiled. “I’m going to.”

  My mom dropped me off at Charlie’s house early that afternoon. I could tell she didn’t like the look of the place—her nose did that flare thing it does when she’s not impressed with something. But at least she didn’t say anything about it. I could tell she was trying extra hard to get along with me.

  “Do you need me to pick you up later?” Mom wondered as I got out of the car.

  “No. Charlie can give me a ride.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “Yes.”

  “Okay. Four o’clock, then, right?”

  “Right. See you then.” I shut the door and grabbed my stuff from the backseat, draping the dress over my arm as I started up the old, wobbly stairs. Charlie opened the front door when I was halfway there and gave my mom a little wave before her car sped away.

  “Hey!” Charlie greeted me excitedly, a wide smile spread over her face. She looked gorgeous as usual—her blonde hair was straight and shiny, she wore black Capri’s and a white button-up blouse. I didn’t understand how she could wear white so much and never spill on it.

  “Or should I say, hey, roomy!” She held out her hands to me.

  “Hey … what?” I stopped on the top stair.

  “I said hey, roomy.” Charlie repeated with a giggle. “Welcome home.”

  “What …?” I was speechless with surprise. A smile broke over my face. “You want me to live with you? But what about Katrina?”

  “What about Katrina?” She made a face. “I’ve been thinking of kicking her out for ages. She’s never around anyway; it’ll give her the perfect excuse to move in with that loser boyfriend she spends so much time with.”

  “Really? Are you sure?”

  “Of course I’m sure! It makes perfect sense. Do you want to?”

  “Are you kidding me?” I laughed excitedly. “That’s the most … wow … it’s just, so perfect.”

  “Then welcome to your new abode.” She opened up the door for me with a flourish. “Katrina is such a pain in the ass; I can’t wait until she’s gone.”

  “Me either, now.” I admitted. I looked around the small, tidy space of Charlie’s home, appreciating it even more since it would soon be mine to share. I couldn’t have imagined a better scenario. Living with Charlie was sure to be nothing but a good time. “I’m so excited.” I gushed. “When do you think Katrina will move out?”

  “Um, I’ll probably give her until the end of the month. So a week or so, is that cool?”

  “Absolutely, it’ll give me time to pack. How much is the rent?”

  Charlie flipped on her stereo. Hanging by a Moment by Lifehouse was playing. “It’s six-hundred a month, so you’d pay three-hundred, and then half the power and utilities and stuff, and then groceries or whatever. But if you’re working full time you shouldn’t have any problem affording it.”

  “Awesome.” I lit a smoke and smiled. “I should be able to get more hours at work, hey?”

  “Oh, yeah. That shouldn’t be a problem either. I’m really excited about this Mac, you have no idea.” Charlie moved about her kitchen, plugging in a set of hot rollers and setting her make-up case on the counter. She pulled a baggie full of white powder out of a drawer and poured some onto a small square mirror, then took her credit card and started breaking up the chunks and crushing it fine. I giggled excitedly, watching her work with eager impatience.

  “To celebrate your happy graduation and your new home,” she passed me the straw, “and the beginning of the awesomest summer ever!”

  “I’ll snort to that.” I joked. Long gone was any kind of pause or hesitation, I took the straw immediately and inhaled the blow expertly; an old pro by now, sniffing it back deep.

  “Wooh.” I could already feel it working, the happy numbing trembles that satisfied the things in me I hadn’t known were lacking. It felt like I was complete again, like everything was right and good the moment the burn hit my sinuses. We did some lines for a while, laughing and giggling and snorting until we reached a near fever pitch of happiness and excitement. I was crazily, totally high. My teeth ground together with pent-up energy.

  I sat on a chair in the kitchen as Charlie got to work. The room was wreathed in smoke and the music pumped loudly around us. She put my hair up in the rollers and started on my face. I found it hard to sit still; I had to concentrate to keep from fidgeting. We talked about her high school graduation and how lame it had been, about typical cheesy grad themes like, “the future looks bright,” and “don’t stop believing.” I could vaguely remember Charlie in high school now that I thought about it; she had been a few grades ahead of me, pretty and popular.

  “How come you didn’t go to college?” I wondered. “Or school or something.”

  “College.” Charlie made a face. “No thanks. I couldn’t pick just one thing to do for the rest of my life, I’ve never been like, career driven. Obviously, I mean, look where I work. I don’t know. I just, I want to learn it all. I want to see it all. I couldn’t do the whole cookie cutter get a job and work at it for the next thirty years thing, you know.”

  “Yeah, I know.” I agreed. We had a lot in common. “There’s more to life than a good job to make money and have stuff.”

  “Exactly.”

  When she was satisfied with my make-up, she started on my hair. There was no mirror before me so I couldn’t see what she was doing. I could feel her piling the dark tresses on top of my head, and though there was no way to tell what it looked like, I trusted her completely. She was truly a genius when it came to beauty.

  “If you ever did go to school for something, it should be for this.” I motioned to myself. “Seriously. I think you’d do amazing. And that’d be fun, right?”

  Charlie shrugged. “Maybe. I mean, I’ve always liked doing it.”

  “You totally should. I’d come to you, every time.”

  “Thanks, Mac.”

  The afternoon sped away, accelerated by the drugs as we sat in the warm kitchen of Charlie’s—soon to be our—house. It wasn’t long until she was finished doing my hair. Then she helped me out of my clothes and into my
dress. Excitement churned in my stomach as she zipped me up. I couldn’t believe I was going to be graduating.

  Charlie stepped in front and looked me over, head to toe.

  “Oh, Mackenzie. You look …,” she shook her head, “amazing.”

  “Yeah?”

  “Yeah.” She nodded. “Come on; let’s look in the mirror in my room.”

  We giggled our way into the bedroom and I stood before the full-length mirror. Charlie had done it again. I did look amazing. My make-up was quite natural, nothing too bold or daring, but totally tasteful. I had cheekbones again; I had to find out how she did that. My dark eyes were large and wide, lined just right to make them seem bigger and softer. My wide lips were coloured a nice, deep red—they shone with just the right amount of gloss.

  All of my hair was up, sleek and smooth in a voluminous glossy French twist, and my bangs were side-swept over my face. I looked at my hair in awe; I couldn’t believe that Charlie had done it. It was amazing, an elegant style that perfectly suited my dress.

  My dress. I was in love with my dress. I had found it at a vintage shop in the city, and the moment I saw it I had to have it. It was soft and black and strapless, with a snug fitting pencil skirt that came down just to my knees and a high, thick black belt that cinched tightly at the curve of my waist. It was very vintage sixties, very Audrey Hepburn. I looked totally different in it, totally grown up and mature.

  I shook my head at the reflection in the mirror. “Thank you, Charlie. It’s just … you’re amazing.” I gave my friend a hug.

  “Wait, we’re not done yet, just hold on a sec.” She left the room; I could hear her rummaging around in the bathroom as I admired myself incredulously.

  “Here.” She came back triumphantly, holding up a necklace that she placed at the base of my throat. It was heavy; one necklace that looked like many, a silver rope of baubles—some delicate and shiny, some matte silver mixed with plain, silver chains. It went perfectly with the look, worked well with the neckline of my dress and added just a flash of sparkle.