Life of the Party

by Christine Anderson

  I felt amazing, like a runway model or something. Since it was nearly time to go, I spent the few remaining minutes practicing to walk on the cracked linoleum in my black velvet peep-toe pumps. I wondered what my mom would say, for she had vetoed this dress from the very beginning, but maybe she’d change her mind when she saw me in it. She’d preferred a frosted pink crinoline princess gown that made me shudder the moment I saw it.

  It was about quarter to four, but Charlie didn’t seem in any rush. She cut a few more lines for us and I did mine fervently, careful not to get any blow on the soft black fabric of my dress. It gave me the extra boost of confidence I needed. I lit a smoke and exhaled shakily.

  “Shouldn’t we go now?” I wondered. I couldn’t sit still, pent-up with the combination of cocaine and nervous expectation. I didn’t even think to wonder or worry if my parents would know I was high. For the few minutes we saw each other, if they did notice anything, they’d probably think it was just nerves.

  “Oh, yeah. We’ll go soon.” Charlie was putting lipstick on as I asked. She had dressed up as well and looked amazing, of course, in a frilly white dress and strappy little sandals that were perfect on her. She kept glancing at the clock like she was stalling or something.

  “You don’t have to come if you don’t want. I imagine it’ll be fairly boring.”

  “No, it’ll be fun. Besides, nothing’s boring when you’re high enough.”

  I laughed. “True.”

  And then I heard it. It started as a deep rumbling somewhere off in the distance, and the noise grew gradually louder as it came nearer. Eventually, the rumbling stopped right outside Charlie’s apartment, just sitting there, idling. My heart did a little flip as I recognized the sound. I looked over at Charlie in surprise.

  “Right on time.” She confirmed.

  I couldn’t believe it. The thought had never even occurred to me. I grabbed my clutch and gave Charlie a kiss on the cheek, nearly squealing with delight. She laughed.

  “See you there, Mac.” She called on my way out the door.

  It seemed too good to be true, but it wasn’t. There he was, astride his motorcycle, flashing a grin at me as I stepped into the bright afternoon sunshine. I smiled back at him, taking the stairs slowly, one at a time, until I was safely on the ground and walking confidently, ecstatically towards him.

  Grey looked amazing. He wore dark jeans and black motorcycle boots with a crisp, white button-down shirt, tucked in and rolled up at the sleeves. Overtop his shirt he had a black wool sweater vest with distorted white graphics, edgy and cool. His dark hair, albeit messy, was still styled carefully, spiky with gel. I could see myself reflected back in his large, aviator sunglasses. My heart skipped a beat as I approached.

  “Wow.” I smiled, touched by how much effort he had clearly gone to on my behalf. The white motorcycle beneath him practically sparkled, it was so clean.

  He took off his sunglasses and the startling blue of his eyes nearly took my breath away. A smirk curved his lips as he looked me over—again and again—until finally he shook his head at me, as if in disbelief. A low whistle escaped his lips.

  I giggled and did a twirl. “You like?” I wondered.

  Grey grasped my hand and pulled me near. “I like.” He kissed me gently.

  “You shaved.” I cupped his smooth, tanned cheek in my hand. “How did you—” I shook my head in happy amazement. “How did you know about this?”

  He shrugged. “Charlie.”

  “Charlie.” That explained everything.

  Grey looked doubtfully at my high heeled pumps. “Can you ride in those?” He chuckled, smiling at me as he put his sunglasses back on.

  “Oh yeah.” I smiled confidently, though really, I had no idea. I grasped his arms to get on the bike, but after a few stunted efforts to swing my leg over the seat, I threw my head back in laughter.

  “It’s not my shoes, it’s my skirt. I can’t get on, it’s too tight!”

  “I’d say it’s just right.” He laughed with me.

  “Okay, here.” I sat down on the bike seat sidesaddle style, so that both my feet were on the same side and my high heels rested precariously on the one little peg. I grasped Grey tightly around the waist.

  “Now, just go slow, and we’ll be good.”

  He chuckled at my ingenuity. “Are you okay?”

  I settled myself behind him, my arms wound around his hard waist, the warm sun shining on us in the clear blue summer sky. All I could feel was excitement; it spread within me and filled the air around me. Everything was changing. School was done and I was moving out, moving on, about to start the new chapter of my life that I had always looked so forward to. I was about to embark on the world—one full of countless potential possibilities and new, wonderful experiences that were just waiting for me to come and enjoy. I would take full advantage, would take all they had to offer.

  A shiver of utter thrill rushed through me. I smiled wildly.

  “I’ve never been better.”

  CHAPTER 27

  In the history of grad reception entrances, it had to be the coolest one ever. Grey drove up to the entrance of the Community Center where my classmates and their families were gathered in little groups, waiting for the reception to start. Everyone was dressed to the nines—all the guys were in dark suits and ties, most of the girls were in fluffy, frilly pastel coloured dresses.

  We rumbled slowly in, drawing the attention of the crowd as everyone stopped to look up at us. If I hadn’t been so high on coke I probably would have been blushing like mad, but as it was, I felt hot and glamorous and just … special. Out of the ordinary. I was nearly bursting with pride to be the one on Grey’s motorcycle, to be the one with the gorgeously hot, mysterious older man that all the girls were gawking at.

  The engine growled idly as he stopped the bike at the curb and I climbed lightly off, smoothing my dress back into place. I could feel everyone’s eyes on us.

  “Everyone’s staring at us.” I giggled.

  Grey chuckled. “No. Everyone’s staring at you. I can’t say I blame them.”

  I smiled bashfully. “Yeah?”

  “Come on. You know you’re the prettiest one here.”

  “I am?”

  “Oh yeah.” He scoured the crowd for a moment and then nodded certainly at me. “Oh yeah. Without a doubt.” He tilted my chin up with his finger and then we kissed. I hoped that everyone was still watching us, hoped the gawking girls would see that he was kissing me. I felt so amazing at that moment. It was surreal, like I was caught in a dream or something. A dream come true. I felt I might burst from happiness.

  “Seven o’clock, right?” He smirked at me. “I’ll see you then.”

  “Bye.” I nodded, smiling as I stepped back from the bike. I gave Grey a little wave as he revved the engine once and then started smoothly off into the street.

  With a happy sigh, I turned once he had gone, heading down the sidewalk towards the Community Center. My heels clipped upon the cement; I liked the noise. I scanned the crowds of people gathered as I strolled, looking idly for my family, suddenly wondering if they had seen my little entrance. Wickedly I hoped they had.

  It was a perfect day, the sun was sailing warmly in the clear blue sky, a soft and gentle breeze stirred the branches of the large old poplar trees that lined the streets. The grass was deep green and fresh cut, filling the air with the delicious scent of summer. A buzz of nervous, excited energy came from the gathered groups of graduates and their families staggered among the wide lawn, waiting for the reception to begin. A smile curved my lips as I passed them all.

  I walked by Brad and his friends without really looking his way, just enough to notice that he still wore the remnants of the absolute beat down he’d received—courtesy of Grey and Zack—upon his face. His eyes were still puffy and yellowy-blue with bruises. I smirked to myself and wondered how much trouble his mom had given him for fighting right before graduation. Served him right.

  Ben and Toby and
Jacob were off by themselves, so obviously stoned that I wondered how their parents didn’t know. I giggled and waved at them as I passed. Toby gave me appraising thumbs up and Jacob whistled loudly. I awarded them with a smile and a quick twirl on the sidewalk, which was met by a smattering of applause from their little circle. With a laugh, I curtsied low at them—well, as low as I could in that tight of a skirt.

  “Nice moves.” Riley commented. Startled by the sudden voice behind me, I gave a little jump, and then my breath came out in a relieved gasp when I realized who it was.

  “Riley, you scared me.” I pressed a hand to my chest. Jacob and Toby and Ben laughed at me, they had seen the whole thing. I gave them a mock glare.

  “Sorry.” He apologized, but he didn’t look sorry. He didn’t look overly impressed at all—his eyebrows furrowed slightly and he was frowning. But other than the tense expression, Riley looked good. Like, really good in his tux. He had gone with the traditional black and white three piece, a silver tie and shiny dress shoes. His dark hair had been cut quite short— almost a buzz, really. His dark eyes glowered out at me. He looked older, distinguished, almost … sexy. I barely recognized him.

  “Wow. You clean up nice.” I admitted.

  “So do you.” His dark eyes trailed over me, up and down, as if paying special attention to detail. “That’s the dress you found that one time in the city, right?”

  “Right.” I shouldn’t be surprised that he remembered; at one time we did mean something to each other. Still, I was touched by his thoughtfulness, and a little saddened. I shook my head and pushed any negative thoughts away, determined not to ruin my graduation with the same old Riley song and dance that didn’t solve anything or get us anywhere.

  “Well, you look amazing. Like a grown up or something.”

  “Yeah, you too.”

  We stood awkwardly for a moment. I scanned the crowd for my family again.

  “Oh, they’re over by the doors.” Riley noticed my search and pointed towards the Center. “I saw them on the benches over there.”

  “Great, thanks. Where’s your mom? I should say hello.”

  “She’s there, with Emily and her mother.” He pointed again, in the opposite direction. I tried to keep the frown from my face as I looked over and found Mrs. McIntyre in happy conversation with the Christian and her mother. The Christian was wearing a silver dress with long sleeves and a full-length skirt, I couldn’t decide if I liked it. But obviously Riley did, since he had dressed to match her.

  At least she was still chubby.

  “Why don’t you come over, say hello?” Riley invited.

  “Oh, um … that’s okay.” I shook my head. “Maybe later, I should really get over to … uh … my family.”

  Riley saw right through me. “Yeah, right, okay.” He chuckled. “Tell your mom hello.”

  “Yeah, you too ….” I began to walk away, just in case he tried to pull me over or something. I loved Riley’s mom, she had always been so cool to me, so accepting. I could talk to her more than I could my own parents. But it would be too painful to see her sharing that same kindness with this new girl, I just didn’t want to witness that. I couldn’t watch the entire McIntyre family move on without me so easily.

  I turned my back and kept walking. I waved to a few of the people I was friendlier with—there weren’t many though, mostly just from partying together. I found my family right where Riley said I would, congregated on some benches next to the Center entrance.

  “So who’s the guy on the motorcycle?” Dad demanded as soon as I was in earshot. “Is that your friend from the other night?”

  “Yes. Boy-friend, actually.” I admitted proudly. Dad raised his eyebrows.

  “Will we get to meet this boyfriend?”

  “Maybe.” I shrugged.

  Aunt Linda smiled at me, intervening. “Wow. You weren’t kidding, Mac. He’s gorgeous. But so are you, just look at you. You’re an image. All grown up.” She squealed.

  “Thank you.” I smiled sincerely at my favourite aunt.

  “What are you, depressed or something?” Greg the dick asked, giving one of his snooty laughs. “What’s with the black? You’re not at a funeral.”

  I could feel the ire he inspired building up in me. I choked it down and smiled sweetly. “I’ll wear it to your funeral.” I promised.

  “Come on Greg. Black is classy.” Marcy stood up and smiled. She looked gorgeous, as usual, and I wondered if she were trying to upstage me. She wore a satin pink halter-top dress and white strappy sandals; her shining dark hair was perfectly curled. “You look great, Mac.” She complimented. Just not as great as me, I imagined her thinking.

  I muttered something in response. Mom got up then too, and gave me a kiss on the cheek. “I can’t believe you’re graduating. You look nice, honey, all grown up. I can just imagine how you would’ve looked in that pretty gown I liked so much.”

  I looked down at the ground, indignant. “Thanks mom.”

  Grandma smiled at me a moment, but instead of saying something, she began to complain about the heat of the sun. My uncles helped her up and escorted her into the cool shade of the building, giving me an acknowledging nod. Then, sudden yelling sent Aunt Linda scurrying to deal with my little cousins, who were running pell-mell around the wide green lawn before the center, screaming.

  For an instant, I felt like joining in.

  “Well, I guess ….” Dad got up and began ushering everyone into the Community Center. “This’ll start fairly soon. Let’s go find our seats. Come on Mackenzie.”

  “Yeah, I’ll be right in.” I mumbled. He nodded and took my mother’s elbow, heading up the stairs into the building with Marcy and Greg right behind them. I watched them go, deflated. It wasn’t like I had expected them to gush and go on about how great I looked or to shower me with accolades or anything, but still—really? Was that all the attention I would get at my own graduation? Was that all I was worth?

  The cocaine was wearing off. That was it. Suddenly I wasn’t numb anymore. The disappointment was registering in my mind and the sweet, buzzing hum had faded from my vibrating nerves. I bit my lip. Luckily, I knew how to fix this. And I had to fix it.

  In mere moments I was alone in the bathroom. Charlie, my saviour, had fixed me up with a little emergency coke for such a moment as this. I had apologized for wasting her entire vial over the week, but she let it go this time, making it my graduation present. I had paid for what I had now, just a little by comparison in the same silver vial.

  Quickly I did some, my heart hammering eagerly, my tension melting away by the third inhale. Sighing happily, I braced my hand against the bathroom door and let the deliciousness flow through me. That was better. Now I felt good again, like I would make it, no matter what they said or did or didn’t say or didn’t do. I forced myself to screw the lid back on and put the vial back in my purse, to save the rest for later. What I had done would hopefully get me through the reception.

  I flushed the toilet to make it seem like I had actually used it, then came out and washed my hands at the sink. I stared at my reflection for a minute, scrutinizing myself and my features. My dark eyes were wide and clear, a pleasant shimmer of color stained my cheeks and my lips were full and soft. They curved into a smile as I stared in the mirror. Maybe I wasn’t as gorgeous and wonderful as Marcy always was, but Grey seemed to like what he saw. And that was all that mattered to me.

  My family could just go and screw themselves.

  With that happy monologue running through my head, I entered the reception hall in a much better mood. Everyone was filing in by then, the hall was noisy with the din of talk and laughter and the harsh sound of chairs scraping against the wooden floor as people found their seats. It smelt like buffet, like vegetables and chicken and coffee.

  The evening passed in a blur. We graduates were called in one at a time to take our places at a long table stretching the length of the hall. We were served plates of food while our families went through the buff
et. We ate, sat through some speeches, and then had to suffer through like a trillion pictures. I ended up making a few trips to the bathroom in between, as the coke didn’t last near as long as I had hoped.

  With the reception finally concluded, we crossed the park to the large auditorium where the ceremony was to take place. I was a bit nervous because I knew that Grey and Charlie would be there. This time, we had to enter the auditorium escorted by our parents. We lined up in alphabetical order down the hallway, waiting for the ceremony to begin, my mom on one side of me and my dad on the other.

  “Are you getting a cold, Mackenzie?” Mom wondered at one point as I was rubbing my nose. “You keep sniffling.”

  “Maybe.” I answered quickly and dropped my hand. “Yeah, that must be it.”

  “Well, remind me to get you some Echinacea later.”

  “Sure. Thanks.” I nodded.

  Eventually it was our turn to enter. We walked to the archway, where our picture was snapped, and then I headed across the front by myself and was taken up the steps to the stage by a guy from our class. I found my seat and sat down; relieved I hadn’t tripped in my heels. The lights were hot. I couldn’t believe how many people were there, I stared out in amazement at the sea of strange faces.

  Our grad theme was “Shoot for the Moon.” I hope Charlie appreciated that. I’m pretty sure it was from the quote, “Shoot for the moon—even if you miss, you’ll end up among the stars,” which was nice and all, but really, what did it even mean? I hoped whoever was singing had picked a nice moon-themed song to go along with it, but in the end she sang Good Riddance, by Green Day. I liked the song, it was a good choice.

  I looked in vain for Grey and Charlie throughout, but they were impossible to discern in the dimly lit auditorium. Nevertheless, when my name was called to receive a diploma from the principle, I could hear them cheering even above the smattering of applause. I blushed and rose to shake the principle’s hand, sure that what he gave me was just a blank rolled up piece of paper and not an actual diploma.