by Zara Rivas
"Well then, eleven it is," Harold announced and received glares from both Erica and his wife. "What?" He asked perplexed.
"Harold you know nothing," Ava responded whilst pushing him back into the living room as she nudged her daughter and Chris closer together.
For the next few minutes Essa felt as if she was in a professional photo shoot as her mother and older sister kept snapping photos of both Chris and her in different poses. By the time she was allowed out of the house, the clock read nine.
"Have fun," both Erica and Ava bid as she stepped into Chris' car.
Seated comfortably, Essa observed as Chris got into the car, her mismatched green-blue orbs only able to study him briefly as he started up the engine – reversing out of her driveway. From his hair to his clothes, down to the cologne he was currently wearing, it was evident that Chris had dressed to kill tonight. He was wearing a familiar black band around his wrist, and Essa couldn't help but grin at the recognizable strip. She had bought him that leather band during the summer carnival.
"You're awfully quiet Ginger Ale," the blonde finally said, breaking the comfortable silence between them.
Pursing her lips together, Essa ignored the fact that he had used his pet name for her - the name which she disliked deeply. She was still observing his attire and the way he had styled his hair tonight.
So this is how a party Tynan looks. She mentally noted. No doubt he'd be hauling in all the girls tonight.
"You're plotting my death," Tynan declared and grinned at the frown slowly making its way across his childhood friend's features.
Crossing her arms over her chest, Essa scowled. "I was not plotting your death," she informed, though she wished she had been. "And I forgot a jacket and don't think I didn't hear you using that pet name of yours – you will be punished."
Chris grinned and turned on the heater in his car.
"I'll be your teddy bear tonight to keep you warm,"
"You flirt," Essa shot.
"Essie poo," Chris whined, "What's wrong with cuddling with me? I haven't got cooties,"
Feeling the goosebumps disappear on her arms, Essa relaxed a little. "No you don't but you have an entire clan of screaming females that's ready to rip me into shreds the moment I step through the doors with you." She explained, "I swear Chris, if looks could kill, I would have been dead long ago. That fan club of yours is freaking scary, they worship you like some god."
"I'll protect you tonight," Chris replied. "Besides, the girls aren't as evil as you make them sound," he defended but he knew he was lying through his teeth because he was well aware of what the female species were capable of when they were 'infatuated'.
Essa scoffed at his words. "No they're probably worse," she proclaimed. "So I was thinking…" she drifted but was cut off by Chris.
"I hate it when you think,"
"Just because I'm smarter," Essa remarked. "But anyways, I think its best that you and I stay away from one another tonight. You can enter the party, and I'll sleep in your car until you're ready to leave."
Making a right turn Chris shook his head at her. She was definitely unbelievable. Even now when they were on their way to the party and she was clad in a nice dress with her hair up, she still didn't want to go and be sociable for a few moments.
"And that is why I hate it when you use your brain Ess," Chris announced. "You come up with the most absurd ideas. There is no way I'd be letting you stay in my car whilst I enter that house and party without you,"
"You've partied without me a million times!" She erupted, a hint of frustration in her tone.
"Today is different," Chris responded in a calm voice.
Turning to face him, Essa felt like shouting. Why did he have to be so difficult and sound so damn patient about it too?
"How Chris?" She queried attempting to get hold of her emotions.
"It's because I actually managed to get you to agree to come to a party with me, and you're all dressed up." He explained, pulling up into the driveway of Creston's family mansion. "Besides, we're here now. Don't you think it's a little too late to turn back?"
Lifting her gaze to the beast of a house before her, Essa could see other people making their way up the driveway. They were heading for the main entrance which appeared to be a door that was wide enough to fit ten people in one go. She had to admit, Creston's house was definitely impressive and a part of her was curious as to what was inside that house as well as who had been invited.
Her anger melted away.
Chapter Five
'Extravagant' was the word that automatically entered Essa's head to describe Creston's household. Even though she hadn't set foot inside his home yet, she was sure that within the mansion she'd be even more impressed.
The building appeared welcoming and yet in a sense it was out of bounds due to the two intimidating security guards standing at the entrance. Reaching the gigantic wooden doors, Essa couldn't shake the feeling that she'd be in for a big surprise tonight.
Before she had so daringly trekked up the driveway, both Chris and she had spent at least ten minutes chatting in the car until she finally mustered the courage to enter the party. Now as she approached the entrance, Essa found herself breathing in deeply – unaware that she had been holding her breath.
The guards at the door were ticking off names on a guest list in a rather daunting fashion. If Chris hadn't been there with his arm around her shoulder, Essa would have definitely made a run for it.
Standing straight, with her shoulders thrown back and her head held high, she tried to shrug off the pessimistic thoughts. It didn't really help when the few girls standing at the door were giving her odd stares.
"Trust Creston to make such a big scene," Chris remarked giving her a reassuring squeeze on the shoulder. "I've got your back pumpkin," he breathed into her ear and smiled at the group of girls huddled nearby who were evidently checking him out. He had been aware of their curious glances and continuous whispering.
"Hello ladies," he greeted warmly and the girls beamed at him.
Making a hand gesture, Chris had motioned the three girls to go and get their names ticked off the guest list first – but they had refused.
"We're still waiting for someone," a perky blonde explained. "But save me a drink alright?"
With a rugged smile on his handsome face, Chris nodded. "I'll see you wonderful ladies in there," and with that he moved to the guard.
"Name?" Called the large man. His neck was covered with a rather frightening tattoo.
"Welling," Chris replied, not in the least perturbed by the way the man was staring him down.
Giving a nod of approval to his partner, the guard closest to the entrance opened the heavy wooden doors to allow both Chris and Essa through. With Essa beside him, Chris led her down the somewhat quiet hallway of Creston's home. He was familiar with the place seeing as he had spent almost three days a week here – Creston's place was like his second home.
The first thing that caught Essa's attention as she set foot in the Spencer residence was the high ceilings. Dangling from them were tasteful chandeliers that sparkled prettily at the glow of lights. As her eyes trailed down the corridor, she spotted the many paintings hanging off the walls. Approaching a huge canvas, she was pleased to find that it was an abstract.
With her eyes fixated on a specific one, she found herself nodding her head in approval whilst admiring the wonderful colours used in the masterpiece. Unlike normal paintings, this one was filled with paint splatter as well as the use of fingers. It was messy but it was a beautiful jumble.
"You're drooling," she heard Chris say to her right.
She had to admit; whoever was the decorator of this house sure knew what they were doing.
"It's just so..." She drifted at a loss for words. "Let's just say I hadn't expected to find something like this here," she confessed and Chris laughed.
"Ess I have a feeling you'll be amazed by the other things here." He stated and extended his hand out to
her. "Let's go and find the birthday boy. From memory I owe him a few birthday punches,"
Rolling her eyes, Essa grabbed hold of his hand and allowed him to lead the way. "It never fails to amaze me at how violent the male species are."
Smirking, Chris turned to face her. "Trust me, after tonight you'll realise that the male species are angels compared to the females."
About to retort to his comment, Essa had barely formed a coherent sentence when a horde of females came rushing down the hallway – high pitched squealing echoed down the hall. Always a few steps ahead, Essa immediately knew why the girls were here – Chris. Dropping her best friend's hand, she moved aside for the intruders and noticed Chris' blue eyes staring at her as she shuffled away.
"Tynan!" Riana greeted in delight, her auburn hair curled prettily as she pulled the blonde figure in a tight embrace. "I thought you weren't going to come,"
Observing silently, Essa already felt as if she didn't belong. The mob of girls before her was clad in magnificent dresses that were short and revealing. They had their hair done up professionally, and their makeup was painted on with precision. To match their flamboyant outfits, they all had on heels set at a deadly height. Though many of the girls had the body and the looks to attract any man, what made them all appear so alluring was the confidence each and every one of them exuded – not to mention the dazzling smiles etched across their features.
As usual Chris smiled politely at the females that threw themselves at him. He had always lived up to his 'Ladies Man' title. No matter what girl he was with, Chris always made them feel so smart and wanted... Well at least that was how he made Essa feel.
Suddenly self conscious, the ebony haired figure remained motionless – feeling more and more like an outcast with every passing minute. None of the girls had bothered to greet her. Each and every one of them were all too absorbed with Chris' looks and what he had to say to even glance her way.
This was why Essa hated parties. She despised the foreign feeling of not being in familiar surroundings. And I'm definitely a goner tonight… She mentally noted. She hadn't even stepped into the party and already she was having a pessimistic rush. Right now Essa wanted nothing more than to leave.
"I came with Essa," Tynan informed, stepping over to her to grab her arm which caused Essa to snap out of her thoughts.
Five pairs of eyes shifted onto her, only just noticing Essa for the first time. At the sight of her in her lace dress, their smiles faltered for a brief moment. Stepping forward, Riana was the first to make a move. It was evident she didn't like Essa one bit, but she was doing a good job of hiding her emotions.
Placing an arm over Essa's shoulder, the redhead led her away from Chris.
"Oh Essa dear the girls and I weren't expecting you," she stated truthfully, a hint of venom in her tone.
Her eyes locked onto Essa's, ensuring the dark haired beauty caught the real meaning to her words. The smile on her lips was sickeningly sweet whilst she held a dangerous glimmer in her eyes.
Turning to look over her shoulder, the redhead grinned softly as she realised blue orbs were fixated on her. "I'll give her a tour around the place," she notified and was pleased that Tynan hadn't refused her offer.
Realising she was being dragged away from the safety of Chris, Essa walked rigidly – shrugging her body from Riana's hold. She knew what the girl was up to, and if anything she was preparing herself for the ordeal.
Passing many rooms, Essa found herself taking a left and being greeted by another corridor as the music magnified. With her senses sharpened, Essa was aware of Riana discreetly closing the gap she had purposely left between them.
"Just what are you doing here?" The redhead finally asked now that they were a safe distance away from Tynan. "From memory I don't think you were invited to this party," she shot with pure hostility.
Unaffected by Riana's tone, Essa closed the remaining distance between them boldly. If Riana wanted to play nasty, she was more than willing to give the girl a piece of her mind. The last thing Essa was known for was cowardice.
"Well I think you'd need to go and get your brain checked because my dear," she sneered, "My name was on that list and if it gives you the benefit of the doubt, Spencer gave me a personal invitation too."
Crossing her arms, Riana stood straighter. She had definitely not seen that coming as she set some distance between her and the goth. Cassandra had never mentioned Essa coming to Creston's party.
"Well Essa," she practically spat the last word out. "I'd stay away from Cassandra tonight because from your last encounter the two of you hadn't really got off on the right foot. And F.Y.I she's still ready to kill."
Essa smiled sweetly at the word of warning. She had expected something like this to happen but hadn't realised it would be occurring so soon. Throwing the figure beside her a glare, she held her chin up defiance.
"Threatened is she?" Essa queried not expecting a reply. "Tell her not to worry, there's nothing I want from her anyway." She declared and without a moment's hesitation, she entered the lively room filled with blasting music and many faces.
Christopher Welling watched as Riana paused to wait for him. From what he had seen, it was evident that Essa had said something to put the redhead in a sour mood. The smile on her face appeared to be forced as she wrapped her arm around his. Inwardly grinning, his blue eyes moved across the room to the lone figure of Essa. He definitely had to keep a close eye on her tonight. After all, he had promised her he had her back.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Cassandra Wilkins cuddled closer to her boyfriend, busy kissing him senseless as he placed a warm arm around her waist. Tonight was going according to plan as she took a sip from his bottle of beer, leaning into him for another passionate kiss.
She had dressed well for the occasion, choosing a gold halter neck dress and expensive shiny heels. She was saving her birthday present for him lucky last and was certain that he would enjoy it immensely.
Scanning the area, the blonde spotted Riana with her arms all over Tynan. Smiling, Cassandra placed her mouth near Creston's ear.
"Babe, Tynan's here."
Grinning, Creston gave her a hasty peck on the cheek before getting to his feet. Seeing his mate heading towards him, a dazzling smile overtook his features as he noticed Essa's missing presence. He wasn't surprised that the feisty girl wasn't here tonight.
"Creston the big boy," Tynan greeted coyly, shaking himself from Riana's hold.
"Glad you think so too," Creston shot back with a sheepish expression spread across his features.
The boys shared a manly hug before pulling away. Chris pulled out something from his pocket.
"This is for you," he informed. "Didn't take long to find you a nice present this year,"
Grasping the wrapped present in his hand Creston's grin grew wider. "Glad you put so much thought into it," he remarked. "And I should've invited another person to replace your girlfriend's place seeing as she didn't come."
"Well if you already had a substitute in mind I shouldn't have bothered," came a familiar feminine voice from behind Chris.
Stepping aside, Chris moved over to reveal a pretty, dressed up figure. To Creston's utter disbelief, the girl staring back at him was the one and only Essa Evans. He hadn't expected to see her here tonight, but now that she was here, he was shocked by the sight of her. There etched across her features wasn't the usual scowl and glare that appeared to be reserved only for him. Instead, she was currently smirking at him, a brow raised up in question.
"I do believe I owe you this," she stated and stepped forward to hand him a relatively large box that had a nice bow stuck on it.
Shaking his head, Creston stared at her only able to study her in silence. She looked absolutely stunning in a low cut lace dress which flowed down to her knees. Her hair was put up in a simplistic fashion, a few tendrils let loose to surround her face. Her eyes were lined with a bit of makeup, drawing more attention to those mismatched orbs t
hat had caught his eye the first moment he saw her.
"You didn't have to get me anything,"
Shrugging, the corners of her mouth perked up and yet again for the second time that night he was taken aback. She was actually smiling at him rather than frowning like she usually did.
"You requested it," she explained. "And it's the least I could do," she stated politely. It was after all his party and he had invited her, so Essa felt obliged to be a little more civil than usual tonight.
Creston was yet again shocked at the display of graciousness from Essa. Sensing some tension in the air, his eyes scanned Cassandra who was residing behind him – her pale green eyes focussed solely on Essa. Staring at his best mate Chris, they instantly clicked and read one another's mind at the sight of Riana and Cassandra ready to create havoc.