Chapter 7 Is The Party Worth It

Is The Party Worth It?

It was finally Friday, marking the end of Lily's first week as a senior. But on this day, there was an unusual buzz among her classmates. They seemed chattier than usual, discussing something exciting that felt strangely familiar to Lily.

A party?

Lily felt a pang of exclusion as she overheard her classmates enthusiastically talking about an event she knew nothing about. It wasn't just the party itself that made her feel left out; it was also the constant mention of Ethan's name that intensified her sense of isolation. She felt like an outsider, observing from the sidelines as everyone else eagerly engaged in the anticipation.

Andie and her group of friends appeared particularly animated as they chatted. Lily watched them from her seat, contemplating whether she should join in. With a hint of trepidation, she mustered the courage to walk over to them. As she approached, she felt a bit out of place amidst their lively conversation. Nevertheless, she waved at them and greeted them, attempting to become part of the discussion.

"Sorry for interrupting," Lily said. "I keep hearing about a party?"

Andie and her friends looked at Lily with confusion. "Wait, you don't know?" Ella asked.

"Yeah," Lily replied, feeling a bit embarrassed.

Andie looked at Lily incredulously, "The party that's been all over our grade group chat! Everyone's talking about it."

"Oh, I think I'm in that chat, but I never really check it," Lily admitted.

Andie jumped in excitedly, "It's at Ethan's mansion! MJs arranged it. It's going to be epic!"

Lily's heart sank a little, "Wait, whose mansion? And why is MJs arranging a party?"

"Ethan's mansion! You know, the new guy in our grade," Ella explained. "And it's a celebration for us finally making it to twelfth grade."

"What Ethan?" Lily was intrigued, "When is it?" she asked.

"Saturday night, after our first week of school, Isn't it brilliant. It's going to be so much fun," Ella said with a grin.

One of the girls couldn't contain her excitement, "And have you seen Ethan? He's so hot and mysterious. I can't wait to find out more about him at the party."

"I'm more excited to see Ethan's mansion," another girl added, giggling.

"Lily you're coming right," Andie asked Lily who was standing there looking unsure.

Lily felt a bit left out, "I don't know, my parents are very strict when it comes to parties," Lily said, disappointment creeping into her voice.

"Aww, that sucks," one of the girls sneered, and they continued their chat, ignoring Lily's feelings.

"Thanks, though. Bye guys," Lily said as she left them to continue chatting. They were too interested in their conversation to reply.

As Lily left the group, she tried to shake off the feeling of being left out, she finally caught up with her friends after school who were both eager to talk about the party.

"Lily, Lily," Sarah called out. "Are you going to the party? Wait, you've heard of it, right?"

"Yes, I have," Lily replied.

"Oh my gosh, I'm so excited. I can't wait for Saturday," Sarah said, her voice filled with anticipation.

"You're coming, right?" Emily asked.

"I don't know. Maybe I can," Lily replied, feeling unsure.

"What about you, Emily?" Lily asked.

"I'll come if you two are going. I don't want to be alone there," Emily said.

"You guys have to show up for the party no matter what," Sarah urged them.

"I'll try my best," Lily said, feeling the pressure but she hesitated, "I don't know. My parents are strict about parties."

Sarah grinned, "You have to come, Lily!" She added, "You too Emily, it's going to be so much fun. Sneak out if you have to!"

"Um, not so sure about that," Emily said.

Lily bit her lip nervously, "I don't know if I can do that."

As they parted ways, Lily walked home alone. She couldn't help but feel a sense of isolation. Her friends lived close to each other, and she felt like she was always on the outside looking in. It was hard not to feel left out and alone, especially when she couldn't participate in the things her friends were doing, even at school as they were both science students and she wasn't.

She felt like she was missing out on something important, and it made her feel like she didn't belong. She lived in the wealthy neighborhood where Maddison lived, and if she went deeper, she might find Ethan's mansion hidden in between tall trees. She wondered if she should go to the party and take the risk of sneaking out or if she should just stay home and follow her parents' rules.

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When Lily arrived at her house, she kept feeling anxious about how she would explain the party to her parents. She definitely knew they wouldn't be too pleased with her going out on a Saturday night.

"Hey, Mom," Lily welcomed her mom as she finally came back from work. Her mom greeted her warmly but Lily's attention was focused on her father's absence, "When is dad coming home?" she asked.

"Oh, sorry, honey. Both of us were too busy last night and forgot to tell you." Lily's mom said as she added, "Your dad went on an urgent trip this afternoon. He said he'll be back by Sunday morning, or maybe later in the afternoon."

Lily's heart raced with excitement. Her dad was always stricter and more protective of her than her mom, so this was a stroke of luck. Although she loved him dearly, with him gone, Lily felt like she had been granted a small taste of freedom.

Her mom seemed to sense her joy. "Why do you look so happy?" she asked.

Lily stumbled over her words, trying to come up with a believable excuse. "Oh, I am just happy we could have a girls' night out, maybe today or-"

But her mom interrupted her. "Oh, we can't do it on Saturday, though. I'm going to a dinner party with my colleagues from work. But we can do it on Sunday night."

Lily's eyes widened in awe. This was too good to be true. "That's fine, Mom," she said, trying to keep her excitement in check.

"Just because your dad and I won't be around doesn't mean you should misbehave," her mom warned her. "You can study, draw, watch a movie, or play the piano while you wait for me."

Lily nodded eagerly. "Okay, Mom."

"But when will you be coming back?" she couldn't help but ask.

"I think nothing later than 12, though. Anyways, I'll see if I have a chance for us to go out on Sunday. I'm to tired for today."

"It's okay, Mom. Don't stress yourself. We can have it later," Lily reassured her.

"Okay, sweetie. I'm going to change now," her mom said before walking off, leaving Lily in the huge living room.

Lily was left in the huge living room, feeling a mix of emotions. She was grateful for the opportunity to go to the party, but also anxious about the potential consequences if she got caught. Nonetheless, she couldn't resist the excitement of finally having a chance to break the rules.

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Scouring through her closet on a Saturday evening, Lily desperately searched for the perfect outfit for the party. her fingers skimming through hangers and fabrics as Her mind echoed with the words " something hot and simple", hoping to find the ideal combination. that would make heads turn.

Finally, Lily made up her mind, influenced by her friends' opinions. Despite the party starting at 10 PM, the same time as her mom's dinner party, Lily couldn't contain her excitement.

Growing up in a strict family where parties and boyfriends were strictly off-limits. Her dad's curfew of 7 PM added to the constraints, leaving her feeling like an outsider in the realm of teenage revelry. She had only experienced a taste of the party scene once before, at Andie and Sarah's seventeenth birthday party, and even then, she had to leave earlier than everyone else, restricted by her father's protective rules. However, tonight was different. With her dad away on a business trip, Lily saw an opportunity to break free.

Laying out three potential outfits on her bed, Lily couldn't quite decide which one was perfect. Frustrated, she resolved to seek her friends' opinions later. Taking a seat at her study table, she reached for her sketchpad, hoping to find solace in her artwork. She allowed her pencil to lead the way, letting her thoughts drift onto the paper.

As her pencil danced across the paper, a familiar and attractive face emerged on the paper-Ethan's. She tried to portray his features, which she knew better than her own. he had tied his long, dirty blonde hair into a rough ponytail, accentuating his striking facial features. She giggled softly, realizing how much he had consumed her thoughts lately. The prospect of seeing him at the party added to her excitement, it was no surprise that he found his way onto her sketch pad.

Although Lily secretly hoped Madison wouldn't be there. Curiosity lingered in her mind, wondering if her presence would offer any answers.

An hour passed, and Lily finished her portrait of Ethan. An electric surge of excitement rippled through her stomach as her phone chimed, signaling a message from her best friends, Sarah and Emily, in their group chat. She eagerly picked up her phone to read their words.

Sarah's message appeared on the screen;

Sary: Girls, this is our chance to make a lasting impression! We have to look absolutely stunning.

Emy: Let's go for a matching concept, something jaw-dropping and head-turning.

Sary: Keep it hot and let loose!

Lily: OMG, can't wait!

Sary: When is your mom leaving?

Lily quickly replied, her fingers dancing across the screen;

Lily: She'll be gone by 10, so come pick me up at 10:30.

Lily: Emily, what about you?

Emy: Surprisingly, my mom was happy about it. But wants me back by 12.

Lily: Can your mom adopt me? *Screaming and crying*

Sary: Lucky me, no curfew. Hehe.

Lily: Living my dream, fr.

Sary: lol, don't worry about the curfew girls. we just need to have fun, let's go get ready!

Lily rushed towards her bed, she took snapshots of the three outfits she had chosen and sent them to the group chat.

Lily: Which is the best?

Sary: the black gown is absolutely gorge, but the pink crop top and skirt screams Lily!

Emy: Yessss! The pink one adds a cute touch.

Emy: @lily. It's so you, but it needs something. (Thinking face emoji)

Sary: Lily. And add some spice by wearing a black jacket and black boots.

Lily: Really?

Emy: Yes, that's true, trust me!

Sary: @Emily.Wdym trust me?

Emy: @Sarah. Lol (skull emoji)

Lily: Thanks, guys!

Sary: We're going to have the best time ever. Let's get ready.

Lily rushed into the bathroom, feeling the need to fill the remaining time before the party. She scrubbed her body vigorously, wanting to ensure she was squeaky clean, and smooth to the touch. Her thoughts wandered, imagining the possibility of encountering Ethan and engaging in more intimate experiences. She questioned why her mind kept drifting there, but she couldn't deny that it was only natural for such thoughts to arise.

As the warm bubbles enveloped her and the sweet scent of the bath gel filled the air, Lily played out the perfect scenario for the party in her head. Finally emerging from the bath, it was now twenty minutes past nine. She walked over to her closet and hastily grabbed a t-shirt from her closet, opting for one that was long enough to reach her thighs. Taking a deep breath, she opened her bedroom door and quietly made her way down the corridor, her mind spinning with anticipation as she approached her mother's room. Lily knew she had to see what her mom was up to, at least it would help her know what to do next.

Standing in front of the door. taking in deep breaths before landing a knock on the hardwood frame.

"Come in," her mother's voice called from inside the room.

She pushed open the door tentatively and found her mom sitting at her makeup table, radiating beauty even from a distance. Her straight blonde hair was elegantly tied up in a bun, and the blue fabric of her classic dress clung to her body perfectly. It was evident that her mother was ready to go.

"Come over here and help me with this," Mrs. Davis said, holding up a necklace while still facing the mirror.

Lily approached her mother with heavy steps, and her mother handed her the necklace. It was the same necklace Lily's dad had given her mom for her birthday last year, and Lily noticed she was also wearing the matching charm bracelet. Lily carefully placed the necklace around her neck and fastened it.

"Lily," Mrs. Davis began, her voice trailing off, followed by a heavy pause. "Are you going somewhere?"