Chapter 4 High School Drama

As Emily walked out of Mr. Parker's classroom, a mixture of excitement and apprehension swirled in her chest. What had he wanted to talk to her about? His words still echoed in her mind-something about "potential" and "opportunities." But before she could dissect it further, the chaotic energy of Oakdale High School swallowed her whole.

The hallways were a cacophony of slamming lockers, the chatter of students exchanging gossip, and the occasional shout from a teacher trying to maintain order. She sighed, clutching her books tighter against her chest as she wove through the crowd, just another student in the sea of teenage existence.

But as she neared her locker, her stomach tightened. Sarah and Matt stood there, locked in a heated discussion, their faces alight with urgency. Their expressions shifted when they noticed her approaching.

"Hey, Em!" Sarah's eyes sparkled with excitement as she practically bounced on her feet. "We were just talking about the party this weekend."

Emily raised an eyebrow. "What party?"

Matt leaned against the locker beside hers, his trademark grin in place. "Jake's party. It's gonna be insane. Everyone's going."

Emily hesitated. The idea of a party at Jake's-one of the most popular guys in school-wasn't exactly appealing. She didn't thrive in the party scene. In fact, she usually avoided it. She had stacks of homework waiting for her, not to mention the looming pressure of upcoming exams. But Sarah's pleading gaze and Matt's expectant smile made her feel like she was being backed into a corner.

"I don't know, guys," she said, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "I've got a lot to do."

Sarah groaned, linking her arm through Emily's. "Oh, come on! You never go to these things. It's senior year! You can't just hide in your books forever."

"Yeah," Matt chimed in, nudging her playfully. "What's the worst that could happen?"

Emily bit her lip. She wasn't sure if it was peer pressure or the small pang of guilt gnawing at her, but she found herself nodding. "Okay, fine. I'll go."

Sarah squealed, clapping her hands together. "Yes! This is going to be legendary."

Matt smirked, slinging an arm around both of them as they headed toward their next class. "Trust me, Em. You won't regret this."

But Emily had a nagging feeling that wasn't entirely true.

The buzz around Jake's party had reached a fever pitch by the time Friday rolled around. The halls were filled with murmurs of who was bringing what, which couples were likely to get together, and the inevitable drama that would unfold.

Emily couldn't shake her nerves. As much as she tried to act nonchalant, the idea of stepping into a house filled with drunk teenagers and loud music wasn't her ideal Friday night. Still, she had promised Sarah and Matt.

She stood in front of her closet, rifling through outfits. What did one even wear to a party like this? She settled on a pair of dark jeans and a fitted top, opting for casual over trying too hard. A knock on her bedroom door made her jump.

Her younger brother, Liam, poked his head in. "You? Going to a party? Did hell freeze over?"

Emily rolled her eyes, throwing a pillow at him. "Shut up."

Liam laughed, dodging the pillow with ease. "Just saying. Don't do anything stupid."

"I won't."

"Right." He smirked before disappearing down the hall.

Emily took a deep breath. This was just one night. What was the worst that could happen?

Jake's house was already packed by the time she arrived with Sarah and Matt. The bass from the music pulsed through the ground, shaking the walls. The front yard was littered with people holding red solo cups, laughing too loudly and already tipsy.

"Stick with us," Sarah said, grabbing Emily's wrist. "We'll have fun."

Emily wasn't convinced.

Inside, the party was even more chaotic. The air was thick with the smell of alcohol and sweat. People were crammed into every available space, dancing, shouting, and making reckless choices.

Matt disappeared almost instantly, drawn into a drinking game in the kitchen. Sarah led Emily toward a couch where some of their classmates were sitting, already looking halfway drunk.

Emily perched on the armrest, trying to ignore the uneasy feeling settling in her gut.

That's when she saw him.

Across the room, leaning against the wall with a beer in hand, was Ryan Carter. The boy she'd had a crush on since sophomore year. He was laughing at something his friend said, his eyes crinkling at the corners.

Sarah noticed her staring and smirked. "You should talk to him."

Emily's heart pounded. "What? No."

Sarah rolled her eyes. "Come on, Em. What do you have to lose?"

Before she could protest, Ryan's eyes met hers. And then-he smiled.

Emily swallowed hard. Maybe this party wouldn't be so bad after all.

But she had no idea just how wrong she was.