Chapter 1 1

ARTEMISIA

Loud music blasted from the boombox which was situated beside the huge counter.

Several teenage students could be seen swaying on the dance floor to the rhythm of the sensuous music that has been going on for an hour now.

I sighed for the umpteenth time whilst using my hand to support my chin as I glared at nothing in particular.

My eyes wandered around the room for a brief second, then I shook my head as I found nothing to keep my waning interest.

I wasn't a fan of night parties, but I wondered why I had let Julie talk me into coming with her.

Julie was my best friend since junior year. She had been wanting to get me to attend one of the parties she frequented. Yet, all had been in vain because I often declined her offers whilst lying that something important came up.

I jerked and let out a grimace as I felt a hand draped around my shoulder.

"Loosen up, babes! This is going to be the best night of your life only if you let it." Julie hollered above the loud music.

I winced whilst scrunching up my brows at the loudness of her voice infiltrated my poor sensitive ears.

"You will get me deaf in no time if you keep on yelling like that," I replied, rolling my eyes as she began to twist her waist when another music came on.

"Come on, let's dance." She grinned and staggered towards the dance floor with a red disposable cup filled with a spiked punch in her hand.

I ignored her, still sitting where I was. But, my eyes were on her.

Despite being tipsy, she got a great move. She danced perfectly along to the rhythm of the song. Unlike some of the girls that had been dancing awkwardly.

I believed it was because Julie was part of the dance team and the cheerleader. That was why she could still dance well despite being intoxicated.

A boy with blond hair, who looked about the same age as Julie and I gripped her waist and began to ground into her.

I recognized him instantly. He was Jordan and part of the swim team in Lone Oaks High. Also, he was one of the most popular boys in school.

He was also the host of the party and the boy Julie had been seeing. Might I add, secretly.

Although I wasn't interested in half of the things she was into; partying, drinking, shopping and all. I knew she was seeing him.

Even though she had attempted to keep it a secret.

I came across her diary one day and took a snoop. I didn't mean to. But, I was intrigued by how neatly wrapped the pink notebook had been, unlike mine that looked jagged and old.

So, I was tempted to take a look.

Then, I saw some things she had doodled as well as the part she had confessed having a feeling for him.

I didn't ask her about it. I knew when the time came, she was going to tell me. But, I guessed she wasn't comfortable with it yet.

"Hey, beautiful."

Reluctantly, I peel my eyes away from the dance floor, then back to the bar.

My eyes clashed with a boy who had a cheeky grin on his face. He had a white apron tied around his waist and a baseball cap on his hair which I noticed was in a buzz cut.

I squinted whilst assessing him.

I hadn't seen him before until now. Perhaps, because I was too engrossed in my thoughts to notice him.

"I'm Aaron." He introduced.

"Artemisia," I murmured, eyeing him.

"Like the goddess Artemis?" He tilted his brows.

I shrugged, shaking my head.

"I'm kidding." He chuckled. "Are you from around here? I haven't seen you before. Also, I don't forget a pretty face."

I blush as he winked at me. Like I said earlier, I hadn't seen him before either.

Not even in school. With his look- twinkling teal eyes, chiselled angular face, brown hair and impressive height that could be seen in most of the athletes that attended Lone Oaks High, I could see him being part of the popular crowd.

"Besides, you have a beautiful name and eyes."

"Thank you," I mumbled, politely.

I was aware he was being polite with his compliment. Also, I knew he was hitting on me which I didn't mind.

At least I seemed attractive enough to him.

"You aren't having fun like your friend." He nodded towards the dance floor. "Not a fan of the dancefloor?"

I ignored his question whilst squinting as I searched for Julie.

She wasn't there. Neither was Jordan.

My eyes travelled around the room for a few minutes. Yet, I didn't see the familiar mop of brunette hair. Neither did I see the brand new red halter dress she had donned.

I shrugged and glanced back at Aaron who I noticed was observing me.

I believe she wasn't lost. So, she might have been either in a room or in a corner, making out with Jordan.

"What?"

"What, what?" Aaron retorted, smirking.

"You've been staring at me," I said.

"Don't you like it?" He cocked a bushy brow, then added. "I mean all girls like being stared at."

"Well, I'm not all girls." I rolled my eyes. "It's unnerving. I don't like being stared at."

Aaron chuckled, shaking his head. "You are different."

"Is that awful?"

"No. I like how different you are." He said.

He stared at me for a while, then his eyes flickered to a girl that came for a drink.

I downed the content of the drink he had given to me and winced.

My throat scorched and I shook my head at the burning sensation in my chest.

I blinked back the tears that had gathered at the corner of my eyes and stepped further into the room in search of Julie.

It was getting a bit late and I had promised my parents to arrive home early whenever I left the house.

I know whether I arrived early or not, I was still going to get into trouble for going out without their consent.

I was a goody-two-shoes. I followed all the orders without breaking any rules. My little sister, Emma, was the rebel in the family and different from me.

But, who cares?

It was a day before my graduation and I needed the party to make my final year in high school worthwhile.

Even though I didn't want to go in the first place, I believe it was better than being holed up in the house doing nothing.

★★★★

My nose crinkled as I stepped out of the fifth room in the house.

I had been searching around for Julie for the past hour. Yet, I couldn't find her.

I went back to the dance hall and noticed some of the party-goers had already passed out.

Whilst others were heaving into the trash can, potted flour and anything they could see.

I gagged as a blonde staggered towards me. She had barf on her clothes and I wondered what she would have done if she had been in the right state of mind.

"Julie!" I called out as I stepped out of the door.

I inhaled and let it out slowly as frigid air smacked my face.

I rubbed my palms on my exposed skin and shivered slightly.

I didn't know it would be this cool. Because since the past week, it has been warm. Also, it hardly gets cold at this time of the year in Lanes.

It was a wonder tonight was cold.

Perhaps, the weather report I had checked earlier had been wrong.

I shrugged, walking around the parking lot of the house.