Well, crap…you guys came me 50 the same day I posted! I had to write this fast to live up to my word. :D I hope you enjoy. Some more drama but the Mya thing's going to end soon. We have a new antagonist appearing sometime in the next few chapters…lots of fun. X3

This time to get another chapter…let's see if I can get to 65:D There's 53 people watching this story, I KNOW you guys can do it!

Chapter 7: The Party

To go inside or not to go inside…that is the question. And has been for the last twenty minutes.

I couldn't seem to bring myself to get out of my precious beetle bug and go inside Isaac's house. The place was already pumping with loud music and people kept heading in from all around. But I couldn't do it. I had never been to a party, never been a party goer…none of these kind of girls. And I certainly didn't know how to act around guys. Isaac was different…but other guys…

I tapped my steering wheel, impatient with myself. I told Evelyn I would be there. And I owed her that much didn't I? After all, my boyfriend was about to break her heart…

I sighed and groaned. "Come on, Serenity. Get a grip! What's the worse that could happen?"

With that I kicked the door open and headed out, locking my lovely car before walking up the steps to Isaac's house. Of course, he was rich. He had told me about his parents and that they were wealthy but I hadn't expected such a huge house. It was…actually kinda disturbing. I missed my tiny little two-bedroom place already.

I stared at the door hesitantly, wondering if I should knock or just walk in. A couple walked up the steps behind me and shoved past, opening the door. I glowered at them before following.

The lights were dimmed and there was moving bodies everywhere. I felt like a fish out of water as girls swayed in ways…I've never swayed before and guys eyes them like hawks. There were couches against the walls, girls and boys already on it making out and drinking. The music was coming from a large stereo in the main room and there was a long table next to it filled with cups of soda and beer.

I shrugged in and had to apologize about a hundred times as I was shoved into people, stepped on their toes and so on. It was stupid. I found a couch against the wall that was empty and plopped down on it. Why was I here again?

"Serenity! I thought you'd never get here!" I looked up and saw Evelyn standing above me. Her accent was in full power right now and her dark cheeks were flushed. I think the party brought something out in her. She looked like she fit right in too, like she was part of the popular crowd. Her jean skirt ended just above her knees and she had on flashy black boots. Her red top was long sleeved but hugged her features. She didn't look slutty…but she was hot and she knew it.

Her brown hair bounced around her face as she sat herself beside me. "Isn't this party just awesome?"

I nodded, trying to be enthusiastic. "Of course! Great music."

That was a lie. If there was one thing I hated, it was hip-hop. And Ciara was cooing through the speakers at just that moment.

"I know! I love this song!" Evelyn grinned.

She leaned back a little, her pose suggestive to the moving boys around our couch. "So…" Her tone was a little quieter. "Have you seen Isaac?"

"No," I replied and I had to say that disappointed me greatly. He was definitely my relief…and I hadn't even seen him yet.

"Oh," she replied. "Serenity, I'm really sorry about that whole…mix-up and yelling at you. I know you and Isaac are just friends."

Right. Just friends. That make out. All the time…

"It's…okay," I muttered.

"Good!" she beamed. She sighed. "He's just so…I don't know, rebellious. It's kind of attractive. That he doesn't care what people think and that he's a rebel."

You don't even know him.

"He's so sweet too…I bet he's had loads of girlfriends though."

Hm, true. I need to ask him about his dating history.

"Do you think…he's interested in me?"

Wrong question.

"Ummm…"

Evelyn turned to me with a horrified expression on her face. "You don't?"

"I don't know, honestly," I replied weakly. I couldn't tell her that of course he wasn't interested.

She lowered her head. "Maybe I shouldn't go after him…"

"About that," I said, eager. Maybe I could tell her now and she'd forgive me. "Listen, I was thinking a lot and I have to tell you-"

"Hello ladies," a voice said from above us.

We both looked up and saw Isaac grinning down from us. My heart melted. He was in a different outfit that usual, a dark green t-shirt on his chest and black slacks on the bottom. His hair was spiked and his casual smirk seemed wider than usual tonight.

"Hey, Isaac," Evelyn said, her admiration for his new look apparent. Extremely apparent. So apparent she voiced it aloud. "You're looking fine tonight."

"As are you," he said with a small smile at her. He looked at me then and my heart reassembled itself to get stuck in my throat. "Wow, Ren…you're looking good too."

I blushed furiously and muttered a thanks, trying to be nonchalant. Okay, so I totally chickened out on going on strike and dressing down for the party. I ended up wearing a light blue tang-top with tight-ish black jeans. I left my hair down, wore a black and blue necklace that shined…and ditched my hat.

I had debated with myself for nearly an hour if I should take my hat or not but I finally decided I would look even more stupid if I showed up with a dark green hat in this outfit than without it.

Evelyn squirmed a little and spoke up. "So, Isaac, how've you been lately?"

"Fine," he replied with a nod. Another hip-hoppy song came on. He outstretched a hand to Evelyn. "Want to dance."

Her eyes brightened. "Of course!"

She dashed ahead and flew into the crowd, forcing him to trail after her. He paused though and looked at me. "Ren…"

"Go," I sighed and smiled a little. "Try really hard to be a bad date."

He narrowed his eyes. "This is anything but a date, Ren."

I nodded and he disappeared into the crowd. Almost immediately my depression returned. I was glad they were out of sight. I almost cried just thinking about them swaying with each other.

"Hey, you're the girl that made Mya pissed, huh?" a voice called.

I looked up for the third time to meet the wild blue eyes of a handsome teen. He was dressed down, like I should've been in jeans and a tight body-builder shirt with a snake on it. He had on flip flops and there was another snake tattooed to his arm. But he made it work with his muscular build and attractive face.

But his comment made my mood blacker. "Yeah? What's it to you?"

He chuckled. "Nothing. I used to date her. She's a damn hassle that girl."

I blinked. "Wait…you aren't the other cousin, are you?"

He chuckled again. "Naw, I wouldn't fight over a chic like those wimps. If I did I wouldn't have blamed it on a girl."

Huh, he isn't too bad after all. And he looks familiar…sounds familiar. He grinned at me and gestured to the empty couch. "Mind if I sit?"

"Not at all," I replied.

He smiled. "You don't know me, do you?"

"Sorry," I said, sheepish. "You're incredibly familiar but eh…"

"Seiji," he said, extending a large hand. "I'm your class clown."

I nodded, now finally putting a name to a face. Of course. He was one of the trouble makers in Shott's room. The one with the stupid superhero question. Gotcha.

"So I thought you were in league with Mya," I said, leaning forward and settling my head on my palm. "You don't mind that I've created the biggest drama this town has seen in years?"

He snorted. "Of course not. She deserves it for letting those cousins walk all over her."

I sighed. "I honestly don't understand how she could let that happen."

"You and the rest of the world," he winked. "So how come you aren't dancing?"

I froze. "Uh…I…uh-"

He took my hand abruptly then and led me out onto the floor. I was absolutely shell-shocked. I hadn't danced in front of people before in my life and certainly not with another boy. Needless to say I was frightened.

Seiji dragged me out there on the floor to the hyped up beat and began moving with ease in front of me. I stood there and rubbed my arm, feeling extremely uncomfortable. I knew I'd look like an idiot either way I moved. So what could I do? Nothing.

"C'mon, girl!" Seiji encouraged, winking again. I frowned, and ducked my head. Maybe it wasn't such a good idea to come without a hat. I couldn't hide myself…I couldn't shield myself. And my cheeks were already flaming.

Seiji, stopped, realizing something was wrong and bent forward to hear my voice, touching my arm. "Hey, what's up?"

"Uh…I'm not much of a party-goer…" I said, avoiding his gaze.

"Oh come on," he breathed. "You're looking sweet tonight, I'm sure your dancing is just as nice."

My stupid cheeks. But honestly, I didn't know what this guy was trying to pull. When had he bothered showing attention to me before? I backed up.

"Uh…I'm going to go get a drink…" I mumbled lowly and backed out of the crowd. Luckily, I still hadn't found Isaac or Evelyn. I bet she could dance good. I bet I wasn't even close to dancing as good as her.

Seiji merely nodded and found another girl to sway with. Good. I didn't need his strange sense of humor…or his attention. I was happily taken. The ninny.

I headed to the drink table and was disgusted to see the beer. It's strange smell hit my sensitive nose bad and I immediately whirled away from it, feeling sick. I dove into the kitchen and braced myself for support against the counter.

What was I doing here? Did I really need to be here for Isaac to make Evelyn hate him? No. So why was I here? Why…why did I bother coming? I sighed. I wasn't enjoying myself. Isaac was the only reason I'd enjoy myself at all in a scene like this and he wasn't at my leisure.

"What the hell are you doing here?"

I turned, my stomach lurching more at the voice. Mya stood there in the doorway from the other room, her green eyes so alike Isaac's piercing into my face. I think she was tearing me to itty bitty pieces.

"Uh…getting…a breather," a said weakly, pushing myself off the counter and facing her warily.

She sneered. "Who gave you permission to come to my party?"

I had to match her expression then. "Your brother."

I think I made it worse. She stalked forward and stopped only feet away. "Get out now. You have no right to be here! No one wants to see your pathetic little face anyway."

"I don't have to listen to you," I snapped. I wanted to leave, honest. But it was those rebellious teenage hormones, I tell you! "This isn't just your party."

Mya scowled. "Well, Isaac isn't here right now, is he? She gestured toward the open doorway, a smirk on her lips. "He's having fun."

I almost didn't follow her gaze. But I did and I shouldn't have. Because there was Isaac…looking absolutely gorgeous and dancing with Evelyn. I was never more right when I said Evelyn could dance. And Isaac was enjoying himself. A big sexy smile was on his lips and he watched her move.

I paled and whirled back to face her, trying to hide my new pain. "It means nothing. I trust him." I trust him. I trust him. I trust him. I trust him.

"Sure," she cooed. "But you know, how could you ever compare to her? I mean she's barely something herself, but you? You're a geek. You're a bookworm, a nothing."

My small temper flared. "Oh shut up! At least I don't let boys fight over me!"

The slap echoed throughout the hallway and the people nearest to the doorway stopped dancing to watch. I held my face, my eyes tearing up. I was sick of this.

"Don't. You. Ever. Talk. About. That. Again," she growled, her voice low.

I shook my head and wiped my eyes. "You really are pathetic aren't you?"

This time it was a shove. I wasn't preparing for more than a slap so I toppled backward, my hands flailing out and swatting a pan on the counter. The pan roared as it hit the ground. I cried out as my head slammed against the wood and bumped to the ground.

I was dizzy and in pain. I held my head and tried to stand but my world was spinning. I think I wanted to stand but I wasn't sure.

"Now leave!"

I wanted to. I got to my knees and tried to stand but I was too dizzy and fell back again.

"Ren? Ren!"

I felt my chest ache at the voice and when his hands came to touch me I shoved them away.

"Serenity, what happened?" he demanded, trying to help me again. "What did you do?"

It took me a second to realize his second demand was directed at Mya.

"Nothing she didn't deserve," Mya stated simply.

I guess she flounced out then because Isaac redirected his attention to me. "Ren, let me help."

"No," I growled, shoving him away again. I made it to my feet then. I felt so much worse as he continued to try and help. "Why don't you go dance some more?"

"What?"

"You seemed to- to- to really be enjoying yourself!" I finally managed to snap. I looked up at him and he saw my fury.

"Wait, Serenity-"

"Serenity? Isaac? What happened?" Evelyn.

She looked from me to him, her eyes etched with worry. I glared at her. "Are you happy now? You got him! You got him!"

Confusion swept across her features and she looked at Isaac. He ran a hand through his hair. "I didn't get a chance to-"

I just stomped my foot and shook my head. "Just- just stop. This is…this was too much."

And I fled again. I seemed to be doing that a lot lately but I wasn't thinking clearly. Emotional overload definitely…

Isaac called after me and you honestly have no idea how easily it was for me to contemplate turning around and forgiving him. Because I was going to be an incredible wreck the second I was home. Hopefully Ms Charleston would have surprised my dad with a date tomorrow so…I could cry and eat mashed potatoes in peace.

But I didn't turn around and I made it to my car. And I started crying. Isaac only made it worse by racing to meet me all the way out there. I was going to drive away like a good woman-power girl should've done but I didn't want to risk hitting him. So when he opened the passenger door and slid in next to me, I didn't fight or start yelling or anything. I was not tough and this was my first real relationship. I was a wuss.

"Serenity," he pleaded. His voice was pleading. I shut the car off but My hands stayed clutching the wheel as I began to cry some more.

This time when he reached over to hold me, I didn't push him away. I was way too dependant on him. He wrapped his arms around me and I leaned against his chest, my shoulders shaking as I cried like an idiot.

"Ren…Ren…" he whispered, stroking my hair and saying nothing but my name.

We stayed like that for a few minutes, saying nothing, the only sounds being his soft whispers and my quieting sobs. When I was finally quiet enough he spoke.

"Serenity, I would never, ever, ever cheat on you," he began, his voice fierce. "You have to understand that. Please…"

I just nodded, okaying him to continue.

"I…didn't like the plan we had originally anymore," he said slowly.

I waited.

"I didn't like leading her on…and that day when I called her into lunch, I acted like the biggest jerk I could possibly be…and it didn't really work," he said. He shifted, still running a hand through my hair. "So I had a different plan…I was going to tell her the truth. That we were dating…"

"Why didn't you tell me?" I wanted to slam my head against the steering wheel for my voice cracking.

"Because I…" he shifted uncomfortably again. He sighed. "Would I sound like a complete idiot if I told you I was unsure how to ask you about it?"

"No…"

"I'm new at this relationship too…I've dated but I've only had one other serious girlfriend and she-" he broke off. I twisted, trying to see his expression but he held me fast. "She wasn't good for me at all. I don't know how to say things…how to act…"

I couldn't believe it. Isaac was actually unsure about our relationship…here I thought he was so confident and knew exactly what he was doing. Wow.

"But…I talked to her while we were dancing," he said. "She…was definitely upset at first." I felt him shake his head at the memory. "She was really upset. She was going to find you too and demand…and…demand to know why you didn't tell her but I talked her out of it. I knew it would kill you if that happened."

I smiled a little, wiping my eyes. "Yeah…it would've. I would've slugged you too."

"You probably hit hard," he said. I could hear relief in his voice.

"I do," I said, adding a little cheek in my tone.

He sighed again. "So I talked her down…and about…stuff. I told her that I did like her but there was no way I could ever be with her when I had you."

"So…you like her?"

"Not the way you're thinking right now, Ren," he said. "Sure she is attractive…in her own kind of way. But she's got nothing on you."

I sighed. "But I'm not nearly as pretty."

He snorted. "Serenity, you can't be serious."

I tugged away so I could look at him. He frowned at my expression. "You are?"

I glared. He shook his head and cupped my cheek with a hand. "Serenity…you're beautiful."

And then he kissed me. I don't know what it was about Isaac that made his kisses seem…so absolutely wonderful. But he did. He made them the greatest things in the world. I threw my arms around his neck and he held me close. A shock sent spiraling down my spine when his hand slid under my shirt to hold my bare back.

We broke away, gasping for breath as usual but he rested his lips against my forehead and we sat there, unmoving again. "I never meant to hurt you."

"I know…I just…" I sighed. "Nevermind."

He lifted his head and tilted my chin to look up at him. "What, tell me."

I shook my head. "It's nothing…just silly girl troubles."

Isaac studied me for a moment before sighing as well. "You know…you're something else."

I blushed a little. "I'm sorry for freaking out…I…I haven't dated at all in my life…heck, you were my first kiss. I don't know how to react…I don't know what to do…when things like this happen."

"Well, you were just fine," he said quietly. "I got carried away…I like dancing and Evelyn…she was…pretty good at it."

I bit my lip. "I'm sorry I can't."

"Nonsense," he scoffed. "I bet you can…you're just a lot more modest than Evelyn."

I let it slide. If I ever ended up dancing in front of Isaac, I knew I'd make a fool of myself and he'd see what a mistake it was for us to be together. Because I so cannot dance. I'm so incredibly awkward on the dance floor that I'd probably injure half the people around me and murder the rest.

"What did Mya do?" his voice was now low and dangerous.

I slowly related everything that happened in the kitchen. It took him a few tries to get out the physical parts in it but by the end of my little tale he was seething. "That's it. I'm through leaving you alone. Every time I leave you alone something happens. And Mya…" He gritted his teeth together and shook his head. "I won't let her do this any longer. And I'm going to have to go to jail too…"

"What, why?" I demanded, alarmed.

He grinned, impish, but tired. "I'm going to have to murder the next person that tries to touch you."

I snuggled closer to his chest. "You won't commit suicide will you?"

He leaned down and kissed my jaw. "Of course not," he breathed. "That rule only applies to outsiders."

I grinned a little and felt, for once that day, absolutely content.

AAAAAAAAAAA

I didn't end up going back inside but Isaac went in to fetch Evelyn to sort the rest of our problems out and ended up coming back with her and Seiji as well. I had no idea why Seiji bothered coming but it couldn't be helped. Isaac plopped down in the front seat with me and Seiji and Evelyn sat in the back.

I started the car. "Where to?"

"How about the pizza joint?" Isaac suggested quietly. He could feel the tension as well as I could.

I glanced in my rearview mirror at Evelyn but she only looked back at me, no accusations or anger…but a little pain. I groaned inwardly. This was going to be hard for her too.

I drove silently but Seiji kept talking the whole way about random things, making fun of my dancing at one point. Isaac was the only one who replied and those were short and polite. Evelyn and I stayed silent and though I wanted dearly to hold Isaac's hand for a little emotional support, we remained untouching for my friend's sake. Isaac and I did share private glances though, expressing our worries…regrets and pains in just our looks.

We reached the pizza place in no time, went in and found a table. Despite the situation the memories of my first visit at that pizza shop flooded in and a gave Isaac a small smile that he returned briefly.

We sat and then Isaac got up abruptly. "Come on, Seiji. Let's order…these girls don't know how to order it right." He winked at me as Seiji followed silently and I felt my heart sink. Stupid traitor. Right when I needed him.

Evelyn looked at me, waiting. I sighed. "I'm sorry. I know that doesn't make up…for anything I've done to you at all…but I don't really know what else to say."

"Why didn't you just tell me?" she asked voice catching. She glared at me. "I thought we were better friends than that."

"We are!" I insisted. I sighed. "Look…I was…unsure of how to tell you."

I blinked. Now I really understood how Isaac felt. Guilt for freaking out at him earlier slammed into me hard again and I avoided glancing at his back.

"But, this is so much worse!"

"I know," I said, ducking my head. "I…I was worried. You made me promise not to like him and then you always talked about him like you were in love and…I just felt like an idiot."

"I was the idiot for making your promise something so stupid," she sighed. She glanced at Isaac's back for me. "But I couldn't help it. I was so worried…he's just…"

"I know," I said again and this time I really, truly knew.

She nodded. "Look, just tell me from now on."

"You would've been upset," I said.

"Either way, I would've liked to have heard it from you, rather than him," she said with another tired sigh. I think we were all mentally exhausted by then.

I was quiet for a moment and then I looked up at her. "How can you be so forgiving?"

She blinked and then laughed. "It's all right, really. I think I was more in love with the idea of a guy liking me than actually liking him." She frowned. "It does hurt, don't get me wrong. But not as much as I expected…I guess it really wasn't more than a crush."

I couldn't help but grin back at her. She smiled lightly and then sighed. "So you'll have to call me later tonight and tell me how exactly you two got together." She rolled her eyes. "I'm sure it's totally dramatic and cute."

I smiled a little and remembered how exactly we did get together.

"You mean…this is something you haven't been feeling before?"

"Are you kidding? I've never felt like this before…"

"Don't worry," I said, feeling light and airy. "I'll tell you all about it."

Isaac and Seiji returned with the pizza and we began to eat. The dinner went well, better than I would've expected. It was interesting watching my friends at around each other. The air around Isaac and Evelyn was strange but reasonable and though I still had no idea what Seiji's business was, he fit well into our mismatched batch of friends.

After dinner, I dropped Seiji and Evelyn off at their houses, getting Evelyn's number to talk to her later tonight and drove to Isaac's in a comfortable silence. Our hands were finally locked, but not for emotional support…just because we could.

I slowed to a stop, my old brakes whining as we halted in front of his massive house. He turned and looked at me, his green eyes shining. "I'm still sorry about that, Ren…"

I shook my head. "Forget it, Isaac. I'm over it…and I'm glad you were honest."

He smiled a little and moved to leave but I caught his arm. "I almost forgot to ask…would you mind coming to dinner tomorrow? At my place…" I blushed. "My dad wants to meet you. He doesn't…he's not so sure about me dating you because Ms. Charleston did kinda tarnish your rep."

"Ah, Charleston," Isaac said with a bored sigh. "Yeah, of course, what time?"

"Six," I replied. I bit my lip from warning him of any danger signs. I trust him.

He saw my expression and grinned. "Don't worry, Ren. I have rich perfectionists for parents. I think I can handle this."

I smiled, my doubts gone for the moment.

He grinned then. "And you know what Monday is, right?"

I blinked. "No…am I supposed to?"

He leaned in then and kissed me once tenderly on the lips. He pulled away just so he could speak, our foreheads still touching. "It's the day we tell the world that you're mine and I'm yours."

I smiled as he shut the door and headed into the house. I liked that idea very much.

A/N: Remember! We're trying for 65! Don't cheat with one word comments either. D: Be fair. I give you chapters and I want to know honest opinions!