“I don’t know how I feel about this party,” said Lucita, lying on Silvia’s surprisingly bright pink sheets.

“Why?”

“Cause,” she said, hoisting herself up, crossing her legs beneath her, “I don’t like that Amelia chick.”

“Why? Cause you have a crush on Jason?”

“I do not! Now, come on, tell me that girl doesn’t give you a bad feeling. It’s obvious she likes him.”

Silvia sighed. “Yeah, okay, I get a bad feeling. And I know it’s bad because Blake agreed with me.”

“Oh, see, that’s creepy. That’s like an omen of doom.”

“Don’t be so dramatic, Luce.”

“What? You guys never agree on anything.”

“Yeah, I know.” Silvia sighed.

“So what are we going to do?”

Silvia shrugged. “Do you know what’s even going on between them?”

“Not a clue,” said Lucita, shaking her head. “I know things have been tense between them for a while, but I don’t understand why. At the pool party this summer, before I left, everything seemed to sickenly sweet and perfect between them.”

“They were super sweet with one another, weren’t they.”

“Like I said, too perfect. But I prefer them like that versus like this. It feels like Liz is a time bomb waiting to explode.”

“Do you really think she will?” Silvia grabbed her makeup bag. Unlike Lucita, she needed some makeup, something to hide the big pores on her eyes, and bags under her eyes. But right now, Lucita had her eyes caked in black eyeliner, purposefully smudged on her waterline and blue eyeshadow. It was a bit much, even for Luci.

“If Amelia keeps flirting with him like she does now as if Liz doesn’t exist, oh yeah. Who wouldn’t, dude.”

Silvia sighed, staring at Luci through her mirror. “I was really hoping for a drama-free year.”

“You and me both. I thought that was why we plotted to get rid of Tiffany.”

“Technically, that was Blake.”

“He’s lucky I only punched him. I have half a mind to kick him in the balls.”

“We’re supposed to be nice.”

“Yeah, yeah, I know.” Lucita grabbed Silvia’s grey stuffed bunny and hugged it tightly. “You don’t suppose they were dating then, do you?”

“Who knows, probably not yet. Becca definitely would have said something about you punching him if they had been.”

“Hmm, I guess that’s true.”

Lucita bit her lower lip, and Silvia stared at her friend. She knew exactly what was on her mind.

“How’s Cyrus?”

Lucita threw the bunny on the bed, digging her nails into the sheets. “Ugh, he’s dating that girl!”

“Tiffany?”

“Please don’t say that name. Every time I remember what her name is, I end up picturing her! And then I picture him and her together, making me want to gouge my eyes out.”

“Then ask for a picture.”

“Because that’s not obsessive at all. Hey Cyrus, can I have a picture of your girlfriend? I just wanna make sure you’re not dating evil incarnate.”

“I guess the direct approach really wouldn’t work, huh.”

“No, not really, Vee! Ugh!” Lucita threw herself back onto the bed, dramatically kicking her legs into the air. “It’s just so frustrating!”

“I think you’re just paranoid.”

“Well, duh. My mom could tell you that.” She sat back up. “It just doesn’t make me feel good. Like, I have a bad feeling, Vee, about everything.”

Silvia sighed, dumping her makeup over her vanity. She couldn’t deny that it was all just…weird. Too many coincidences, too much going on. Staring at her makeup, she grabbed her eyeliner, only to have Lucita snatch it from her hand.

“I don’t know why you’re wasting time on your makeup. You’re perfect.”

“Luce—”

“Come on! You have big, beautiful eyes, and the eyeliner will only make them look smaller. Just use some mascara and lip gloss.”

Sometimes, she loved her friend, this girl who did so much to make everyone feel better.

“You’re one to talk. Look at you.”

“I have an image I have to protect. You guys keep saying I’m sweet and thoughtful; it’s going to ruin me. Now, come on, Jason just texted me saying B and B are already with him. They’re in the parking lot waiting on us.”

“B and B?”

“Becca and Blake, duh. Technically, it should be R and B, but B and B sounded cuter.”

“I can’t believe you gave them a ship name. You’re insane.”

“Uh, duh! Now come on let’s go.” Lucita tugged at her arm, pulling her along after her. Both girls slipped into their shoes at the doorway, saying goodbye to Vee’s mom, who was too busy with her boyfriend to pay them any mind.

Leading the way, Lucita skipped, actually skipped, down the stairs in her black wedge sandals.

“So Vee, is he like living with you guys now?”

“He might as well. He’s here almost every day. God, he’s so annoying, acting like he’s my dad or something.”

“At least you have someone.”

“What?”

“Nothing, don’t worry about it. So, what should we do at this party, hmm?”

“Not let that weasel, Amelia, make a move on Jason.”

“Sounds like a plan.”

“You know, you should—”

“Nope, don’t even finish that thought. Jason and I do not like each other. I like Francis.”

“Glad to hear it.”

“Yup. Francis is also going to be at the party. Now, move it. The last thing I want is for that girl to be the next Tiffany.”

“Oh, that’s a scary thought. If it makes you feel better, I think she only likes Jason.”

“That does not make me feel better, Silvia.” Silvia almost laughed as she followed Lucita as she led the way to the parking lot where Jason, Blake, and Becca stood waiting.

“About time,” said Blake, his arms wrapped tightly around Becca’s waist. It bothered Silvia. It really bothered her more than it should have. She hated that they were dating, but Silvia made a promise to Lucita, and she was obligated to stay by Rebecca’s side through thick or thin. So she smiled as much as she could.

“I had to put on my face, dude. But we’re here now.”

“Awesome, let’s load up.” Lucita nudged Vee in the side, giving her a smile. Vee rolled her eyes and let herself be dragged to the minivan that waited for them.

Amelia threw her arms around Jason as he walked through the door. Looking over her shoulder, he caught sight of Liz, who stood with her arms crossed, a red plastic cup in her right hand.

“I love group hugs,” he heard Lucita exclaim as she wrapped her arms over their shoulders.

“Same,” said Blake. He stepped up on the other side and copied Luci’s movements. They both shared a look that Jason didn’t quite like or trust. And when Blake’s arms moved down across Amelia’s waist, pulling her away slightly, he liked that even less. But Jason laughed, fully aware that his girlfriend was watching, like this was some big joke. A part of him was thankful. All he needed right now was for Liz to be mad at him. But why should she? A girl he knew gave him an innocent hug. There was no reason for everyone to get involved with it, no reason for Liz to be upset about it.

All he wanted was one day where his girlfriend didn’t look at him like he had just murdered someone.

“Hey,” he said, stepping up to her, kissing the top of his head.

“What was that about?”

“What? Amelia? That was just a hug. It’s not that big of a deal, Liz.”

“You sure about that?”

Jason resisted the urge to roll his eyes. “Yes, Liz. Look, I know she has a crush on me, but I don’t like her that way.”

“Yeah, that I know, Jason.” Turning her back on him, she made her way to her friends, all surrounding Amelia. They were obviously trying to keep her busy and away from Jason. But this was her house and party, so he doubted they would succeed all night.

Stepping up to Elizabeth’s side, he smiled at everyone, then made eye contact with Lucita, who had her arm draped over Amelia’s shoulder oh so very casually, like they were the best of friends. There was no fooling her.

“I was just telling Amelia she has a great place. Can we get a tour?”

“Um, okay, I guess. I mean, it’s really basic—”

“Show us around,” said Silvia, “I would love to see your bedroom. I need some decorating tips.”

“She’s not lying. Her sheets are pink. We have to remedy that.”

“Oh, okay, I guess.” The three of them left, leaving Becca behind, oblivious to the situation.

“That’s strange.”

“Isn’t it,” commented Liz, sipping her drink.

The next hour was just as bad.

Everyone laughed and had fun dancing and chatting with one another. Everyone but Liz. She occasionally commented and laughed but barely uttered a word to Jason.

Making his way to the kitchen, he stared at the assortment of 2-liter sodas on the counter.

“Penny for your thoughts?”

Cocking his head to the side, he smiled at Lucita. “I can’t decide which soda to drink.”

“Mmm, that is quite the dilemma,” she said, making her way to his side. “My preference would be Sprite or Coca-Cola. I can’t stand Pepsi, too sweet.”

“I thought you didn’t drink soda.”

“Sometimes I get a craving for it. Besides, it’s all she has to drink. Would it kill her mother to have gotten some apple juice? I fucking love apple juice.”

Jason laughed. “Imma get the sprite.”

“Good choice. Now,” she said, crossing her arms, staring him down, “what’s going on with you and Liz? You guys were perfect this summer. Does it have something to do with Amelia?”

“Something like that,” he said, filling a cup with ice. This was not a conversation he wanted to have with Lucita. He didn’t want to look at her and think about how his insides twisted when he saw her; he didn’t want to stare too long at her lips he so badly wanted to kiss.

“I don’t get it, dude. I leave for Chicago and come back, and everything is tense between you two. It can’t just be Amelia.”

Jason sighed, closing his eyes. “She thinks I have a crush on you.”

“But you don’t.”

“Right.” Wrong. “But she doesn’t listen to me. I don’t know. It bothers her how close we are, and I guess Amelia’s crush isn’t helping.”

“Amelia really likes you.”

“Yeah, you’ve said as much.”

“No, dude, I mean, the girl really likes you. I may have snooped into her diary. She’s sort of in love with you. And she’s clearly not shy about letting people know it.”

“Okay, and you’re telling me this because?”

“Because if neither you nor Liz are happy, you should break up.”

“Awesome advice, Luce.”

“Hey, don’t get pissy with me. I get it, it sucks, but ask yourself, are you happy? Because to everyone else looking in, ya’ll are miserable.”

“Well, we’re not. Not miserable.” Lie. “I like Liz. I want to be with her.”

“Then show her, dude. How about you guys ditch us and make some time together? No, Amelia, no me, just the two of you. Alone.” She winked at him as she poured herself a cup of Sprite.

“Think it will work?”

“Yup.” She took a sip of her soda and grinned up at him. “Now go kiss your girlfriend, dude.”

Jason couldn’t help but laugh and exited the kitchen alongside her. That was where they stood face to face with none other than Liz, looking sulky and pissed.

“I was looking for you.”

“I was getting a drink.”

“Uh-huh.” He saw her eyes flit over the Lucita briefly. “I’m leaving.”

“Wait! Liz!” He chased after her through the crowd of people.

“I already called my mom. She’s on her way to pick me up.” Liz stepped outside.

“Why? Liz, come on, why are you leaving?”

“Why?” She spun around, forcing him to take a step back, pressed up against the door. “Seriously? You just ignored me the whole night!”

“What?” He took a deep breath. “Come on, you know that’s not true. All night, you ignored me. I just wanted to spend time with you, and ever since I arrived, you’ve been upset with me over nothing. Over Amelia and her crush, which I told you was nothing—”

“No, Jason, Amelia’s crush is not why I’m upset with you.”

“Really? We’re at this again?” Jason wiped his face with his free hand. “Liz, I do not have a crush on Lucita. I like you, I want to be with you, I like being with you. Why can’t you believe that? Why can’t you believe me?”

“Because it’s not true.” Together, they stood there, staring at one another before she spun in her hightops and walked towards the sidewalk.

Standing there, he dumped his drink into the ground. He had no desire to return to the party, to be around his friends, who could all tell he was miserable. But he did, shoving through the crowd and headed upstairs where no one could see him.

Jason thought about what Lucita had said. Maybe he should just break it off, right now, through a text to a girl who was so clearly done with him, who didn’t even listen to him.

“Jason?”

Turning, he watched Amelia make her way to him. Just what he needed. “Oh, hey.”

“Something wrong?”

“Liz and I just got into a fight.”

“Oh, I’m sorry. You know, she doesn’t really treat you right?”

Jason stared at her, aware of how close she was getting to him. “What do you mean?”

“Well, just that you’re a great guy, and she acts like you’re a huge jerk, but you’re not.”

“Thanks, but it’s complicated.”

“It doesn’t have to be.” She was too close to him, batting her eyes at him.

“Look, Amelia—”

“Yeah?” She wrapped her arms around his neck. He didn’t move them.

“Amelia, I like being with Liz.”

“But you’re not happy with her.”

“Amelia—”

“I don’t mind Jason.” Her lips found his, and she pressed her body against his, pressing him against the wall. Every alarm in his head went off, telling him to push her off, to get away from her. But his body responded differently, and he found himself wrapping his arms around her, pulling her closer to deepen the kiss.