Chapter 6

Naomi's point of view

What a week.

Ricardo stayed out of sight, and the silence only made my frustration worse. I had nothing—no new leads, no proof. The more I dug, the more dead ends I hit. I should've found something by now—anything—that would confirm my suspicions about Ricardo and Jeremy being Androids. But all I had was the gnawing feeling that I was missing something, something big.

Now it's Friday again, and the days are starting to blur. Time seems to be slipping through my fingers, weekends flashing by like fleeting moments. I feel like I'm chasing ghosts. Maybe... maybe I've just imagined it all.

I sprawled out on the sofa, my bag discarded carelessly on the floor. Oh yeah, the party. I still can't believe it—weeks after receiving the message, it feels like a prank. Brianna invited me to her party. Brianna, of all people. We've barely spoken, and when we do, it's never pleasant. There's no way she'd invite me on her own. I'm almost certain Ricardo had something to do with this.

Lately, it feels like I'm suspecting him of everything, even without any solid proof. But this? This invitation came too soon after our talk to be a coincidence.

If there's one thing I've learned from reading about high school parties, it's that they're always the same: alcohol, loud music, people doing questionable things in the corners. The thought made me sigh. I lazily grabbed my phone, which had been lying face-down on my stomach, and checked the time. 5:30 PM. The party doesn't start until seven, but I know I won't be showing up early. Then again, it all depends on Benji. He's going with Angela, but at least he offered to pick me up. Small blessings, I guess.

I honestly didn't want to go, but Benji made me promise after I lost a round of rock, paper, scissors. Stupid game. I told my mom right away, expecting her to say no. At first, she wasn't having it, but after a bit of thought, she finally caved.

She stepped out of the kitchen with a bowl of ice cream in hand—pregnancy cravings at their finest. "Hello, Naomi. You're back. Are you going to that party?" Her words were muffled through a mouthful of ice cream.

"Yeah, even though I don't really want to. Honestly, I'd rather be practicing hacking into CCTV cameras," I muttered.

She flopped onto the sofa next to me, propping her legs up on the coffee table. "Have fun, sweetheart. You need to hang out with people your age, make memories... Just not the irresponsible kind, okay? No drinking, smoking, or sleeping with boys." She eyed me sternly. "I only said yes because you spend too much time holed up in this house. Benji's your only friend. Maybe it's time to make a few more?"

She didn't get it. Staying at home was my way of avoiding the bullies at school. It was easier to hide than deal with their cruelty.

"Pregnancy cravings, huh?" I quipped, watching her savor another spoonful of ice cream.

She grinned, mischief in her eyes. "When you get pregnant, you'll be the one eating ice cream with mayonnaise."

I laughed, shaking my head as she tried to feed me a spoonful. "No, thanks. I'll pass on that."

After an hour of mindlessly scrolling through social media, I finally dragged myself upstairs. Opening my wardrobe, I stared at the uninspiring selection of clothes and groaned. Nothing stood out. Everything looked either too casual or too try-hard.

I pulled out a black top, then tossed it aside. A dress? Too formal. Jeans? Too plain. Frustration bubbled inside me as I rifled through the hangers. I had no idea what to wear.

Maybe Ashley can help.

I grabbed my phone and fired off a message: "Ashley, I need an outfit consultation. Video call me?"

Seconds later, my screen lit up with a reply. Of course she saw it that fast—she literally had a phone in her brain. No need for her to fumble with devices like the rest of us. Ashley could send texts, make calls, all with just a thought. All she needed was internet access and signal. It's crazy how tech like that still blows my mind sometimes.

"Okay, calling now," she replied.

I sighed, staring at the screen. I was officially seeking fashion advice from a robot. Maybe even robots are better at this than me. Honestly, it felt like one more thing I couldn't measure up to. After completely wrecking my wardrobe, tossing clothes left and right, we finally landed on something decent—a black bodycon dress with a modest V-neck, layered under a cropped white jacket. I matched it with a pair of white canvas sneakers to keep it casual.

My hair? I reluctantly straightened my usually curly locks, something I almost never do. Seeing it fall sleek and smooth felt strange, but it did highlight my cheekbones and jawline a bit more.

As for makeup, I kept it light—just the basics. My period acne decided to make an appearance this week, so I dabbed on some foundation to smooth things over, hiding the spots on my face. I added a touch of mascara to define my eyes and a hint of gloss on my lips. Heavy makeup isn't for me—it makes me feel like a birthday cake with too much icing. A little goes a long way.

I stood in front of the mirror, taking in my reflection. It was hard to believe that this was me, standing there. My usual sweaters and glasses were gone, replaced by something entirely different. The bodycon dress hugged my frame in a way that made me look so different from my everyday self. My broad hips were now unmistakable, fully outlined for the world to see, and my butt—well, it stood out in a way I never noticed before.

I knew I wasn't flat, but people often assumed I was because I always hid behind baggy clothes. Now, I could see the curves I'd been downplaying for so long. My slender, petite body had more shape than I'd ever given it credit for, and for once, I felt a small boost of confidence. This was what I needed—a little reminder that I wasn't invisible. As I stood there, admiring my figure, I couldn't help but feel a tiny surge of pride, like I was rediscovering the treasures of my body for the first time.

"Dang girl, you look hot! Ricardo won't know what hit him!" Ashley cheered from my laptop, her voice brimming with excitement. I couldn't help but smile at her compliment. I had taken the time to relax my baby hairs, allowing them to frame my face nicely. A sleek watch adorned one wrist, while a delicate bracelet sparkled on the other.

I strapped my black bag with a gold-colored chain across my body, giving my outfit that perfect touch of flair. The dress, which reached halfway up my thighs, left a significant amount of skin exposed, making me feel both daring and liberated. A glossy sheen from my lip gloss highlighted my perfectly proportioned lips, adding to the overall polished look.

I felt wonderful, like I was stepping into a new version of myself. For the first time in a long time, I was ready to embrace the night ahead, fueled by the thrill of the unknown and the hope that maybe, just maybe, this party could be different.

I continued to admire myself in the mirror, taking a few selfies to capture the moment. Just as I was about to put my phone down, it dinged with a message from Benji at 7:15 PM.

"Hello girl, are you ready?"

"Yes, I'll be there in a minute," I replied, a flutter of excitement building in my chest.

I slipped my phone into my bag and made my way downstairs. As I reached the living room, I found my dad absorbed in a football game, his eyes glued to the screen. I walked up to him, feeling a bit anxious about his reaction. "Dad, I'm going for the party," I announced.

"Okay, be responsible. Don't drink alcohol, don't come home late, and no messing around with boys," he warned without even glancing my way. His focus remained locked on the television, which made me roll my eyes a little.

Just then, my mother rushed down the stairs, her face lighting up when she saw me. She enveloped me in a tight hug that momentarily squeezed the air from my lungs. "Have fun, sweetheart! Just be safe," she said, her voice filled with motherly concern.

After escaping my mother's crushing embrace, I stepped out of the house. The night sky was a deep shade of black, punctuated by the shimmering stars that twinkled above. A cool breeze brushed against my exposed skin, making me acutely aware of my outfit. The trees swayed gently with the wind, creating a soothing backdrop to my anticipation.

As I approached Benji's car, I took a deep breath, hoping tonight would be the change I needed. I opened the door and slipped inside, greeted by the warmth of the car's interior.

"Ready to have some fun?" Benji asked, his eyes sparkling with excitement.

I nodded, feeling a mix of nerves and thrill as we set off toward the party. "Hi Benji. How are you doing?"

"I'm doing good, but Naomi, you look gorgeous today," he praised.

I giggled lightly and responded, "So other days I look hideous?"

"No, I mean, you are beautiful every day, but today you look amazing. This week, you've really stepped up your dressing. I'm impressed," he said, glancing at me with a warm smile.

Before I could reply, a voice piped up from the back seat. "So you're not going to introduce me?"

Benji slapped himself in the face with an exaggerated gesture. "Yes, how rude of me. Angela, this is Naomi. A very close friend of mine. She's literally a sister from a different mister since I have no siblings. Naomi, this is Angela, my... well, we're still figuring that part out," he introduced us with a playful tone.

"Nice to meet you," I remarked, forcing a smile.

I caught Angela's eye roll in the mirror, and a knot of anxiety tightened in my stomach. Oh well, another person who hates me for no reason. Guess I'm a hate magnet. As long as she doesn't do something to wreck my spirit, we could live our separate lives.

"Nice to meet you too," Angela replied, her voice dripping with disinterest.

.

There was a loud silence in the car as I stared out the window, taking in the vibrant view of the city. People were out enjoying their Friday evening, and it dawned on me that this was my first high school party. I was already a sophomore, and I hadn't been to any parties before. I rested my head on the cool glass, letting my thoughts drift.

After many curves and turns, we finally arrived at Brianna's house. That explained why she was so spoiled; her house was a mansion. The cars parked outside the giant, sophisticated gate stood testament to the event. The gate was wide open, inviting us into the festivities. The bass of the music thumped so hard that I could feel it in my chest, making the ground vibrate.

The front lawn was a spectacle in itself, featuring a sparkling water fountain at its center, surrounded by an array of colorful flowers in pots. Pavement paths wound their way through the greenery, creating clear routes for people to pass. Outside, groups of people were dancing, cups in hand, while others chatted and laughed, forming tight-knit circles. A few couples were grinding or making out, lost in their own worlds.

Angela and Benji took the lead, holding hands as they walked toward the entrance, exuding confidence and familiarity with the scene. I hesitated for a moment, taking in the lively atmosphere and the sheer number of people. The house itself was a sight to behold, with grand architecture and twinkling lights that added to the festive ambiance.

"Come on, Naomi! Let's go!" Benji called back to me, his enthusiasm infectious.

I gathered my courage and followed them, feeling a mix of excitement and nerves fluttering in my stomach. As we approached the door, the sounds of laughter and music enveloped me, a thrilling contrast to the quiet I had just been in. This was it—my first step into a world I had only imagined before.

As we moved deeper into the house, I was amazed by the sheer number of people filling the space. The music pulsed through the air, and bodies swayed and bounced to the rhythm, lost in the beat. The smell of alcohol was strong, mingling with the various scents of sweat and excitement, and the floor vibrated beneath my feet, a testament to the energy of the crowd.

Suddenly, I felt a familiar presence nearby. "What do you think about the party so far?" Benji yelled, trying to make himself heard over the noise that engulfed us.

"Erm... it's too soon to say, but I'm getting bad vibes about this. In the books I've read, bad things always happen to the main character at high school parties," I replied, a slight unease creeping into my voice.

Before Benji could respond, Angela chimed in, her tone dripping with irritation. "Is this bitch going to be around us all night?" Her words hit me like a slap, and I felt a wave of annoyance wash over me.

Suddenly, I didn't like this girl at all. I tried to brush off her comment, forcing a smile, but the tension hung in the air like a thick fog. It was clear she wasn't keen on sharing Benji's attention, and that made me feel like I was in the way of their fun.

"Yes, I can't leave her alone. You know our school boys and how they can get. Plus, I have to make sure no one ruins her evening," Benji replied, his expression serious.

I felt a mix of irritation and disbelief at his overprotectiveness. I really didn't like this girl, Angela. I thought she might be sweet, but she was clearly just an ill-mannered airhead. I couldn't help but think she wasn't good enough for Benji.

"Don't worry, Benji. I can maneuver in here by myself. I'm sixteen; I don't need a chaperone at a party," I asserted, trying to sound more confident than I felt.

He shook his head, clearly not on board with my idea. "Hell no, I'm not leaving you here. The boys here will try to feast on you, or you might get pressured into doing something. Besides, you can't wander around alone in here."

I rolled my eyes. "What do you think will happen? I'll get kidnapped or something in a place full of people?"

Benji looked at me with genuine concern. "It's not about that, Naomi. It's just... I care about you. I don't want anything bad to happen."

His sincerity made me pause. Maybe he was right, and maybe I was being too dismissive. Still, I wished he could see that I was capable of handling myself. I sighed, glancing around at the throng of bodies moving to the music.

"Okay, but can you at least let me have a little freedom? Just a bit of space to breathe?" I asked, trying to compromise. "Come on, you don't want her bothering us all night. We can have sometime to ourselves", she placed a kiss on his cheek.

"Fine," he relented, still looking uneasy. "But promise me you'll stay close."

I nodded, knowing it was more for his peace of mind than mine. As the music thumped around us, I felt a mix of anticipation and apprehension. If tonight was going to be a change, I needed to make it count—drama or not.

"Call me if you need help or if you need me, okay?" he instructed. I nodded, watching as he vanished into the crowd with Angela, leaving me feeling a bit lost.

I turned my focus inward, feeling the tingles spread across my body—the familiar sensation that came when he was near. It was something I was slowly getting accustomed to. My eyes scanned the crowd, hoping to catch a glimpse of him.

There he was, sitting on a bar stool with Brianna across from him. He looked so good. Just look at those biceps, his hair falling charmingly over his forehead while Brianna animatedly talked to him. He didn't look interested at all; in fact, he seemed completely detached, likely tuning out her incessant chatter about herself. He looked cute even when he was bored. Did he have any idea how handsome he was?

I could see the attention he was drawing from girls around him, and it stirred a mix of admiration and envy in me. His presence sent waves of electric shock through my body, an inexplicable feeling that filled me with warmth and anxiety. A surge of happiness enveloped my heart, but my brain whispered warnings that he would probably make my evening suck.

"Almost instinctively, as if he sensed that I was staring at him, Ricardo turned his head and made eye contact with me. We were quite far apart, but I could tell he was checking me out. His eyes moved up and down, taking in my appearance, and then his striking green eyes fell back on mine. I hoped he liked how I looked. I mentally scolded myself for even wishing that. Why should I care? He'd probably think I was ugly.

I noticed a smirk tugging at his lips, amusement spreading across his face. Thankfully, just then, Jeremy came into view, blocking Ricardo from my line of sight.

"Hi Naomi," Jeremy greeted, his tone friendly.

"Hello Jeremy, how are you doing?"

"I'm good, and you?" he responded.

"I'm great."

Jeremy had striking blue eyes and slicked-back blonde hair. He wore a white shirt under a dark blue one, looking sharp yet approachable. Sure, Ricardo was taller, but Jeremy wasn't short either. "What is a girl like you doing at a party alone?" he asked, crossing his arms over his chest.

"I came with my friend and his date, but I didn't want to be a burden on them, so I decided to give them some space," I answered.

He extended his hand to me, a warm smile on his face. "Well, I don't have a date, so we can keep each other company. Let me buy you a drink?" he offered.

"I don't drink alcohol," I pointed out.

"Don't worry; they have some non-alcoholic drinks for us," he reassured me.

"Well then, let's go," I said, placing my hand in his. We walked toward the bar, and I could feel a mixture of excitement and anxiety bubbling inside me. Brianna had her back turned to us, while Ricardo sat opposite her. I sensed his gaze on me, but I refused to look his way. I wanted to pretend his presence was irrelevant to me, that it didn't affect me in any way.

"What would a lady like you like to drink?" Jeremy questioned as we reached the bar.

"Is Virgin Mojito available?" I asked, hoping they had it.

The bartender nodded in response. "A cup of Virgin Mojito for the lady and Roy Rogers for me," he announced as he placed the order.

"Wow, you don't drink alcohol either?" I asked, surprised.

He nodded. "I just don't see why people like it. It's just some bitter liquid people take to get boozed."

We took our drinks and headed to the kitchen, which felt less crowded and more inviting than the raucous living room. We settled onto the kitchen stools, facing each other, and I could finally breathe a little easier.

Jeremy was actually fun to talk to. He told me that Ricardo was his brother and that he was just a year older. They had an Italian father, which made me think of Gaston from Beauty and the Beast for some reason, but I quickly pushed that thought aside. I decided to share some of my interests, hoping to make a connection.

"I know how to hack," I said casually, a hint of pride in my voice. "I built a firewall for my laptop and my parents' devices to keep them safe from hackers. And I sometimes hack into the CCTV cameras in my neighborhood just to see what's going on."

Jeremy's eyes widened with interest. "No way! That's impressive!"

"Yeah, and I also build miniature robots in my bedroom from cheap parts I find and other stuff lying around. Like, I made this tiny trash burner. You just put paper or wrappers in it, and it instantly burns it to ashes. Then you can empty it out."

"Wow, that could help with the trash problem we have in the world if it's developed. That's brilliant!" he exclaimed, clearly impressed. "And you compare yourself to all these girls who just hook up with a bunch of boys? Not only are you beautiful, but you're smart too."

I felt my cheeks flush with appreciation. "Thank you, that means a lot coming from you, especially other than Benji and my parents."

His compliment made me feel good. To be honest, I needed it. At least someone appreciated my ideas instead of calling me boring or a nerd. "Sorry about my brother's attitude. He can be mean sometimes, but he'll warm up to you, I promise. You have no idea that he convinced Brianna to invite you."

I raised an eyebrow at him, demanding an explanation. "Well, he told me that after you guys talked, he went to Brianna and told her to invite you; otherwise, he wouldn't come. Brianna is into Ricardo and was desperate for him to come, so she instantly messaged you."

"Why would he do that?" I asked, genuinely confused.

He shrugged his shoulders, and I felt a sudden urge to visit the restroom. "Excuse me for a sec," I said, standing up.

As I made my way upstairs, I assumed that's where the restrooms would be. The atmosphere shifted as I entered the hallway, and I soon found myself dodging groups of people smoking, kissing, and engaging in other inappropriate activities. The vibe was overwhelming. As I walked through the lobby, I realized I should have asked for directions. I got to a part where no one was wandering around, and panic set in. I was scared to open any door and find people having sex. It happens in a lot of movies, and I definitely wasn't prepared to witness that today.

Suddenly, I felt a hand touch mine. A shriek escaped my mouth as I tried to free my hand from the grip. "Let's have fun," his creepy voice shot through my ear. A blast of his breath hit my nose, the stench of alcohol almost making me gag. Panic consumed me.

"Leave me alone!!!" I stomped my feet, and instantly something sparked at him. To my shock, he slumped to the ground with a thud. My heart raced with fear as I watched him lie unconscious on the floor. Did I kill him?

Luckily, I was alone, or so I thought, until I felt a familiar presence behind me.

"Naomi, did you just electrocute that boy?"

I turned around, heart still racing, and there stood Ricardo, eyes wide in disbelief.