Chapter 36: New year's party 2

The delivery company finally made the delivery. But not before Karla gave them a few lashes of fuming words. She was obviously not happy, even I wasn't.

Now that we had a life supply of drinks, the party could be declared to be going on the right track. I mostly hung out with the girls, as usual and then Carl and Mike joined us a few times.

Much later, the party was taken to the backyard and that's when there were even more looks of awes.

"Wow!! Are you sure you had no professional help?" Mike asked. I rolled my eyes .

"No Mike, we didn't. We suffered for two days straight to set this up."

"You guys did a very good job. I knew Karla had great taste, but I didn't know she was this good." Carl praised.

"Did you just compliment something I did? Oh. my. God! It's a new year's resolution!" Karla squealed in delight. She was happy that she…no, that we wowed the entire school.

The backyard was so bright, you would think that it was early in the morning. But it had already turned dark. The pool was glowing like neon lights, making the water almost crystal like. There were also snowflakes in the pool and on the ground. Another mini bar was at the far end. Although, this one was set up for the party. And a barbeque spot was created. The fact that I took part in this preparation made me excited.

As usual, students had already started plunging into the pool and as always it was Kevin who started it. Karla and Kat decided not to get wet this time. Apparently, they wanted to stay dry until the new year. I went over to the barbeque spot where I spotted someone familiar.

"Hey Scott."

"Emily!" He looked quite surprised, as if he wasn't expecting to see me.

"You look amazing." He said as his eyes roved my body.

"Thanks, you don't look bad yourself."

"You know I can never look bad, I was born perfect. I haven't seen you throughout the party. Where have you been? Are you just arriving?"

"No, I was here even before the party started." The waiter gave us each a plate of delicious steaming steak. My mouth watered at the sight.

"This place looks great. You also had a hand in this right?"

"How did you know? Did you hear of the bet?"

"Bet? No, I can tell when something has been touched by you." I chuckled at his cheesy reply.

"Weird answer, but I'll accept it." We ate in silence for a couple minutes. Kevin had started a stupid game and the water was splashing all around, reaching where I stood. Which was quite far off. Away from the pool, I could see Stephanie and Shawn together. She had a stupid smile on her face. She was being all touchy with him, but Shawn didn't seem to be focusing on her. In fact, when I looked over to his side, his eyes immediately snapped towards mine and I froze for a few seconds. 

He had a deep frown etched on his forehead. Was it because of Stephanie? She was definitely pushing things a little. Seems like I was right, their relationship was only a fling.

But then, Shawn walked away, leaving Stephanie to be calling and running after him. The girl just doesn't get it.

"You haven't heard a word I'm saying, right?"

"Uhh? Sorry, I wasn't listening."

"Stephanie is an idiot. Running after Shawn." I frowned a little. 

"What do you mean?"

"I know you were staring at them." He then stepped much closer to me and I slightly held my breath.

"Shawn is someone who is very cunning. He can manipulate and hurt people. Stephanie and his friends are just his pawns."

'What does he mean by pawns?'

"He's bad news Emily. He might seem nice and charming, but he cannot be trusted. Don't fall for his deceiving looks."

"I don't understand. Why are you saying this?"

"Because I care about you. And I don't want you to get involved in something that you're not meant to be in." He then ran his hand against my cheek. I flinched at the contact.

'Now he's really confusing me.'

"You're too sweet Emily. Too innocent for the things Shawn can expose you to. Things he has exposed others to."

'First Shawn tells me to be careful of Scott and now Scott is doing the same for Shawn. This was way too suspicious.'

"Things like what?"

"I can't tell you that sweetie. But don't fall for him. He doesn't deserve your love." Scott came closer to me and I almost fell backwards but his hand protected me. He held onto my waist tightly.

For some reason, I was nervous. Scott seemed to be just 'warning' me, but I felt like he was the one I should be wary off

"I can make you very happy Emily, if you'd give me a chance." I gulped, not knowing what to say. I glanced behind is head and saw the big clock hanging on a far wall. It was just remaining fifty five minutes until the new year.

"Scott, I-I can't. I don't see you like that…"

"I know…because of him. That's why I'm telling you to be careful." My body was almost pressed to his chest. I had to place my hand against his chest to give us some space.

"Ok, I will." I said. "But I can't promise to like you…"

"There's no rush. Take your time." He then pulled away from me. I heaved a sigh of relief when he walked away. 

'I need a drink.'

***

There were twenty minutes remaining until the new year and the party never died down. In fact it got more and more intense. 

Scott's words still lingered in my brain. I couldn't believe what he had told me about Shawn. But then I remembered what Shawn said about Scott. Who the hell am I going to believe now?

"I told you to stay away from him." I heard Shawn say. He was right in front of me, a stoic expression on his face.

"I…"

"Why don't you listen gorgeous? It looks like I have to do things my way."

"What are you talking about?" I was feeling nervous. First, Scott said the weirdest things and literally confessed his feelings to me. And now Shawn was saying this.

Instead of replying, he only smirked. A cunning devilish smirk that made me remember Scott's words.

Before I could say another word, Shawn's lips crashed onto mine. A muffled gasp escaped my lips. His arm curled around my waist, pulling us much closer. 

I felt a bright light shine on the both of us. It was obviously a spotlight. I couldn't really think about the light, nor did I think about everyone seeing us. My only thoughts were Shawn's soft lips on mine. My lips tingled in ways I didn't think was possible. I could hear a few murmurs from behind. Shawn finally pulled back, leaving me breathless and astonished.

I realised that almost everyone was staring at us. But I just stared at Shawn in pure shock. I could barely read him. And I didn't know what to say.

"Shawn…" I whispered.

"Yes, darling?" He said quite audibly. I froze. 

'Darling?! What is he doing?'

"It was about time everyone knew about us, don't you think?" Shawn's gaze was soft but there was something wild swirling behind this soft expression.

"If you've set your eyes on her you better forget about her." Shawn announced. He faced the hundreds of students that were in the backyard. All of them having a look of surprise on their faces.

"Because she's mine."