Sensory Overload: an occurrence when one or more of the body's senses experiences over-stimulation from the environment.
*
The music and hot air hit me like a wall when I stepped back into the hall. I groaned in annoyance, running my fingers through my hair to relieve some stress. I started looking around the room, eventually finding Ava and Robyn standing by Bonnie's chair. I had caught Ava's eye, the two of us sharing a wordless, gesture-less conversation as all I could do was shake my head. Ava dipped her head and spoke to Bonnie, prompting Bonnie to look at the door, but Ava continued to catch her attention.
I figured Mia needed to be alone. I intended to go back and check on her in a few minutes.
Almost startled, I looked around for Alexis, scolding myself for practically forgetting about her this whole time. Eventually, my eyes rested on her across the room, chatting with another girl. I sighed in relief and started walking over when the twins came up to me, or rather, one twin was shoved by the other twin in front of me.
"You owe Amia a dance!" Amada informed, getting slaps from his sister as she tried to release her shoulders.
"He doesn't have to!" Even in the lack of light, I could see Amia's cheeks turning red.
I chuckled and nodded, "I would be honoured to have a dance with you, Amia." I held a hand out to her, ceasing the tittering of the siblings and prompting a wide smirk from him as Amia stared in shock at my hand.
She gulped as she took my hand, surprised when I twirled her, and releasing a laugh as I led her closer to the dancefloor. While not much of a couple's song, we made something work as people gave us a small square of room and we danced together. Amia held my hand contently as I guided her around the space and picked her up once to her surprise. Whatever song was playing became a bit calmer, justifying a slower step sequence. Amia rested a hand in mine and the other on my shoulder, unable to meet my eye as we stepped in time.
"Having fun?" I asked.
She nodded, somehow unable to talk as we continued swaying playfully to the music, ending it with a dramatic dip. During our dance, people had lingering stares and chittered to one another, but I could scarcely car as I pulled Amia to her feet, showing off her excited expression as her internal squeal became external and she jumped quickly in place in front of me.
Taking a cheeky moment, I placed a light kiss on her cheek, silencing her shrieks and leaving her in a state of complete shock. Swiftly, she punched my arm and covered her cheeks, "Why are you so mean?" She tried to rub away the blush but to no avail.
"I couldn't help myself," I joked, holding my hands up in defence.
I knew Amia had a crush on me and based on her reaction she still might. It was nice to be the one teasing instead of being on the receiving end.
Amia continued to rub her cheeks, hiding her face as she continued to jump around. Amada came forwards and started poking at his sister until she snapped and almost threw him into me. "Okay, you're up. You've got to dance with him too!"
I expected Amada to be embarrassed by this, but he was more than okay with it, making a joke out of it as we marched up and down the dancefloor with over the top movements. People whooped and cheered at us, and when we returned to Amia, she demanded I give Amada a kiss on the cheek.
With some debate, that being Amia holding her brother, so he couldn't run away, I gave him a quick peck on the cheek. Amada gagged and fled, Amia running after him to jest and jeer.
As they two disappeared, I wandered over to where I last saw Alexis. She was where I last saw her, still talking to that friend.
I snuck up behind her, her friend noting my presence before she did and agreeing to be silent as I quietly walked up behind her, and placed my hands over her eyes, startling her. "Guess who?" I asked.
His friend covered her mouth to hide her laugh as she said goodbye and wandered off. Alexis sighed, standing on an angle as she tilted her head in thought, "Dylan."
All the joy was sapped as my hands slipped from her eyes when she turned. "Not funny," I said pocketing my hands.
Alexis gave me a half smile, "I dunno. Made me smile."
I rolled my eyes, "Are you still grumpy at me for before?"
"I'm not happy," Alexis stated, spinning the drink in her hand.
I stepped closer and grabbed her hand, making small circles on the back of her hand with my thumb. "What can I do? I've said I'm sorry," I informed, "I just wanted to have one dance with you. Is that so bad?"
She made a loud groan as she took a long sip of her drink, "You're such a cliché."
"You're not that much better," I countered, "Is that the spiked stuff?"
Alexis shrugged, "I'm just gonna pretend it is."
I scoffed, taking her now empty cup and placing it on the floor next to the wall. "What happened with Mia?" Alexis asked, interlocking her fingers with mine as he leant against the wall, "I heard someone say her name on the microphone. A clothing malfunction?"
I shook my head, "The whole Daniel Pelew date was an elaborate hoax to humiliate her," I informed.
Alexis frowned, "Oh no, what happened?"
Usually, Alexis was a very calm presence, at least externally. Internally could be utterly different to what she showed on the outside. Alexis crossed her arms, was closed off, but lifted her chin, maintained different body language cues that always left me guessing. But this time she was very upfront with her outrage. She leaned against the wall, her nose scrunching, her folded arms held firmly against herself as her hands curled into fists.
"That spoilt little-"
"Hey, hey, hey!" I uncoiled her arms and hands and stretched them out, taking the opportunity to spin her and pull her off the wall. "The situation has been dealt with. Mia's just shook up and needs a moment."
Alexis sighed, leaning forwards until her chin rested on my shoulder. "That's just petty…" She reached a hand up and placed it on my shoulder, her other still holding mine.
"Well regardless of that, have you been having a nice time?" I asked, "Haven't seen much of you this evening."
Alexis shrugged, lifting her head to blindly look at me. "It's alright," she informed, "Found a few of my art class friends, so it was nice to talk with them. What about you? You been keeping up with all your dates?"
I laughed, "The twins seemed to be enjoying themselves. A song came on before, and Robyn and Ava started doing this nice routine. God, I wish you could see it."
Alexis dipped her head with a warm smile. "Yeah," her hand shifted from my shoulder, so her thumb could brush against my cheek, "Sometimes I wish the same thing."
I was taken aback by her words, partly because it was unexpected and almost sweet, but equally sappy. She pointed it out before I could consider it. "Sorry, that was a bit weird," she confessed with an awkward laugh.
I gave her a quick kiss on the cheek, prompting the same reaction in her. "Nothing you say or do to me is weird," I assured, "It's sweet even."
Alexis blinked a few times at my statement, turning her head away momentarily before pressing her face against my shoulder, using her nose to make a trumpet sound. "You're so sickeningly sweet! You cause me pain!"
I arched my head back in laughter, placing a hand on her back and hugging her. We shared a chuckle, and I got daring enough to lift and twirl with her. Unlike before, she shrieked with surprised laughter as I placed her down. She didn't try to retreat this time and held her hand firmly to my shoulder and arm. Between fleeting kisses, we continued to dance at the edge of the crowd, losing time as we quietly chatted, Alexis continuing to voice her now infinite distain of Rachel and even Daniel.
"I mean, he's not the brightest guy ever, but I never thought he would stoop that low," she stated.
"To be honest, I don't think he even knew about it," I informed, "He seemed pretty confused throughout the whole thing."
Alexis poked my sternum, "You are too forgiving, Landon. There's no way he had absolutely nothing to do with it, and even if that was the case, he didn't do anything to try and stop it. You were the one who gave Mia a jacket, you were the one that comforted her when you saw what was happening. He did not."
The song gradually became more delicate, eventually becoming obvious as the D.J announced, "Grab your date and let's get slow. Slow dance song everybody!"
Alexis took back her hand and interlocked it with her other behind my head, allowing me to rest both of mine on her waist. "You ever much of a slow dancer?" I quizzed as she seemed to rely heavily on my direction.
She shrugged, "I'm not against it, it's just… there's usually so much more going on despite it being a 'slow' dance." She stepped closer until our chests rested against each other and she could comfortably rest her chin on my shoulder again. "I dunno, I usually get bored or just find very little enjoyment in it. But this isn't so bad."
I arched my head back to see her face. It was strange seeing her eyes, how alert they became, the times they scanned the room behind me or darted like they saw something, it was very easy to forget she couldn't see in the same sense I could. I was lost in these thoughts, I'd imagine staring in a similar way behind Alexis, when she whispered, "I feel like people are staring."
I blinked, my vision focusing as I looked around for any onlookers.
Her instincts were correct. A handful of people, including those who were slow dancing alongside us, stole glances at the two of us. I nodded, "Yes, people are staring."
Alexis groaned against my shoulder, pressing her forehead against it.
"And watching your amazing dancing," I finished, spinning the two of us around.
"Oh shush," Alexis lifted her head.
"You look positively fabulous!" I stated loudly.
"Landon!" Alexis clutched my shoulders.
"Witness the amazingly marvellous dance moves of Alexis!"
"Oh my God, shut up!" Alexis laughed.
She pressed her forehead against mine as we chuckled, I was about to continue teasing when my phone vibrated in my pocket. "You that excited?" Alexis teased as I fussed around my pockets searching for my phone.
I hid my smirk, managing to shimmy my phone from my pocket and checking the ID. I hummed in thought at the name.
"What is it?" Alexis asked, concerned.
"It's Dylan," I replied, slightly confused as I looked to the doorway, I had seen him near twenty minutes ago.
Alexis scoffed, "I think we need to have a chat about your obsession with Dylan."
I kissed her cheek, "I'm just going to take this, alright? Do you want me to guide you anywhere?"
She shook her head, "I'm sorted, just talk to your boyfriend."
I answered the phone and took a step away from her. "Hello."
"Landon?" Dylan's voice sounded distant, and I couldn't tell if it was because he was drunk or the connection, which brought on more questions since he was directly outside before.
"Yeah, Dylan. You okay? Something happen?" I blocked my other ear, struggling to hear him, as I started for the side door I had seen the grouping before.
"Are you guys looking for Mia?" he guessed, he sounded like he was walking.
I frowned, running for the door and standing above the stairs I had left Mia at before. "Why? Where is she?"
"There's been a bit of an incident," Dylan informed, "Mia walked over to us and asked for a drink, you know just to try some, but she snatched the wine bottle and ran away from us."
A large stone formed in my stomach, chains attaching to my feet as I stumbled down the few stairs, almost dropping the phone in doing so. "You gave Mia alcohol?" I almost yelled into the phone, "She's eleven!"
The phone made a fuzzy noise, and I could guess what kind of gestures he was making, as his muffled cursing sounded through the static before saying with a clearer voice, "Kid seemed stressed, so I gave her the flask. Then she stole the bottle of Michael and disappeared with it. We found her soon after, but I think you need to come get her."
I pinched the bridge of my nose. "Alright umm… right, where are you guys?"
With some mildly confusing directions from Dylan, I found them in the courtyard over. Dylan was sitting on a stone bench, holding his phone to his ear until he saw me. I hung up on him and rushed over, "Where is she?" I asked.
Dylan gestured with his head further down the yard. It was one of the nicer courtyards in the school, with a wide water fountain that students often sat on the outskirts to cool down on hot days. "She's balancing on the fountain edge thingy…" Dylan made a circular motion, blinking profusely as he stood up. "We managed to get the wine bottle off her, but I don't know how much she's drunk or if she's just spilt some or what's happened, but she's just out of it." Dylan led the way to the fountain, the other Delinquents surrounded the fountain, watching Mia dance on it.
At first, I thought one of the boys was humming and singing, but the voice was too small and squeaky. Mia was using the fountain figures to brace herself as she walked around the water, at times squealing in delight as she dipped her foot in the water.
"We don't know what to do," Dylan confessed, "But we didn't want her to hurt herself, so we've just kept an eye on her, but I thought we should let you know."
I patted him on the back, not happy he gave her the alcohol but happy he called me. "Thanks, mate. Can you give us a moment?"
He nodded, punching my arm as he gestured for the boys to follow him. Passing around concerned glances, they rose from their spots and dragged their feet after Dylan, each offering a half-hearted gesture for me on their way past.
I puffed out my chest and stepped forwards, standing on the edge of the fountain as Mia continued to make her way around. She kept humming and singing a random tune, I heard the occasional splash as she kicked up water and another belly laugh as she spun and twirled on the concrete.
I swallowed the lump forming in my throat as I managed to voice, "Mia?"
Mia made a loud gasp as she fell to her knees and peered under the angelic features, offering a very loose wave when she saw me. She started rolling along the retaining wall, head first, and laughing every time she landed on her butt.
"Mia! Don't hurt your-"
"Ahh!" There was a loud splash as Mia rolled into the water on her back.
My heart leapt from my chest, yelling in surprise as I sprinted towards her and leaned over the retaining wall to help her. "Mia, are you okay?"
Mia was laughing, her hair tangled and wet on her face as she tilted her head up and giggled at my face. She started running her hands along the tiling under the water, her fascination with it overwhelming her as she laid back down in the shallow water, rolling on her back and stretching her arms and legs.
"Mia, don't do that. Come on, get up." I reached forwards, managing to grab one of her arms when she sat up and screeched.
"Hands off, Mr Dormy-Dorm Guard!" she snapped.
Her shrills surprised me, forced me to retract my hands and stare at her with wide eyes. "Mia?"
"You-you really need to keep your hands to yourself, Landy-poo…" Mia grumbled as she awkwardly pushed herself to her feet, "If you touch me now, that's child abuse! And you can get arrested for stuff like that!" She gasped, as if realising something profound, and pressed her hands against her cheeks, "Can I get arrested, Landy, for drinking? Is that a thing?"
I was too shocked to voice something at first, only barely managing half syllables as I stood straight. With effort, I managed, "You-you're talking, Mia."
Mia stuck her tongue out at me, "No shit, Sherlock. Nothing gets past you, stud!" She splashed water at me, laughing at my lack of reaction. "You're Alexis' stud," she stated as she got to her feet, "And she's your bitch."
Her language was jarring as she continued walking around the fountain, ducking under the angels and trying to climb them before I decided to pull her down. She tried to slap me. "I'm not your bitch!" she snapped, "I am stud-less! I am nothing but a tragic nutcase with a magic dress!"
I was speechless as I watched Mia stumble around the fountain, her voice was so clear and concise for an otherwise sluggish looking body. She threw her arms around as she tried to playfully run away from me, occasionally slipping over and finding it hilarious. Just as quickly as it came, Mia calmed, frowning as if she was in deep thought and she sat down in the water again, "I think I can understand why people drink alcohol," she stated, "I mean, it's a depressant. It makes things slow and quiet and just dampens everything." She beamed a bright smile, leaning back until she was lying in the water. She spoke in a hushed tone, "Sweet, wonderful silence… everything has just stopped." As if remembering I was still here, she sat up, hanging her head as she widened her eyes and rubbed them. "Are you much of a drinker, Landy?"
I shook my head, slowly squatting beside her and resting my arms on the retaining wall, "No I don't drink, and neither should you."
Mia released a loud groan, "You're seriously going to scold me about this now?" she whined facing me, "Dylan's so nice! He let me drink from his flask when I asked! He didn't scold me for the asking! He just told me to be careful."
"And were you careful?" I asked slowly.
Mia puffed up her cheeks. "I feel hot," she confessed, and just as quickly gasped and said with a loud whisper, "I think I wet myself!"
"Your whole dress in drenched," I replied, crossing my arms.
Mia tilted her head as she stared at me, and widening her eyes, "Is Landy-poo mad at me?" she stomped her foot in the water, "Oh no! You're mad at me," she sunk down to her knees, hugging them as she looked up to me, "I didn't mean to make you mad."
I promptly uncrossed my arms and squatted down, "Mia I'm not mad at you."
She cleared her throat, making small circles with water droplets. "I'm mad at me," she pouted, sticking out her tongue and sucking it back in when water dripped from her finger.
I gulped, shuffling closer until I rested my arms against the retaining wall. "Why're you mad?"
"Because I'm stupid," she confessed, arching her head back, leaning back until she uncomfortably leant against the figures, "I big, enormous, giant dummy!"
"Mia, you're not stupid," I assured.
She scoffed, tilted her head in my direction. "I came to a high school dance with a boy I thought might've liked me, even though he's- what? Five years older than me?" She smirked at her statement, "And I came to the dance in some unknown dress, too stubborn to change when we noticed something was wrong and got humiliated in front of everyone for hoping it was true." As she babbled, she threw her arms around, waves of water splashing over the edge and flooding my shoes. "And now, I'm here, alone and half-naked, sitting under a poor depiction of Aphrodite and her inaccurate erotes. I'm half-drunk talking to a guy who can't even keep his face in focus."
She blinked at her statement, as if hearing how weird it sounded, and burst out laughing. "I didn't expect the wine to work so well!" she exclaimed.
I watched Mia try to stand and begin to fall. I reached forwards and balanced her, but she didn't notice as she straightened, water dripping from her now see-through dress. "Mia, you know this isn't good for you," I attempted, trying to appeal to the logical side of Mia's mind, "You're eleven years old, and you've been drinking. Wine isn't good for you."
"Life isn't good for me," Mia countered, "I'm not good for me." She turned her back and started kicking through the water again, "Everything is apparently wrong with me. I'm too short for high school, I'm too young for people like you, I'm too quiet for my parents, the stupid councillor." She turned on her heels, facing me and leaning forwards, her nose touching mine when I didn't back down. "Wine isn't good for me. I prefer this state to be sober," she informed, "Things stop twitching, everything becomes subtle! I can't see when people hide their secrets or hear when someone might be lying. I don't notice people! I don't notice what they do with their arms, their hands, how they place their feet and clench their jaws! The smells don't overwhelm me, I can't hear anything! It's wonderful!"
Mia's arms shot outwards, opening her body to the night sky as its stars loomed down on us. I followed Mia around the fountain, watching her stare up at the stars in a strange, almost foreign child-like wonder that I hadn't seen in her before. I sat on the wall as she sat in the water again, sniffing as she slumped forwards and sighed.
There was a strange comfort to the silence that followed, particularly after Mia's outburst. Mia stared with drunken eyes at a spot in the tile work and occasionally sniffed, her blinking becoming quicker and quicker, her breathing hitched as she lifted her eyes and I thought she was going to cry.
"How about," I started standing and taking my jacket off for her, "We head home for the evening?"
Mia gulped, "Are you going to tell the others about this?" She wobbled to her feet and stepped on the retaining wall, her dress hanging heavily from her body.
"I think we should," I said, wrapping my nice jacket over her wet shoulders, "But for now, let's just get you home."
Mia hugged the jacket to her, sniffing again as she said, "But what about your three dates?"
I kneeled to her size, patting down her tangled hair and tucking some away from her face. "I'm sure they'll understand, Mia," I guaranteed as I scooped her up and rested her against my shoulder. Her head rested in the nook of my neck and her little hands wrapped around me.
"I'm sorry if I throw up on you," she murmured.
I gently patted her on the back, fishing out my phone as I carried her back towards the hall. "Don't worry about it," I muttered, flipping through my phone for someone to come pick us up.