As the sun began to set, casting a warm golden glow over the city, Ari found herself in a state of nervous anticipation. Tonight was the night of the highly anticipated party she had been invited to, not one she herself anticipated but rather an attempt to release the stress of the last few days.
Having spent the day with Dave reluctantly buying a new outfit she took a deep breath putting it on.
Ari stood in front of her full-length mirror, her hands trembling as she adjusted her new outfit. The crochet black top and skirt combo with black undergarments underneath left little to the imagination with regards to her toned, petite figure. Dave she knew he picked it out specifically because it was not something she typically would wear.
Confident in her appearance having long since been told by Zoe how good she looked naked and recognizing that she was no longer flat chested like she had been as a teenager, wearing something on the more revealing side didn't faze her.
Her mind nonetheless raced with endless "what if" scenarios. What if she did something embarrassing or attention grabbing? Her poor impulse control and refusal to back down to confrontation had garnered her a fair reputation as the short chick who fights people at parties.
Be it wielding a metal ladle as a weapon she used to wack a girl using slurs against Dave or judo throwing someone through a table for touching her ass she always found herself being the reason people stop dancing and stare in shock.
Taking a deep breath, Ari reminded herself that she was prepared. Regardless of her reputation every time she arrived for a party the same old same happened. People would be too busy in their own worlds and trying to get into other people's pants to pay her any mind. Simply slipping in and out of the party after a couple dances and talking to the few people she considered friends at her school was the objective.
Never one to concern herself with make up she just put on some clear lip gloss and a pair of simple stud earrings, put on her new sunglasses and made her way downstairs.
As she slipped into her black lace up flats, she felt a mix of nerves and excitement coursing through her veins. She took one last look in the mirror, giving herself a pep talk. She reminded herself to stick to her strengths and to stick to the plan, and the fact that she deserved to enjoy herself at the party.
Heading downstairs she waved goodbye to her father before heading out to Dave's car with Alex in the driver's seat. Hopping in, she greeted Alex with a smile and then turned to look at Dave with a smirk and an eye roll. Looking back at her Dave chuckled to himself and asked:
"What is it" he asked smiling ear to ear with his hand on Alex's lap.
"You're such a fucking passenger princess haha" Ari said cackling aloud as Dave looked at Alex who began trying and failing to hold back her laughter. As his smile dropped Ari and Alex just laughed harder as Dave rolled his eyes.
"Sorry babe, sorry" Alex said clearing his throat as he managed to subside his laugh for the moment. Listening to Ari continuing to chuckle under her breath, Alex looked at Dave who remained unamused.
"Just drive" Dave said in a deadpan tone as Ari muttered "Okay princess" under her breath as she and Alex snickered to themselves as Alex drove them to the coast.
Arriving to a vibrant beachside Alex parked the car as they arrived at Orion's Rager. The excitement was palpable as guests arrived, dressed in vibrant Hawaiian shirts, floral dresses, and leis adorning their necks. Among them, Ari stepped out of the car walking behind Dave and Alex, her heart fluttering with uncertainty.
As she approached the entrance, the sound of lively Puerto Rican music greeted her ears, transporting her to a world of warmth and relaxation. The front yard had been transformed into a tropical paradise, with tiki torches casting a soft, flickering light and colorful paper lanterns swaying gently above.
Butterflies danced in her stomach as she took in the scene, feeling a twinge of self-consciousness. As they walked towards the door she noticed several people doing a double take as they saw her.
Maintaining a fake smile she thanked her dark sunglasses for hiding the fear in her eyes. "Dang Ari you're getting looks" Dave said over his shoulder with a smirk as they stopped to make conversation with some friends by the door.
"F off princess" she said under her breath as she walked away from them staying outside the house. As she made her way through the crowd, Ari noticed a variety of activities set up around the yard. A makeshift tiki bar offered an array of fruity cocktails, their colorful umbrellas adding a playful touch. A lively game of limbo was underway, where guests laughed and cheered as they attempted to bend backward under the bamboo pole. Feeling a bit overwhelmed, she hesitated for a moment, unsure of where to start.
But then, she noticed a group of people gathered around a table covered with seashells, paintbrushes, and colorful paints. Curiosity sparked within her, and she approached the table, drawn to the creative energy.
As she picked up a seashell and began to paint, her nervousness seemed to melt away. The simple act of creating brought a sense of calm and camaraderie. Soon, she found herself engaged in conversation with others, sharing stories and laughter as they each transformed plain shells into mini works of art.
As the party continued, the woman found herself immersed in the festive atmosphere. She joined in on the hula dancing, following the graceful movements of experienced dancers and letting the rhythm carry her away. She tasted tropical delicacies at the food stalls, savoring the flavors of fresh pineapple, coconut, and grilled seafood.
With each passing moment, her nervousness faded into the background, replaced by a sense of joy and connection. The genuine warmth and friendliness of the partygoers made her feel welcome and embraced and she hadn't even punched anyone this time.
As the evening went on she made her excuses and headed off to the restroom. Not thinking to knock she opened the door to find Tom with his pants down and a blonde woman bent over in front of him with her eyes rolling to the back of her head.
Frozen in place she saw Tom see her before snapping out of it and shutting the door in disgust and confusion.