Tonight.

Me. Haze. The horror party.

I can't wait.

After spending most of the morning, helping Pa out on the farm, I studied for a little bit over lunch and had a nap before going over to Heidi's house.

Her parents are away for the weekend attending a country music festival a few towns over. All our parents often go to different events and fundraisers. We have never given them a reason not to trust us on our own. I've never really been in trouble with them before.

Even though Heidi acts like the rebellious one out of us three, she has the upmost respect for her parents. She would never purposely do anything to upset them. Except the belly-ring. They wouldn't approve of that.

Before I begin to get ready, I pull my phone out and scroll until I find his number.

Ellie: Hey, you're still coming tonight, right?

Trying not to get my hopes up too high, I place my phone down and begin my makeup. I do what I usually would before coating my lips with a cherry-red lipstick. Once I finish, I press two fingers to my lips and drag them across, effectively smearing the red. I make bruises and cut marks with my eyeliner pencil, Heidi helping me shade some of them in.

I tease my long, blonde hair making it appear rough and unbrushed. Once satisfied, I finally let myself go look at my phone.

Haze: I'll be there.

It takes a lot of self-control not to squeal with excitement.

As if sensing my boosted mood, Kai frowns.

"Don't get your hopes up. He probably won't come." He says flatly.

"You don't know him like I do," I tell him, even though I really don't know anything about him, either.

He shakes his head. "Whatever you say, Ellie."

"How about being supportive, like I would be to you?" I suddenly retort, folding my arms across my chest.

Heidi looks surprised at my mini-outburst and Kai straightens his back, meeting my eyes challengingly.

"Because if our roles were reversed, your support would be shallow as you wouldn't approve."

"Hey, let's not fight," Heidi intervenes, holding her hands up in a peace-like nature. "Tonight is going to be fun. Let's not ruin it."

Agreeing, I pull out my phone to reply.

Ellie: Come over to Heidi's? I'll send you the address.

"You said Haze is cool to come over, right?" I confirm.

"I'm not the one with the problem," she reminds me and I smile at her gratefully.

Kai remains quiet as Heidi begins to draw fangs on him. He's wearing ripped jeans and a black and red cape. With his thick-framed glasses, he looks like a nerdy-Vampire.

I'm wearing a pale, white dress that is loose-fitting and shorter than I originally thought. It dips low at the back, exposing more skin than I usually would show.

As the time draws closer to when we planned to leave, I crack open a can of my drink nervously, hoping that Haze will show.

"Told you," Kai says, getting to his feet "Heidi, you owe me ten dollars."

"You guys bet on whether he would show up tonight?" I exclaim, planting my hands on my hips, staring at my best friends with accusing eyes.

"He did." Heidi immediately said.

"Takes two, Heidi," he argues back and I frown at them both.

Heidi sighs and withdraws the note from her purse, when there is a loud knock on the door, startling us all. I spring to my feet and practically run down the hallway.

I wrench the door open and grin.

"Hi!"

"Wow," he says in a low voice, his eyes dipping over my exposed skin as he takes in my outfit.

"Wow?" I repeat with what I can only assume is a flirty smile. "Care to elaborate?"

His face says it all, making me feel a little giddy on the inside.

He rolls his eyes. "Can I come in, or?"

I step back and he walks in, his aftershave washing over me. I lead him down the hallway, nervously twisting my fingers as I do.

"Guys, this is Haze. Haze, this is Kai and Heidi." I introduce once we get to the room, considering they've never spoken before.

"Hi Haze," Heidi smiles. "How's it going?"

"Good thanks," he surprises me by saying.

He is smartly dressed in dark-wash jeans and a tight, V-neck shirt that clings to his defined muscles almost too well. He has his sleeves rolled, something he likes to do apparently, showing off his artful and delicious looking biceps.

He places a bag onto the dining room table with a thump. I peer curiously over his shoulder, noticing the abundance of alcohol beverages stored in there.

"Big night planned?" I query.

"Nothing out of the usual," he shrugs, looking a little confused.

"Don't mind her, she gets drunk off two," Kai interjects with an eye roll.

I smile proudly at him, glad that he is making effort, even if he is bagging me out.

"Like you can talk Kai, remember that time you only had three drinks and challenged that exchange student to a rap battle?" Heidi snorts.

I let out a laugh and even Haze has a ghost of a smile on his face.

Kai's cheeks reddened as he scowls. "I thought we agreed to never bring that up again."

"Couldn't help myself," she giggles, taking a sip of her drink.

"Haze," I say to him, reaching out and slipping my fingers between his. I think I am as surprised as he is at the gesture.

He lets me tug him towards the mirror we have set up. I gently shove him into the seat.

"May I decorate you?" I cheekily ask.

"Do I get a choice?"

"Not really."

I withdraw my eye liner pencil. I chew my lip as I study his face, thinking of what to put where. I can't help but examine his prominent cheek bones, his long lashes and light blue eyes that seem to bore into mine. His lips are a soft red. My thumb twitches to run my thumb over them but I pull myself together, knowing that Kai and Heidi are watching.

I begin to draw stitches across his forehead, noticing a slight scar on the left side of his skin. I make a series of lines, which I delicately rub with my forefinger, smudging the ink. His eyes never leave mine and I blush, due to our proximity. His warm breath fans my lips as I make stitch-looking patterns across his chin.

I tear my eyes from his and step back, smiling.

"Beautiful."

"Beautiful?" he echoes in a disbelieving tone. "More like a disaster."

"A beautiful disaster," I murmur, low enough that only us could hear it.

I hear his breath hitch momentarily in his throat as his eyes widen. My cheeks burn from my blush as I duck my chin in, quickly busying myself with putting the eye liner pencil back in its designated area.

"Are we almost ready to go?" Kai whines, glancing down at his watch that is too big for his wrist.

"Yep," I answer when no one else does.

I give myself a once-over in the mirror, satisfied with my appearance.

"Kai, you owe me ten dollars, remember?" Heidi pesters him with a victorious smirk on her face.

He sighs, reaching into his wallet.

"They bet on you," I give in to Haze's curious gaze. "Whether you'd show up or not."

"Ellie!" Heidi exclaims.

Haze smirks. "Oh really?"

"I lost, clearly," Kai mutters, passing over the note.

"You're a gambler, then?" Haze asks, a hint of challenge in his voice.

"Depends, what are you offering?"

"Five bucks to whoever can skull their can of drink first?" Haze suggests.

Kai tilts his head. "Okay, you're on."

I raise my eyebrows; surprised Kai is willing to participate. I silently hand him another drink, which he cracks the instant it's in his hands. Heidi begins to film on her phone.

"Ready?" I ask them.

They both give a curt nod back.

"Go!"

The cans are lifted to their mouths. I watch Kai for a second, before I turn my attention to Haze. My eyes dip over his lean, muscular body and hard arms, before forcing myself to look back to the alcohol.

Haze tilts his head back, before scrunching the can in his hand, dropping it to the ground.

"Ah," he lets out conclusively, wiping the back of his hand across his mouth, his eyes gleaming with triumph.

"Dude, I'm not even half way!" Kai bursts out, looking awed.

Haze offers a one-shoulder shrug, a lazy smirk on his face. "Five, was it?"

Kai scowls, muttering something about dipping into his 'life savings' as he digs through his wallet.

"Well, this has been fun, but we should really go," Heidi prompts, finishing her drink.

I down mine, it being nearly empty. I slip my phone into the small zip pocket on the side of my dress. I have my ID jammed in between the back of my phone and the case.

After everyone has the essentials they are bringing with them, we gather our drinks into mini-cooler bags and begin our short walk to the community hall. Heidi lives the closest to it than any of us, so it's convenient her parents chose to be away this weekend.

Heidi and Kai walk ahead of us. I purposely slow my steps and Haze does the same. Our arms brush and tiny, electric currents burst through my veins at the touch of his skin. I glance up to him and he is looking ahead, a small smirk on his mouth.

"That wasn't too torturous, was it?" I question, the cool night wind whirling my hair over my shoulders.

"I guess not."

"Hey Haze?"

"Yeah?" he asks, finally meeting my eyes.

"I'm really glad you came tonight."

He gives me a small, tight-lipped smile in return. We continue to have small-chit chat – mainly me asking him questions, or telling him something. As we get closer, the music gets louder.

An excited smile stretches across my already-eager face.

At the entrance, there are two guys standing there. They were seniors last year at school. It must be their turn to be at-the-door security, while everyone is arriving. The doorway is covered in a black coat, paper-cut bats splayed above the wall.

"Coming?" Heidi calls briefly, before disappearing through the dark-lit entry way.

Kai follows her through.

"I'm going to have a cigarette," Haze tells me gruffly, looking a little anxious.

As he reaches for his packet, I find myself grabbing his hand.

"You don't need it. Come on."

He looks startled at my words. I tug him up the two stairs.

"Looking lovely as always Ellie," Harrison compliments me with a flirty wink.

"Thanks Harry. Hi Will." I greet the other boy to my left. "This is Haze, he's with me."

"Noted. Have a good night." Harrison says politely, his eyes never leaving Haze's.

Haze gives him a hostile stare, his hand tightening in mine.

As we step inside, the music is almost deafening. There are people everywhere, all of them dressed in bloody garments and other horror-inspired costumes. I notice several witches, vampires and a few people that look like they've been stabbed.

Tables have been lined up to form one, long line, with a black cloak draped over them. There is finger food provided and a few punches, for those who are choosing not to drink alcohol tonight. I steer Haze towards the corner that Heidi and Kai have chosen to stash their drinks. My cheeks feel hot as I realise we're still holding hands.

I drop his hand as we get there and immediately miss the warm contact of his fingers in between mine.

We all get a fresh drink. The cold can feels nice against my palm.

"Who's ready to dance?" I shout at them.

"Nope." Kai says flatly, before stalking off towards his other guy friends.

"I will," Heidi grins, wiggling her eyebrows suggestively at me, hinting that I should ask Haze personally.

"Haze?" I say, turning to him, as he doesn't reply.

"I don't dance."

"You do now."

"I don't." he bluntly replies.

"Please?" I peer up at him through my lashes and he sighs.

I reach for his hand again and turn my head so he can't see the blush kissing my cheeks. I drag him towards the dance floor, where a bunch of other people are already moving to the beat.

Heidi begins bouncing around the place, her auburn curls flinging around her face. Her eyes are wide and bright with enthusiasm. She floats from us to another group of girls and back, looking radiant with energy.

A number of people glance towards me and Haze. I know they must be confused as to why someone like me, is with him. It's terrible to think, but I'm realistic enough to realise. We seem opposites – me a small, blonde girl with strict, conservative parents who lives in the wealthy part of town. Haze, on the other hand, is tall, dark and screams rebellious, living on the worst street with a bad reputation.

I begin to bounce on the balls of my feet, my head feeling light as I move around Haze, grinning.

"Do I have to do this?" he groans.

"Come on," I smile widely, taking his hand in mine once again, swinging his arm. "You never know; you might have fun."

He rolls his eyes, taking a long drink. He slowly begins to move a little more. I try not to get too excited about it.

A guy in the year below me wanders past, a camera in his hand. He aims it at us. I fling my arm around Haze, pressing my side to his. He rests his hand on my back. I smile as the guy takes the photo, the bright light blinding me momentarily.

"Great, I love photos," he sarcastically mutters.

I smile at his words and choose not to reply.

Once I finish my drink, and he has finished his, I discard them in the closest bin. When I reach him again, I stand on my tip-toes and snake my arms around his neck. I press my body against his tall, muscular frame.

His eyes almost pop out of his skull when he gazes down at me.

"Ellie, what are you doing?"

"Dancing with you," I say, moving my body against his.

His hands find my hips. His fingers bunch up my dress slightly as his eyes bore into mine, making me almost want to look away. I don't. I inch myself closer and move my body more, interlocking my fingers together, behind his neck.

"Ellie," he says again and I smile, loving the sound of my name on his lips.

"Yes?"

"You sure you want to do this?" he asks me.

I cock my head to the side, leaning closer to him, as if he is magnetically drawing me in. I'm beginning to forget that I'm in a room, surrounded by people who are probably watching us. I forget that my friends are close by. I forget that there is anyone else here, apart from him.

"Do what?"

"Be around a guy like me." He murmurs, his voice quiet and even.

"A guy like you?" I repeat innocently.

"I'm a mess. I have a lot of flaws."

"So does everyone," I shrug, grazing my thumbs against the warm skin on his neck.

"Ellie..." he drags out. "Think about it."

"I have."

His thumbs rub circles into my hips and I bite my lip, loving the intimate feel of it.

"I'm not what you want. You deserve better."

I press roughly on his neck, making him bow his head down. I press my jaw to his, my lips brushing his earlobe. I feel him shiver beneath my touch and I grin victoriously.

"Forget it all" I whisper. "Forget everything you're thinking right now."

I draw back and he is staring down at me, looking thoughtful.

The corners of his lips twitch. I'm gazing at them, mesmerised in their colour, shape and how desperately I want to feel them against mine. I'm shocked at how strong and hard these feeling have come on. I've never been like this.

And then we're kissing.

His lips are warm and much softer than I thought they would be. I tilt my head back and tighten my arms around him, crushing my chest to his. The kiss deepens. I have never been kissed with such fierce intensity and passion before.

Fletcher is the only boy I've kissed and it was very soft, held back and gentle. This is hungry and powerful. His lips claim mine with intense dominance that make my knees knock together. I feel his tongue brush mine and my eyes snap open. I've never experienced that sensation before. His tongue rolls against mine possessively and I love every second of it.

I'm completely lost in him.

I have lost all sense of time and surrounding environment. I don't know how long I've been kissing this boy, but I don't want it to stop.

After a long time, he steps back, looking breathless. I gaze up at him, my chest heaving.

"Jesus," I hear him say.

He takes his lip in between his teeth and it sends me over the edge. I drive his lips to mine again and I'm once again, taken back by my confidence.

We stay kissing, his hands exploring my body, skimming over the bare skin of my back, while mine restlessly tug at his hair. It feels soft and light as I tangle my fingers through it. I slip his hair band onto my finger and yank it free. I continue kissing him deeply, my fingers stroking through his shoulder-length hair. I've never found long hair on guys appealing – until now.

He clamps onto my bottom lip suddenly and sucks it hard. I let out a squeak of surprise, the shocked sound being drowned by the loud music around us. He steps back, a lazy smirk on his face, his eyes looking a few shades darker than they usually do.

"Ugh, get a room!" Heidi shouts at us, letting out a loud giggle.

She floats away from us again. My lips are throbbing from the kiss and I trail my fingers over them, peering up at Haze. He looks as out of control as I feel, his long hair framing his face and appearing much messier now, half-looking like a lead singer of a rock band.

"Let's go outside," he says, sliding his fingers between mine.

He carelessly pulls me behind him and I feel giddy and a little overwhelmed.

Eyes watch us as we leave. I don't miss Kai's shocked gaze. I duck my head and let Haze confidently escort me from the hall.

The cool air washes over my flushed skin as we step outside. I let out a nervous bubble of laughter, tucking a piece of hair behind my ear. It feels like I just exited a dream and the wind has slapped me back into reality.

"Haze, you make me act very different to how I usually would," I honestly tell him, my voice a little unsteady and highly embarrassed that everyone just witnessed me making out with Haze. It's a small town – people will gossip about this for weeks.

He brushes his dark hair back and quickly ties it into a low bun. I clench my jaw as I watch him, my hormones going into overdrive.

"I must say, Ellie," he smirks devilishly. "You took me by surprise."

"Me too," I mumble, my lips still pulsating.

"Can I have a smoke now?" he asks me sarcastically.

I shrug. "I guess, if you really have to."

He withdraws one from the carton in his pocket. He effortlessly flicks the lighter over the end. He slips it between his lips and inhales, his eyes never leaving mine.

"I hate smoking," I suddenly blurt.

He smirks, slowly exhaling, taking the cigarette between his fingers.

"Now that is unsurprising."

"Why do you do it?"

He takes another drag slowly, before leaning against the building.

"I have always been around it, because of my dad, but being around the other kids in juvie, it just rubbed off on me. Now it helps me relax and calm down. I have some issues."

"What sort of issues?"

"Really bad anger issues." He admits, his usually blank face looking pensive as he gazes up to the sky. "Whatever you think is bad, worse than that."

"Really? You don't seem that angry."

He lets out a dry laugh. "You're the first person to say that to me."

"It's true. Sure, you're stand offish and rude, sometimes, but you've never seemed that angry. Even when you threatened Anita – you didn't seem out of control, or anything like that."

"People like you don't tend to bring the anger out, not that I ever hang out with anyone like you."

"Is that a compliment...?" I ask him, unsure.

He nods. "Yeah, it is."

"Thanks."

"I'm going to get another drink. Want one?"

"Sure."

He turns to head back inside.

"Wait! You can't take your cigarette in there!" I call out.

His hand snakes out and his fingers wrap around my wrist. He holds my hand up and slides the cigarette between my fingers. I stare down at it with wide eyes, feeling like I am another person right now.

"You can have some," he offers, before darting inside.

I can't seem to take my eyes off it. I've never held one before. My skin is burning from where he touched me. I scowl down the cigarette, hating the stench of it.

"Ellie?" I hear my name being called.

Heidi and Kai round the corner and freeze when they see me.

"What the hell?" Kai explodes, looking at me with a furious expression.

"Woah, easy there, you're turning into a bad girl over night!" Heidi says simultaneously.

"What?" I exclaim and then realise that they're looking at the burning cigarette in between my fingers. "I'm not smoking; I'm just holding it."

Kai storms up to me. His fingers bite into my skin as he pulls my chin towards him. His nose grazes my lips as he inhales.

"You're lucky," he snaps with a grumpy tone, stepping back.

"You didn't believe me?" I ask in surprise, using my free hand to absently rub where his fingers were.

"I would have a week ago." He bluntly responds, making my stomach clench uncomfortably.

"Girl, you and Haze were hot in there!" she gushes, her eyes lighting up. "I never thought you had that side to you!"

"Me either," I mumble.

"Yeah, a bit of porn on the side is always a good party starter." Kai bites out, making me flinch.

"Shut up," Heidi rolls her eyes. "Stop being rude, it doesn't suit you."

Haze re-emerges in that moment, a can of mine in one hand, his in the other.

"Great," I hear Kai mutter darkly.

Haze grins, pressing my can into my palm, whilst snagging the cigarette from in between my fingers.

He places it into his mouth and cracks his can.

"Good party, huh?" he asks conversationally, his voice slightly muffled.

"Definitely," Heidi agrees, unable to wipe the smile off her face. "Any who, we better get back inside."

She grabs an annoyed-looking Kai and drags him back around the corner.

I begin gulping down my next drink, my throat feeling unusually dry.

"So, is that Kai guy into you or something?" he questions.

"Kai? No way!" I splutter, almost spitting out some of my drink. "We have been best friends for eight years. He's just really protective."

"Probably should be," he smirks and it takes me by surprise.

That carefree grin looks beautiful on him.

He drains his drink, before tossing it to the floor.

"Let's get out of here."

"What? We haven't even been here for very long."

"I only came for you." He shrugs.

My mouth falls open at his honesty.

"Wow, Haze. That's really sweet."

He makes a face at that. "Sweet?"

I let out a giggle, still feeling a little light headed.

I unzip my side pocket and quickly text Heidi, telling her not to worry and that I will be sensible. I don't bother texting Kai, knowing that he will barge out here and hold me hostage if he knew Haze and I were leaving together.

As we begin to walk, Haze holds my hand loosely, making me smile.

"I was so determined not to make any friends at this school," he sighs, shaking his head. "But you were too damn persistent."

"I know what I want," I tease.

"I don't get it. Why me?"

"Why not you?" I question with a smile.

"Seriously."

"Can I say something and risk sounding terribly corny?" I ask with a laugh.

"Go ahead."

"I was waiting for something exciting and different to come into my life. Everything was so dull and boring – and then you came along."

He looks amused. "You're right, that did sound corny."

"Shut up," I laugh softly, playfully elbowing him as we walk. "Let's play a game."

"A game?"

"It's called you carry me so I don't have to walk in these shoes."

He snorts at my attempt to ask him to piggy-back me. He drops into a crouch. I scramble onto his back, wrapping my legs tightly around his waist. I rest my cheek on his shirt as he walks me, his warm hands resting on my thighs.

"You comfy now?" he questions.

I've noticed that now we've made out, he seems much more at ease and able to hold a conversation. Or maybe it's the alcohol.

"Much better, thank you."

I snuggle into him as he continues to walk. We reach the town park after a few minutes of idle chit-chat. He backs up to the ledge and gently lowers me. He tries to step away but I loosely sling my arms over his sharp-boned shoulders.

He twists in my hold, so that he is facing me.

"Round two?" he smirks.

"Definitely."

I reach up and meet his lips, already addicted to the feel of them. I crash my mouth to his, letting him dominate the kiss with a hint of aggression.

His warm hands edge up my thighs and my heart beginning to thump loudly in my ears. I wrap my legs around him, drawing his body close.

His palms are pressed on my cheeks as he cups my face. When we break, he presses his forehead against mine.

"Have you done this a lot?" I breathlessly ask him, although I probably don't want to know the answer.

"Done what?" he asks, stepping back, but keeping his hands on my bare thighs.

"This," I gesture between us. "Kissing girls, dating them, or whatever."

He shrugs. "No. Hardly any."

"Oh really?"

"I did spend from age sixteen until a few weeks ago, in prison." He justifies.

"Oh, yes. That's right." I nod, somehow this conversation not making me feel uncomfortable.

"What about you?"

"I kind of dated Caden Fletcher, the football captain at school. I'm not sure if you know him."

"Was it serious?"

"Not really. I thought he was great, until I got to know him better."

"Did you... get very far with him?"

"No," I blush deeply.

He nods, a smirk twisting onto his lips.

"Well, Haze," I say with a grin. "This is the most we've talked and I have to say, I'm enjoying it."

"Me too," he admits.

"Can I ask you something?"

"Maybe."

"Will you ever tell me why you were sent to juvie?" I ask quietly.

His face hardens. He steps back and I immediately feel cold. I want to reach out to him. I want to tell him to forget my question. I want the soft, nice Haze back.

"No."

"Why not?" I whisper.

"Because it's terrible." He snaps, narrowing his eyes. "It's the worst thing I've ever done and you won't look at me the same."

"Do you think I'm that shallow?" I scoff. "Have I ever made you feel that I am judging you?"

He grits his teeth for a moment. "You judge me for smoking."

I roll my eyes. "Well, that's because I disagree with your choice to smoke, but be serious."

"Can you be satisfied with maybe?" he asks me after being silent for several moments.

"Yes. Maybe, I can live with."

He seems relieved at avoiding the question for a bit longer, even though we both know if he really didn't want to tell me, he simply wouldn't.

"Walk me home?" I ask him with a flirty smile.

He nods.

As I get to my feet, I can't tell who this time begins the hand holding. It just seems normal, now, which is the weirdest thing to think, considering that he just had to look at me yesterday and I would blush.

"Ellie, Ellie, Ellie," he mutters, shaking his head. "What have you done?"

I roll my eyes. "You're making it seem more complicated than it is."

"It is complicated."

I shake my head at him. "It doesn't need to be."

"I'm not the guy girls want to take home to the parents. Especially not in a stupid, country town like this."

"There you go, making it complicated," I point out. "Who cares about all that. You're making this whole situation out in your head and you don't need to. Let's just get to know each other."

"How do you do that?" he breathes.

"Do what?"

"Make everything seem so... simple."

"Because it is."

Goose bumps brush my skin as we walk and chew at my lip, wishing I had something to wrap around me. I hadn't really felt it when I was distracted and tipsy. Now, it's like all those effects are ebbing away, leaving me vulnerable to the harsh wind.

"Are you cold?"

"Kind of, but it's okay," I answer.

"I'd offer you a jacket if I was wearing one."

"Very thoughtful of you," I tease.

The closer we get to my house, the more I regret asking him to take me home. I wish I hadn't suggested it so soon. I don't want this night to end.

When we get onto my street, I pull up a little away from my house, in case my parents are awake.

"Thank you for walking me home."

"Thanks for dragging me out to that party," he replies with an eye roll, digging his hands into his pockets.

I roll my lips inwards, not totally sure if I should leave now, or wait for him to kiss me.

He grins at my awkwardness. He takes a step towards me and kisses me much softer than he did earlier in the night.

"Goodnight, Ellie."

"Goodnight, Haze," I whisper thickly, staring up at him. "I expect you to message or call me tomorrow."

He grins. "Yes Ellie, I will."

I grin back, my chest feeling light. I walk up the steps to my house and silently enter.

When it closes softly behind me, I smile widely

One night together and I can already feel myself falling for this boy.