Bullied By My Brother's Friend

6. Nice outfit

I paced back and forth in my room. What should I do about Jayce? What could I do? He'd never listen to me. I'm just his younger sister. He'd just say stop being an annoying brat and tell me to f**k off.

I tried to act defiant and brave in front of them, but I was scared. Mostly of Shane. He always looked at me with such contempt it sent shivers down my spine. There was no telling what he would do to me.

And then the whole thing about going to that party happened. Now I have to find something cute to wear to the party. I was already dragged into it, so I might as well make the best of this situation.

I searched my closet, found a white cropped top, and decided to pair it with a red skirt. I never dress this feminine, but what the heck? Maybe I'll meet a cute guy there and finally have a boyfriend. Why should I miss out on finding my true love?

Who am I kidding? I am not going to find my true love at a party full of drunken high school kids.

Saturday came a little too fast. I was barely prepared. Jayce came into my room early and announced that he would leave me behind if I'm not ready by eight pm. He looked like taking me to the party was the most tragic thing he ever had to do.

I put on my party outfit and tied my hair up in a messy bun with some loose strands on the side of my face. I lined my eyes with some eyeliners and lightly glossed my lips. I didn't like to cake on makeup. It made me uncomfortable because I constantly felt like I need to wash my face. And, of course, I had no idea how to put on makeup. Maybe when I am a thirty something career woman striding down the streets of New York, I'll be better at this makeup thing!

I went to the living room where Jayce was waiting for me. As if on cue, the doorbell chimed. "Oh good, Shane is here on time," Jayce said and proceeded to open the door.

I have to ride in the same car as Shane? f**k my life.

Shane walked in, and the first thing he did was looked me up and down. I fidgeted nervously. He had a way of looking at people with such intensity that it made them uncomfortable. I wasn't immune to that.

He wore a white shirt with a pair of jeans and a leather jacket. A simple outfit, yet he looked glamorous. I've never seen Shane look bad, and it made me angry.

"Nice outfit, really emphasizes your muffin tops," he barked.

Oh, that's real nice. Not like I wasn't already insecure about my body.

"Hey! Be nice to my sister," Jayce came into my defense. That rarely ever happens, so I was impressed.

"Should I change my clothes?" I said hesitantly. I wish I could say Shane's words didn't affect me, but they did. I pulled on my top in an attempt to cover my sides.

"Hell no. We're gonna be late," Jayce said irritably. "Tell her the truth, Shane. She doesn't have muffin tops, for f**k's sake."

Shane smirked. "I was just kidding, mouse."

Whatever.

I followed them to Shane's car. I was surprised to see another boy leaned against the car. I thought only three of us were riding together.

"Hi, I'm Kayden," the boy said. He had light brown hair and eyes that were blue like the ocean. And he was cute. I swooned in my head. I hoped he was nice and not an asshole like Shane.

"Anna," I said shyly.

"Pretty name for a pretty lady," Kayden grinned.

"BARF," Shane commented behind me. He draped his arm around my shoulder and pulled me closer. "Don't bother hitting on Anna. She'd bore you to sleep on your first date, so just save yourself the trouble. Besides, she is a child."

"I'm almost seventeen," I rolled my eyes. The closeness of our bodies was making me dizzy. I smelled his cologne. He smelled nice. I pushed him off before I started having weird thoughts about my bully. Something is wrong with me.

"Cool. We're all ready to go then. Anna can sit with me in the back. What do you say?" Kayden asked.

"Fine by me," Shane said.

I nodded in agreement too. Relieved I didn't have to sit with Shane. Kayden was nice and made me feel safe.

"Don't stray too far and don't accept drinks from strangers," Jayce ordered me once we arrive at the party, then he walked off.

I looked around and saw a few kids from my school. Sarah Alexander was standing next to her two best friends, Nora and Ella. I didn't see her brother James anywhere. I saw a group of older kids hanging in the corner playing beer pong. This was totally out of my element.

"Don't worry, Anna, I'll keep an eye out for you," Kayden winked.

"I'll be fine," I said quietly. The last thing I needed was my brother's friend babysitting me.

"I see Adriana by the fireplace. Peace out, losers," Shane announced and headed towards a pretty blonde girl with green eyes. I heard Jayce talk about her before. She was one of the well-liked girls in our school. Also well sought after by many guys. Including Shane. I couldn't blame them. She was so pretty.

I felt a hint of jealousy rising within me as I saw Shane flirting with her. He was smiling like he had never smiled at me before. All I ever got from him was scornful glares. I felt sad.

"Are you okay? What's with that face?" Kayden asked. I forgot he was still standing next to me.

"Nothing. I'm good," I coughed. I shouldn't crave Shane's attention.

"Hey, do you want to dance?" Kayden asked and extended his hand to me.

I smiled. Okay, this party wasn't bad and Kayden was turning out to be a nice guy. "I would love to," I said and took his hand.