When A Smile Hurts

(chapter 33)

(Seth's P.O.V.)

Tonight is the party. I really an't help but feel a tad bit nervous, saying that I never really had much social situations to prepare me for this. Did I need any preparing though? I mean, Jamie will be there... But, she isn't there to babysit me..

I rolled my eyes and grabbed my clothes, heading towars the downstairs bathroom in my loft.

Tonight was going to be different, extremely different. I have to remember though....

I have to remember that Mark and his torment is now my past, and no one here new me or knew anything that had happened. I don't need to worry about anyone noticing a new bruise or cut and then asking questions. I don't need to worry that someone will be judging me and feeling sorry for me because of some assumption they have.

I stepped into the shower, being welcomed by the hot water that sprayed at me. I closed my eyes, letting the water soar over me, relaxing and easing every tense muscle.

I sighed.

No matter what, tonight will be okay.

____

(Jamie's P.O.V.)

"I know, but I just don't want it to be too uncomfortable for him, you know?"

"I know Jamie, but you guys do need to get out every once in a while. Who knows, maybe you both will like it."

Me and Lauren were in my room, getting ready for the party. I didn't even have to bother asking my parents if I can go. Hell, I didn't even have to make up some lame lie. They were both out of the house tonight, and even if they were here, they wouldn't care where I was or who I was with.

I couldn't help but roll my eyes. When would my parents ever learn to care? I could drop out of school and become a local stripper and they would never notice...

"Jamie?" Lauren brought me out of my little self-pity party and back into reality. I looked towards the mirror, taking in my look that Lauren picked for me.

I didn't recognize myself at all.

She put me in a short strapless, sequin dress, silver flats and my own black leather jacket. It was all very girly to me, but in a way I liked it. I wonder what Seth would think of it..

I caught myself blushing and looked at my shoes. Should I care what he thinks? Are we even dating?

I didn't have the answers, but at the same time, I didn't need them. If I was close to Seth now, just as friends, I would be okay with that.. Even though I felt a bit stronger for him than just a friendly thing...

"Well? What do you think?" Lauren asked, smiling to herself. I agreed to let her dress me up this one time, and she agreed that if I didn't like it, I can change.

I glanced over to her, and she gave a cocky, toothy grin, and I couldn't help but smile back.

"Alright, alright. Don't let it all go to that ego of yours, but I like it."

Just as I said that, the doorbell rang, followed by laughter from Oli, Kragen, and Seth. I was actually glad that the guys had welcomed Seth into the little two-man pack.

I smiled when I heard Seth laughing. He had a low, throaty laugh, and each time I heard it I couldn't help but have butterflies jumping around in my stomach.

Lauren chuckled as she rached for her purse on my bed. "And I'm sure Seth will like it, too."

Again, I blushed, this time, I didn't bother hiding it.

(End of Jamie's P.O.V.)

(Seth's P.O.V.)

"Man I'm so hungry. I could eat a whole pizza right about now."

"One whole pizza? Kragen, you usually eat two whole pizzas by yourself, man." Oli said as the three of us walked into Jamie's house. I laughed, knowing it was true.

Kragen pushed Oli, making him stumble into the door. I stepped back to make sure I didn't get caught in it. Oli, being a few inches taller than Kragen, swiftly put him in a headlock.

I continued laughing.

It was quite unreal to me, standing there with two guys that had become really good friends to me, and having the girl I like right upstairs. I never imagined that I'd be here right now. Never would I have guessed that I'd have as much as I do now.

"Boys, enough play time."Lauren say to us. Oli glanced up to her, smiling as he let go of Kragen, who rolled his eyes and raked his hand through his hair.

I turned around, just expecting to see Lauren, but soon saw Jamie standing right behind her.

I felt as though someone knocked the breath out of me.

She had on a little, black dress thought hugged her body and actually showed off her legs.... her very long legs...

I got pulled out ot the little daydream by Oli nudging me with his shoulder. I cleared my throat, feeling beyond embarrassed. I wonder if anyone else noticed that...

"Well, let's get going. It will be a very crazy night tonight, and a very enjoyable one." Lauren said as she looped her arm through Oli's and headed out the door together, Kragen right behind.

I glanced at Jamie, who was still standing on the last step of the staircase.

She smiled at me, and I tried my best to smile back without looking like a complete dumbass.

"Are you ready?" she asked, stepping down and standing right in front of me.

We were almost touching.

I nodded, execting something else, remembering the last time we stood this close.

I remembered the way she felt against me, her lips on mine....and-

"Well, let's go."

Jamie smiled again, and walked out the house to join her friends.

I watched her go, smiling to myself.

A crazy night it will be indeed....