The Outside Lines (boyxboy) - Chapter 30: Chapter 30

Nathan's POV
I woke from a food coma after the delicious dinner mom and Taylor cooked. I felt like I was dining at a high class restaurant. Having someone cook for me was a nice change of pace, the awesome taste was an added bonus. The techniques I use in the kitchen came from my mother, so I shouldn't have been expecting anything less of her.
I lifted my body from the mattress, the dim early morning sun catching my eye. Noah's faint scent still lingered on the blanket. It was a soft and fragrant like a flower. I grasped the material and watched it as if Noah would suddenly materialize inside of it.
Today is the day of the party so I woke early to begin preparation. The house was filled with a calm silence. Mom was likely asleep. I wouldn't blame her after all of that work she did yesterday.
I went for a jog in the brisk morning air. When I returned to the apartment I hopped in the shower dressed for school, then started cooking for the party like I promised I would. I laid ingredients across the nearly sparkling counters and went from there.
After going through a bunch of recipes I ended up with deviled eggs, salsa, chicken bites, tofu sticks, salad and brownies. I wasn't daring enough to lace them with pot. Heck, I'd never seen any in my life before, despite living in such a sketchy neighborhood and all. I didn't cook anything major, just a bunch of appetizers since others were likely to bring food as well.
I stored the dishes in the fridge and headed out before it got too late.
-
Taylor and Noah were already going all out with the party invitations when I arrived at school.
I sat aside and watched them prance around the parking lot like little gazelles, joining in myself after a few minutes of entertainment.
-
Our new friend group filled one of the smaller tables in the cafeteria during lunch period. Taylor, Noah, Scott, Amber and myself occupying it. Zenda joining in a little later. I offered to help Zenda during P.E and we've grown closer ever since. It still felt unreal that I managed to make so many awesome friends. I owe it all to Taylor.
"I can't believe I'm showing my face here." Zenda said, covering up her face, wearily glancing back and forth as if a monster would hop out and attack her at any moment.
"So you're really responsible for my snacks being taken away, huh?" Scott narrowed his already nearly shut eyes, judging the smaller girl sat beside him.
"I shouldn't be blamed for this. It's all on my mom, she's too over protective." Zenda fired back, her scowl just as sharp and glaring as Scott's.
"Hey now, let's not start pointing fingers between each other." Amber told the green sloth that was partially hunched over the table. He didn't dare go against her, his crush was too powerful.
My focus on the current conversation was shattered when a soft, warm hand was pressed against the top of my own. A shiver traveled down my spine when I looked up to see that it belonged to none other than Noah himself.
He appeared to be unaware of it. He was being his usual hyper self, standing up in his seat, sitting with both legs beneath him, and occasionally getting up from his seat all together.
When he returned to his seat one last time his hand connected with mine. My eyes traveled from our hands to the side of his unknowing, innocent face. I was completely captivated by his pure adorableness.
I noticed Amber glance over at me in the corner of my eye, but before I could meet it she'd already turned away. I didn't think much of it at the time.
A few minutes later she rose from her seat and walked over to my end of the table.
"Noah, do you mind switching seats?" Her silky coal colored hair draping only a foot away.
"Uh... sure?" He agreed, the confusion in his response mirrored everyone else's at the table.
"Thanks." She offered a slight smile before sitting in the seat beside me.
Taylor looked between the three of us, almost as if she was trying to solve a puzzle. Amber flashed another smile being met with Taylor's stare.
A loud set of footsteps approached, all in unison, redirecting our attention.
"Amber, why are you hanging out with these losers?" An unfamiliar girl questioned, parading up to the table with two others. I almost mistook her for Haley. Their appearances were strikingly similar. Her wide eyes and thin lips did enough to distinguish between the two though.
The two friends were brunettes, both with different shades and hairstyles. The one on the left sported lighter silky shoulder length hair while the one on the right had waist length dark hair void of any glow.
"Yeah, and especially him." The shorter haired brunette said, pointing towards Noah.
"Why'd you ditch us for these nobodies?" The girl continued insulting the group.
Taylor turned to look at them, her head slightly tilting to the right with a raised brow. I half expected her to rise from the table and beat them half to death with the soul chilling aura radiating from her.
"Look, you can say whatever you want about me, but I wont stand for you insulting them." Noah suddenly shot up from the table and gestured to all of us.
"I'm just tired of you guys nagging me, I wanted a change of atmosphere." Amber sighed, her head dropping to the table. "They're pretty cool people too, I don't appreciate you insulting them like this." Her tone was unamused with her stare barring into the three girls.
"W-we just wanted you to eat with us. We were wondering why you suddenly ditched us... for them." The blond girl responded, her voice now almost mimicking that of a scared child.
"They're pretty popular in P.E so they aren't really nobodies." Amber told the three. Their attitudes went from ravenous to tame in a matter of seconds.
"The guy with the short hair is pretty hot." The dark haired girl whispered to her friends. She was pointing at me.
I watched them, amused, but also slightly embarrassed.
"Look we're eating right now, can you go bother someone else?" Zenda complained. They stood there idly, bouncing in place and looking around the room.
Taylor sighed, standing from the table. "Here." She took one of the party invites from her bag and pressed against the blond's chest as if she were a bulletin board. The force Taylor applied caused the girl to take a few retreating steps before studying the card.
She looked between the card and Taylor, confused.
"Bye now." Taylor said, pushing away the girl before she could form a sentence. The other two girls followed behind like confused puppies, pouting with their attention dancing around the room.
"That's one way to handle them." Amber murmured in amusement, her head still slouched on the table.
A few minutes later, just as things started quieting down a loud commotion erupted from the cafeteria line. One of the students was in a full blown rage when talking to the lunch ladies behind the counter.
His voice was loud, reaching every crack of the room.
"What is this mess? Why are you suddenly trying to make us eat a forest?"
"Look at this." He lifted his tray. "This probably hasn't even touched the pan, its raw!"
"The least you could do is cook it properly!"
I suddenly felt like I was watching an episode of Hell's Kitchen
"You'd better watch out for that guy Zenda." Scott warned jokingly. "He'll scalp you if he finds out you're responsible for this."
Zenda scowled at him, mocking his mouth movement as if she were an eight year old.
"Guys, I'll be right back." I told everyone at the table. A few of them nodded while the rest just had their attention elsewhere.
I removed myself from the bench and walked over to the food line hoping to defuse the growing conflict between the two parties.
"Is everything alright here?" I asked, resting a hand on the boy's shoulder. He turned around to look at me, his expression making me believe I was some kind of mutated cow on two legs. A raging storm welled in his small brown eyes.
"Yes, I payed for this and its hardly cooked." He shoved the tray in my face. I studied the contents before glancing over to Kassandra. Worry was all over her face, I could tell just how flustered she was.
"Look, I can sympathize with you here, but these women are trying their hardest, I'm sure the change was just as difficult for them as it has been for a lot of people here." I tried to rationalize with him. He went silent, but his eyes searched my face as if he wanted to say something.
"...Hang on." I told him.
I grabbed the edge of the counter and slid across, landing on the other side.
"Is this going to become a habit?" Kassandra jested, hoping to lighten some of the tenseness weighing in the air. A smirk caught my lips.
"Mind if I borrow the kitchen real quick?" I asked the women, pointing towards the stove. "I'll pay for anything ingredients I use."
"Sure, help yourself." One of them approved, extending a hand to all the cool appliances. I nodded, flashing a smile of gratitude and got to work.
I quickly chopped into some of the vegetables I got from under the counter and dumped them into a blazing pan.
"Dang, when I get a steady job I have to get some of this stuff." I murmured to myself, mesmerized by all of the awesome kitchen tools.
I finished the dish in haste, yet proud of the result. To my surprise the boy was still standing in line.
I plated the meal and set it on his tray. "I hope this is closer to your expectations."
He eyed me oddly, and I didn't blame him. If a total stranger cooked a meal for me I'd be just as confused.
He tasted it, and remained silent as he had been for the past few minutes. He offered a small nod before walking away.
"Sorry about the trouble." I apologized to the lunch ladies, placing ten dollars on the counter and walking back to my table.
"Nathan, wait." Kassandra called out. I turned around looking curious, waiting for her to speak.
"Why are you apologizing? You put out the fire from under our bottoms." She continued. "Thanks again."
I flashed a smile. "If you need any pointers on cooking vegetables I'll give you my number."
"Wooh!" She rose a hand to her face in shock. "Some one so handsome giving me their number, I might get me the wrong idea." Kassandra said jokingly.
"My partners in thyme and I would really appreciate it though, we're still getting used to the sudden rework of the cafeteria menu. None of us have really worked much with vegetables. It's usually meats, dairy, and wheat, stuff like that." She explained expressively using her hands, only this time in a more serious tone.
"Call me if you need anything." I wrote my number down on one of the many pieces of paper placed around the right end of the counter. I nodded to the ladies and returned to my seat at the table.
"You know that guy?" Noah asked, referring to the hot head causing a ruckus.
I shook my head in short motions.
"So you just cook for random people?" It was Taylor's turn to join in on the interrogation. Her gaze burning through me, studying my every movement,
"I don't know, I guess?" I shrugged uncertain on how to answer her question.
"What I did was more so for Kassandra though."
"Is there something going on between the two of you? Are you into older women?" Scott leaned uncomfortably close, his dead gaze peering into my soul.
"No it's nothing like that." I assured him, gently pushing a finger against his nose, hoping to keep some distance between our faces.
"I don't mind if you're into older ladies. I don't judge." Scott continued teasing, earning a laugh from everyone. I turned to look at Noah, hoping he didn't misunderstand. He just sat there with the largest smile. I was relieved but also slightly peeved.
-
When school ended I quickly dropped by my home to change and pick up the stuff for the party.
I pulled into the spacious dirt parking lot across the street from Taylor's pool house. The area was empty with only sticks and rocks occupying the space. In front of it was filled with green as far the the eye could see. The area was slightly elevated compared to the large sprawling forest in front of it making it possible to peer out across hundreds of trees. It felt quite romantic, almost like a setting from a mid eighties romance movies.
I grabbed the bags from my car and quickly crossed the road. Gravel crunched under my boots as I made my way towards the double story house mostly made of glass.
The atmosphere was remarkably relaxing for a place that would soon become a raging party. The sound of the wind hit the surrounding trees and birdsong off in the distance made me want to take a nap right where I stood.
"Hey, sky gazer, come help me with this." Nickolas' voice commanded out of nowhere. I spotted him through the parted doors of the house carrying what looked to be a part of a DJ set. I quickly jogged through the spacious doors and gave him a hand.
"Hey Nathan." Taylor greeted from the kitchen, preparing snacks. The entire room was pretty open with little separating it but for some beams and counters. Just beyond the entrance was a staircase leading to the second floor. It looked to be made of solid mahogany.
"Is it just you two here?" I asked Nickolas and Taylor. They both froze as if someone had filled the room with snow.
"Yeah, no one else has shown up yet." Taylor answered after an awkward second of silence.
"What about Noah, did he not come with you?" I asked, scanning the room looking out for the cherry faced bean.
"He's going to be a little late so he decided to take an Uber."
I winked at Taylor as Nickolas and I passed by with his equipment.
"Oh come on, not you too." She rolled her eyes, her head moving along with them.
"You're always teasing me. It's only fair that I get to tease you back every once in awhile." I chuckled, a smile breaking at my lips. Nickolas raised a brow, unaware he was the subject of our conversation.
After around ten minutes Nickolas and I finally finished moving all of his gear into the corner of the room where he was DJing.
"You're pretty damn strong." Nickolas complimented, catching his breath.
"I've been working out a lot since early spring, so my muscles have gotten pretty built." I flexed jokingly.
Nickolas smiled, looking at me like I was the biggest fool he'd ever laid eyes.
"Oh I almost forgot." Taylor started, setting down the plastic cups on the counter and rustling through her bag.
"Here." She went over to Nickolas shoving out a handful of cash.
"What's this?" He took it from Taylor's hands hesitantly.
"The money I promised you. I'm not gonna have you DJ for free." She answered.
"Don't worry about it." He refused, placing the money back in her hands using little force.
"What? No, take it." She demanded, shoving it into his face.
"I'll be fine so long as you keep my number saved in your phone. That's all the payment I require." He replied, blatantly flirting with her.
Taylor stood frozen in place with a mix of emotions crossing her face, eventually settling on one. She was dumbfounded with a slight hint of amusement caught on her expression. She raised both of her brows with her eyes drawn into slits.
"I had no intentions of deleting it, but maybe I will?" She said pretending to think to herself.
Nickolas smirked briefly with a breathy laugh and went back to his booth.
"Nathan, you said you were cooking for the party?" Taylor brought up, also returning to her post.
"Oh, right." I was reminded about the bags I'd left outside when lending Nickolas a hand.
I stepped out into the cool air taking in the sight of oncoming darkness from the setting sun. The white plastic bags were still very visible sitting against the rocky ground in the dim lighting. As I went to retrieve them faint voices and laughter in the distance caught my attention. Groups of people across the street were illuminated by the lights of their vehicles.
It appears the guest have started arriving.
I wondered if Noah was among them. I stood on my tip-toes hoping to spot him in the crowd, as if it would help. My vision was already obscured by the darkness and the distance between myself and the body of people, what good would raising myself off the ground an inch or two do?
I parted with the cold of the night and rejoined the others inside. Taylor laid out an assortment of snacks across the few tables placed throughout the pristine looking room. There were bags and bags of junk food all throughout the room.
"I think there are people outside here for the party!" I yelled over the deafening music Nickolas had shaking the room.
She responded with a nod and ran off somewhere. While she was gone I took the time to unpack the plastic bags in the kitchen.
The outdoor lights suddenly flashed on. There were so many of them scattered across the lawn that for a second I was convinced we were having a Christmas party. I half expected to see santa waltzing through the front door.
Speaking of waltzing through the front door, people began coming in.
"Whoa..."
"This place is crazy."
Some unfamiliar faces whispered between each other under their breaths.
"I almost feel like I don't deserve to be here." A girl giggled in excitement.
There were many more reactions like this. The majority of the people walking through that door had very similar reactions.
*Play the song*
It wasn't long before the party was in full swing. Everyone was chatting, eating, and dancing to music. That said there were several people still flooding through the front door. Every passing moment Taylor and I grew more concerned at how big the turn out was. We expected maybe a couple dozen people to show up, at most.
How many would I estimate were here now? Well over fifty, and they were still pouring in strong.
Taylor began to panic when the house grew full.
"U-uh um what do I do?" She paced back and forth trying to work out a plan in her head.
After a few seconds of thought she froze. "Nathan, can you help me carry some chairs to the back yard?" She asked, coming up with an idea.
She opened the back door and we place several lawn chairs around the large pool and across the grass. Her quick thinking was a success, many people came out hoping to enjoy a less crowded space.
I was still concerned that I hadn't seen any of our friends yet. I went back inside to scout the area. While looking for them, just witnessing so many people having a good time filled me with gratification.
A hand pressed against my shoulder, drawing my attention to the person behind me.
It was Amber. "There you are, we've been looking all over for you guys."
"We?" I asked, wondering who she was referring to.
"Scott, Zenda and I have seats at the table over there." She pointed to the wood glass hybrid table in the center of the room.
I mouthed an "Oh" and nodded my head. "C'mon." I instructed, breaking through the crowd and leading her back to the table.
"Nathan!" Zenda lit up with excitement, doing a single bounce of joy in her seat.
"Where are the other two?" Scott's zombie like voice asked as he looked between us. He was probably referring to Taylor and Noah.
"Taylor's out back. As for Noah, no clue." I shrugged.
"Wanna play truth or dare with us?" Amber asked, taking a seat on the futon that was just a foot in front of us.
"U-um..." I stalled, unsure of how I'd answer. The three sets of hopeful eyes burned through my shield of guilt, leaving me little choice but to accept.
"Alright." I answered slowly. Amber patted the seat next to her, expecting me to fill it, and so I did.
"I'm spinning it first." Scott said, aggressively grabbing the bottle. "But first, I have a riddle." He said, the corner of his mouth rising in anticipation.
Scott always uses riddles as a sort of greeting for some odd reason. He's usually the one that gives out the answer in the end.
"I can run without legs. I can survive on my own, but you can't survive without me. What am I?" He riddled, leaning over ever so slightly. Everyone just watched him, waiting for the answer.
"Water." Taylor's voice answered from behind me. Next thing I knew she was resting her hands on my shoulder. Scott smiled at her answer, signaling that she was correct.
"There you are, we were about to start a game of truth or dare." Zenda told her.
Taylor eyed the group, suspicious. "Okay, but I'm not kissing anyone."
"Don't be chicken." Amber shook her head. "Sit." She extended a hand to the seat next to Scott.
Taylor remained silent, taking a seat like a tempered child.
"Alright, here it goes." Scott notified before spinning the empty bottle.
*Spin*
It landed on Taylor.
"Of course." She sighed, looking away from the table in frustration.
"Truth or dare." Scott questioned, squinting his eyes at her.
"Dare." She threw up her hands with a roll of her eyes. "Why the hell not."
"Kiss me." There was almost no hesitation in Scott's demand. There was even less hesitation in the bone breaking punch Taylor delivered to his arm.
"Ow, that was a joke." Scott's voice remained flat as usual, rubbing the reddening skin.
"Okay, then give me a real dare." She crossed her arms, her burning leer set upon Scott.
It took Scott a moment to come up with something. He glanced over his shoulder, scouting out the room. "Get a drink from someone's hand and bring it back to the table."
We all watched as she reluctantly peeled herself from the futon and entered the crowd. She traversed through the forest of bodies like she was on a mission. She went up to a guy and started chatting with him. The party was too loud to hear anything they were saying, but not even ten seconds passed before he was handing her the drink. She stormed back to the table, slamming the glass down, spilling its contents on the table.
"There." She sat back against the cushion with both her arms and legs crossed.
"Holy crap that was fast." Zenda said, shocked. I could tell everyone at the table were just as surprised.
"You're good at this." Amber complimented Taylor, amusement all over her face.
"I get to spin next." Taylor said grabbing the bottle.
*Spin*
It landed on Taylor, again.
"Sh*t"
"I'll go with truth."
"I have a question." Amber said slightly raising a hand. "And you have to answer truthfully."
"Alright alright, get on with it." Taylor waved her own at Amber.
"Have you ever... been in love?"
"I don't know, maybe... probably." Taylor replied. The two girls eyed Taylor uncertain if her response was a suitable enough answer.
"That's the best way I know how to answer such a question." Taylor shrugged. She quickly spun the bottle to redirect everyone's attention.
We continued playing for awhile longer. It landed on Taylor the most out of everyone. I think everyone got some enjoyment out of her frustration.
The bottle eventually stopped in my direction.
"Okay, let me think." Amber said holding her chin. "Do you have a crush on anyone in this room?"
"Err..." I trailed off, scanning every corner of the room for my answer. Just as I was about to give up hope the cutest sandy blond walked in. His innocent gaze glanced around the room with uncertainty.
"Yes." I answered, my eyes dead set on Noah. A smile shone on my face as I watched him amble around like a lost pet.
"Well aren't you gonna tell us who it is?" Zenda pressured, leaning forward on her hands. The group sat in anticipation, hoping for my answer. Taylor was already fully aware it was Noah, but confused since she hadn't seen him at the party. She started glancing around, but not enough to draw suspicion to either of us.
"That wasn't part of the question." I slyly responded, snapping my attention back to the group.
"Fine." Zenda raised her hands in defeat, leaning back in place.
"Hey guys." Noah threw up a wave as he approached the table. My heart ached with how cute he looked. His adorableness wrapped its hands around my and squeezed the life out of it. The dark blue hoodie matched with his gray shorts worked perfectly together. I was impressed by his daringness to wear shorts in this cold weather.
"The gang's all here." Taylor clapped. "Now join in on our game of truth or dare." Taylor ordered Noah wearing a devious grin.
"Sure, sounds like fun." He replied, quickly taking a seat next to Zenda. He didn't seem worried at all.
I had to worry for him. These people were ruthless.
They resumed the game with no holds barred. Taylor had Scott dip a corn dog in the upstairs toilet and eat it. She also made Amber flirt with a guy to get his number. Amber seemed really upset about it. Her and Taylor kept trying to one up each other. I thought things were gonna get out of hand.
"Noah." Taylor called his name as the bottle pointed his way. He clasped his hands and sat forward in his seat in anticipation.
"Dare." What he chose didn't surprise me at all. That's all he'd been choosing up 'til this point.
"I dare you to..." Taylor paused and a sinister look possessed her face. "Sit on Nathan's lap for the next two turns."
His face went paler than that of a ghost's.