Alexander didnt move. I am, he said calmly. Whats this all about, Matt?
Your houseguest.
Hes out back.
Well, he better stay there.
Is something wrong? Alexander asked.
You bet. Your best friend has been hitting on my girlfriend, Matt challenged.
Alexander shook his head. His best friend had gotten him into a mess. Thats just Sebastians way. He didnt mean any harm.
Did you know that after Sebastian met Becky at Hatsys he texted her all night? Matt asked.
Not at the time. Im not with him every minute.
Sebastian sent the flowers to Becky. Not Raven. Did you know that?
Noor I would have stopped him.
But you did find out.
Yes.
So were you going to tell me?
There wasnt a need to. We had it resolved.
Really? Did you know he had the nerve to show up at her house?
He did? Alexander said. I thought he bumped into her in town.
And all the time you both were laughing and encouraging him, Matt said, annoyed.
Now, take it easy. I never laughed, and I most certainly didnt encourage him. It was just the opposite.
Now I was mad. It was one thing to accuse me, and now Sebastian, of causing trouble, but quite another to accuse Alexander. You have it wrong, Matt. Alexander
Its okay, Raven, Alexander said, trying to calm me down. I understand you might be mad, Matt. But its not as bad as it sounds.
And to think I included him at Hooligans.
You are misunderstanding what happened.
Am I?
Matt stepped forward.
I was ready to pounce on anyone who charged at Alexanderthough he was quite capable of defending himself.
Alexander held out his arm. Its okay.
Now youre having a party, Matt said. Then he fixed on me. And Ravenyou dont invite your best friend?
Trevor stood behind Matt, arms folded, smiling gleefully.
Whats he doing here? I charged. I thought you werent his shadow anymore.
Hes the one who told me, Matt said. Seems Trevor is a good friend after all.
The soccer snobs surrounded Alexander. I rushed in, but Alexander held me at bay.
I dont think you know who you are dealing with here, I said to the gang of athletes.
Alexander appeared concerned for Matts situation, but he wasnt worried about the threat from the others. He was confident in his own power, and I knew he wouldnt use it unless it was to defend me.
Is Becky with Sebastian? Alexander asked.
Noshes with me, Matt said.
Then isnt that your answer? Alexander assured Matt. After all the texts, the flowers, and the visits, shes still with you.
Matts anger changed to relief. He even broke a smile.
Sebastian suddenly appeared beside us. Whats going on?
When he saw Matt, he knew he must have found out about his feelings for Becky.
Im the one you have a beef with, Sebastian said. This isnt about Alexander.
I know that now, Matt said.
Lets talk calmly, Sebastian urged.
I know how you feel about Beckybut Im the one who loves her, Matt suddenly proclaimed.
Becky hopped out of the truck. She raced to Matt and clutched him around the waist. Hed declared his love for her in front of everyone. She gazed up at me with an almost thankful smile.
I was surprised by Matts sudden passion and proud that he was standing up for Becky. However, I didnt want this conflict to continue.
And just so you know, Sebastian defended, Alexander ordered me to leave the Mansion.
He did? Matt asked.
But I was the one who wanted to stay in town. Raven and Alexander went out of their way to arrange a party for meto find my own Becky. So they really are better friends to you than you might think.
Matt was speechless.
Yeahso you might have Becky, Sebastian began, but I have Raven and Alexander.
Matt was stunned. I feel awful, he said.
I do, too, Becky added.
Matt glared at Trevor. You started this, didnt you? Just like always.
But Trevors attention was on a few cars that had pulled up to the Mansions gate.
Within a few minutes, vehicles began to line the street.
Students came up the driveway and the lawn, decked out in their Saturday-night best and carrying bags of beverages.
Whats going on? I asked.
You know how news travels in this town, Trevor said. Everyone likes a party. Not just you guys.
Wheres the coffin guy? a Pradabee asked.
Is that him? another asked, pointing to Alexander. Hes gorgeous!
I wonder if he has a dungeon, the Pradabee commented. Or a secret room. I wouldnt mind if he locked me up in one. The pair laughed and followed the others to the backyard.
What are we going to do? I asked frantically. Call the police?
Noits fine. Alexander beamed.
Alexander surveyed his uninvited guests and their festive mood.
Well, we dont have enough drinks, I said. I mean, the non-Romanian kind.
Doesnt seem to matter. Looks like they are bringing their own, Alexander commented.
Sebastian lit up. Now, this is a real party. This is what were missing by being homeschooled. Look at these girls. Theyre all hot!
We arrived in the backyard to a full-fledged happening. The backyard began to fill up with every teen in town.
Heres some liquor, a soccer snob said, holding the unfinished Transylvania 1972.
He lifted it to his lips and leaned back to take a huge swig.
No I yanked it out of his hands. Thats an import! I chastised. I grabbed the goblets and carried them into the house like a seasoned waitress.
As I exited, I met an anxious Jameson in the doorway, examining the expanding party.
Miss Raven, what has happened?
We had a few party crashers.
A few? More like a hundred. I must go to the basement. I know we have more stock.
Not the cellar, Jameson, I said. Its not that kind of party.
Of course, I meant in the downstairs pantry. Jameson fretted. Oh, I wish I had time to prepare!
Id watched plenty of movies. Couples using pieces of furniture and empty bedrooms for makeout sessions while others used the furniture as coasters. I didnt want the Mansion trashed and, more important, Alexanders and Sebastians identity revealed. Dont let anyone in the house, I told Jameson before he started off. If they find Sebastians bed
I understand, Miss Raven.
Just then two girls came up to the door.
Which way to the bathroom? one asked.
That way, I said, pointing to the street. There is one at the gas station. Or, better yet, I bet theres a golden-seated one at your home.
The girls glowered at me and returned to their boyfriends.
Ill stand watch as soon as I get back, he said nervously. Jameson wasnt the only one upset. I returned to find my partylike my lifeout of control.
Couples were mashing. Some were hanging out by the fire pit. Others were dancing.
I spotted Onyx and Scarlet hovering on either side of Trevor. The girls were fawning over his beefy physique.