The year was 2011 and Jared M. watched silently as he ate his lunch in the school cafeteria. His hands tensed with anticipation as his crush Kerri Covington, the class celebrity moved from table to table handing out invitations to her “End of Junior Year party”.
Kerri Covington was a classic blonde beauty. Her mother was a model and her father was extremely intelligent; truly a winning combo. And on top of being drop dead gorgeous and smart her father also happened to own one of the largest corporations in the entire world, Covington & Meyers Enterprises whose sudden breakthroughs in technology made her family very rich. Kerri Covington was only 17 years old and yet she was worth more in cash than every person in the entire school combined.
In comparison to her Jared was a slouch. He came from a mediocre family of lawyers whose combined wealth over the course of 3 generations didn’t even equal half of what Kerri was worth by herself for just existing
“Here you go Emily. Have fun!” said Kerri to a group of girls as she handed them a small pile of invites.
She began to walk his way. Realizing that he was in the spotlight Jared quickly wiped the pizza bits from his t-shirt and tried to look nonchalant as she approached his table. In his mind if he seemed disinterested it would somehow make him more desirable to her.
“Hey Jared I am throwing a beach party this weekend. Are you coming?” Kerri said to the Jared who stared back awkwardly as he took a bit from his pizza.
“Hey dumbass, she asked you a question.” pestered a short blonde girl from behind who he recognized as Kerri’s best friend Jenna.
Unable to answer at that moment he held up one finger towards Jenna before swallowing the pizza and coughing.
“I guess I could go” he said casually trying to sound cool, but failing miserably. “But… only if Tyreese and Mary can come.” he said confidently.
“Sure! I do not have a problem with either of them.” said Kerri happily who placed 3 invitations on the table.
“Woah. Woah. Woah! Kerri have you lost it? I mean, Tyreese? Sure it’s all good, he’s cool. But Mary? Hell no! She’s like a total freak.” Jenna insisted to Kerri.
“That’s only because she said that you were a bad person… Once, and that was after you called her a stuck up bitch for not letting you cheat off of her paper.” Jared said sternly to Jenna whose face turned red from embarrassment.
“Aww poor Mary, I feel bad for her she’s so shy.” exclaimed Rebecca, Kerri’s other best friend. “And besides she helped me pass my last Algebra one test, so I say she can come!”
“Well… it is my party and I already said she could come.” said Kerri lightheartedly to the group.
“And also Rebecca really? Algebra one in junior year” Kerri said disappointingly to Rebecca who was biting her nails with an empty headed look on her face.
“Umm, Yeah. I’m like, not that smart Y’know.” She said cheerfully as she stretched her arms.
“Anyways… So, yeah Jared now that I know you are coming I need your help with something. Could you stop by my place tonight?” Kerri said hopefully.
“You mean the enormous house on the hill with all the fancy cars?” Jared questioned sarcastically so as to hide his overwhelming joy.
“No. Actually I live in the garbage bin next to the house. Can you not tell?” Kerri said, returning his sarcasm.
“I didn’t know you lived there too?” Jared joked back to her.
“Alright Mr. Smartass I will see you later. Make sure you bring your sense of humor with you to the party this weekend.” she said jokingly as she winked at him and walked away.
Jared was ecstatic, for him this was not only the first time he would get to go to a party, but for the first time he would have the opportunity to hook up with Kerri whom he was convinced had a crush on him. He couldn’t finish his pizza, he was so excited that he lost his appetite.
“Jared! What was that all about?” said Tyreese as he sat down with Mary, Jared’s other best friend.
“What did she want with you?” questioned Mary in a stern voice.
“Nothing much… other than that we’re all going to her party this weekend!” Jared said excitedly before handing the two of them the letters.
“Damn dude Nice! She must have a crush on you.” Tyreese complimented.
“Yeah man. I’m gonna to try and hook up with her this weekend” Jared said proudly to the group.
“You need a ride. It’s good though I know a guy.” Tyreese said
“I don’t know about this. I mean Jenna really hates me and…” Mary said sheepishly as she played with her food with her fork.
“Dammit Mary its ok. its Kerri’s party, not Jenna’s.” Tyreese reasoned to Mary who still was a little bit nervous.
“And besides who gives a shit what Jenna thinks. She’s basically a carbon copy of Kerri, just not nearly as smart or wealthy… or good looking or nice or… well… just about everything.” Jared said to Mary.
“Also If you’re not around chances are we’re gonna screw something up.” Tyreese joked.
“*Sigh* alright I’ll come, but only because without me you two morons would end up dead or something.” Mary said sternly.
The bell rang and the group separated for their classes. The rest of the day went by fairly quickly for Jared whose mind was on summer and of course Kerri’s kickass
party. When class ended Jared hopped on his bike and rode over to the Covington estate to help Kerri out with whatever she needed.
As he approached the imposing stone gate of her manor he came across what appeared to be a doorbell with a TV screen on top of it. Pressing it he was surprised by a buzzing noise and shortly after he was greeted by the smiling face of Kerri.
“I ahh… think I’m at the wrong house.” He joked nervously to her.
“haha do not worry you are at the right place, come on in I will open the gate.” Kerri said from the screen.
The sound of metal clanking was heard as the gate slowly opened.
“Nice.” Jared said, impressed by Kerri’s wealth.
Riding up across what he swore was a small plantation he arrived at a huge front door almost triple his size. As he walked the enormous door opened and he could see Kerri standing there waiting for him.
“Welcome to my humble abode.” she joked as she spun around in a circle across the polished marble floor of the entrance hall.
“So what did you need me for again?” Jared asked.
“Oh nothing much. I just need your help sneaking liquor out of the house” Kerri said to him, grabbing his hand and heading to a doorway on the right.
They entered what appeared to be a living room of some kind. Across the room sat an enormous television that was playing Barney for a baby who was sitting on a
carpet. To the child’s left was a blonde haired woman who he could only assume was Kerri’s mother.
“Kerri honey, please introduce me to your friend, and also say hello to your little sister Nicole” said Kerri’s mother.
“*Grunt* fine mom” Kerri said in an annoyed tone.
“Mom this is Jared he is from school, Jared this is my mom she is from… here. And that is my newborn sister Nicole. Oh yeah and hi Nicole” Kerri said quickly.
“Hello Mrs.Covi… wah!” Jared said as he was yanked by Kerri and dragged across the carpet.
“You two have fun now. And also Kerri dear I took the liberty of fixing that problem with your room.” Kerri’s mother said.
“Hey I wanted to introduce myself.” Jared said to Kerri who continued to push him forward.
“Do not bother Jared we got to get the booze and the other things while my father is out. We do not have time for this” Kerri said.
They entered a hallway with two doors one was made of wood and labeled “Pantry” and the second made of metal and labeled “Laboratory”.
“Ok you grab the bottles of Smirnoff and the two 24 packs of naddy light and stuff em in your bag and I’ll go in my dad’s lab and get the cool party stuff.” Kerri ordered as she ran across the hallway her designer sandals making a loud clapping noise every time she stepped.
Jared quickly stuffed the bottles of Smirnoff and the beer in his backpack and left the room. He then saw Kerri return with a large heavy looking duffle bag.
“Jared check this out.” Kerri said excitedly as she unzipped the bag.
Jared was expecting some kind of super expensive device but when the bag was opened he was surprised to see that the bag was filled with plain metal canisters about the size of a soup thermos. Picking one up he noticed the tops of them had a red strip running across it and printed on the side in industrial print was simply “US.367.SV”. There was also a single, larger container with a green strip running across It.
“What the fuck is this Kerri?” Jared said as he picked up one of the surprisingly
heavy canisters.
“Special effects. For the party.” Kerri said plainly as she checked his bag for the booze.
“Are you sure that these ‘special affects’ are safe!” Jared questioned loudly as he carefully placed the metal cylinder back in the bag.
“Shhh.” Kerri said as she looked around to see if anyone else was around.
“These gas canisters are supposed to be fun, just a little something to lighten the mood. If it makes you feel better according to my father it is a completely harmless, but fun byproduct of a failed experiment. I mean I have seen him spray it at parties before” Kerri
reasoned.
“And what happened at these parties?” Jared said with concern.
“Absolutely nothing, well nothing terrible that is. There are no side effects.” She said with an innocent smile.
“All it does is smell really good, and glow in the dark, which is why I want to spray this at the party. “She said with enthusiasm.
“I hope you do not think I am weird or anything, I just want to throw the best party ever.” Kerri said innocently her head tilted slightly to one side.
Jared loved that look on her face; so sweet and innocent and yet so seductive. This was the moment he had been waiting years for. He was definitely not going to screw this up.
“I suppose you’re not weird, I mean for a billionaire girl that is”. Jared said confidently.
“Well that is certainly a relief.” She said happily.
“Thanks for helping me by the way.” Kerri said as she planted a kiss on his cheek.
“Whoa!” Jared said as Kerri leaned in further.
“And do not worry there will be plenty more where that came from at the party.” Kerri whispered, her silky soft lips brushing up against his ear as she spoke.
The next day Jared packed his clothes and made his excuse to his parents before heading out to Tyreese’s house to meet up with the group. Taking his bike he arrived at Tyreese’s house just in time for the trip.
“Yo Jared you ready to party.” said a voice who he recognized as Rob, Tyreese’s older brother.
“Hey I didn’t know you were coming” Jared said to the tall college freshmen as he approached the beat up looking Ford Pinto.
“Hell’s yeah I’m coming. Who do you think was gonna drive you idiots to the party.” Rob said smugly as he grabbed Jared’s stuff and threw it haphazardly in the trunk.
“Hey be careful! That bag has beer in it.” Jared protested as Rob threw multiple bags on top of his.
“Dude it’s fine. Besides I got waaaayyyy more booze in these bags.” He said while waving a large duffle bag. “ Now get your dumbass in the car we gotta split before my parents know where were really going.”
“Where’s Tyreese and Mary?” said Jared as he hid his bike in the bushes nearby.
“There in the back now c’mon.” Rob said as he started the car.
Jared opened the right side of the car and took his seat in the yellow Pinto with Tyreese and Mary. Mary of course was complaining that she was in the middle,
and Tyreese was yelling at his brother about stealing booze.
“I hope the destination is worth the journey” Jared said softly to himself before
putting in his headphones and falling asleep in the car.
Jared awoke groggily to the sound of Mary yelling in the small car.
“Were here! Thank god, I thought I’d be stuck in here forever.” Said Mary excitedly to the group.
“Were here?” said Jared lazily as he opened his eyes and wiped the drool from his mouth.
“Yeah dude! And this place is fuckin huge!” said Tyreese as he reached across Mary and shook the still somewhat sleeping Jared.
“Hehe Rebecca here I come.” said Rob as he pulled into the upscale concrete drive way and parked next to a fountain.
“Well at least the Queen of Heritage High lives up to her reputation” said Mary
venomously as the group walked up the marble staircase to the front door.
“Oh Mary. What are we gonna do with you.” Said Tyreese jokingly while roughly patting the petite brunette on her back.
“Seriously Mary were going to be staying here for two days, the least you can do is show some appreciation.” Scolded Jared as he reached out and rang the doorbell.
“Greetings! You guys are awfully early, the party is not for another few hours.” said Kerri happily as she opened the door for her guests.
“Yeah sorry bout that, and hey Kerri, thanks again for letting Tyreese and Mary come along.” Said Jared as he walked through the luxurious front door.
“And who is the other guy?” she questioned as she pointed to Rob.
“That’s Tyreese’s brother. We couldn’t have gotten here if he didn’t drive us… And he brought extra booze.” Jared said.
There was an awkward silence for a moment as the group wondered whether Kerri would still let them inside or not seeing as they had brought what was essentially an unwanted guest.
“Ok.” She said acceptingly “I will escort you guys to your rooms.”
“Damn Kerri you’re pretty laid back about this kinda stuff” complimented Tyreese.
“When you live a life like mine, you tend not worry about much” joked Kerri as she led them into a wide hallway with several numbered doors. Then she stopped next to
the pair nearest to the staircase.
“Ah yes I almost forgot, guys please put on these green bracelets, and Mary you hold onto this pink ribbon” asked Kerri who then pulled out three elaborately decorated stretchy green bracelets and one frilly pink ribbon out from her purse.
“Why do we have to wear these?” Asked Rob suspiciously.
“there are a certain number of these, and only people I have invited will have them, thus anyone who does not have one is a party crasher and will be dealt with”
declared Kerri brilliantly.
“Wow that’s actually pretty smart. And… holy shit they glow in the dark.” Said
Jared.
“That would be because of the radium in them” she replied ingeniously.
“Ok. boys will be on the left and girls on the right, Mary since you are the only
girl in your group you are going to get a few roommates, but do not worry Mary I will ensure that your roommates will be people who will not bother you” Said Kerri casually before flashing the group a warm smile and walking away.
“… Spoiled little bitch” Mary said right as Kerri turned the corner.
“Damn, that’s harsh.” Tyreese said.
“She gave you a room to sleep in and you repay her with that?” Jared said in a disappointed tone.
“She sounds like the damn queen of England only worse because she has that annoying valley girl accent. Did anybody else hear that “When you live a life like mine” crap? What a bitch.” Ranted Mary spitefully.
“Mary Mary Mary.” Said Tyreese as he shook his head. “if you had a zillion dollars you’d talk like that too.”
“Like hell I would” refuted Mary as she moved her bags into her room on the right.
“You know Mary you’re much more attractive when you’re not complaining.” joked Rob as he opened the door to guy’s room.
“Fuck off.” She spat angrily. “I had to sit through a three and a half hour car ride in your stupid car, without going to the bathroom, and then, when we arrive I've got to deal with little Miss I’m soooo much richer than everyone else. I have a right to complain.”
“Speaking of little miss I’m rich, I gotta help her with something.” Said Jared who suddenly remembered he had to help her set up the party.
“He’s gonna go fuck her isn’t he?” Joked Rob as Jared walked around the corner.
Jared could not have been happier. There he was in a massive beach house with his best friends and his crush about to throw one of the largest party’s he would
probably ever see in his life. Looking around the luxurious mansion he could tell that this was going to be the best weekend of his life.
As he passed the kitchen he noticed that the door to the deck was open. Walking out onto the massive porch which was easily the size of his driveway he wondered briefly if he would ever find his way around this house.
“Hey Jared, Kerri’s busy helping the others so… me and you got to set up these… gas thingy’s” said a voice that could only belong to Jenna.
“Oh, well ok then” he said in a disappointed tone.
“ha ha, don’t be so upset, you’ll see her tonight if you know what I mean” joked Jenna.
“Right. Well where does she want these.” Jared asked.
“Apparently there’s gonna be wind coming from the ocean tonight, so she like, wants us to place them right on the shoreline.” Said Jenna casually.
“won’t people be going swimming?” asked Jared as they both began to walk down the stairs to the beach past the outdoor pool.
“You don’t know much about beach parties, do you? It’s the beginning of summer so, like the waters still cold. Nobody’s gonna actually swim, just wear swimsuits.” She reasoned in a sly tone as she began sticking the red lined canisters into
the moist sand.
“And also are you planning on making a move on Kerri” she questioned in an
unsettlingly casual tone.
“Well…I ahh think that me and her…” Jared stuttered as he finished placing his share of the canisters into the sand.
“Listen Jared I may be her best friend, but I honestly don’t care what happens to her y’know, so just tell me if you or any other of your friends wanna piece of her, I can make it happen” she said in an almost amused voice.
“You do realize you just offered to pimp her out to us, right? Said Jared who was both surprised and disturbed by Jenna’s lack of concern for Kerri’s well-being.
“Well I mean yeah, I am her ‘best friend’.” Said Jenna sarcastically as they both walked back up the stairs.
“If I put a bid in for you, I bet she’ll bang you in a second, and here’s the best part… she’s a virgin!” said Jenna who’s words completely shattered any respect Jared once had
for her.
“Right, yeah I’ll tell you if I need any help with that, thanks Jenna” said Jared who was unsure of whether what she was saying was true or some kind of test to reveal his true intentions.
“I mean we both know your only here to fuck her right? So why hide it” she said arrogantly as they reached the top of the staircase near the pool.
“Wow… I seriously misjudged you Jenna” Jared said cleverly.
“Ha Ha, a lot of people do that. I’ll forgive you this time.” She giggled arrogantly before walking up the stairs to the deck and into the house.
“Oh yeah I forgot to mention. Kerri’s having some kinda party planning company come through and set the place up, so until then stay in your room kay?” said Jenna in an extra sugary voice.
“… Right.” Said Jared plainly while walking awkwardly back to his room.
The next couple of hours were fairly boring. A few people came, a few people went, and occasionally Kerri would stop by to check in. Mary was still complaining, and
Tyreese and Rob would not shut up, but all and all for Jared this weekend was shaping out pretty nice.
A few hours later Jared had heard the party was about to start, and that Kerri, his crush was down by the beach. He quickly changed into his swimming trunks, and met
up with the group in the kitchen.
“This place sure filled up quick.” Said Mary as a group of teens passed by.
“that’s for sure, anyways Jared we better get down to the beach before all that booze you worked so hard to snatch is gone” said Tyreese.
Kerri’s party had turned out to be a massive hit, and as the group walked the short distance from the rooms to the porch they counted at least 30 people. Music blasted through the enormous house from hidden speakers and colored lights could be seen from the beach. The scent of alcohol and fresh food lingered in the distance and enticed all who were lucky enough to be here to be become part of the celebrations down by the beach.
“Well, she may be a spoiled brat, but she throws one hell-of-a party.” Said Mary excitedly as she and the rest of the group ran down the stairs to the beach.
“Jared what are you going to do.” Asked Mary eagerly.
“I’m going to go find Kerri.” He said plainly as he scanned the crowd looking for her.
“Dude you have all night to go meet her, drink with us for a bit.” Said Tyreese.
“Fine, Pass me a cold one” said Jared trying to sound cool.
Jared grabbed the beer from his friend’s hand, and walked into the center of the crowd. This was truly paradise for him. There was tons of food, more food than anyone could possibly eat. Lights and music blared and flashed around him luring him into an almost trancelike state. Soon he began to consume more alcohol and within a matter of minutes he was drunk.
“I think you need to sit down for a bit” said Mary who refrained from drinking the entire time.
“Maaarryy, you…you silly girl.” Said Jared drunkenly “I…I…I’m, like super-duper sober”
“Yeah you definitely need to sit down” she said as she shook her head with
disappointment at her ridiculously inebriated friend.
“Where the fffffuck is Kerri? She…she promised me a god damn dance.” Shouted Jared senselessly as Mary forced him to sit down by one of the decorative fire pits.
As Jared thrashed around incoherently, Mary noticed a multicolored hue emanating from the beach. The enormous rainbow colored cloud rolled over them and left the most beautiful smell as it passed. Mary was completely stunned and confused by
this new sensation, even Jared who was hopelessly drunk began to realize that something was going on.
Mary looked down at Jared to confirm his status, but to her horror she saw the green wristband on Jared’s arm glowing and emanating light. There was a flash of bright light followed by an intense pain. Mary felt herself tense with shock as she faded into unconsciousness.