The first party in a decade! It's finally all coming together. Convincing the goddamn innies to crawl out of their caves for even one night had been a series of bloody struggles. In the end though, everyone really enjoys spending time together, deep down. They were just scared!
When I walked into the garage to grab another cold one, Dave and Skip were still playing beer pong. The biggest smiles they had ever probably had were plastered across their faces, totally focused on their game. And they'd said - emailed - that they wouldn't enjoy it? Pah!
I could feel the bass notes vibrating through the wall as I stumbled back towards the living room. I haven't heard club music like this in so long. The body always remembers what to do though, those moves are always there.
I kicked the door open and jumped inside, shouting at the top of my lungs.
"PARTAAAAAAAY"
As I'd got used to, I was hit with a wall of warm air and an unholy stink. Hey, what can you expect with a bunch of people that don't ever step foot outside their dungeons? I doubt they even know what a shower is nowadays. Who cares, they're here, that's all that matters.
My body became one with the music, and finally, for the first time since this all began, I was home. This was me! And everyone else here will enjoy it too, I know it. Even if they weren't dancing now, they'd join in soon enough. An overly enthusiastic jump sent a splash of cold beer over a nearby party-goer who was sat on my sofa. From his ridiculous pony T-shirt, I recognized him as John from down the road. I put my hand on his shoulder to apologize and leaned closer.
"I'm sorry mate, got a bit too excited there! We cool man?"
Christ, the smell was worse up-close. You'd think they'd have at least bothered with some deodorant or something? John just kept looking ahead, didn't say a word. At least he's not angry I suppose. I pulled my hand away, cringing at the stickiness of his shirt that now covers my palm. At least he's here. At least they're all here.
I turned round to see Jeremy from next door leaned against the wall looking at me with a grin. His hand was raised up. A high five! I didn't think they even existed anymore! I reached my arm back and slammed my palm into his with the repressed force of 10 years of social neglect. Booyah!
There was a dull thud barely audible over the music, and I felt something hit my shoe. I looked down. Nestled against my shoe was Jeremy's hand, ripped off from the wrist. Picking it up, I saw that it had begun to rot. Silly Jeremy, he should look after himself more, especially now he's going to be partying 24/7! Wedging the hand back onto his stiffly raised arm, I turned back to the rest of the rooms silent occupants.
"PARTAAAAAY"