Blossom in Winter (Blossom in Winter #1)(6)
Hudson Valley, May 11, 2019
Petra Van Gatt
If there’s one thing Ms. Hasenfratz is known for in New York, especially among college students and young spoiled brats, it’s throwing the most amazing and exclusive parties. Her parents usually go on a weekend getaway once a month, leaving her at their big estate in the Hudson Valley all to herself. Indeed, Emma lives forty-five minutes from Manhattan. As long as no scandals hit the news on Monday morning, Emma believes that she can do, in theory, whatever she wants. Her parties have therefore become a much-anticipated monthly event.
Emma prides herself on keeping a strict guest list, creating an irresistible desire to attend for outsiders. But not even in her parents’ wildest dreams would they imagine that their daughter is also known to drag the best drugs in town to her parties.
Despite Emma’s denial, some rumors say she has already sold her body for cocaine. But who knows for sure? Rumors are rumors.
However, this party will be a very special one. Every guest will be checked at the entrance, their smartphones taken, and no one can bring any alcohol or drugs. Security has also been reinforced. After all, it’s not every day that I’ll be attending.
Emma once admitted that she’s always found my reserved and introverted nature fascinating. Weirdly enough (or not), we’ve always been the opposite in everything. While she loves sports, mainly baseball, I love arts and literature. Emma likes noise and people. Me? Silence and solitude.
When someone asks how we can remain friends with such opposed characters, Emma always replies, “In our differences lies our strength.” It even became her life motto—and the first tattoo on her left inner forearm. Emma loves tattoos, but she has to hide them due to the strict dress code policy at school.
Plus, let’s face it, being an only child, Ms. Hasenfratz is spoiled—very spoiled. Her parents have never said no to her desires. Except once when she wanted a nose piercing, which she ultimately did anyway. But, unlike me, Emma’s never gotten good grades. Her parents are known for making generous donations to the school, thus keeping everyone supportive of her continued attendance. In fact, what Emma loves the most is partying—this is her stage, her reign, and she is the queen.
We finally reach the front entrance to her house.
Looking out, it feels like everyone is staring. They probably never thought I’d truly make it.
One of the security guards opens my door. “Good evening, Ms. Van Gatt. Welcome to the farewell party.”
“Thank you,” I reply, getting out of the car.
“As you may know, the rules for this event stipulate that we need to take your phone. You’ll get it back once you leave.” I hand the security guard my iPhone and am ushered into Emma’s house.
I’m wearing the cocktail dress Janine found for me, along with stilettos for the first time, and guess what? I even put some more makeup on!
“Look at her dress, so insipid and dated just like her,” I hear in the background.
But I can’t blame them. After all, what is “Loyola’s most mysterious and introverted girl”—yes, that’s how they described me once in the school paper—doing at such a wild party?
“Babygirl, finally! Can’t believe you made it!” Emma screams, coming toward me, her arms wide open.
“I know! It’s crazy to be here!” We hug each other tightly, as we always do.
“Wow! Are you going to the prom or what? You look like a virgin from the fifties. Is this all for James?” Emma finds herself amusing, but me not so much. “I’m joking. You look gorgeous.” She gives me a quick kiss on the cheek. “You smell fucking good.” But looks like it was enough to catch my new jasmine fragrance. “Come with me, I’ve got something for you…”
She drags me by the hand, and we go to a quiet corner where no one can see us.
Emma opens her clutch and takes something from it.
“A joint? Emma, you know perfectly well I don’t smoke.”
“Oh, c’mon! A joint is nothing. You need to enjoy. This is your first party, after all.”
“No, really. Stop.” I reach her hand before she can light it up. “Don’t smoke it near me. You know if Dad finds out, I will get in trouble.”
“Pfff, fine. Always so strict. Anyway, what do you want to drink?”
“Hmm… Do you have orange juice?”
Emma guffaws and hugs me tightly again. “Of course, babygirl. Orange juice. I’ll find you some.”
While Emma heads off, I size up the party. There are already over two hundred guests spread out from the living room to the terrace and pool area—probably the biggest party Emma’s ever hosted. The DJ’s now playing a famous R&B song and the crowd becomes euphoric. Some people have been pushed into the pool, along with an inflatable unicorn. Three girls who are clearly wasted scream out loudly before splashing in the water. Two other guys are starting a fight for no apparent reason. On the other side of the terrace, I can see a group, including Carol and Laura, who are having a heated contest involving tequila shots. The loser has to strip naked before jumping into the pool. And, understandably, not a single smartphone to record it. I barely know anyone here, and while I try to remain as friendly as possible, I've never felt like the subject of so much gossip. My dress seems to be the biggest talking point of the night. Looking around, I understand why—all the girls are wearing shorts, miniskirts, bikinis, or even tiny dresses that just cover their butts.