Free Seers by Heather Frost

actually. Of course I was somewhat relieved, but it was almost worse not seeing him because I was left to wonder where he was instead.
    Aaron and me . . . we were pretty much the same. I don’t think he noticed my sudden interest in Patrick, but he couldn’t have been completely oblivious. Maybe he just thought I was being friendly. Aside from seeing each other at school, we didn’t hang out much. Thursday night he came to my house for dinner, and to play board games. He and Josie were the last survivors on Monopoly, sheer desire to win keeping them both in the game far longer than the rest of us. Grandma finally called it a draw when Josie tried to wriggle out of a payment by trading Park Place with three hotels—more than fair, she insisted evenly. Grandpa and
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    Jenna started a low chorus of “Fight, fight, fight,” but Grandma pretty much insisted that the game end there. Though the two weren’t happy about it, Aaron and Josie shook hands and called the win even. But just to be safe I decided we probably shouldn’t do another game night any time soon.
    I spent Saturday with Lee, trying to get her house ready for the party. Her mom was out of town on a weekend business conference. She was usually gone every couple of weekends, which made this annual party possible. I still wasn’t sure how she managed to pay for all the food, but Lee knew how to throw a party.
    While Lee set up her mom’s impressive sound system on the large deck in the back yard I covered the fence, shrubs, and railing in strands of Christmas lights—colored, and plain yellow.
    Once that was done, we dug out some coolers and filled them with ice and sodas. Each guest was supposed to bring some sort of snack, but even without that Lee probably had it covered. Lee’s party would be bigger than Prom.
    The party was designed to run from seven until way past midnight, but it was pretty much a ‘come when you want’ thing. Once I’d helped her with the setup I hurried back home to change. I thought about wearing a summer dress, but settled for just jeans and a brown top. I could have been more exciting, I know, but I added a necklace at least.
    Grandma ordered me to be home by midnight, and she also assured me that she would be up waiting for me. Grandpa opened the door for me, and told me in a whisper that Grandma was asleep by eleven every night, and not to worry about it.
    I shook my head fondly at him and then I was gone.
    I had to park several houses away, and by the time I was at her neighbor’s house I could clearly hear the booming music. I knew from experience that the neighbors wouldn’t complain until ten, though. I moved right into the backyard through the open gate and was shocked like I always was by how many people were already crammed into the yard.
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    The music was loud, and with the darkening sky above the lights in her yard were pretty spectacular. The swimming pool was covered with a tarp, but almost every other space was occupied by people. Some, I knew. Many, I could have sworn I’d never seen before. Several groups had to be made up of college students, and once again I wondered where Lee found these people.
    I could see Lee on the deck talking loudly to a group of Goth boys in front of the stereo. I thought about going to her, but then decided it wasn’t worth it—the deck and stairs were packed.
    Instead I moved back around the swimming pool, where there was actually some breathing room.
    I pulled out my phone and sent a text to Aaron, to see if he was here yet. A minute later I got his reply. Just left. C u soon.
    There was also an emoticon of a pink heart, and I couldn’t help but smile. Aaron could be predictable, but was always cute.
    “Quite the crowd,” someone spoke beside me.
    I shut my phone and looked up quickly to see—of course—
    Patrick O’Donnell. He looked great. He was wearing the