[[ Holiday Party ]] |for everyone|

[Holly Vanderbilt]

Holly Vanderbilt had been secretly planning this party for a while. She didn't tell the Staff about it, she didn't say a word to any students. She didn't want any word getting out until the party was one hundred percent ready.

But now it was ready. She'd already put up every last poster she had around the campus, and decorated the hallways with signs saying in beautiful print where the party was located. This party was for everone, Staff and student alike. It would be a Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, New Year's and End of Term party all in one. Holly wanted it to be nothing less than magical.

She'd gotten the party mixtape ready herself, with some help from her husband and children back home. There were holiday songs, pop songs, Top 40 songs, rock songs, alternative songs, country - the whole shebang! Holly wanted this party to appeal to everybody. But if they didn't like it, she wouldn't bother. She'd gone to too many lengths already.

There were red, white, green and black streamers everywhere, a few well-placed pieces of mistletoe, a few wreaths on the brown wallpapered walls, several buffet tables filled with the heaviest foods to the lightest desserts, and just about every party favor imaginable. And like in the Student Lounge, there was a small kitchen and a small lounge in the back rooms, in case some students wanted to break off and have their own fun. Holly didn't mention the stash of liquor in the kitchen, because there were plenty of alcohol-free beverages, but if some students just happened to find those drinks, it wouldn't really be her fault. The dance floor was large, but the speakers were big and great enough, so there weren't any worries there.

Holly had everything set up to perfection, so she just sat on a couch not too far away from the dance floor with her legs crossed, and waited for her first guests to arrive. She herself would be leaving soon, as not to cramp her students' style. She didn't think many of them would do anything wild in front of her, but she didn't want to stick around to see if or when it would happen.

[Rick Hazel]

Rick had first spotted a poster outside his dorm, which read something about a Holiday Party in the Vanderbilt Ballroom. Now, at first, Rick didn't pay it any mind. He had far bigger fish to fry and a party in a ballroom certainly wasn't going to catch his attention very well. But after that first spotting, Rick saw the posters everywhere.

Quite literally. He couldn't make a turn without seeing one of the posters, blaring how he should "attend the Holiday Party hosted by Holly Vanderbilt in the Vanderbilt Ballroom." BORING, MUCH? Rick was sure that everybody would just be sitting around a large table slowly sipping cups of bland tasting tea. They'd probably be sitting on Japanese cushions, just to be more "cultured." Either way, it sounded way too yuppie for Rick.

And then...and then...he overheard some cute girls in the Northeast Dormitories chatting it up about how they were planning on going to the party and what they'd be wearing and how'd they do their hair and makeup and was it formal? There was nothing more persuasive than cute girls to change Rick's mind. Well, throw in some food and he'd buy in.

And what did you know? He glanced at one of the posters properly and it read "FREE FOOD." Rick was sold. He immediately rushed back to his dorm and changed into the fanciest formal outfit he had, wearing a button up white shirt with starched collar, a black jacket with matching black slacks, and shiny patent leather shoes. He made sure to use a considerable amount of hairspray (it was one of his secret loves) and styled his hair so that he had a bang over his left eye. Rick even went as far as to put on some gold cufflinks his mother had packed for him. How considerate of her, Rick thought while he was dressing.

Of course, beforehand, he'd taken a shower, practically doused himself in vanilla scented cologne and whatnot (that was the fragrance his ladies seemed to prefer the most), and made sure to "shave," although he'd never really grown out as much as a stubble.

Now looking cleaner and smoother than usual, Rick was ready to go after checking himself once more in the mirror. "Damn, I look good," he growled at his reflection, winking at himself before he left. Strolling out of his dorm, Rick did his best aloof walk all the way to the Main Building. Finally, he was standing next to the large double doors of the Vanderbilt Ballroom, which were open. Checking his attire one more time, Rick strutted in dramatically, pausing in the middle of the room and looking around.

He then smiled cheekily at Mrs. Vanderbilt. "So...am I late?"

[Holly Vanderbilt]

"I should hardly think so," Holly chuckled, observing Rick's sharp attire. She remembered how it had been meeting his parents; they seemed like lovely people, but their son didn't seem to think so. "Too early would be my sentiments," she added a moment later.

"But don't you start chatting me up," Holly said, getting up from her seat on the couch and moving closer towards the door. "I won't be here for much longer. At least, until the lot of you come storming in. Then it's 'bye, bye Holly!'" She laughed again, her brown eyes twinkling.

"Help yourself to the food, honey. I'll just go set up the music..." And with that, Mrs. Vanderbilt busied herself with the stereo and her six mixes, all which lasted for about two hours. She turned on the stereo and flipped to the first mix, letting "Jingle Bell Rock" play. It was always a great song to start holiday parties off with.

[Rick Hazel]

With a cute smile thrown at Mrs. Vanderbilt and a short waggle of his butt as "Jingle Bell Rock" started playing, Rick then walked the length of the ballroom until he got to the plush, dark red couches. He dropped into one, letting his body sink into the cushions and took in the decorations and interior designing of the ballroom. It looked like this would actually be a fun party...when the people got here.

Rick looked at the open double doors. Who would be next to step through them? He'd just arrived and already he was getting impatient, wanting people to come. Where was everybody? Or even those cute girls he overheard? He'd like to see them right about now.

Rick frowned slightly as he stared intently at the doors and said no more. He was just waiting. Waiting silently like a predator would do for its prey. And the next person to walk in would surely be his prey.

[Croy Lerua]

Croy loved formal parties. He enjoyed dressing up in a tuxedo and acting like Casanova to all the girls in their gowns. He felt refined. Of course, this didn't mean he wasn't down for a kegger, oh, definitely not. And now Croy stood in his dorm, staring at his wardrobe wondering what the hell he should wear. The black tuxedo with the tight skinny legged trousers and blood red tie, or the dark red suit with the black fedora.

He sighed and began chewing on his thumb nail. "Dammit." He grumbled before closing his eyes with an expression of anguish. Okay, if I wear the red one I'll look like I jumped out of that dumb ass movie full of Italian mob guys, so... Let's go with the black, at least I'll look like I should be a rockstar. He reached in and pulled out the tuxedo and went to change.

After a thorough examination of himself in the mirror Croy reached into a jewelry box he'd brought with him and pulled out stick of eye-liner. He rimmed his green-brown eyes and then pulled on his worn-out black Converse high-tops. Sure he didn't really look that formal, but he still looked like a young (and short) Tommy Lee, well, he would have if Tommy Lee had been as hot as Croy.

The boy slipped out the door and walked to the ballroom. He could hear the music, and it sounded like he was probably on time. He smirked to himself as he walked in, but his lips turned into a sneer as he saw Rick Hazel standing in the center of the room. Croy strode over to the two and came to a halt at Rick's left side, feeling extremely dwarfed next to the other male.

"Heh, looks like Cinderella is all alone at this ball..." He commented with a gentleman like smile to Mrs. Vanderbilt.

[Holly Vanderbilt]

"Mmm, not for long," Holly chuckled, in response to Croy's smooth-talking. "You see, the clock's almost struck twelve, so Cinderella won't be hanging around for much longer. But she must say, she hopes her Prince looks as sharp as you," Holly complimented, mirroring Croy's smile.

Holly looked around the ballroom. Not bad. Two people. The party hadn't started that long ago either, so she guessed it was her excessive use of posters (and trees, bless their souls) that did it. And although Holly was in a rush to get out before things got too wild, she hadn't hosted the party for nothing. Wearing a beautiful blue velvet mermaid flounce gown, a three strand ivory necklace with matching earrings, and classic black four inch heels, Mrs. Vanderbilt looked quite stunning herself, but that was only because she was leaving the party to go out with her husband for dinner. It was for Christmas Eve really, and Holly thought it'd be a perfect excuse to throw a party and appear formal in front of her students.

So far, it was working.

"Hmm," Holly started, narrowing her eyes as she tried to remember Croy's name, "...Croy? Um, why don't you go entertain Mr. Hazel over there? He looks quite lonely in my opinion. I've got a few more touches to put on the decorations, so I won't be much help tonight!" Holly laughed, her eyes brightening again. "But welcome to my party!"

[Nattalie Hayes]

My turn! XD

<sub>Already, Nattalie had heard about the Party, just from overhearing it from other girls nearby, and all the posters. Every corner she turned, a poster was up. It was a good thing she liked parties, or she would have ripped the signs down.

She saw her Roomie, Rick, leave in a rush it seemed, and all dressed up too. It was a good thing she had brought along one of her favorite party dresses. She opened up the door Rick had shut, and just stood in the doorway, watching as he went off to the party. As he left her sight, she went inside her dorm, and shut the door. She went to her own area of the dorm, and opened her suitcase. Inside, a dress bag was neatly folded, along with a pair of shoes, and some jewelry. She took out the dress, and changed.

This dress was absolutely stunning. The color was a baby blue, the style was a strapless. And she did look beautiful, if I do say so myself. Towards the end, the dress ruffled out, and a V-Cut was evident along the side, running from the sewn end up to mid-thigh. She put on her heels, four inches worth of blue and white designs. She put her hair up into a half-ponytail, curling some og the strands falling down in front of her face. She painted her nils a light blue with the polish she had brought, and was surprised she had remembered. She put on her earrings, small blue crystal studs, and her necklace, an amythest color that surprisingly went well with her outfit. She put on some light colored eyeliner, and some lipgloss, and left.

Already, some people were arriving at the party in the Ballroom. Croy, Rick, and Mrs. Vanderbilt were already there, along with some other people who she didn't know. Croy looked stunning in his tuxedo, and she waved to him, smiling all the while. She turned and headed over to Rick, smiling as she did so.

She sat down on the red love seat across from him. "Hey Rick! You look stunning tonight," she said, a blush creeping up on her cheeks. "So, who are you waiting for?" she asked him. She motioned over to Croy, motioning for him to come join them. She and Croy were really close, and she enjoyed his company.</sub>

[Croy Lerua]

Croy nodded politely to Mrs. Vanderbilt and walked confidently over to Nattalie and, ugh, Rick. He smiled sweetly to the girl and gave Rick a glance. "Hello." He said, his Russian accent clipping the vowels in his speech short. He looked at Nattalie, she was very beautiful, wearing a light blue gown. She was always an attractive girl, even when the two were growing up, she was, after all, the only kid that would talk to him when he first came to the U.S.

He slipped his hands into the pockets of his trousers and watched the rest of the crowd waltz in. He didn't recognize most of them, a few he knew from class, but, that was it. Croy had been ant-social lately, since he'd been going through a "music seclusion". This was a period where he would lock himself up in a room and practice his guitar for hours on end; that was the reason his friendship with Mr. Hazel had come to a (violent!) end.
He smiled involentarily as he turned back to Nattalie.

"How is your evening going?" He asked her, as he leaned casually against the arm of the sofa; his back to Rick.

[Rick Hazel]

"Well, well, well! Mr. Musician came to a party! Someone, stop the presses!" Rick exclaimed overdramatically and loudly as he glared at Croy's back. If there was one thing Rick didn't do, it was forgive and forget. He might forgive once in a while, but he never forgot. In Croy's case, he'd done neither. He remembered their brawl like it had been just yesterday, limbs entangled, broken bones and awkward situations. And now the recluse decided to rear his ugly head again. Rick wasn't going to let this one go.

"Hey, Mr. Musician, I'm not invisible you know! Contrary to what you believe, Rick Hazel does exist and he is a human being with emotions and the ability to be social!" Rick cried, still glaring daggers at Croy. "Oh wait - excuse me! I forgot you don't have either of those, do you, Mr. Musician? No, it's music first, everyone else later!" Rick rolled his eyes and gave an unnecessarily loud huff, not wanting to say or do anything more because Mrs. Holly Vanderbilt was still in the room. He wasn't ready to get kicked out of another school.

[Croy Lerua]

Upon hearing Rick's outburst, Croy whirled around and planted his feet inches away from one of the anorexic looking male's hands. "Pardon me! I was unaware of your predicament, Miss." He said glowering wickedly at the long haired boy. Rick was so self absorbed. Croy was a musician, and he wanted to make it big, and Rick couldn't stand the fact that he wasn't number one, so, he threw hissy fits like this and broke kid's noses. How civilized.

"I'd say something a little more crude, but I realize how savage others might find me, unlike a certain someone who smells like an old bag on her way to bingo!" He sniped leaning toward Rick his eyes blazing from excitement and outrage. How dare he start a scene like this in front of all these people! If he started a fight and Croy got kicked out; there would be be hell to pay. And trust me, the debt would be very substantial.

[Nattalie Hayes]

<sub>She stared first at Croy, then at Rick. What was with them? She frowned slightly, but smiled again as she turned to Croy. "And don't we look handsome!" she exclaimed, giving her old friend a hug. "My evening's going pretty good. And how's yours?" she asked him, after she had sat down.

She looked at Rick, his eyes like daggers into Croy's back. What had happened between the two that would make them hate each other? And Croy putting his music first? That had never happened when she had hung out every weekend with him. But time can change people, so maybe what Rick said was true, or maybe not. "Settle down you two, we're not at a Bull Competition, so don't act like it," she said, her voice stern. Tonight was a night for a Party, and she was going to have fun.</sub>

[Rick Hazel]

Rick snorted, not being able to believe Croy's "holier-than-thou" attitude. At this point, Rick couldn't even believe that the two of them had once been friends. Rick scowled at Croy, the corners of his mouth deepening into a frown.

"You know, that's one thing I don't get. You call me a girl, and yet...you're the one wearing," Rick paused for the dramatic effect, "eyeliner. Not exactly the manliest thing in my opinion, eh Croy? And at least old bags smell better than old bums, huh? Your songs not making enough for you to get by, Croy? It's amazing - you spend so much damn time on your music and it still sounds like crap!"

By now, Rick was hissing under his breath so only he and Croy could hear. He'd attracted enough attention for one night and he didn't like the looks everyone else was sending his way. Those would only encourage him to do something he knew he'd deeply regret later, never mind whether or not it involved hurting Croy physically. He'd enjoy it for a while, but the trouble he knew he'd get into would not be worth it.

Jeez, this sounds like my freshman year of high school, Rick thought to himself angrily. He'd been less daring that year, choosing to avoid conflict in the first few months of his new school. But that attitude soon disapparated and he was just as much the bully as he'd always been.

After a few more minutes of glaring daggers at Croy, Rick backed away from his enemy a little bit and gave Nattalie an actual genuine smile. "Nattalie, you look stunning, did I tell you? You sure clean up well," Rick grinned, winking at her and wanting to ignore Croy, who had become the elephant in the room in his life. "Promise me you'll dance with me before the night's over?"

[Croy Lerua]

"Yes, I might wear eyeliner, Rick darling, but my hair is still masculine and my frame is rather boyish too. Those, my dear, are two qualities you lack." He said with a low growl. Rick did look feminine, though he'd never own up to it. Croy wore the eyeliner but he kept the rest of his attire as masculine as possible; to prevent people from thinking him female, which is what happened to Rick more often than he realized.

Now, here Croy was acting like he was back in high-school. The other people at the party probably thought this to be an argument over Nattalie, but that was probably the last person they were arguing over. Croy didn't know if Rick knew about his recent dating status change, but if he pushed Croy any further he would.

[Nattalie Hayes]

Nattalie just sat through the argument. When Rick asked her to dance at least once, she smiled, almost sadly. "Sure Rick. As long as you don't mind a dance with Croy as well, " she said, referring to herself and Croy. Yeah, that were tight, so why not a friendly dance?

She stood up as the argument grew quieter. Did they not what her to hear? She could tell that many were looking at the two men, figuring they were fighting over her. She knew they weren't, but what?

"You'll stop this foolishness right now!" she exclaimed. She wasn't yelling, she was speaking softly. "Whatever you two are pissed about, can it wait until the Party's over? I want to spend this night having fun, not being stuck in the middle of an argument that happened so long ago! Get over it at least for the night!" she cried, standing up, then sitting down just as fast. "I'm sorry, it's none of my business," she murmered, more to herself. She stood up, getting ready to leave. If they were going to fight, she wasn't going to stay.

[Victoria Kalo]

It didn't take long for Victoria to figure out there was going to be a party at the ballroom tonight. I mean, who could possibly miss all of the signs hanging around everywhere? Victoria didn't plan on missing any parties, especially a holiday one, so she hurried over to her dorm room and jumped into the shower as fast as she possibly could, knowing she needed to look her absolute best for this party.

She spent a full hour gently washing herself in the shower, and another hour and a half curling her hair so it fell delicately just below her shoulders. She then opened up her closet, picking out a stunning deep red BeBe dress that fit her body like a glove. She dressed her lips in a shimmery lip gloss and her eyes in a pink eyeshadow, also lining them with black eyeliner. She slipped on matching red BeBe heels, grabbed a black Coach clutch purse, and was on her way to the party.

-

When Victoria walked through the doors she spotted Ms. Vanderbilt, Nattalie, Croy and...Rick. She hadn't particularly anticipated him being here, let alone him and Croy being here in the same room. And Croy and Rick, to no surprise, were obviously not getting along. Nattalie seemed to be trying to stop whatever it was that was going on. She sighed, wondering what would happen next. Though she should've seen this one coming.

Victoria quickly made her way over to the group, taking her rightful place next to Croy, gently putting her hand on his shoulder. "Hello everyone, Happy Holidays." she smiled at them all. "You look beautiful Nattalie," she then said, trying to lighten the obviously angry mood, soon adding "Where did you get that stunning dress?"

[/blockquote]

[Jason Deen]

Jason stood at the entrance to the ballroom, his hair was neatly done, well, as neatly as possible. He'd brushed it at least. And now, he was standing there in kaki pants and a deep green polo. His grey-blue eyes glittered as he pressed the palm of his hand against the door, being hit with enough music and sounds to make him step back. With a shrug, he stepped in, smilling at all the students and Holly who were all enjoying themselves, even though there weren't many students there. He seemed to also be the only other staff member, why hadn't he heard about this...Well, it probably had something to do with the fact he was a simple teacher, not a head or anything.

Gliding across the floor of the ballroom, he made his way over to his boss. Leaning against the wall beside her, he smilled again, Hello there, Mrs. Holly, nice party. His hair was so untamable, but he'd done the best he could, but out of pure habit, he ran his fingers through it, making it go backwards away from his face. He could hear the music even when he tried to tune it out, there was such an eccentric selection, he wouldn't deny that; Country, Pop, Metal, everything... Smilling once again at his boss, he nodded in the general direction of the speakers. Any story behind the music? His arms were crossed behind him, so he looked more like a teacher at the moment than just another guy.

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[Holly Vanderbilt]

Holly Vanderbilt had been straightening out a few streamers that had "somehow" (she wouldn't have put it past some of the students to do so) gotten tangled together. It was quite a job and when she finished she went to rest against a wall, sighing contentedly as she overlooked the going-ons in the party. So far, so good. Holly did notice an unusual amount of tension coming from one of the corners, but she chose to ignore it, hoping that it would go away in its own good time. If not, then she might actually have to step in. Holly rolled her eyes. One of the main points of this party was for everyone to relax and have a happy holiday...and so she wouldn't have to work and have a day off. She'd actually really like that.

When one of her employees, whom she much preferred to call her staff or co-workers, approached her, Holly greeted them with a large smile and short, curt wave. "Hello to you as well, Jason," Holly greeted with a slight nod of her head. "It's nice to see you here, and you do look so very charming. Looking to impress anybody?" Holly joked, the corners of her mouth lifting up into a mischievous smile and she craned her neck to look over Jason's shoulder for anybody in the room who might've caught his eye. She let the joke go quickly, but then laughed at his question.

"No story," Mrs. Vanderbilt chuckled. "At least, not anything VH1 worthy. Really, I was just trying to appeal to everyone. I hope it worked and I didn't go too overboard." Holly wasn't really one to worry about parties or how they were going, so she decided to let her music slip slide before she stressed herself into oblivion.

Upon feeling a slight rumbling in her stomach, Holly looked for the nearest buffet which wasn't too far from where she was standing. She turned back to Jason with a sly grin on her face. "Well, I didn't pay those caterers for decorations, did I? And a woman's got to eat her fill...Care to join me?" Holly motioned towards the buffet and walked over there herself. She gathered one of the plates, which although they were plastic, looked and felt more like china. She then looked at the wide selection and decided that she'd go for the macaroni and cheese first; it was basically a Vanderbilt tradition.

[Rick Hazel]

Rick narrowed his eyes dangerously at Croy, as if to signal that this fight between them was far from over, but he hoped he did it surreptitiously. However, looking up from Croy, Rick noticed Victoria standing beside him. Beautiful, as usual. But there was something in the way she was touching Croy and hanging around him that made Rick think about their relationship. But only a few things came to mind, and Rick really hoped that it was distant relative in the end.

Instead of pondering on it for much longer, Rick turned to Nattalie and raised his eyebrow. "I somehow think that a three person dance would be a little more than crowded," Rick said, pretending to be disappointed that he couldn't dance with Croy. "I don't want to step on anybody's feet tonight, you know...So yeah, maybe it should just be the two of us..."

Rick then turned back to Victoria...and Croy, and tried his best to smile although he could feel his eye twitching slightly. "Hey Vicky," Rick mumbled back a pathetic greeting while keeping his eyes on Croy the entire time. This whole get together was making him awkward. He felt like the exiled one here. What was everyone doing, getting all cozy with Croy? CROY! Rick wanted to shout, it hurt so badly! Had everyone gone freaking insane?

[Jason Deen]

Jason returned her warm smile, Nope, no one special... He let his voice fade, a small image of Melinda O'Connell slip into his thoughts, but he pushed it aside. He couldn't let himself fall for a student, ever. Letting his hand fall from his head, he looked around the ballroom at all of the streamers and other varietys of decorations. Very festive. His voice was normal as he scanned the appearence of the ballroom, letting his gaze fall back on Holly.

He stood for a moment more and listened to the music transition from Metal to Christmas, It's different, but not overboard. He commented as she worried about if she'd gone overboard. But still... He listened to the song, it was one he could play on his guitar. It's nice. Smilling as naturally, his mind began thinking of the chords and strum pattern for the song.

He couldn't help but chuckle when she mentioned food. I'd be happy to join you. He laughed, he remembered sometimes back in Goodwood, there were people who payed caterers simply for decoration, when no one would actually eat. He'd always hated those times, and now, all that lingered with him from those days was simply an accent. He followed her only a step behind as she made her way to the food. He chuckled once again when he saw her reaching for macaronie and cheese. Nothing more festive than mac and cheese, 'eh? He joked, picking up one of the little plastic plates himself. He wasn't that hungry, but he still collected two cookies and some strange appatizer that he figured, if he wouldn't eat it, no one would. And he was pretty eccentric with his food selections.

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[Croy Lerua]

Croy smiled mockingly at Rick and took a step toward Victoria, slipping his arm around her waist, his eyes meeting Rick's dark ones. "How are you this evening?" He ask the blonde to his side. Before taking a hand and moving a loose strand of hair from his face. He relaxed and looked to Nattalie, a look of apology on his face. "So sorry!" He mouthed to her, he hated upsetting her, and that's just what he'd done with Rick and his melodramatic bull-crap.

He sidled closer to Victoria and made a point of smiling nonchalantly at Rick. His eyes grazed over the now packed ballroom. Hmm... If I instigate maybe I can get his skinny ass kicked out... He thought casting an evil glare at Rick before scanning the crowd for any signs of authority, if they got into a fight he wanted someone to see it. Croy was a good liar anyhow.

That would have been perfect, except for the fact that he had no idea how Vicky would react to him tackling Rick and eventually breaking his nose in return for what the boy had done the year before. Upon reaching this thought he moved a hand up and rubbed the area of the bridge of his nose that was so unattractively crooked.

[Victoria Kalo]

"Hello Rick." Victoria smiled, meeting her sparkling grey eyes with his big brown ones. She knew him well enough to tell that he was extremely uncomfortable, and Victoria suddenly felt really bad. She assumed Croy knew about her and Rick, but she hadn't exactly told Rick about her and Croy yet. She had also forgotten about Croy and Rick's little brawl a few years back, which didn't really end so well. She hoped they wouldn't make fools of themselves by fighting at a party, especially if it was over her. She just didn't know what she would do.

Victoria then turned back to Croy. He too was shooting daggers at Rick, making a show of Croy and Victoria's relationship. Victoria blushed a little in embarrassment, not wanting the whole party to remain like this. Then Croy suddenly touched his nose, and Victoria knew he was thinking about the brawl. Victoria sighed, unsure of what action to take, so she just sweetly said "I'm fine, dear, how about you?" to Croy.

[/blockquote]

[Holly Vanderbilt]

"Festive and different," Holly repeated, raising a perfectly sculpted eyebrow at Jason although there was a small smile tugging at the ends of her lips. "Don't make me sound like a clown here," Holly chuckled, shaking her head as she loaded her plate with other things (like turkey, red kidney beans, and a small bit of salad). "But you know, I'm glad someone appreciates my effort. It looks like everyone's having fun either way." Holly glanced over her shoulder to confirm this statement, but she only frowned. There was still that high tension in that corner of the room - even she could feel it and she had no idea what was going on! But she wanted it out of her party and now!

Instead, she turned back to Jason and forced another laugh. "Well, of course there's nothing more festive than macaroni and cheese. I mean, it's covered in cheese and everyone knows that cheese is the most festive thing out there, no?" Holly couldn't help but look over her shoulder again and just stopped herself from walking up to the four and telling them to relieve the tension up their asses before she did.

"Let's have a seat, shall we?" Holly smiled at Jason and turned away from the foursome, gesturing to the small, circular tables surrounding the dance floor on practically all sides. "Your pick."

OOC: Holly profusely apologizes for what kind of crap this post is.

[Jason Deen]

Jason sighed and picked up one of the cookies, taking a bite. I won't make you sound like a clown. He laughed, shaking his head softly. Maybe when a few more people get here, things will ease up. He'd noticed what she'd been looking at. He honestly had no clue though. Putting a piece of turkey on his plate he stood there, watching the students argue.

He looked back down as he heard her speak again. True, and you can't go wrong with cheese. He laughed again. There's not much to screw up. It was true in most cases, but chocolate covered pickels covered in cheese was wrong. Picking up a fork, he waited for her to say something more. He scanned the multitude of tables when she asked where to sit, finally he just led the way to one random one, as far away as possible from the arguing students. He figured she'd gone through enough trouble that she didn't need some silly students ruining her evening.

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[Riley Jones]

Riley had seen the posters and she didn't know whether to go to the party or not. She wasn't going home for the holidays, no way, but she really wasn't in a partying mood. But everyone else was going and after one hour of showering, primping, and getting ready, she finally walked out of her dorm room and toward the ballroom where the party was held.

Riley never dressed up nicely. Dressing nicely, to her, was jeans, a red t-shirt, a black sweater, and a pair of red Airwalks. Simple and yet good looking on her. Her hair was in its usual style, down, straight, soft. It wasn't like people would be there in dresses, like she would care if anyone was. She wouldn't even take money to wear a dress, she hated them.

Before she walked into the ballroom, she straightened her shirt more and made sure she was decent looking. There were already people here and she spotted a few familiar faces in the room. There were roommates and some friends she had in the room, she didn't know who to talk to first. But being a Riley, she stepped away from the door and leaned against the wall, folding her arms and looking around the room. She only came here for the food and cutes boys, and because everyone else was here. Nothing major. She would probably start partying later tonight, if she found some beer.

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[Nattalie Hayes]

<sub>Nattalie smiled softly, looking away from their little group. And this really stunk, because she knew what room the two boys were staying in. The same room, Room 102 with her. Oh, how fun would this be, stuck in the middle with her best friend, and her crush? Well, it didn't sound fun to her.

"Oh, this old thing? I'm not sure where I got it, it was a birthday present from my dad," she said, reply to Victoria. She had seen the dagger like gazes that Rick had given Croy, and the same in return. She saw Croy play with his nose, and had wondered what had happened. She had saw him a few days after the incident with Rick and the fight, but when she asked, he never told her.

She looked over at the entrance, and guess who was there! It was Riley, in her usual "formal" outfit, if you could call what Riley wore formal. She waved over at her childhood friend, a grin on her face. "Excuse me for a minute," she said to the little group. She stood up, and walked over to Riley. "Hey! How have you been?" she asked Riley. "And I see you've dressed up formal," she said, a grin on her face.

As she drew up with Riley, a slower song came on, the speakers blaring it out. She'd heard the song before, and she liked it. She took a quick look over at Rick, Croy, and Victoria. She was watching for Rick to ask her to dance, but she highly doubted he'd come over here to ask her. She sighed, the sound drowned out by the music. "So Riley, are you here with anyone?" she asked her friend.</sub>