Nearing the end of the party, this guy came over to me. His name was (and is) Xander. As we stared, I knew that it was love at first sight. My hunger disappeared instantly. Although I was wary about that sort of love, I just couldn't help myself! We started talking. He looked at me like I was the most wonderful living thing he had ever laid eyes on. I felt as though I were flying. Alas, after he told me that he felt the same way, my mother called to me. It was terrible to have to leave, but I couldn't just ignore my mom!
As I left, I saw my Aunt Eleanor talk to Xander. I was very distracted when I listened to my mother as I was watching Xander the whole time. I can't even remember what she told me. I think it was something about growing up and Phillip (yuck)... anyway, Xander developed a strange and woeful look on his face as he walked away from Aunt Ellie and joined the other boys. Hmmm, I wonder what that was about. Then, since my mom had finished rambling, Aunt Ellie came up to me and, after a bit, said, "Cassie, is there anyone at the party who you think is cute?"
I looked sharply at my aunt. Did she know? No, her face was innocent. I glanced around and found Xander in the crowd. He was looking at the ground sadly. I couldn't look any longer. I felt as though my heart would break. I decided to stall before pointing to Xander. I quickly pointed to another guy. "Aunty," I asked. "Who is he?"
Aunt Ellie looked at him. "Oh, that's Jacob." I pointed to another. "Nathan, Ryan, Xander."
I had ended on the man that did catch my eye. "Xander? That's an unusual name." I looked at Xander again. He was shyly looking at me from across the room. I turned my gaze away. "Aunt Ellie, did you talk to him? What is wrong?"
"Well..." Aunt Ellie didn't look at me. "It appears someone entered your party uninvited. I told him to go over with the other young men. Your father hadn't noticed him yet, so I told the lad to blend in. I felt so bad for him. I hope you don't mind."
A million thoughts flashed through my mind. I was thrilled, but slightly confused. "Why did he sneak in?"
Aunt Ellie turned to face me. "He sneaked in because of your sister, Lillian. Before he met you, he was a bit, well, in love with her, even though she is older than he is."
Xander wasn't invited. Why? Wasn't every young man in the area invited to our gala party? A sudden fear rose within me. "Aunty, what family is he from?"
She looked me straight in the eyes. "He's a Murray."
