I stand there and it feels like my face is burning

the music pounds in my ears 

I have the sudden urge to cry

my mouth is twitching

I have my arms crossed to cover a stomach

that is bloated from soda

I have my ankles crossed awkwardly

should I look up?

down?

am I supposed to make eye contact?

I don't want to be alone

but I don't want to intrude

or seem clingy 

if someone wanted to hang out with me

they would come over here.

Wouldn't they?

I want to leave.

I'll just slip out.

No one will notice anyways

I dash to the door. 

I think I hear someone calling my name

that means they're looking at me 

I feel the panic consuming my throat.

it's tingling and I can barely breathe 

the cool night air rushes over me

filling my lungs

I feel better now

after all, it was only a party.