Chelsea was the first to arrive, right on schedule, as always. Not a second early, not a second late. Maddie hosted parties at her place fairly often, to the point where they had practically become routine. But this time, things were different.

Instead of cookies, pastries, and hot chocolate, the long oak table in the living room was covered with bottles of wine, rum, gin, vodka, and all sorts of other alcoholic beverages. There were also cocktail shakers, bar spoons, measuring jiggers, bags of ice, fresh fruit, and an assortment of juices and syrups. In short, just about everything one could possibly need to mix a decent cocktail.

The sight caught Chelsea off guard. Her eyebrows rose slightly as she took in the unexpected spread. However, the hostess of the evening insisted that she hold her questions until the other guests had arrived.

Iris was the second to show up. She was thoroughly impressed by the evening's selection, but what surprised her most was the fact that, out of all her friends, Maddie was the one throwing a party like this. After all, the girl was known for her childlike innocence and naivety, neither of which seemed particularly compatible with a table full of booze.

Joyce was the third and final arrival, showing up about forty minutes late. According to her, the washing machine had broken down, forcing her to abandon her only dress and come dressed in whatever she could find at the last minute.

Now that everyone had finally gathered, Maddie was ready to reveal the reason for their little get-together. The plan was simple: see who could make the best cocktails and play a few silly games. Nothing too serious.

The girls had rather different reactions to the proposal. Iris thought it sounded like a blast. Chelsea remained more or less indifferent, while Joyce seemed a little apprehensive. She had never tried alcohol before and had no idea how it might affect her. Still, she figured there was nothing to worry about when she was surrounded by close friends. Or so she thought...