“I know, I know.” I sigh, running a hand through my hair. “It’s just, I feel out of place moving here. Can you remind me why I decided to enroll at CCU?”
“Because you’ve loved science ever since you were a kid and got that full-ride scholarship,” she says, her voice calming, like she’s trying to remind me of what I’ve accomplished. “Plus, you wanted to challenge yourself and experience something new. With that being said, definitely go to the party and let your hair down.”
“I guess you’re right,” I say, my lips curving into something more genuine.
“When am I not?” Evie’s teasing voice comes out. “Anyways, I have to go. Call me tomorrow and let me know how the party goes.”
“Of course,te amo.”
“Yo te quiero también.”
Evelyn’s words bounce in my mind like ping pong, reminding me of why I chose this path in the first place. I send a quick text to Olivia, letting her know I changed my mind. I stand up and walk to my closet, rifling through my clothes to find something cute for the party.
I catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror and pause. “You can do this,” I tell the girl staring back at me. “You belong here.”
With a deep breath, I put on my favorite black top and mom jeans, feeling confident as fuck. Tonight, I’m having fun. I’m stepping out of my comfort zone and embracing the adventure that college is meant to be.
Chapter 4
Alli
The music hits me first, a deep and throbbing bass that I feel in my chest. The Omega Kappa house buzzes with energy, lights spill out from every window, and the laughter and chatter of students fill the night air. I take a deep breath, trying to ease my nerves as I walk up the steps to the front door.
Inside, the house is packed with people, everyone talking, dancing, and having a good time. The smell of popcorn and the tang of spilled drinks mix with the scent of cologne and perfume, creating an atmosphere that’s both chaotic and exhilarating. I scan the room, searching for a familiar face, when I feel a tap on my shoulder.
“Alli girl! You’re here.” Olivia’s eyes sparkle with excitement as she pulls me into a hug. “I’m so glad you came!”
I flash a quick grin, feeling a bit more relaxed. “I couldn’t let you have all the fun.”
“Come, come, let’s get you a drink,” she says, leading me through the crowd. As we weave our way past groups of laughing students and couples dancing closely, I can’t help but feel excited and… alive?
Olivia hands me a cup, and I take a small sip; the beer leaves a bitter taste as it goes down. She grins at me, and I can’t help but laugh at her face.
“What?” I ask, wiping my mouth with the back of my hand.
“You don’t drink beer often. I can tell.”
“Not really, just like… at weddings.”
Olivia nods and giggles, “Well, welcome to the first of many frat parties of our sophomore year.” she waves a hand over the crowd like she’s my tour guide. “It’s mainly kegs and water if you need it. If you’re lucky, you can find sodas around here.”
Joyful.
“See? This isn’t so bad, right?” she says, nudging me playfully.
“Yeah, it’s not bad.” I shrug, taking in the environment. I did go to parties freshman year, but I stopped once my workload took a toll on me.
The night unfolds, and I start to relax and loosen up a bit, but I owe that to the beer. Olivia chats with a group of friends, and I wander a bit, exploring the house. I turn a corner and stop dead in my tracks. Ethan Díaz stands ever-so-casually against the wall, talking to a few guys. My heart skips a beat.
A flicker of nerves hits me, and for a split second, I consider going over to say hi. Then logic slams the brakes.What would I even say? Hey, I’m the girl who turned your white shirt into a latte stain. Lunch?
Yeah, no.
As if his spidey senses kicked in, Ethan looks up, and our eyes lock. He gives me a friendly smile, and I feel my cheeks pour red. My brain scrambles for something—anything—to say, but the words lodge somewhere between panic and my throat. Desperate, I scan the room for an exit strategy.
“Uh, I need to find Olivia,” I mumble, already halfway down the hall. My heart thuds like a drum, and I’m internally screaming at myself for bailing like a total coward.
Lost in my thoughts, I don’t see the person in front of me until it’s too late. I crash into a broad chest and stumble back, only to be caught by a pair of strong hands.
