Tori is heading inside with me quickly following. It’s humid the moment we step into the house. Although I’m sure the AC is on there’s simply too many people crushed into one space. The kitchen is filled with snacks and alcohol. People are going in and out getting refills or grabbing a bite to eat. The living room furniture has been moved to make a dance floor. There are lights strung about the ceiling and steps. There are sliding glass doors that lead to a pool outback where plenty of students are swimming or lounging about.

Wow, there are actually parties like this? I thought they were only in the movies. Part of me is a tad impressed. Where are the cops? They should probably be here in an hour or so, yeah? That’s how they always work.

“Tori, you’re here!”

Both Tori and I look up to see a cute blonde running over in a bikini with her wet hair draped over her shoulders. Tori’s jaw drops then he snaps it closed with a grin. “Chelsea, already jumped in the pool I see.”

“Of course. It’s too stuffy in here anyways,” Chelsea giggles while taking hold of Tori’s arm. He doesn’t seem to care about getting his shirt wet. Why would he when there’s a half naked girl hanging off his arm? I glare at the no good perv, but he’s too busy smiling at her to notice.

Then Chelsea’s green eyes move over to me. Unlike Tori, who got sweet giggles and a soft smile, all I get is a curious eyebrow raise. Not surprising, I’ve got nothing on Tori. I’ve got nothing on most of the people in here. That’s almost impressive.

“Is this your roommate?” Chelsea asks.

“Yeah, Dana this is Chelsea. Chelsea, Dana.”

“Nice to meet you.” She gives me a sweet smile, which is relieving, then returns her gaze back to Tori. “Come out back with me. There’s drinks out there too.”

“Sure.” Tori gives me a glance as if to ask if I’m coming or not, but Chelsea is already tugging him along through the crowd. I barely manage to keep up, stumbling over my feet to reach the backyard, which is equally decked out. Seems someone forgot this was beach themed because there are tiki torches and little Hawaii decorations that are only found here.

Like Chelsea said, there are some coolers outback where Tori grabs us all a drink. I’m handed a beer, which I intensely dislike. In fact, I hate alcohol in general, but I always used the excuse that it’s because I never really gave it a shot. So, along with Tori and Chelsea, I give the beer the best chug I can and…

It’s fucking disgusting.

Tori and Chelsea don’t agree. Neither make the same twisted face of disgust. Instead, they’re already chatting away laughing and drinking more. Hold up, when did either of them finish the first one? Where did it go?! But they’re both twigs!

Chelsea has yet to let go of Tori’s arm. The music catches her attention and she asks Tori for a dance. Just like that, I’m left alone, standing by the cooler with a beer that tastes of sweat and liquorice. Neither of which are good in the form of a beverage, in case anyone is wondering.

Why am I here again? To make friends? How?

I look about the backyard. Everyone has their own little cliques that sort of merge but I’m alone. A few students catch a look at me. They point and whisper. I know what they’re talking about and it isn’t good. But what was I expecting? I’d come and spend the whole night with Tori, miraculously come to like alcohol and learn to be social? As if! Especially with my luck lately.

You should have just stayed home, Dana.

Rather than linger by the coolers, I head back inside where there’s a chance I can at least stumble into a conversation. Some people I recognized from my classes but the moment I walk over to them all I get are confused glances out of the corner of their eyes. Yeah, I give up and walk away without uttering a word.

Then I head for the kitchen and munch on a bag of M&M’s. A girl comes in, shoves her hand in the bag, offers me a smile then runs off while tripping over her heels. That’s the most social I get for the next hour. Even when I try to speak with anyone in the kitchen, the most I get is a “hey, you’re that kid that ruined Matt Jeneviere’s shirt, right?” Then the guy walks off cackling about it. Well, this has been a catastrophe and it’s definitely time to go. But I’m not going home empty handed...so the bag of M&M’s is mine.

With candy in hand, I leave the party only an hour in and it has nothing to do with cops. I haven’t seen or heard any so I give it another hour before some form of authority is called in.

The front lawn is still rather busy. There are some students sitting in the grass or leaning on the railing of the porch. When I hear mention of Matt again I lower my head and rush down the porch steps, which is a terrible mistake.

Some drunk guy stumbles right in front of me. Our eyes meet, both wide in a panic upon realizing that we are on a collision course. But he’s drunk and I’m midstep so there’s no helping it. We hit hard, sending us both to the ground. My elbow skids against the sidewalk. To make matters worse, my candy is scattered or crushed, what a waste!

But hey, my contacts are still in so...that’s great? And since I wore them I didn’t smash my glasses to smithereens! It’s kind of a win!

“What the hell? Watch where you’re fuckin’ goin’!” The stranger slurs, stumbling to his feet to glare at me.

I immediately apologize since there’s no use arguing with this drunk. His cheeks are flushed and eyes glazed over. Two of his friends are behind him, both smirking in amusement while I’m getting to my feet in order to nervously back away.

“You think you can just leave?” He snarls, gesturing to a red cup on the ground, which I’m assuming was his. “You spilled my drink!”

It’s his own fault, that’s what I should point out, but I don’t have the guts to do it.

Nodding, I apologize again, “I’m really sorry about that. I, uh, I-I can get you another o-one? They’re just i-inside.”

For whatever reason, he doesn’t seem to like that because he scowls and shoves me. I stumble back into the grass, clutching the crumbled M&M bag to my chest.

“Liam, drop it. He apologized.”

Yes, listen to your friend, you dumb drunk!

“Shut it! I’ll mess with him if I want!” Liam hollers, returning his narrowed gaze on me. “Besides, ain’t you that idiot from the food court video?”

Really? Is there anyone who hasn’t seen it? And why does it matter? He isn’t even friends with Matt! I suppose no one really is, that I know of anyways. Still, leave me be! It was an accident!

“You like tripping all over people and starting shit?”

How does that make any sense? He’s drunk and stupid!

“Come ‘ere, I’ll teach ya what happens for messing with people!” Liam suddenly pulls his fist back.

This is the part where I should run, but someone should tell my legs that because they aren’t moving. So, with Liam’s fist heading towards me, I shut my eyes in fear, waiting for the punch that’s inevitable.

Only it never comes.

Instead, I hear an annoyed grunt followed by some snickers and gasps from those around us.

“Matt, dude, what the hell?!” Liam screams.

And when I open my eyes, sure enough, Matt is standing between us with his hand twisted around Liam’s wrist.