MADISON

That sense of high school nervousness and anxiety I thought I'd left behind in New York came flooding back as I gazed at the bustling frat building across the street.

"I don't know..." I began, my doubts taking over.

"Come on, it's just a party. You'll meet new people, dance, grab a drink, and hopefully have a good time. That's what it's all about."

As I fixated on his endearing lips, memories from high school played in my mind. I still vividly remembered Kesha Remington; she used to be the bane of my existence. She fit the stereotypical image perfectly: blonde, tall, flawless legs, long eyelashes-the epitome of a cruel high school senior. But even she couldn't escape the perils of teenage parties.

After what happened to the queen bee at a football team party in our senior year, I compiled a list of party dos and don'ts. Never leave your drink unattended, don't trust anyone too easily, stay aware of your surroundings, and above all, never ditch your friends, even for your safety. I think ensuring you have a ride back home is more vital than leaving your friends behind. Well, I'm cautious.

"Maddie?" he called, snapping me out of my mental list-checking.

"It's just that... I've never been to a..."

"I'm here, always here," he interrupted.

With the look he gave me, saying no was impossible.

I nodded, allowing him to wrap his arm around my shoulder as we headed towards the raucous house, which looked like it could burst at any moment.

The house was packed with college kids, and even some who looked older, for a fraternity party. But hey, who am I to judge? I'm completely out of my element here, observing everything with wide-eyed amazement.

My gaze fixated on carefree souls reveling in their college days, and all I could think of was my darn brother. He'd made sure I remained clueless about all of this.

The music playing was familiar, but my anxiety wouldn't let me fully immerse myself. Dread settled in my stomach as I observed the biggest mess I'd ever encountered. It was clear to me now, the difference between drunk and high people. As my gaze wandered around the dance floor, a different story unfolded for the partygoers. They were all sweaty yet insatiable, as if possessing an energy type I lacked.

"Hey man, you made it." Here came the guy from the food festival. What was his name again?

"Jeffery," Caleb answered my silent question as he shook hands with the guy.

Yeah, Jeffery.

Jeffery's lips spread into an unsettlingly wide grin as his gaze landed on me. "And you brought her," he mouthed.

"Calm down, she's with me." Caleb quipped.

"Then I guess I should be telling you to calm down, bro." Jeffery laughed, somewhat eerily. "I won't bite, babe," he smirked in my direction.

"We're heading to the kitchen for some drinks," Caleb informed his friend, diverting my attention from the staircase that triggered a mental list of party do's and don'ts. Not going upstairs was at the top of that list.

"Come on, we've got something that might lift both your spirits. All you need to do is lose."

That certainly caught my attention, and I realized Jeffery was leading us to a beer pong showdown in the dining area.

"I don't drink..." I whispered to Caleb.

"And I won't let you have that. There should be something that suits your taste."

My heart warmed knowing he was looking out for me.

"Thanks," I smiled.

"Bro, can I get something light?"

Caleb's question caught Jeffery off guard, causing him to turn quickly, his lips curving upward. "Who cares?"

"I do. Just get me one," Caleb dismissed Jeffery's intentions with exasperation.

Jeffery's gaze briefly shifted to me, and he hollered over the music, "Liam, grab some mountain dew from over there."

He definitely knew who the drink was for.

When the drinks arrived, a classmate I knew offered me a couple of cans. From there, I began to relax gradually, especially after a spirited girl joined me, helping me understand the game. I was utterly confused watching Caleb's partner down cup after punishing cup. The girl winced with every gulp, which only added to my bewilderment.

By the time Jeffery and a group of girls celebrated their fifth victory against Caleb and his beer pong partner, Kayla-the petite girl, I, on the other hand, had peed twice in the ground floor restroom.

Honestly, I was baffled. I had only downed two cans of mountain dew.

"I'm going to play. Can I be your partner?"

The voice sounded familiar, but I turned to confirm it. It was Avery.

A loud snort escaped my throat; she probably heard it, judging by the stern look she shot my way.

"Nice to see you here, sis-in-law." Her tone had an edge.

"What?" Kayla looked puzzled.

"She tends to exaggerate," I rolled my eyes, and Kayla scoffed. "It's obvious," she whispered to me, giggling softly and catching Caden's attention.

"Why don't you join us, sweetheart?" She beckoned me over, making me fidget under the gazes focused on us.

However, Caleb came to my defense, just as he promised. "She doesn't drink."

"Well, since you do, I'll enjoy watching you," she winked at him, her tone laden with seduction.

Oh, bitch, give me a break.

"Lorraine here, drinks for both of us," Caleb motioned towards his half-passed-out partner.

"Ouch, a pussy girlfriend, and now the boyfriend too?" Avery knew how to push buttons, seemingly targeting Caleb this time.

"Whoa, dude, that's harsh," Jeffery chuckled.

"How about a fair game? You drink just like everyone else," she dared my boyfriend. My boyfriend-I should be defending him, but I felt utterly lost in this new environment.

"I'll..."

"Don't be a party pooper," Avery cut him off, playfully tucking her red lipstick-covered lip between her teeth.

Ugh, I can't stand her.

"Fine," Caleb agreed.

A sudden realization hit me-who would be driving us back to the apartment? Certainly not me, the unlicensed driver. Oh, shit.

"Get ready to witness the highlight of the night," she announced loudly, drawing more attention to the table.

I attempted to maneuver through the suddenly crowded space, intending to reach Caleb, but the limited room made it impossible. I ended up pouting while seated next to Kayla.

"He'll be okay. Caleb drinks occasionally when he's by himself," Kayla assured me.

"You know him?"

"We had a few classes together. And we attend frat parties. We're cool," she explained simply.

"Oh," I breathed, trying to catch a glimpse of how the beer pong challenge was unfolding.

"He's never been in a relationship before, in case you're wondering. It was quite a shock to the school when you two started dating."

Her words left me stunned. "What?"

"Of course, a few weeks ago, you two were the talk of the school. Caleb had been single for years, so everyone was surprised to see him with a pretty freshman," she nudges my arm, her smile growing wider until it's contagious.

"I guess there might have been opposition," I mutter.

"Well, some people did oppose," she confirms with a knowing nod.

I wonder what negative comments people might have made about me. Maybe they think I ride a bicycle to school? Although I'm not the only one who does that here in Palo Alto. Or perhaps they're discussing the fake infection that Caden claimed I had. They'll probably talk about a lot of things; my first day at school wasn't exactly full of great impressions.

"I was certain."

"But the main thing is that this is the first time he seems committed. Yes, he's had some one-night stands, but every guy does..."

Alright, I need to stop her there.

"Okay, can we change the topic?" This is starting to get uncomfortable. There's nothing I'm less interested in than hearing about my boyfriend's one-night stands.

Kayla bursts into laughter and tilts her head back, taking a sip from her drink.

"I might need to use the restroom," I inform her. She nods, indicating that her bladder is fine for now.

So, I find myself walking to a restroom at a frat party for the first time in my life.

I don't pay attention to the cheering beer pong players as I push through dancing bodies and take turns that I hope will lead me to the restroom. Instead, I end up in a dim hallway where two passionate partiers are engaged in intense make-out session on a table; their faces look strikingly familiar.

The girl is straddling the redhead's lap, his hand inside her skirt.

In an instant, the reality of my present situation hits me like a ton of bricks. I gasp and instinctively step back.

Yes, my blood runs cold; yes, I struggle to breathe; yes, my vision blurs as tears well up.

But among the chaos, I spot Avery-the bitch Caden must have enlisted to help destroy me.

Right now, all my worst nightmares are unfolding before me. I know that if I shift my gaze to the boy staring at me intensely from beneath, I'll find exactly who I expect.

Caleb Hunter.