Chapter Thirty Eight Cupid Ain't A Lie

It was a four letter word and one syllable, not very hard to pronoun. People used it everyday whether they meant it or not. It was thrown around in the air without a care. Most of the time. But, there were actually people who used it and care about the meaning and showed it every single day and not just on special occasions.

For example, Valentine's Day. It was a day to express that four letter word. Whether you brought flowers, chocolate, took your partner in life on a romantic getaway, or did something you knew they would smile about, you expressed it.

While others would never get to feel that kind of emotion for whatever reason they had. They never seen it or just didn't care about it. They used and abused its power and crushed others with it without any care. They tarnished that word for anyone who was madly and completely all about that one person who made their world spin.

It would break you and you would never want to feel that way ever again. You wouldn't want anyone else to feel that type of pain. If you did, you were heartless. Or maybe you had enough of feeling that pain and wanted them to know how it truly felt.

That four letter, one syllable word was love.

Love.

It was funny how everything could change all because of that one word. It could be good or bad. You could either find your soulmate or watch them love someone else. It was all on Cupid, if you believe in that kind of thing.

Hopefully, Cupid didn't make a mistake. Whoever he shot, will be the best thing that's ever happened to me.

Or else, he was the one to blame for everything. Cupid did have an arrow with my name on it and I was waiting for the moment he would show me my best thing to ever happen was.

I've been waiting forever to find out who it was but nothing prepared me for who it was. I found my prince charming tonight, at the party, and it changed everything.

"Helloo?" Cassidy's voice brought me out my thoughts. "Are you even listening to me?"

I shook my head, coming out my daze. "What? I'm sorry, what did you say?"

She rolled her eyes. "I asked if you were going to the party?"

I nodded. "Yeah. Even though I don't have anyone to go with, I'll go."

"You can go with me." She said, smiling.

"You mean I could go with you and Nolan." I corrected her. "No, thanks. I rather not be a third wheel."

"You won't be a third wheel. We can have a group thing." She suggested.

I shook my head. "I don't think so." I shrugged. "Maybe I'll find someone and we'll fall in love." I joked.

"Who knows? You might get hit with an arrow tonight."

"I'm pretty sure Cupid's going to be too busy to worry about me falling in love."

We walked inside of our dorm building and took the stairs to our floor. The elevator was broken and they were fixing it later in the day.

"You could go with Chance." She offered as I opened the door.

"That's no good. He's already taking someone."

"What! He has a girlfriend."

"No." I shook my head. "They're not official yet. They're still in the just talking stage."

Cassidy sat on her bed. "Well that's good he's found someone."

I nodded my head. "Yeah, it is."

I was happy for him because he found a nice, kind girl. I haven't met her yet but Chance told me a few things about her. Her name was Irina and she was studying to be a teacher. He said she was sweet and very talkative.

I just smiled while he explained her to me. He was very happy and he blushed while talking about her. It was cute. Now that I was thinking about it, this was how he was supposed to feel while we dated, not trying to prove a point or constantly fighting over little things. He was in love and he didn't even know yet.

I thought about my friends and their relationship. Levi and Hailey, they were adorably cute. Cassidy and Nolan, they were the type of couple that loved to tease another one and fight a lot. I didn't know much about Sabrina and Anthony but I did know all three couple were bonded by love. A strong, powerful love.

We had two hours before the party started and we decided to get ready for it. I didn't dress in anything overly nice because I wasn't going with anyone. So unlike Cassidy who put on a baby pink dress, I went opposite of her.

I put on my favorite nice skinny jeans and a red off the shoulder shirt. I straightened my hair until it was pin straight. I put on red lipstick and stepped back.

I looked in the mirror and shrugged. It would do. I wasn't trying to impress anyone or so I thought.

We left the room and walked towards to the front doors. It was chilly and we picked up our pace. Cassidy unlocked her doors and we stepped inside.

The party was being held at Jayce's house. There was another one at the frat house but Jayce decided to throw one of his own.

Vonna and Michael were out of town with Erica, Michael's friend while Landon stayed with one of his friends and Skylar was with Jayce's aunt.

There were a few cars already here with many more arriving. Cassidy parked in the driveway, with no intentions of leaving the party later on.

We got out and walked inside. Jayce had simple rules for his parties. He made sure everyone was clear on them. They were easy to follow and everyone tend to follow them without any problems.

"One, if you're drunk or planning on getting drunk, and don't have a designated driver, stay here for night. There's plenty of room."

Jayce didn't want anyone to wreck and hurt someone or themselves. Usually, they listened and stayed until the morning. Vonna and Michael were absolutely fine with it.

"Two, stay out of my parents' room. If you don't know where it is, it's the one with the biggest double doors you'll ever see."

This one was kinda put in there when Vonna and Michael came home and found two people in their bed. It wasn't very pretty.

"Three, stay on the right side of the house. Whatever you have to do, you can do it there."

The right side, had everything the left side had. It had bathrooms and bedrooms. It was where the pool doors were located. Jayce didn't tell anyone why they weren't allowed on the left side but I knew. It was where his room was and most of the expensive thing was. No one questioned it and listened.

"Four, if you fight, you're leaving. It's as simple as that. I don't need the cops showing up."

That one was invented when a fight broke out and of course someone called the cops and ruined everyone's night. It happened on Jayce's 17th birthday.

Those were all the rules and they were meant to be taken seriously. Jayce didn't drink as much as everyone else did. He took it as his job to make sure every rule was being followed and they were for the most part. A few people forgot about staying on the right side but other than that his party were fun.

"Jayce!" Cass yelled. "Where's the drink?"

"First of all why are you yelling?" He asked, walking over to us. "And where they always are, in the kitchen." He jerked his thumb behind him.

"Alright. Time to get this night started." She said as she danced towards the kitchen.

I looked at Jayce and was smiling.

"Hey."

I grinned. "Hey."

"I didn't you were coming."

I shrugged. "I said I would but if it's like your 18th birthday party, I refuse to come to another party you throw."

He chuckled. "You don't have to worry about that." He assured me then he paused before speaking. "Unless you want to see me naked again." He said, smirking.

I rolled my eyes. "I'll pass, thanks."

"What? Is it too much for you to handle." He joked as we walked to the kitchen.

"Yeah, you left me sick to my stomach."

He glanced me with a grinned spreading across his face."You don't have to lie, Cole."

"Trust me, I'm not."

He poured himself a drink. "Do you want one?"

I shook my head. "Not right now. I'll get one later."

Cassidy came from around the corner and slung her arm around my shoulders, laughing.

"Cole, you have to try this." She told me, pointing at her cup.

"What is it?" I asked.

"I don't know, but it's really good."

"And really strong." I added, smelling the alcohol on her breath.

"Let me guess." Nolan's voice reached us as he walked into the kitchen. "she's already drunk."

I shook my head. "Nope. Not yet."

"Babe!" She yelled as she left my side and went to Nolan, opening her arms for a hug.

Thirty minutes later, the house was filled with randon people. I probably knew a quarter of them and that was about it. We were in the living room, chatting over the loud music.

I glanced around and noticed most people were heading outside to swim. Even though it was cold outside, the pool was heated. Others were hanging out with their friends, talking, laughing and drinking.

Chance and Irina arrived around the same time Levi and Hailey did. We introduced ourselves to Irina and talked to her for awhile until Chance took her away from us. When we asked why, he said he didn't want Cassidy to get into her head.

I was leaning against the wall, talking to Jayce when he shifted his eyes away from me to behind me.

"Hold on."

He walked away and my eyes followed him. There was a couple heading for the left side. Before they reached the stairs, Jayce stopped them. He spoke them, briefly, and they walked in the other direction, back towards the party.

He came back to me.

"Do you wanna go outside?"

"Outside? Why?" I asked.

"It's hot in here and I have to check something." He said, shrugging. "I mean you can stay in here if you want to. I just don't want you to think I'm ditching you."

"I remember you-"

"Don't bring that up. I said I was wrong and wouldn't do it again." He interrupted me.

I smiled. "Okay fine. As long as you still feel bad about doing it."

He rolled his blue eyes. "Are you coming or not?"

"Yeah."

I followed through the sliding door and the cold air hits me. It felt good on my sweaty skin. I looked at the people outside and they were having a good time.

"Are you gonna stay here? I'm just gonna check a few things." Jayce said.

I was wearing heels and somewhat close to the pool. I didn't want to risk anything so I decided to stay put.

"I'll stay here."

He nodded. "I'll be back."

He walked off and I glanced at the swimming pool. There weren't a lot of people in there but there were some sitting on the edge, sticking their feet in. The pool was pretty huge. I think only one side was shallow and the rest was deep. The deepest part was eight feet and the lowest was three.

"I see everything's working out for you and Jayce." A familiar voice said behind me.

I looked over my shoulder and saw Chance.

I smiled. "Yeah. We're doing good."

"I told you, everything would work out."

"Yeah, yeah. I should've listened to you sooner. I got it."

Chance's name was called and he looked in that direction before looking at me again.

"I'll talk you later."

I nodded my head and he walked away. I wrapped my arms around myself as I started to get cold. I was tempted to go back inside but decided against it.

"Yeah, that's her." I heard a stranger say, as she pointed at me.

She was talking to two guys and they nodded at the girl before heading toward me. I watched them, warily. I seen them before at school but I never spoke to them.

"You look cold." The taller one said.

"Yeah. I kinda am." I told him.

"We can help you with that." The other said.

I rose an eyebrow. "What-"

Before I could finish my question, they grabbed me by my arms and legs. I kicked my legs, trying to escape.

"Pick me down!" I screamed. "Let go of me!"

They walked away from the door and closer to the pool. My heart picked up its pace as I looked at the water. I realized what they were going to do and that scared me.

"Oh we're gonna let you go." The taller one said.

I shook my head. "No. Don't."

A crowd of people were watching and they cheered the boys on as they debated whether or not to release me. This happened last time, during Jayce's party. Of course I wasn't the one being thrown into the pool at the time. It was another girl but unlike me she enjoyed it.

Tears filled my eyes as I shut them. I opened them a second later.

"Don't do it." I begged.

The one who had my legs grinned at me. "Too late."

They swung my body backward before swinging me forward and releasing their grip on me. I screamed before they released me but once I was in the air, I screamed louder.

I hit the warm water and I panicked. I knew I was supposed to get to the surface but I was freaking out. I didn't know how to swim and the last time I was in water this deep, I nearly drowned.

I heard a splashed before I saw him come to me. He grabbed my waist and swam upward. Once I broke surface, I began to cough. He swam over to the edge and Levi pulled me out the water. He pulled himself out the water and walked over to the two guys who threw me in.

I hunched over as I coughed up water.

"Are you fucking stupid?" I heard Jayce say, angrily.

"How was I supposed to know she couldn't swim?"

"Take no as a fucking clue."

"Dude, I'm sorry. Chill."

"Cole, are you good?" Levi asked, kneeling beside.

I hit my chest a few times. "I'm fine. Go stop Jayce." I said in between my fits of coughing.

He disappeared and a few moments later, Jayce was beside me, helping me up. He led me through the crowd of people, who didn't knew about the commotion that happened outside. They were still enjoying the party and paid us little to any attention. We walked up the stairs and a little way down the hall before reaching his room.

I looked at him and if it wasn't very his lights being dimmed I was pretty sure he would've seen me blushing.

Jayce was soaked and I'll admit it was kinda hot. His shirt was sticking tightly against his perfect body, showing off his muscles. His hair was laying flat against his forehead and I was certain I was looking at him for too long.

"Are you okay?"

I nodded. "Yeah. I'm fine."

He nodded once as he went over to his dresser and pulled out some clothes before handing them to me.

"Just leave your clothes in the bathroom. I'll deal with it later."

I nodded. "Okay."

I left his room and headed for the bathroom that was two doors away from his room. I walked inside as I flicked the lights on. I look at my reflection in the mirror and I looked horrible. My once straight hair was back to its natural states, sticking out every direction, and my make up was running down my face.

I shut the door and stripped out my soaked clothes. I grabbed a towel and dried myself off. I put on the clothes Jayce's gave me before drying my hair the best I could. I didn't have anything to put my hair up with so I stuck with my puffy curly afro. I removed my make up and once I was done, I left the bathroom and headed back to Jayce's room.

I didn't have to worry about walking into something that would scar me again this time because his door was open.

He had changed into dry clothes and his hair wasn't laying flat onto of head anymore. It was now sticking up. He still hadn't turned his lights on fully.

"Are we gonna stay in here?" I asked.

"We can or we can head back."

I glanced down at what I was wearing and figured it wasn't exactly the type of outfit to wear to a party. I wanted to go back but I didn't want to deal with anyone asking me any questions but I had to let Levi know I was fine.

"Uh.."

Jayce looked at what he gave me and smiled. "I'll tell Levi you're okay while you stay here."

"Alright."

He walked out his room and headed towards the party. I acrossed the room and sat on his bed and leaned back. I thought back to the day Jayce saved me for the very first time.

I was around eight and we were having a get together at the local swimming pool. I was terrified of the water but I saw everyone inside of it, having fun. So I thought it couldn't be that bad if everyone was enjoying it.

I was walking towards the edge of the pool, debating if I wanted to go inside or not but I didn't get the option to choose before someone pushed me from behind. I fell over and had a panic attack.

I didn't know what to do. I felt like I was underwater for a long time. I figure someone must've seen me fell but I waited for someone to save me and no one did. I slowly stopped moving my arms and legs, wildly as I started losing my breath.

Right before my eyes closed, I felt someone touch me.

When my eyes opened, I was coughing up water and mom was standing on one side of me with the lifeguard above me. I didn't know saved me until I got to the hospital.

I was lying in the bed when he walked in with his mother outside my room talking to my mom.

He had asked me if I was doing better and I told him yes. When I said I was happy that the lifeguard saved me, he frowned and told me he was the one who pulled me out.

Ever since that day, became my hero, even when I didn't realize it at the time. He was always protecting me someone or something. It was like he couldn't help it. I was in need of him in one way or other.

"I couldn't find Levi or Hailey." Jayce informed me as he walked inside.

I sat up. "Of course not."

"Maybe he thought since you were with me, you'd be fine." He suggested.

I shrugged. "Maybe." I agreed. "Did you see Cass?"

He nodded his head. "Yeah she's down there but Nolan said they were gonna to head out soon."

I stood up. "I probably should go down there then."

As I was walking out the door, he grabbed my wrist, stopping me. Sparks shot through me and those feelings returned.

"Or you can stay."

I glanced at him and I didn't know why but I glanced down at his lips and without any warning, I kissed him. He quickly leaned back, surprised.

He frowned. "Cole, what are you doing?"

I looked into his eyes. "Something that feels right."

He shook his head. "This isn't right. We're not right."

"Yes it it and you know it." I argued. "If you remember, I won the game and I think you agreed to do whatever I said." I reminded him.

He arched an eyebrow. "You want this?"

I nodded my head. "Yes. I want you."

Hardly a second passed before his lips attached to mines. As he backed me up towards his bed, he shut the door. My knees hit the bed and he towered over me.

Our mouths detach for a moment as I crawled backwards on the bed and he hovered above me before they reconnected. I snaked my arms around his neck while his hands gripped my hips.

The kiss wasn't rushed nor was it slow. It right in the middle and it drove me insane. It lit the insides of me and his touches warmed me as he moved his fingertips across my skin. Like I said before, he was fire and I was gasoline and together we created a dangerous fire.

He moved his lips off mine so I could breathe but his left a trail of kisses on my neck. I sucked in a breath while he found my sweet spot.

It was just like that night in my dorm room except we were alone and I didn't see an end coming anytime soon. I wasn't going to stop him and he wasn't going to stop. It was as if our body needed each other, we needed each other.

"Cole." He said, lowly.

I knew he didn't want to stop but he was asking me for permission to continue. His blue eyes stared into mine, waiting for my answer.

I didn't want to think about what would happen in this morning but whatever I decided now would determine how it would play out. Cupid shot his arrow and was now waiting for me to make a decision. I could either run or stay. I didn't want to run. I was tried of fighting this, fighting us.

"Don't stop." I told him.

He didn't need to be told twice before he grabbed the back of shirt and hauled it off, throwing it to the side. He helped me take my, or his, shirt off. I didn't want to waste time in taking our clothes off because then I would start overthinking stuff and I didn't want that.

I slid my bottoms off and threw them on the floor. My hands right to his sweats and I yanked them down. His eyes trailed down my half naked body and my eyes did he same.

I could still hear the music playing from downstairs but my focus was all on him and his was on me. I unhooked my bra and let it fall infront off me. He glanced down for a second before looking back up. I smiled and he returned it.

All that was left was our underwear and he took mines off and left me completely bare. I felt vulnerable, exposed.

He reached out his arm and opened up his top drawer and grabbed protection. And when he put it on, I got nervous.

He looked me in my eyes, silently asking if I was ready and I nodded my head.

With that, he pushed inside of me and everything changed.