My curls were perfectly defined, bouncing softly as I moved my head, and I pinned them back with a couple of bobby pins on each side to keep my face clear. I didn't want anything falling into my eyes while I navigated this whole new world—my first party at college, and already nerves were starting to prick at my stomach.
"Want to use some of my makeup?" Cassie asked, tilting her head slightly to look at me. I hesitated, glancing into the mirror, unsure if I wanted to change what I already had.
I liked my natural look—just a little mascara to make my lashes visible, maybe some lip gloss to add a soft shine. My skin was something I took pride in, and the thought of covering it up felt almost unnecessary. I had spent years learning how to care for it, and it had become one of the few things I felt completely confident about.
"Maybe a little eyeliner," I admitted, still uncertain.
Cassie's grin widened, a mischievous sparkle lighting up her blue eyes. She handed me two eye pencils—one black, one brown—and I twirled them between my fingers, debating which to use.
"Your eyes are so unique… want to trade?" she teased, tilting her head as if she were serious.
Her eyes were bright, perfect, sparkling in a way that made mine feel dull by comparison. Why would she want mine? I chose the black pencil, my hand a little shaky as I carefully traced a thin line along my eyelids. The motion felt precise, almost meditative, and I couldn't help but notice the approving smile Cassie gave me.
Her phone buzzed, breaking the quiet concentration. "Nic's here," she said, grabbing her purse and glancing at me with that same mischievous grin. I smoothed my dress one more time, slipping my feet into my white Toms. They were simple, practical, but comfortable—perfect for someone like me, who had no desire to hobble around in six-inch heels. She glanced at my shoes but didn't comment, and I felt a little relieved.
Outside, Nic was already leaning casually against the car, rock music blasting from the open windows. The bass thumped against my chest, and I suddenly felt hyper-aware of everyone around us. People were staring, whispering, pointing—everything I disliked about attention came rushing back in an instant. I ducked my head instinctively, trying to shrink into myself.
Then I looked up—and saw Zephyr in the front seat. He had his arms crossed, glowering like he owned the entire universe. Ugh. Just seeing him made the air feel heavier, suffocating somehow.
"Beauties," Nic greeted us with a bright, teasing grin as we approached the car. Zephyr's glare cut across me like a knife, sharp and precise, as I climbed in behind Cassie. Just being in the same car as him felt like walking through a storm I couldn't escape.
"You do realize we're going to a party, not a sermon, right, Ariana?" Zephyr smirked, his accent thick, his tone mocking.
I clenched my jaw internally. Do not call me Ariana. I go by Aria, I reminded myself, irritated that he even knew that name.
"Sure thing… Ariana," he drawled lazily, and I rolled my eyes, already deciding not to waste my energy on him. His presence alone was enough to put me on edge—I didn't need to engage.
The drive felt endless, every minute stretching longer than the last. Music blared, cars passed, and my stomach twisted in nervous anticipation. Finally, we pulled up to a massive two-story house, ivy crawling up its stone walls. The red Cornell letters painted boldly across the front made it look like something out of a movie—or maybe a reality show. My jaw dropped slightly.
"How… how many people are here?" I whispered to myself, gulping. The lawn was swarming with students, everyone holding red cups, laughing, shouting, and bumping into one another. It was overwhelming, chaotic, and completely out of my comfort zone.
"Hurry up," Zephyr said, stepping out of the car with that same piercing glare, slamming the door behind him. The sound echoed across the lawn, drawing a few eyes toward us.
I watched as people crowded around him, shaking his hand, high-fiving him, laughing like he was the center of the universe. Tattoos and piercings covered him in ways that made him impossible to ignore. Even in a sea of students, he stood out—dangerous, impossible, infuriating. For some reason, I felt my pulse quicken at the sight. Maybe, just maybe, I could find a few people here I might actually connect with.
"Let's go," Cassie said, her grin wide, contagious, and I nodded, trying to summon the courage to match her energy. I smoothed my dress one last time before stepping onto the crowded lawn, taking a deep breath as the music thumped around me. My heart raced, and I prayed silently that I could survive the night—and maybe, just maybe, not embarrass myself entirely in front of the entire campus.