Every city can be dangerous. I tried convincing her that I would be fine. I’m a big girl now and it’s time for me to discover what’s out there. Ever since my father died, my aunt and my uncles made sure to keep me safe and protected as if I was an expensive and rare diamond that could be snatched away from them at any time.
The taxi parks in front of the entrance of the school. I pay the driver and climb out of the car. While he’s fishing my suitcase from the trunk, my eyes flit to the big, tall buildings surrounding us, and I can’t help but revel in the feeling of happiness as it blooms inside of me.
I’ve waited for this moment for so long.
“Have a great day, miss.”
I draw my attention to the driver and smile warmly at him before pulling my suitcase and entering the building. The sound of laughter coming from the hallway behind me causes my steps to halt. I look back and see two girls walking hurriedly toward me. Their laughter ceases the moment they’re standing inches away from me.
“Are you new?” the blonde one asks, and I nod.
“Which program?”
“Political science.”
The other girl’s eyes widen and her lips part. Her short hair is a shade lighter than my raven hair.
“Me too!” She beams. “First year?”
I nod.
“Cool. We’re gonna have the same classes then. I’m Melody, and this is Lauren.”
“Nice to meet you. I’m Eliana.”
“Exotic name! Where from?” Lauren asks.
“I’m from Kingsford. My family’s originally from Italy.”
Melody snaps her finger.
“I knew it! You have Italian features.” She pauses as her eyes travel up and down my length. “Do you have a boyfriend?”
I clear my throat, pushing the image of my ex-boyfriend, Jonathan, out of my head. His cheating scandal caused my uncles to be infuriated with me when they learned that I had given myself to him.
“No, I don’t,” I blurt out, and straighten my posture.
“What room?” Melody asks, flicking a finger toward the small sheet of paper in my hand.
“Three fourteen.”
“No way! We’re neighbors.”
“Come, we’ll take you,” Lauren says with a smile on her face.
I walk with the girls as they lead me to my room. They babble about a boy named Jack who Melody is apparently infatuated with. I listen to their conversation, keeping my thoughts and opinions to myself. This Jack guy is a third year douche who’s part of the basketball team. He has women from all over the city drooling over him, including Melody, who sleeps with him knowing damn well he’s fucking other women in the process. But she thinks they have a connection despite him telling her flat-out that all they’ll ever be are fuck-buddies.
Melody looks like a nice girl, and she really deserves someone to tell her that she needs to move on. A boy like Jack will never settle for anybody but his arrogant self. But I don’t know her that well. And as far as I’m concerned, it’s not my place to give her advice.
“It’s right here. Your roommate is Cassandra. Very nerdy, quiet girl, but she’s not here for the weekend. Do you have any plans tomorrow?” Lauren asks, her blue eyes studying me keenly.
“No, I don’t.”
“Of course she doesn’t, silly.” Melody tugs at Lauren’s arm. “She just got here, we’re her only friends.”
Friends?
Lauren sighs heavily.
“You’re right, Mel. Okay, well since you don’t have plans, then you can come with us. We’re going to a club tomorrow. Be ready by nine. We’ll stop by your room before heading out.”
As much as I would love to decline, I’m in desperate need of friends. Whether I like it or not, I need people who’ll show me around campus.
I nod my approval and smile.
“I’ll be there.”
3
I follow Melody and Lauren as we make our way out of the building and into the taxi. I spent the whole day in bed reading a novel. I didn’t even bother unpacking, because my whole body felt so weak and I knew I needed to rest so I could hang out with the girls later.
“OMG! Jack messaged me back. He said he’s gonna be there tonight.”
Melody’s loud voice echoes in the car, and the driver gives her a look through the rear-view mirror.
“Really? That’s cool. I guess your wish came true,” Lauren says, and wiggles her eyebrows.
“Eliana, you’re quiet today.”
I turn to face Melody.
“Sorry, I’m just a little tired.”
She cups my hand.
“Nothing a shot of tequila can’t cure.”
“I don’t really drink much.”
“Bullshit. Tonight you are.”
I turn my attention to Lauren, who’s sitting in the front seat. Her hair is tied up in a fancy bun, blonde strands hanging loose on each corner of her face. She’s beautiful, and the fuchsia lipstick she’s wearing makes her lips look pouty and bigger than their normal size.
The way Lauren and Melody are dressed makes me look so small next to them. They’re both wearing heels that make them look taller than average. Their makeup is on fleek and they’re practically naked in their short summer dresses.
And then there’s me.
My dress falls an inch above my knee and I’m wearing a pair of white converse shoes. I didn’t even bother putting makeup on. Growing up, my aunt would only allow me to apply some if I was attending a birthday or a wedding party. I look like a young high-schooler who shouldn’t be hanging out with girls like Melody and Lauren. But I’ve never been to a club. And although I’m a little excited to party for the first time in my life, I can’t help replaying my aunt’s words in my head. Over and over again.
Do not leave campus unless you’re going to do groceries. It’s a dangerous world out there, and you never know who may be watching you.
I promised her I wouldn’t do anything stupid that could harm me. If something happens in the club, I will simply leave. Or better yet, as soon as the clock strikes eleven, I will leave. I’ll tell the girls that I’m tired and I will simply leave.
Relief washes over me. I’m still respecting my aunt’s orders. There’s nothing to feel bad about.
When we arrive at our destination, Lauren pays the driver in cash and we slip outside. The air is crisp and fresh. I inhale deeply and follow the girls as they hurry toward the main entrance of the club, skipping the long line outside.
Lauren whispers something to the bouncer, who throws his head back and laughs. I watch as his arm snakes around her waist before he tugs her with enough force that she lunges toward him, her mouth opening as a gasp escapes them.
A sudden gust of cold air blows in my face, causing me to shiver and hug myself. Thank god I’m wearing my favorite jean jacket. It’s actually getting colder as the seconds tick by.
The bouncer says something in Lauren’s ear that makes her look back at me. The bouncer’s eyes study me keenly, his eyes travelling up and down my length. She turns her face toward him and crashes her lips into his. They start kissing ferociously. His mouth devours hers as if he’s been starving for her for days.