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Melanie

It has been five days since I have seen or heard from Hunter, but it has felt like a lifetime. I don't know how I got so attached so quickly but all throughout the week I found myself wanting to talk to him, or at least be near him.

I went to the library every night waiting to see if he would come too, but he never showed. He never asked for my number either, so there was really no way to get ahold of him, and as time went on, I was starting to think that was the way he wanted it. It made me question the two nights we spent together. Did he not feel the connection? Was he just not into me?

All of my fears and questions resulted in me being even quieter this week than normal, and I think Alana was starting to notice. My suspicions were confirmed when she walked into my room after her Friday classes and immediately asked, "What's wrong? I am worried about you Melanie. You haven't done anything all week expect go to class and the library."

I sighed and tried to come up with an excuse about how I was tired or stressed, but I knew that she would see through my bullshit so I decided to tell her the truth. "Okay come sit down so I can tell you what happened," I said as I patted the spot next to me on the bed.

I then proceeded to tell her the whole story of my weekend, while she just stared at me wide eyed. After I finished, she was quiet for a second, and then abruptly let out an ear piercing shriek. "How could you not tell me you found a boy?! This is so exciting!" She screamed.

I laughed lightly and then responded, "Yeah it was exciting and I thought that he liked me as much as I found myself liking him, but he never asked for my number and I haven't seen him since. If I am being honest, I don't even know his last name."

This revelation caused Alana to abruptly stop the happy dance she was currently doing in the middle of the room. "Wait he didn't ask for your number? What the hell! Why would he lead you on like that and then just leave without a word?"

"Exactly, that's what has been making me so upset. I can't stop thinking about him. I don't know what to do," I confided, hoping that should would be able to help.

She sat for a moment, clearly thinking about the next move, then stood and said, "I have the perfect plan to get your mind off of him. We are going out tonight." It was more of a statement than a question, and I knew there was no use on fighting her on this.

Maybe she was right though, it could help me take my mind off of things. "Okay fine I will go," I gave in, much to her excitement.

"Yay! Let's grab some dinner and then come back here to get you ready. Once I am done with you the guys won't be able to resist."

———

I glanced at the clock to see that it was already 9:30. We had started getting ready over an hour ago and I was starting to get restless. Alana had already done my makeup, and had now moved onto my hair.

Her group of friends were scattered around the getting ready too. This was going to be my first time hanging out with her friends, and while I was shy when the first met us at dinner, I was starting to grow more comfortable with them. They were just like Alana; outgoing, funny, and of course beautiful.

"Alright you are all done! Now just go put on the outfit Courtney put on your bed!" Alana said excitedly, causing the other three girls in the room to look my way.

"Oh my god Melanie, you look so hot!" Taylor smiled at me, while Courtney and Madison nodded their approval. I had yet to see what I look like but their words of encouragement made me feel a lot better.

When I saw what Courtney had picked out for me I let out a small sigh of relief. I was expecting a skimpy outfit like I had seen countless girls around campus wear, but she picked something a little more conservative, probably after seeing how uncomfortable I already was.

I slipped on the pair of ripped black jeans, then put the black bralette on which peaked out under the off the shoulder red top. I then slipped on a pair of white converse to complete the look.

After I was dressed, I decided it was time to look in the mirror for the first time. When I walked over to the full-length mirror, I couldn't believe my eyes. My long brown hair that I usually just threw up in a messy bun was now in loose waves cascading down my back. My makeup wasn't too harsh, a result of me constantly telling Alana she was using too much, but it was just enough to make my features pop. Instead of hiding behind my glasses as I usually do, I had contacts in, leaving my face open and vulnerable.

After another 20 minutes, the rest of the girls were finally ready to head out. "So where are we going?" I asked as we walked out of our dorm building and into the quad.

"We are going to a frat," Madison informed me. "Not just any frat, the top frat on campus. They throw the best parties and have the cutest guys," Taylor added on.

As we continued walking away from campus, I noticed the houses around us were decorated with greek letters, making it clear we had made it to frat row. This being the first time I had ever been to this part of campus, I had no idea where we were or where we were going.

After another five minutes, we arrived at a house that almost resembled a castle with three greek letters on the front and people scattered around the lawn with red solo cups in hand. While I didn't know much about the greek alphabet, I couldn't help but feel like I had seen this combination of letters somewhere before. Probably on some frat guys sweatshirt or hat, I decided.

"Are you ready for your first ever college party?" Alana asked me. I was afraid if I spoke the girls would hear the tentativeness in my voice so I stuck with a nod and then followed them up the driveway.

When we got inside it was packed with people dancing and drinking everywhere. "We are going to grab some drinks for everyone," Courtney screamed over the music right before her and Madison walked toward the makeshift bar in the other room. I hadn't decided if I actually wanted to drink yet, I have never actually been drunk before, but I figured one drink couldn't hurt.

Taylor grabbed Alana and I's hands and dragged us out to the large room with the DJ and dancing. I watched girls grinding on guys and dancing confidently on tables and instantly felt out of place. I started to sway my hips to the music trying to match my friends but failing miserably.

After a moment, a guy approached Alana to ask her to dance. I knew it was only a matter of time, so I reassured her I would be okay and let her go have her fun. Soon after, Taylor began dancing with a guy and I was left alone.

I migrated back to lean against the wall and observe my surroundings. I had always judged these parties so harshly, but I was starting to see the appeal. Minus the asshole frat guys and all the drinking, it could be fun to go out and dance with your friends.

I felt someone bump into me somewhat roughly, and as I turned around to see the culprits, my heart instantly dropped. It was a blonde girl wearing short skirt and crop top, with her lips attached to a boy with a perfectly messed up brown hair. I knew instantly that the guy she was currently assaulting with her lips was Hunter.

The two broke apart after bumping into me, probably to see what was getting in the way of their heated make out session. "Watch where you are going bitch," The girl snapped at me, but regardless of her yelling at me, my eyes never left Hunter. He looked over as his eyes met mine. When he realized it was me his eyes grew wide, but he stood in frozen in place as he let the girl yell at me.

Once I could finally urge myself to move, I turned around and ran out the door. I didn't tell anyone I was leaving but at this point I didn't care, I just needed out of that house and away from Hunter and that girl.