"See you at class tomorrow," Nova says warmly.

I nod with a smile, "See you,"

With that, she walks away leaving me in front of my apartment complex.

I let out a sigh as I enter the bright cold building away from the night sky.

I head up quickly to Journee and I's apartment before entering the dim space.

I walk further into the quiet open area before flinching slightly.

"Fuck Journee-you scared me half to death," I gasp as I hold my heart.

Her brown eyes narrow at me slightly, "Where were you?"

"Okay mom," I remark and she crosses her arms in silence.

"I was out having dinner with a classmate, why?" I question as I set my belongings down.

After I finished classes for the day Nova invited me to have dinner, and of course, I said yes.

Partially because I didn't want to face Journee.

But clearly, that didn't work.

"Because I was worried sick," Journee huffs.

I sigh in disapproval, "I'm not a child,"

Journee rolls her eyes, "And I wasn't implying that. It's just you normally go to school and come home, so it was odd that you weren't here,"

I purse my lips.

"Well, I apologize for not informing you," I say deciding I don't necessarily have the energy to argue with her.

She nods briefly and I take that as a sign to head to my room.

I get ready for bed rather quickly before deciding to go to sleep.

Though, morning approaches quickly as my loud alarm goes off.

I groan as I turn the obnoxious sound off.

At least it's Friday.

I rise slowly from the bed before reluctantly getting ready for the day.

I throw on some sage green sweat pants and a matching sweatshirt before pulling my loose curls into a ponytail.

I head out into the kitchen as my Ugg slippers click against the floors.

"Well someone looks refreshed today," Eva says warmly and I smile lightly.

"She seems to have made a new friend, so that's likely why," Journee adds as she stirs her coffee.

I roll my eyes playfully, "Or I just got a good night's rest?"

Their eyes narrow at me just as the front door clicks open.

My attention snaps to the front entryway as Luca walks in.

"Good morning beautiful people," He says with a smile before briefly sitting down next to Eva.

"Good morning," I greet with a smile before grabbing a bottle of water.

Luca tilts his head slightly, "She seems... Cheery?"

Journee gives me an 'I told you so' look.

"See, Eva and I aren't the only ones," Journee points out.

"Wait what's going on?" Luca asks as he takes a sip of Eva's coffee.

Eva swats Luca's shoulder before grabbing the mug back from him.

"Bri has a new friend," Eva informs him and Luca's eyes widen in curiosity.

I roll my eyes, "I don't have time for this," I chime as I head toward the front door.

"Wait!" Journee calls causing me to turn back around.

"We're going to the campus bar tonight, you should seriously come," Journee says in a convincing tone and I tilt my head.

"Oh please!" Eva begs.

"You can even invite your friend," Luca chimes in as he steals another sip of Eva's coffee.

"Though I don't know if Luca will make it tonight considering I'm about to murder him for drinking my coffee," Eva says in irritation.

"Just think about it," Journee adds as her soft brown eyes hold mine.

I huff, "Fine I'll think about it,"

Journee claps excitedly, "Yay!"

"Maybe she needed to meet new people sooner," Luca adds.

I chuckle, "I'll see you guys later,"

"See you," they all say in sync causing me to exit the open apartment into the wide hall.

I head toward class as I take in the beautiful fall scenery around me.

I purposefully make it to class with a few minutes to spare as I sit in my usual seat.

"Wow, I thought I would beat you here this time," Nova jokes as she sits down next to me.

I shrug as I smile playfully, "I can't help that I'm a fast walker,"

"For someone who claims to not be early, you seem to always be," Nova points out as her head tilts at me.

I roll my eyes jokingly, "Yeah-yeah,"

"It's Friday so what are your plans for tonight?" Nova asks curiously as she opens her notebook.

The plans for tonight with Journee, Luca, and Eva flash through my head briefly.

"Oh wait I forgot you're a homebody," Nova declares as she smiles softly at me.

I scoff, "Ouch that hurt my feelings,"

"Not that it's a bad thing," Nova adds as she narrows her brown eyes toward me.

"Well my friends were trying to get me to come to the campus bar tonight but I don't know-"

"You have to go," Nova interrupts.

I shake my head briefly causing her to huff.

"You're only young once Bri," She adds and I sigh.

"Fine, but only if you come with me," I declare and she shrugs.

"I'm down. What time?" she asks and I smile slightly.

"We'll probably leave around nine," I inform her and she nods warmly.

"Sounds good," she says with a small smile.

Nine o'clock arrives quickly as I stand in front of my bathroom mirror.

I look from my backless white crop top down to my shiny black leather pants.

Not too eye-catching which is what I was going for.

I exit my room as I see Journee and Eva chatting with one another.

Journee is in a cropped white button-up and a shiny black short skirt while Eva is in a green pantsuit.

"I still can't believe you're coming!" Journee exclaims as her brown eyes land on me.

"And you look hot," Eva adds.

"Thank you Eva," I say with a small smile.

"Also don't feel like you have to drink-"

"I know," I interrupt her not wanting to discuss the topic.

Journee nods briefly as Luca enters the apartment.

"Who's ready to have some fun?" He yells and I chuckle at his enthusiasm.

"Apparently you," I remark and he laughs as he adjusts his varsity jacket.

My phone buzzes in my hand as Nova's name pops up on my phone.

"Let's go," I suggest as I head toward the exit causing them all to follow behind.

Once we exit the apartment into the warm fall air I quickly spot Nova.

She's in sparkly black pants and a black blazer with a bandeau top underneath.

"Nova," I wave her over causing her eyes to rise from her phone.

Once she spots me she displays a small smile before making her way over.

"You clean up nice," she jokes and I smile lightly.

"As do you," I compliment her and she flicks her locs playfully.

"Hm you think?" she questions earning a chuckle out of me.

I turn slightly to my group of friends, "Guys this is Novalie,"

"But you can call me Nova," she adds as they all send her a warm smile.

"This is Journee-Eva- and Luca," I introduce them as I motion to each of them one at a time.

"Nice to meet you all," Nova says warmly.

"I have to know where you got those stunning pants," Journee says warmly.

Nova chuckles, "Zara is my go-to so probably there,"

"Journee is obsessed with anything bright or sparkly," Eva adds earning another chuckle from Nova.

"I'm more dark and neutral colors, but sparkly things do catch my eyes," Nova adds, and Eva nods.

"Definitely. My statement pieces are the only colorful thing in my closet," Eva agrees.

Small talk is produced around us as we walk to the local bar.

Once we get there we take our seats barside considering all the tall tables are already filled.

College students fill the large bar as a loud chatter fills the room while soft music plays in the background.

"So what's your go-to drink?" Nova questions curiously and my eyes widen.

"Oh, I don't-"

"Oh my god I'm sorry I didn't know," she cuts me off before I can finish my sentence.

My cheeks grow hot, "No no it's okay. How could you know?" I reassure the embarrassed girl.

She eyes my red cheeks slightly, "Don't be embarrassed," she whispers lowly, so only I hear her.

I gulp as I try to push that dreadful night in Miami away.

"Sorry," I mumble and she shakes her head.

"Why are you apologizing?" she questions and I tilt my head.

"I don't know?" I question slightly and she smiles softly.

"There's no need to apologize or be embarrassed. How's that?" she asks and I nod firmly.

"Perfect," she says warmly before ordering her drink from the bartender.

As soon as he walks away she turns to me, "I'm going to have a hangover tomorrow,"

I chuckle, "So do you enjoy Psychology?" I ask as I try to make small talk.

She shrugs, "I just started it this year considering I was under general studies last year, but so far yes,"

"Oh, so you're a..." I trail off.

"Sophomore," she finishes my statement.

I nod slowly, "Makes sense why you know all the good spots around here,"

She smiles lightly as she takes her drink from the bartender.

"You learn a lot your freshman year," she says as she sips her yellow-colored drink.

"Is that Journee Spade?" I hear a deep voice call out causing my head to turn toward the source.

I quickly spot a blonde-haired guy walking toward us.

Behind him is a brunette girl as she makes her way beside him.

Journee squeals, "Tristan!"

"Where's my boy Sebastian?" he asks as Journee sips her drink.

"He should be here in ten," she says and Tristan sits down.

The brunette's eyes float to me before looking back to Journee.

"Journee," she greets.

"Kai!" Journee greets the girl before pulling her into a small side hug.

Who are these people and how do they know Journee already?

Kai's eyes float back to me, "Journee are you going to introduce me?"

Journee's brown eyes widen, "Oh I forgot you haven't met Bri,"

Kai nods toward me, "I'm Brielle," I introduce myself.

"That's a beautiful name," she compliments and I nod warmly.

"But a beautiful girl does deserve an equally beautiful name," she adds causing my head to tilt slightly.

"Kai back down," I hear a familiar voice warn causing my brows to furrow.

Kai turns around causing her to freeze slightly.

"Jordy finally you're here!" Kai says warmly.

Immediately my stomach drops as my body grows shakey.

I need to get out of here.

"Oh is this the Brielle-"

"Yes," Jordy interrupts harshly as she steps to the side of Kai allowing her to come into view.

She's in a green sweat suit with a large black denim jacket and a matching green snapback.

Her hard hazel eyes hold mine for a moment, but I quickly look away.

I feel my breathing grow heavier as my heart pounds in my chest.

I can't breathe. I can't-

"Jordyn!" Nova says cheerfully.

Wait she knows her?

I quickly stumble from my chair earning Nova's attention.

"Bri are you okay?" she asks concerned.

I notice Journee rising from her chair rather quickly as she heads over to me.

"I just-I have to get out of here," I say breathlessly as I avoid Jordy's familiar eyes.

"Okay-okay. Here we can leave right now," she says quickly as she places a twenty-dollar bill on the counter.

Nova leads me away from the bar as we head toward the exit.

I feel my heavy breathing grow causing my hand to grip tensely around Nova's.

Once we make it out into the warm fall air I inhale a large deep breath before letting it out.

"Bri breathe," Nova gasps as she rubs my back gently.

I calm my breathing down just as the door to the bar opens.

"I-I didn't know Jordy was coming," Journee's voice fills my ears and I shake my head.

Hot tears blur my vision.

No. No, I will not cry.

I'm not going to cry.

"I'm going home," I mumble, and I blankly look forward as I push the lingering emotions away.

"Bri don't do that-stop doing that," Journee's voice begs and I shake my head as I blankly look at her.

"I think you knew Jordy would be here," my monotone voice admits.

"I just-I just wanted you to finally address what happened Bri-"

"So you fucking did this?" I ask as I keep my voice low with no emotion.

Journee's eyes glaze, "You have to talk to Jordy eventually Bri,"

I shake my head briefly, "I don't ever want to speak to her again," I declare coldly.

Journee shakes her head as tears slide down her cheeks, "You don't mean that,"

"I fucking do. I never want to speak to her again," I say as my eyes dart to the figure occupying the bar entrance.

Jordy.

I don't know how long she was standing there, but if I'm being honest

Her face holds a blank expression identical to mine as she observes the scene in front of her.

I quickly turn to Nova who looks very shocked.

"You can stay if you want," I say softly to her.

Nova's brown eyes dart from meto Journeeto Jordy before meeting mine again.

"No-no-I'll uh walk you home," she says as she tries to grasp what just happened.

Jordy slowly approaches Journee as I turn away from them fully.

As Nova and I begin to make our way home she turns slightly to me.

"You don't have to explain if you don't want to, but I'm slightly confused about what just happened," she states and I nod slowly.

"Wanna grab some food? I can explain it all," I reluctantly breathe out and she nods quickly.

She does deserve an explanation.

Except there goes any chance I had at being treated normally again.