We Were Rivals

ℙ𝕣𝕠𝕝𝕠𝕘𝕦𝕖

*Somewhere at a college party in London*

I look around the mansion fascinated by the colorful lights and streamers, intoxicated by both the atmosphere and the obvious presence of alcohol. I glance down at my drink in hand, dazzled by my sparkling smart suit/glittery black dress. I sway into the music, not paying attention to anything at all. The only thing that brings me out of this state of bliss is the realization of an empty glass. I let out an exasperated sigh as I begin my seemingly long walk over to the bar and situate myself while waiting to be served by the bartender. After a few minutes, still with no drink, a familiar face begins to approach me. It takes a few seconds for me to register who it is, as the alcohol begins to make itself present in my system.

"Ah look what the cat dragged in..." I say as I lock gazes with a pair of wide, brown eyes.

Jon gave me a goofy smirk while slightly rolling his eyes. "Good to see you too, Y/N," he said while sliding me a beer from across the table. I awkwardly reach across the table and take a sip of the beer with my face set in an uncomfortable grimace as I do not really like beer, but I would not turn down an offer for alcohol for any reason. I look up at Jon and notice beads of sweat trickling down his forehead, but I sit there waiting, waiting for him to make the first move.

He starts to drum his fingers on the table anxiously. "So Y/N... would you like to go watch the new Star Wars movie with me this weekend?" He asks, his nerves given away by the sweaty palms and shaky breaths. Why would he ask me, someone who he had been rivals with for the majority of college, on what seemed like a date? Maybe he was trying to make amends after the heated debate we had been in during class earlier that week.

I wait a few seconds, milling over his offer in my mind. "Sorry Jon, I have plans this weekend. Maybe another time?" I ask with no real desire to actually go.

"Yeah of course, we could do that." He adds with a somber look that flashed on his face, quickly replacing it with a lackluster smile.

We both avoid eye contact with each other, hoping not to make the situation more awkward. After a few seconds, Jon takes a sip of his beer and hesitantly says "So, what did you think of the lecture in poli sci today?"

I grin a little thinking back to how passionate our professor is on the topic of medicare for all. "I actually really enjoyed it! I loved how Dr. Reid explained the topic and even though he says he remains unbiased, I could clearly tell what he was thinking, and I completely agree with his point of view."

Jon looks at me with a quizzical expression. "And what point of view would that be?"

I am slightly shocked as he asks me this. Did he really not see what was right in front of his face? "Uhm.. The point that America should move forward with medicare for all because we all know their healthcare sucks." I add, almost humorously.

An expression appears on his face that I can't quite read. "Let's say we did move forward with medicare for all, what would you do about the long wait times and less available funding produced by this plan?" He asks with an undermining tone.

I scoff at his remarks. "That's something we can solve later. Right now, what's important is giving healthcare for those who could not afford it otherwise, and making sure that everyone is provided with equal treatment," I say with a rising attitude.

"And what if people aren't as careful with their health if they don't have a financial incentive to do so?" Jon's previously content state had been replaced with anger, probably fueled by alcohol.

I quickly stood up out of my chair, fueled by nothing other than rage and alcohol. "Jon, careful. You don't know what you're saying." I said while slightly raising my voice, all eyes at the party were now on us.

He rolled his eyes while reciprocating my body language, as he too pushed himself out of his chair and leaned into my face. "Oh? And what are you gonna do about it?" He says with a smug tone.

"This," I say while reaching for my beer and emptying the contents all over his face, dripping onto his freshly pressed suit.

I felt as though the atmosphere was suffocating me. Time froze and I could see everything, from the staring eyes to Jon running his hand through his now damp hair. Why did I do that? What is Jon going to do? What will people think of me? I didn't allow time for these questions to be answered as I grabbed my belongings and started walking out of the house, my heels/loafers clacking on the ground as I began to quicken my pace, tears forming in my eyes. What was wrong with me?

As I reached the front door, I felt a strong hand grasp my arm. I smacked it away and rushed outside, letting out a shaky breath, grateful for the sudden breeze as I began to run away from all my problems.

That was the last time I ever saw Jon, or so I thought.

A/N: Hey guys, thank you so much for reading (if there even is anyone lol) this chapter is fairly short since it is only the prologue, but all of our other chapters will be longer than this. We are planning on updating every other day, but please forgive us if we miss a day, as it might be a struggle coordinating with 4 people in different time zones who each have their own busy schedule. PS- Enjoy that picture of Jon ;)

Thank you! 

-The authors :)