Caden

One.

They had been dating for a couple months before he brought it up. Despite her being a sophomore in college, it was her first relationship and she was giddy that someone- a boy nevertheless- was interested in her.

It felt like something out of a story book, a Disney princess type love. A boy was interested in her, Caden Clarke! And not just any boy: Anthony Richardson was undeniably handsome with a smile that could melt butter in the middle of a snowstorm.

They had met at a party that her freshman roommate dragged her to. Caden had been reluctant to go at first, but it was one of her resolutions for college to break out of her comfort zone. So she agreed, praying to somehow become more personable in the ten minutes it took her to get ready.

Turns out, no one was listening to her prayers.

The party was in an apartment off campus on the nicer side of town. The houses were grand and the driveways alone were longer than an average property length. Caden's roommate, Nicole, was stumbling before a drink even touched her lips with the dangerous combination of high heels and sidewalk cracks.

Caden had laughed at Nicole's poor shoe choice, but still caught her every time she stumbled. The journey to the party had been half the fun, full of uncontrolled giggles and gossip and wind blown curls. Caden was buzzing with the pure joy of finding a true college friend.

Then they arrived at the apartment, 37 Glenfield Avenue. She would never forget.

The bass of the music could be felt in their chests as they swung the front door wide open.

"Damn," Nicole gave a low whistle. They stood paralyzed in the doorway by the immense atmosphere of wealth.

Although it was clear that the party's host had tried to hide the expensive breakables, it didn't detract from the impression the house made. There were numerous paintings scattered around the walls and although Caden wasn't an art major, she knew from the gold frames they had to be masterpieces. Nicole was too busy staring at the three tiered chandelier to notice the door was still wide open behind them.

"You gonna stand there all day?" A man's voice jolted them from their trance. "Or do you wanna come in for some drinks?"

His eyes were twinkling with a smile and a hint of mischief, but Caden was oblivious to things like that. At least for now.

A deep blush sprouted on her cheeks as the stranger openly scanned her up and down. What was he doing? Is that- was he... checking her out? No. Caden wouldn't believe it. Boys didn't look her way in high school. Certainly there was a reason for that and college wouldn't change their distaste for her. Maybe he didn't like her outfit?

She frowned down at her clothes. It wasn't anything special. Just some jeans and a nicer shirt. She thought it was cute when she first put it on. Was it not?

She shook her head, trying to quickly rid the negative thoughts from her brain. She liked her outfit. She thought she looked good. And it was comfy. So to hell with what this random ass guy thinks.

Caden was too wrapped up in her thoughts to speak, but luckily Nicole was by her side. "We'd love some drinks..." she was fishing for his name.

"The name's Jack," he led them to the kitchen. "But you can call me anytime." His glazed over eyes winked at Nicole.

She turned around to discreetly make a face of disgust that Caden snorted at.

"Alright, Jack." Nicole linked her arm through Caden's as a sign of back-off-dude. "What kind of drinks you got?"

It took mere minutes for red solo cups to be pushed into their hands, to have their first few swigs, and to start dancing together in the midst of a mass of other sweaty, intoxicated bodies. Caden loved it.