The Neighbor

Chapter 3

I woke up the next day, my head pounding, and confused on the night before. What happened last night? And why do I have a major headache? Is this what a hangover feels like? Before I could figure all that out, I had a sick feeling in my stomach, causing me to rush to the bathroom. Everything from last night was coming back up, along with my memories of what had occurred throughout the night. I hugged the toilet incase the nauseous feeling came back, and laid my head on the cool tiled floor, thinking back to last night's events.

"Here, try this Bells!" Mari handed me a Red Solo Cup that held a tan-looking drink. Cautious, I took the drink and sniffed it. It was strong of some type of cinnamon-smelling liquor.

"What is it?" I asked before I dared to sip it.

"Cream soda and a little bit of Fireball." She answered with a smile.

"Mari, no I can't. You know I don't drink." I started handing her the cup back, but she pushed it back to me.

"Come on Bells, one little sip isn't going to hurt you. Can't you just live for once in your life? You're out on your own; free to make your own choices. You're not gonna go to Hell for taking one little drink. Jesus drank too, and he turned out okay. Loosen up and have a little fun!" Reluctant I sighed and took a sip of the mixed drink. I admit, it was a little strong tasting, but it wasn't too bad. The cinnamon liquor warmed my throat, and now I felt like I could actually loosen up and enjoy myself. I felt unstoppable! Of course, I would not condone drinking, but hey, it's a party right? And Mari is right; I am free to make my own choices. I just hope I control myself before I do something I regret.

"Okay, that wasn't so bad, but no more after this one, okay? I don't want anything crazy to happen, and would rather not wake up feeling like crap in the morning. Don't think it's a good idea to have a hangover in church." I told my rebellious friend. I swear, sometimes she is the devil on my shoulder.

"We shall see about that." She replied with a smile and a wink.

The party was in full motion now. I feel like the whole apartment complex was there, along with some recognizable faces of some students from a few classes I had. Amazing how many people you can fit inside one place. Good thing I'm not the claustrophobic type. It may have been the alcohol making me warm, or the many sweating dancing bodies around me, but I felt like I needed some air.

"I'll be right back. I need to step outside and cool off for a bit." I informed Mari. She was busy talking to a black-haired guy named Corey she knew from one of her classes. At least her flirting game was on point.

I walked on the balcony into the cool, black night. A nice breeze blew on me, cooling off my perspired skin. Who knew I could sweat just from standing still? As I leaned against the railing and looked up at the star-filled sky, I almost thought I was completely alone, until I heard a deep voice to my left, making me jump a little; I almost didn't see him sitting there in the shadows.

"Hey." Damien said as he stood up. I took a sip of my drink, my second one of the night, in hopes to slow my heart down a bit. "Sorry, I hope I didn't scare you too much." He snickered.

Hand over my heart making sure it was okay, I shook my head. "I think I'll survive." I replied with a smirk. My handsome neighbor walked over to stand next to me, and looked up at the stars too. A shock coursed through my body as his arm rubbed against mine a little. I tried to keep my breathing even and my heart from going into cardiac arrest. I don't even know this guy and he already has a hold on me. This seems to be going down the wrong path, but why does it feel so right?