Breakaway

invidious

invidious (adj.): tending to cause discontent, animosity, or envy.

Olivia

My classes today felt like they would never end. Fridays always feel like the weekend is teasing me. So close, yet so far.

Finally, it's here. Although I still have several assignments to do, at least I can do them from the comfort of my own bed, with snacks.

I finish my reading assignment on the commute and plan to work on my English essay at home after taking a short break.

I try to watch something on Netflix, but I can't focus with Bennett on my mind. On Wednesday, we had such a good time together. Well, at least I thought we did. And then on Thursday, he acted like a complete jerk. I do not deserve to be spoken to like that. I'm actually really excited for the party tonight because hopefully I can relax and forget about it.

What if Bennett is at the party, though? Daniel did say it was for the team, so he very well could be there.

Ugh.

You know what? No. I'm not going to let Bennett ruin another night for me. I'm going to have fun with Daniel and Liam, and enjoy myself.

~~~

At 8:10, Daniel texts me that he's in my driveway. I look in the mirror one last time and make sure my makeup and hair are in place. Vein, I know.

"You look smokin!" Daniel says as he greets me, making me giggle.

"Thank you. You don't look so bad yourself," I say.

The ride to his house takes about twenty minutes. He lives closer to campus than I do, but in a slightly different direction.

"There's a few other people here, not just the team," he says.

"Okay!" I smile, looking out the window and noticing that we've arrived. I get out of the car and pull my dress down at the bottom.

Daniel takes my hand and leads me inside. We are immediately met with a crowd. As we walk passed everyone, I'm pushed closer to Daniel and now against his back. When we get to the kitchen he turns around, making us face to face as our bodies collide. The music is really loud, so he leans down to talk into my ear, tucking a piece of my brown curls behind my ear.

"What would you like to drink?" he asks. I can barely hear him, but his breath is hot on my neck.

"Something with vodka, please," I say. He nods and turns around to make me a drink. I watch him as he makes it, just in case. Not that I think he would try anything, but a girl can never be too careful.

"Thank you," I smile as he hands me the traditional party staple- a red solo cup.

"You're very welcome, darlin'" he smiles back. Would you like to go outback? There's people partying out there but it's a heck of a lot less crowded. I nod my head and he takes my hand again, leading me towards the back door.

Once we are outside, I spot Liam setting up a beer pong table. I wave to him and he yells my name, calling me over.

"Come play!" he mouths.

"Would you like to play with me, Daniel?" I smile at him.

"'Course," he nods, following me.