Fire Meets Ice

Chapter 11: Party Gone Wrong

At 7pm in the evening, the girls arrived at the party. There were multiple vehicles parked outside and the garage door was opened as some people were outside drinking and fooling around. Neon lights were transparent through the window and the faint noise of the music could be heard a few feet away. Alexa and Anya both got out of the car.

Stepping out of the car, Alexa adjusted her hair nervously, glancing at her reflection in the car's side mirror. "I hope I did my makeup alright," she said, biting her lip. "It's my first time watching a makeover tutorial."

Anya chuckled, placing a reassuring hand on Alexa's shoulder. "Don't sweat it, girl. You look like a goddess," she replied, her confidence infectious.

"Trust me, every guy will be drooling over you," Anya continued. "Speaking of that, there's one I'd like to introduce you to."

"Really? Who is he?" asked Alexa. 

"You'll find out when we both get inside," she teased, nudging Alexa forward as they headed toward the inviting glow of the party.

The door was opened and when they head inside Molly's huge apartment, the atmosphere was much lower than it was outside. Everyone was drinking and slow dancing at the same time. Molly approached a random guy and started talking to him. He was standing at 6'3 and had brilliant, shiny almond brown hair, amber brown eyes, and cool light skin. His name was Dalton Hansen. He had a symmetrical face and a more light kawaii look compared to Marcus. Nonetheless, no one could deny his great handsome features.

"Alexa!" Anya called, beckoning her friend over. 

Alexa joined her immediately. 

"This is Dalton," Anya introduced, gesturing toward the tall stranger. "One of my good friends. He plays rugby and is majoring in health science like us."

Anya flashed a mischievous grin, nudging Alexa playfully. "You both are single... Enjoy getting to know each other."

"But I—" Alexa began, but before she could finish, Anya's attention was drawn to Molly, and she drifted away, her excitement carrying her toward the other girls.

Before she could say anything, Anya noticed her friend Molly and was already walking off to talk to her and the other girls.

Left to navigate the moment alone, Alexa found herself standing awkwardly in front of Dalton, who regarded her with an easy smile.

"So, you're single too, huh?" he asked, his voice smooth and inviting. "Do you do any sports?"

Alexa shook her head nervously. "Nah, I'm not really a sports girl. I only recently started bowling because of Anya."

Dalton chuckled lightly. "Bowling, huh? I bet you have other talents. Where are you from, specifically?"

"Colorado. Denver, Colorado," she replied, her voice tinged with a hint of pride despite her words. "It's an ordinary, but underprivileged area."

She looked down for a moment, reflecting on her unusual position in this gathering. "I know it's strange because I'm the only foreigner here who's from America."

Dalton nodded, his expression thoughtful. "I know it snows during the winter in Colorado, too. Winter should feel like nothing new to you."

"That's debatable..." Alexa laughed softly, feeling the ice beginning to melt.

"Hey," he said, leaning in a little closer, "if you're free next time, why don't you come watch our game? I'd love to have you there."

Before Alexa could answer, some guys were yelling in the background. They were playing beer pong and one of the guys from the right side of the team was getting ready to throw the ball.