Bully stepbrother

19. Fraternity hell

MADISON

That sense of high school nervousness and anxiety I thought I'd left behind in New York came flooding back as I gazed at the bustling frat building across the street.

"I don't know..." I began, my doubts taking over.

"Come on, it's just a party. You'll meet new people, dance, grab a drink, and hopefully have a good time. That's what it's all about."

As I fixated on his endearing lips, memories from high school played in my mind. I still vividly remembered Kesha Remington; she used to be the bane of my existence. She fit the stereotypical image perfectly: blonde, tall, flawless legs, long eyelashes-the epitome of a cruel high school senior. But even she couldn't escape the perils of teenage parties.

After what happened to the queen bee at a football team party in our senior year, I compiled a list of party dos and don'ts. Never leave your drink unattended, don't trust anyone too easily, stay aware of your surroundings, and above all, never ditch your friends, even for your safety. I think ensuring you have a ride back home is more vital than leaving your friends behind. Well, I'm cautious.

"Maddie?" he called, snapping me out of my mental list-checking.

"It's just that... I've never been to a..."

"I'm here, always here," he interrupted.

With the look he gave me, saying no was impossible.

I nodded, allowing him to wrap his arm around my shoulder as we headed towards the raucous house, which looked like it could burst at any moment.

The house was packed with college kids, and even some who looked older, for a fraternity party. But hey, who am I to judge? I'm completely out of my element here, observing everything with wide-eyed amazement.

My gaze fixated on carefree souls reveling in their college days, and all I could think of was my darn brother. He'd made sure I remained clueless about all of this.

The music playing was familiar, but my anxiety wouldn't let me fully immerse myself. Dread settled in my stomach as I observed the biggest mess I'd ever encountered. It was clear to me now, the difference between drunk and high people. As my gaze wandered around the dance floor, a different story unfolded for the partygoers. They were all sweaty yet insatiable, as if possessing an energy type I lacked.

"Hey man, you made it." Here came the guy from the food festival. What was his name again?

"Jeffery," Caleb answered my silent question as he shook hands with the guy.

Yeah, Jeffery.

Jeffery's lips spread into an unsettlingly wide grin as his gaze landed on me. "And you brought her," he mouthed.

"Calm down, she's with me." Caleb quipped.

"Then I guess I should be telling you to calm down, bro." Jeffery laughed, somewhat eerily. "I won't bite, babe," he smirked in my direction.

"We're heading to the kitchen for some drinks," Caleb informed his friend, diverting my attention from the staircase that triggered a mental list of party do's and don'ts. Not going upstairs was at the top of that list.

"Come on, we've got something that might lift both your spirits. All you need to do is lose."

That certainly caught my attention, and I realized Jeffery was leading us to a beer pong showdown in the dining area.

"I don't drink..." I whispered to Caleb.

"And I won't let you have that. There should be something that suits your taste."