Criminal

Chapter 1

I sauntered across the campus grounds, the chatter of students filling the air as the sun dipped below the horizon. My friends, Rachel and Sarah, flanked me as we walked, their laughter mingling with the music blasting from nearby dorm rooms.

Rachel nudged me with a playful grin. "Hey, Ava, you coming out with us tonight? There's this new club downtown, supposed to be wild."

Sarah chimed in, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Yeah, it's ladies' night! Free drinks and dancing all night long."

I chuckled, shaking my head. "I don't know, guys. I have that essay due next week, and I really need to finish it."

Rachel rolled her eyes. "Oh, come on, Ava. You're always buried in your books. Live a little! Besides, you can write that essay tomorrow. Tonight, we're gonna let loose and have some fun."

I hesitated, glancing between my friends. The allure of a carefree night out tugged at me, tempting me to cast aside my responsibilities. But deep down, I knew I couldn't afford to let my guard down, not with the weight of my father's expectations looming over me.

Before I could respond, Sarah threw her arm around my shoulder, her voice dripping with mischief. "Come on, Ava. You know you want to. What's the worst that could happen? We'll dance, get drunk, maybe even get lucky."

Rachel smirked, winking at me. "Yeah, who knows? Maybe you'll meet your prince charming on the dance floor."

I chuckled, shaking my head at their antics. "Alright, alright, you've convinced me. But just for a couple of hours. I need to get some work done tomorrow, and I can't afford to be hungover."

Sarah clapped her hands together, her grin widening. "That's the spirit! Let's make tonight one to remember."

As we continued our stroll, the anticipation of the night ahead stirred something inside me. Despite my reservations, I couldn't deny the thrill of the unknown awaiting us at the club.

I slipped into the lecture hall, taking a seat near the front as the professor began to address the class. His voice was authoritative yet engaging, commanding the attention of every student.

"As we delve into the complexities of human behavior," he began, his gaze sweeping across the room, "it's crucial to understand the intricacies of power dynamics."

He paced back and forth, his words punctuated by the click of his shoes against the tiled floor.

"Power," he continued, "is not just about physical strength or authority. It's about influence, manipulation, control. And in the realm of interpersonal relationships, it can manifest in countless ways."

I scribbled notes furiously, captivated by his lecture. His insights resonated with me, tapping into a deeper understanding of the world around me. As the class continued, I found myself drawn into a realm of psychological exploration, where every interaction became a battleground of desires and intentions. The professor's words echoed in my mind, igniting a curiosity that burned bright within me.

"And remember," the professor concluded, his voice carrying a note of warning, "power can be wielded with both benevolent and malevolent intentions. It's up to us to navigate its complexities with wisdom and discernment."

I nodded, feeling a newfound sense of clarity wash over me. As the class dispersed, I lingered for a moment, mulling over the professor's words. With a renewed sense of purpose, I gathered my belongings and headed out, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

I stepped into our cramped apartment, the familiar scent of cheap perfume and leftover takeout lingering in the air. Sarah and Rachel were already buzzing with excitement, their laughter filling the space as they primped and preened in front of the mirror.