Marilyn: A decision between love and hate

chapter 18

Joyce pov

Saturday afternoon, and the excitement was palpable!
Cassie, our female dorm Captain, had been making her way around the rooms, delivering a message that sent thrills down our spines. Ayo,the social prefect had announced a party at the school auditorium that evening, exclusively for senior students. Junior students had their own party last week, and now it was our turn to let loose!

I couldn't contain my enthusiasm. Party nights were the highlight of our school experience - a night to dance with the guys, steal kisses, play games, and just have fun. Some students always managed to sneak in champagne or alcohol to make the night even more unforgettable. And the best part? We got to wear our favorite mofti outfits, a welcome break from our usual uniforms.

My gaze drifted over to Bisola, who was still giving me the cold shoulder. We'd had a fight the day before, and it seemed like she was determined to make me feel her wrath. I sighed inwardly. Lately, she'd been getting weirder by the day, and it was starting to hurt. We used to be close friends, but now it seemed like she only tolerated me when Marilyn was around.

I pushed the thought aside, not wanting to dwell on it. Instead, I focused on the more pressing matter at hand - what to wear to the party! I scanned my closet, my mind racing with possibilities.

Afterwards.Cassie burst into the room, her excitement palpable.
Marilyn followed close behind, looking flushed and sweaty because she was coming back from sport practice.
"You girls have heard about the party night, right?" Cassie asked, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.

Bisola responded quickly, almost as if she was trying to prove a point. "Of course! What are you wearing, Cassie?"

"My jean mini skirt and my black crop top...no bra," she replied with a sly smile"Marilyn and Joyce ,will you be there"

Marilyn and I exchanged a look, and then chimed in unison, "Of course, we'll be there!"
Cassie's eyes lit up, and she turned to ask omoshola .but noticed she was sleeping.
"Alright, see you girls tonight! I'm hoping to invite you to my table. Marvin and the rest will be there," Cassie said, as she flitted out of the room.

"Joyce, what's your outfit for tonight?" Marilyn asked, stripping off her sports wear. I thought for a moment before responding, "Maybe my jean trousers and sleeveless top."

I turned the question back on her, curious about her choice. "What about you, Marilyn?"

She shrugged nonchalantly. "Honestly, I'll probably just wear my shorts and hoodie. It's been pretty cold at night here."

Marilyn then turned to Bisola, who was still giving me the silent treatment. "Hey, are you still mad about yesterday?" she asked, her voice gentle.

Bisola tried to brush it off, but a small smile played on her lips. "No, actually...I missed you," she replied, her eyes avoiding mine. Marilyn's face lit up with a warm smile, but I just felt a pang of hurt.

"Are you still angry with me"I spoke up, hoping to get an answer

"Noo"she replied,with a forced smile

But Marilyn brushed off the tension " ohh come on girls, let's plan for the party nau...I know Cassie invited us to her table, but c'mon, we don't have to do as she says"

Bisola nodded and we all gathered to talk about how our supposed night party would go.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
As we entered the school auditorium at 7:30 pm, the party was already in full swing.
The music pulsed through the air, and the flashing lights illuminated the excited faces of our fellow students.
Bisola and I had coincidentally worn the same outfit - a tank top and mini skirt - but Marilyn had changed her mind at the last minute and opted for a stunning short skim gown.
The three of us made our way through the crowd, drawing admiring glances from our classmates. The atmosphere was fire, and we were ready to let loose and have the night of our lives.

Morgan noticed us immediately we entered the auditorium , and a charming smile spread across his face as he made his way through the crowd with a bottle of alcohol in his right hand, and then  wrapped his left arm possessively around Marilyn's waist.
"You ladies look absolutely stunning," he complimented, his eyes roaming over us with appreciation.
"Let's go find a seat and get this party started!" He led the way, guiding us to a round table, his hand still firmly around Marilyn's waist.

As we arrived at the table, I was taken aback by the  mix of people gathered around it.
It was a veritable melting pot of friends and foes, all united by the common goal of having a good time. Cassie, Ini, Omoshola, Sunny, Marvin, Lucy, and many others were already seated, munching on snacks and laughing together. But one person caught my eye - Pedro. I hadn't expected his introverted self to show up to a party like this.

As we settled in, George, the self-proclaimed life of the party, stood up and raised his voice, "Guysssss...let's get wasted! First party of the session, and we're gonna make it one to remember!"
He popped the cork on a bottle of alcohol, and the sound sent a thrill through the group.
Cheers erupted as everyone grabbed their shot glasses and started chanting,
" Shots, shots, shots!" The energy was electric, and even I, who wasn't usually a fan of alcohol, couldn't resist the infectious vibe.
We all took our shots, the liquor burning down our throats, and the party officially began. The music grew louder, the laughter more raucous, and the night became a blur of joy, excitement, and maybe a little bit of recklessness.

As the alcohol coursed through my veins, my head began to spin, and the room started to blur.
But through the haze, I noticed Bisola grabbing Lucy's arm, pulling her out of her seat, and making a swift exit. I was surprised - the party had just gotten started, and it was only 30 minutes in.
My curiosity piqued,
I decided to follow them, leaving Marilyn behind, laughing and chatting with the others as they continued to take shots.
I weaved through the crowd, trying to keep Bisola and Lucy in sight, my mind racing with questions. What was going on? Why were they leaving so suddenly? And where were they headed? I pushed through the doors, out into the cool night air, and followed them into the darkness.

I approached the ss3A dark classroom where they had entered, I was at the door, my heart racing with anticipation.
I had been waiting for a few minutes, wondering what was going on inside.
As I leaned in the door, I heard Bisola's slurred words,
"You look really pretty tonight, Lucy." My eyes widened in surprise - Bisola and Lucy weren't exactly friends, and the sudden compliment seemed out of character.
But before I could process it further, Lucy's response sent my mind reeling.
"Can I kiss you?" she asked, her voice low and husky. I felt like I'd been punched in the gut. What was happening? Bisola and Lucy? It didn't compute. I held my breath, frozen outside the door, wondering if I should interrupt or sneak away unnoticed.

"don't play with me," bisola slurred, her voice laced with a hint of playful seduction.
Bisola's voice was laced with alcohol-fueled bravado,
"Can I spend the night in your room? My roommates are really annoying."
Lucy's replied  "Okayy, you can spend time with me."
My mind reeled as I tried to process what was happening.
I felt like I had been punched in the gut. Had we not just reconciled? What was all this talk about? I took a step back, trying to clear my head, but my legs felt like jelly. The room began to spin, and I stumbled, falling flat on my face, causing a noise that might have alerted them. As I struggled to get up, I heard Bisola's voice, calling out my name, "Joyce! Joyce, are you okay?" But everything went black.