The Party

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"Frat guys?? Ugh, I hate frat guys," Riley laughed as they drove thirty minutes out to a local college fraternity party, the car filled with the hum of the engine and their banter.

"Shush. It's not about the frat guys; it's about the space. It's about the vibes," Dani said, her laughter infectious and lighthearted.

Riley tried to match Dani's enthusiasm, but she couldn't shake the guilt about lying to her parents. She just had a feeling they wouldn't have let her go if she had told them she was heading to a college party. "Are you sure it's going to be safe?" she asked, the worry evident in her voice.

"Of course. Especially if you're with me," Dani replied, a blush creeping up her cheeks, her tone both reassuring and slightly flirtatious.

This caused Riley to feel a sense of nerves in her stomach, a fluttering mix of excitement and anxiety. She glanced at Dani, her heart skipping a beat at the sight of her friend's confident smile. The way Dani's eyes sparkled with anticipation made Riley feel a little more at ease, even if she couldn't quite pinpoint why.

As they approached the campus, Riley's mind raced with thoughts. The lights of the fraternity house came into view, casting a warm glow against the dark night. People were already gathering outside, the sounds of laughter and music filling the air.

"Here we are," Dani said, pulling into a parking spot. She turned to Riley with a reassuring smile. "Ready to have some fun?"

Riley nodded, trying to steady her nerves. A real party. This wasn't just any party though. This could be a real opportunity to get some stuff off her mind for once.

"Yeah, let's do this."

-

They walked towards the house, Dani keeping a protective arm around Riley to help her navigate on her crutches. The party was in full swing, with groups of people chatting, dancing, and enjoying the night. The atmosphere was electric, a stark contrast to the quiet, contemplative nights Riley had grown accustomed to.

As they entered the house, Dani introduced Riley to a few of her college friends. The introductions were a blur, Riley's focus shifting between the new faces and Dani's constant presence by her side. The warmth of the room, the mix of perfumes, and the thumping bass of the music created a sensory overload that was both thrilling and overwhelming.

"Do you want something to drink?" Dani asked, leaning in close to be heard over the music.

Riley looked around and felt her anxiety start to weigh in. "Yes, please."

Dani proceeded to hand her a shot. "Alright, on the count of 3. 3...2...1..."

Riley downed the vodka shot, causing her to close her eyes and nearly choke. The burn of the alcohol was both shocking and numbing, and she coughed a little as it went down.

Dani laughed, patting her on the back. "You okay there, champ?"

Riley nodded, forcing a smile. "Yeah, just not used to it." She cringed at the burning sensation that lingered in her throat, her eyes watering slightly.

Dani chuckled, noticing Riley's reaction. "Wanna do another?"

Riley hesitated for a moment, but the encouraging look on Dani's face spurred her on. "Sure, why not?"

They poured another round, and Dani held up her shot glass, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Alright, on the count of three again. 3...2...1..."

Riley downed the shot, the vodka burning even more than the first time. She coughed, wiping her eyes as she tried to regain her composure. "Wow, that's... intense."

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