Breaking Pointe

Tequila. Gin. Vodka.

The apartment was alive with laughter and preparations as Alice, Bridget, and Stella got ready for the party. Alice had put on her new sleek red dress, a chic look that complimented her dark hair. Bridget opted for a more casual look, with a basic black mini skirt paired with a purple floral top.

Both girls had let their hair free for the party, their gorgeous lochs naturally laying over their shoulders. Stella, however, was more restrained in her approach. Her hair was pulled up into a high ponytail, her beautiful long hair flowing behind her. The sleekness of her hairstyle reflecting her desire to maintain a composed appearance despite the night's festivities. Her makeup was flawless, with a touch of subtle glam and her dress hugged her figure just right. The dress was a casual, emerald green midi-length creation. It had a subtle yet alluring slit that extended gracefully from her thigh, adding a touch of sophistication to her look.

Once ready, the three girls gathered around the kitchen counter, where a pitcher of gin and lemonade awaited them. The upbeat party music from their speaker set a lively tone, creating an atmosphere. Stella felt a twinge of hesitation as she fought the familiar urge to stay disciplined and avoid drinking. Yet, she pushed those thoughts aside, reminding herself that tonight was about letting go and enjoying the moment before diving back into the expectations of their ballet training.

Stella downed her drink and the girls cheered, whilst the room filled with laughter and light-hearted chatter.

As the girls sipped their pre-party drinks, the conversation naturally turned to the upcoming night. Bridget, looking at her friends, announced, "I'm definitely going to talk to Ryan tonight. I want to clear the air and get rid of the awkwardness between us. This is the perfect chance."

She then turned to Stella with a mischievous glint in her eye. "So, what about you? Are you going to make an effort with Max?"

Stella shook her head firmly. "Of course not. I'll be keeping my distance."

Alice chimed in, "Come on, Stella. You've nailed the whole intimidation thing already. Why not be a bit more open tonight? You might find it's not so bad."

Stella's expression remained resolute. "No, that's how I plan to keep it. I like being closed off; it works for me."

She glanced at the clock and added, "Besides, I'll definitely steer clear of Max, especially with Malorie likely glued to him."

As the clock ticked closer to 10 p.m., and with a final glance at the mirror, Stella took a deep breath. Tonight, she decided, she would let herself be carried away by the night's energy. The girls gathered their things, grabbing their lip liners and hand bags, and with a sense of anticipation, stepped out the door, ready to embrace the evening's adventure.

Thomas's party welcomed them with high energy as they stepped through the door. The apartment was a sprawling, luxurious space spread across two stories, a testament to Thomas's wealthy parents who were conveniently out of town. The loud music and bustling atmosphere immediately engulfed them, a crowd of ballet students and other people they didn't know.

Thomas, already showing signs of intoxication, approached them with a wide grin. "Girls! Help yourselves to the bar in the kitchen—take whatever you want!" he called out, his voice a bit slurred.

Bridget, her eyes sparkling with mischief, turned to the girls. "Come on, let's do some shots!"

They headed to the kitchen, where Stella took charge of making tequila shots. They gathered around the counter, clinking their glasses together with cheers before downing the first round. They didn't hesitate to go for another round, with Stella initially hesitating but eventually taking the shot after Alice's insistence. "Stella, you agreed to this night, and I know you secretly want to. You're doing the shot," Alice said with a playful challenge. Stella laughed and complied, already feeling a bit tipsy.