The Nerd's QB

Party

The past few weeks in college have been pretty hectic. I didn't know college was this tough. I had so many assignments and quizzes that even a nerd like me got annoyed. But thankfully thanksgiving vacation rolled around pretty soon, allowing me three days of rest. But soon after I had to deal with college once again.

And the worst part is, all I've done in college is study. I didn't make any real friends, except maybe Oliver. And I didn't even go to any college parties or events either l, mainly because of my social anxiety. So basically I've been going back and forth between class and home, and even at home I'm just holed up in my room because Rex and Aiden make too much noise. But whenever they leave for some party or something I just go to the kitchen to do my work.

Even today when Oliver invited me to a party, I immediately said no. But he kept insisting and begging that I should go out more, and meet more people, I had to acquiesce. But I made him promise to stick by me and make sure that no one gives me any alcohol or drugs.

Now, I'm just standing in front of the mirror, contemplating my impulsive decision. I shouldn't go. Parties are not my thing. I've never been to any party, at all. I don't want to embarrass myself today. But I also don't want to let the best four years of my life get away from me.

I shake my head, trying to get these thoughts out of my head and just grab my purse. I can't overthink this and ruin it. I take a deep breath and walk out of my room.

"Woah," Aiden stops me. He seems pretty surprised, surprised enough to take his eyes off the screen, pausing whatever game he was playing with Rex. "Where are you going?"

I give him a sheepish smile. "To a party. How do I look?"

Aiden raised an eyebrow. "First things first, you look like Count Dracula. And next, what party? No party. You're not going anywhere."

I pinched my eyebrows together and glared at him. "Why not?" I hope my eyes scare him into begging for forgiveness.

Aiden was going to say something but Rex cut him off. "You look pretty." It makes me blush but then I remind myself that he's gay so it's like a girl giving me a compliment. Then he cleared his throat, as if I'm making him uncomfortable. "And you should definitely go. Don't worry, I'll handle Aiden."

I blink in surprise. This is the most personal conversation I've ever had with him and it went great. "Oh, thanks. Bye." I blow a kiss to Aiden and leave immediately.

I reach the three-storey house that Oliver told me about. I can already see people wander around and cups and stuff laying around. The music can be heard from even hear. I text Oliver to come and get me and he arrives within two minutes.

"Hey, you actually came." He hugs me, swaying me side to side before putting me down. "Let's go in."

I allow him to drag me inside and introduce me to a couple of people. I actually hit it off with a girl named Camilla. She's a computer science major and super fun.

"Hey I need to go to the bathroom, I'll be back in a few minutes," Oliver yells over the music and I nod.

"So, Lily. You don't want a drink?" Camilla asks.

I hesitate. I don't want to drink but I also want her to like me. My people pleasing tendencies will get me killed some day. "Sure." She downs her shot and gives me one and take another for herself. We do one shot, which burns my throat. So then she tells me to try beer. That tastes better. I don't know how, but I finish the entire bottle of beer. Now my body is buzzing with energy and everything seems brighter. "Hey let's do more shots!"

Camilla laughs and agrees. After s few more shots, Camilla realizes that I'm a lightweight. "Shit, Lily. Is this you're such a lightweight. I'm sorry, I didn't know."

I just laugh because everything seems funny to me now. "Oh let's dance." I try to drag Camilla to the dancefloor but she holds me back. "Come on!" She says something logical that goes right over my head.

By then Oliver comes back. "Oh god, what's wrong with her? Is she drunk?"

I giggle. "Drinking is fun. You should drink too, Ollie."

Oliver just shakes his head. He says something to Camilla and then take me out of the party. "Hey! I was having fun. I wanna go back!"

"No. I'm taking you home. Come on."

I try to fight him off but he's obviously stronger so I pout the rest of the way home. I will not be friends with Oliver anymore.