Before The Storm

Chapter 2

The buzz of excitement filled the air as word spread about the party at the club that weekend. I stood with Jessica and Carly, discussing outfits.

 "I can't wait to see who shows up," Jessica said, her eyes gleaming. "Especially with Cole being there. He's going to make the night even more interesting."

"Ugh, don't remind me," I replied, rolling my eyes. "I don't need him stealing the spotlight. This is my night."

Carly smirked, "You can always show him who's boss, Maddy. Just be yourself—everyone else will be too busy staring at you."

As the night approached, I slipped into a form-fitting black dress that hugged my curves perfectly, adding a pair of strappy heels to complete the look. I felt powerful and invincible as I walked into the club, ready to own the night.

The music thumped through the speakers, and the energy was electric. I spotted Ryan immediately, and my heart fluttered as he waved me over, his charming smile instantly lifting my spirits. We danced, laughed, and looked like the perfect couple as we swayed under the flashing lights.

But the atmosphere shifted when I caught sight of Cole across the room, locked in a heated make-out session with some random girl. My stomach twisted in irritation. Why did he have to be so infuriatingly attractive?

Excusing myself from Ryan, I slipped away to the bathroom, needing a moment to collect my thoughts. The noise of the club faded as I entered the restroom, and I closed the door behind me, leaning against it for support.

Reaching into my clutch, I pulled out a small baggie—my secret escape from reality. I poured a bit of the white powder onto the counter, my heart racing with anticipation. It was a habit I tried to keep hidden, something to take the edge off the pressure of being perfect all the time.

Just as I was about to take a hit, the door swung open, and in walked Cole, an amused expression on his face. "Well, well, if it isn't the princess herself. Not so princess-like now, are we?"

I froze, caught in a moment of vulnerability. "What do you want, Cole?" I snapped, attempting to regain my composure.

"Seems like you're not quite as perfect as everyone thinks," he said, stepping closer. "Hiding in the bathroom with your little secrets. Classy."

"Get out!" I shouted, feeling both anger and embarrassment wash over me. He had no right to judge me.

Cole raised an eyebrow, unbothered. "Or what? You'll call for backup? I didn't realize the queen bee had such a dirty little secret."

I clenched my jaw, feeling the heat rise in my cheeks. "This isn't your business."

"Maybe not, but you're making it hard to ignore," he replied, crossing his arms.

With that, he turned and walked out, leaving me alone in the bathroom, a swirl of emotions crashing over me. I stared at the powder on the counter, grappling with the choice I had to make. I could keep pretending I was untouchable, or I could face the reality of who I was becoming.

-

The party was a whirlwind of flashing lights and loud music, and I lost track of time as I danced and drank. I felt invincible, but somewhere along the way, I got way too high and drunk, the world around me spinning.

Ryan watched from a distance, his expression a mix of concern and irritation. He finally made his way over, his brows furrowing as he took in my state. "Maddy, I think it's time to go home."

"Why? I'm just having fun!" I protested, rolling my eyes.

"Fun? You're flirting with other guys right in front of me!" he shot back, frustration evident in his voice.

"It's harmless! I'm just being friendly!" I insisted, crossing my arms defensively.

"Harmless? You don't get it, do you? You're crossing a line!"

"Whatever, Ryan!" I snapped, the annoyance bubbling over. I knew I was pushing it, but in that moment, I didn't care.

The argument simmered as we stepped outside, the cool night air hitting me like a slap. Ryan glanced around, clearly uneasy. "Let's just go home. I'll drive you."

He helped me into his car, the engine rumbling to life as we pulled away from the club. The silence in the car was thick, tension hanging between us. I stared out the window, watching the city lights blur together.

When we arrived at my house, I stumbled out of the car and made my way to the backyard, needing fresh air. Ryan followed me, his patience wearing thin. "Maddy, you can't keep acting like this. You're not yourself!"

"Why can't you just chill? I was just having fun!" I shot back, my voice rising as I paced near the pool.

"Fun? Is that what you call it?" he snapped, running a hand through his hair. "You're with me, not them!"

"Maybe you should lighten up," I retorted, crossing my arms defiantly. "You're acting like I'm your property."

"Whatever, Maddy," he said, frustration evident. "I'm done with this. We'll talk tommorrow." He turned to leave, and my heart sank. I hated fighting with him, but I was too stubborn to back down.

As he walked away, I wobbled around the pool, my head spinning. I wasn't even sure how I ended up by the edge, but suddenly everything felt too intense. That's when I saw Cole through the garden fence, his figure silhouetted against the lights of his own house.

"Hey, princess, what are you doing out here all alone?" Cole called, a teasing smirk on his face.

"Not your business, Cole," I replied, trying to sound dismissive but failing miserably.

He walked over, his expression shifting to concern. "You look... not great."

"Who asked you?" I shot back, but my words lacked any real venom.

"Clearly Ryan should have stayed with you," he said, glancing toward my house. "What are you, a hot mess by the pool?"

I laughed, a little too loudly. "I can handle myself!"

Cole shook his head, stepping closer. "Come on. Let's get you inside." He scooped me up effortlessly, carrying me bridal style. "How much of that coke did you snort?"

I shrugged, my head lolling against his shoulder. "Does it matter?"

"Yeah, it does," he replied, his tone serious as he navigated us through the garden. "Are your parents home?"

"They're never around. Even if they were, they wouldn't care. So chill." I mumbled.

Cole didn't respond as he walked into the house, navigating the darkened rooms until he reached my bedroom. He set me down gently on the bed, and I giggled, feeling strangely giddy.

"Are you just going to leave?" I asked, pouting playfully. "Come on, let me thank you for being my knight in shining armor."

"Not happening. You're high as a kite right now," Cole said, shaking his head.

"Who cares?" I murmured, my words slurring together as I leaned back against the pillows. "Just stay a little longer."

He sighed, his expression torn. "You really shouldn't be alone like this."

"Why do you care?" I asked, my voice softer now. "You don't even know me."

"Yeah, well, I don't want to be responsible for you getting hurt," he said, glancing at me. "Just... try to sleep it off."

"Stay," I urged, feeling the weight of the night pressing down on me.

Cole hesitated, clearly battling with himself. But as the reality of my situation settled in, I saw a flicker of something in his eyes—concern mixed with something else I couldn't quite place.

"Fine, but only until you're asleep," he finally said, sitting on the edge of the bed.