Ｓｅｒｅｎｄｉｐｉｔｙ

FOUR

🅓🅐🅝🅘🅔🅛🅐

After cooling off outside, I took a deep breath and made my way back into the party. The noise hit me instantly, that familiar hum of people talking, laughing, music thumping through the walls. But I wasn’t here for any of that. I just wanted to find Celi and make sure she was still enjoying herself.

I scanned the crowd, weaving through the clusters of people until I finally spotted her across the room. She was smiling, deep in conversation with people, a drink in hand, looking like she was actually having a good time. A part of me felt relieved. Celi deserved to have fun, to let loose. Just because I wasn’t in the mood didn’t mean she shouldn’t be.

I stood there for a second, watching her laugh at something someone said. I knew I could go over, say something, let her know I wasn’t feeling it anymore. But the last thing I wanted was to be the reason her night slowed down.

Pulling out my phone, I quickly typed out a text.

Hey, I’m heading back to the dorms. Not feeling the party tonight, but don’t worry about me. Have fun, okay?

I hit send, giving her one last glance before heading for the door. She didn’t need me hovering around when she was clearly having a good time. I could handle being on my own tonight.

As I stepped outside again, the cool air hit me, and I felt a bit lighter. It wasn’t my night, but that was fine. Celi was having hers, and that was enough for me.

I pulled out my phone, staring at the screen for a moment before pressing the Uber button.

I ordered the ride, confirming the address, and leaned against the gate of this huge mansion, feeling out of place. Parties like this, with their big houses and over-the-top vibes, always felt like a different world to me. One I didn’t really belong in.

The night air was cooler now, the quiet settling around me as I waited. I glanced at my phone, checking the app. Five minutes until the car arrived. I shoved my hands into my jacket pockets, staring down the long driveway, listening to the muffled music coming from inside the house.

This wasn’t exactly how I pictured the night going, but honestly? I wasn’t surprised.

After a few minutes of waiting, the Uber finally rolled up, the driver leaning out the window. “Are you Daniela?” he asked, and I nodded, feeling a flicker of relief.

The car unlocked, and I hopped into the backseat, sinking into the plush leather. It was a welcome change from the chaos of the party. “Can you take me to CauloBarrow University?” I said, my voice steady despite the whirlwind of emotions I’d felt earlier.

The driver nodded and input the address, and I leaned back, letting out a sigh. As he pulled away from the mansion, I glanced out the window, watching the lights of the party fade into the distance.

It felt good to be leaving, but part of me couldn’t shake off the lingering thoughts of the night. Celi was still in there, probably dancing or laughing with friends, and I was out here, alone in the backseat of an Uber, headed back to campus.

I wondered if Lila would even I left. She probably won'

As the city lights zipped by, I let my mind drift. The ride would be quick, and soon I’d be back in my room, away from all of this. I could put on some music, drown out the noise of the world, and find a little peace.

As we cruised through the city, the Uber driver glanced at me through the rearview mirror, breaking the silence. “So, how was the party?” he asked, a curious tone in his voice. “I’m guessing it was pretty wild?”