In The Backseat

Chapter 4: Calitrope Stole Something From Me

You know that feeling when you're about to do something incredibly stupid, and every fiber of your being is screaming at you to stop? That's where I was as Calitrope dragged me through the crowd, leading me to a party I had no business attending.

It had been a few days since the whole gossip-girls-rumors-about-me-and-Calitrope incident, and I was doing my best to pretend none of it had ever happened. You know, like a normal person who suppresses their feelings and hopes they disappear. And things had been relatively calm between us, if you could call Calitrope's laid-back chaos "calm."

Until tonight.

Let me be clear: I didn't want to go to this party. Parties are loud, messy, and filled with people I don't know, all of which rank highly on my list of things to avoid. But, as is the case with everything involving Calitrope, I didn't get much of a say in the matter.

It started with her showing up at our dorm room with a wild grin and zero explanation. I was just minding my own business, studying—because, yes, some of us actually care about grades—when she barged in, eyes gleaming with that dangerous look she gets whenever she's up to no good.

"Get up," she said, grabbing my arm and pulling me out of my chair before I could even protest. "We're going to a party."

I blinked at her, stunned. "A what now?"

"A party, Venici. You know, fun? Drinks? Music? Socializing with people who aren't math textbooks?"

She was already pulling me toward the door before I could formulate a proper response. "Calitrope, I have no interest in—"

"Too bad," she cut in, tossing a jacket at me. "You need to have some fun. And besides," she added with a mischievous grin, "you'll love this. Trust me."

Trust her? That was rich. Every time she said that, something chaotic usually followed. But before I could come up with a solid excuse, she had practically dragged me out of the dorm and into the crisp evening air.

Fast forward to the party, and I was doing exactly what I had predicted: standing awkwardly in a corner while Calitrope thrived in her natural habitat—amongst people, noise, and chaos. She'd handed me a red plastic cup the moment we arrived, gave me a wink, and promptly vanished into the crowd like she was made for this scene.

I took a tentative sip from the cup and immediately regretted it. Whatever concoction was inside tasted like gasoline mixed with regret, and I was very much not in the mood to lose brain cells tonight. So, I found myself in my usual role—quiet observer—watching as Calitrope floated from group to group, effortlessly charming everyone she met. She was in her element, tossing back drinks, laughing with people I didn't know, and making it look so damn easy.

Meanwhile, I stood there, feeling like an awkward mannequin someone had forgotten to put away.

And that's when things got... interesting.

It started innocently enough. I was fidgeting with my cup, minding my own business, when suddenly, a group of guys surrounded me. Like, out of nowhere. One second I was alone, and the next, I was in the middle of some impromptu circle of testosterone.

"Hey, you're the new girl, right?" one of them said, leaning in way too close for comfort.

I took a step back, nodding cautiously. "Uh, yeah. I guess."

"You're Calitrope's roommate, right?" another one chimed in, his eyes narrowing with curiosity.

Oh no. Not this again. I could already feel the where's-Calitrope, what's-she-like questions brewing. I plastered on a polite smile, trying to inch my way out of the circle. "Yeah, I am. But I—"