Blair O'Connor was the life of every party-popular, fearless, and always the center of attention. But behind the perfect image was an abusive boyfriend who slowly stripped away the girl she used to be.
After finally breaking free, Blair transfers...
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
August 6th 2003
The night had started perfectly. Eloise and I had been dancing in the packed function room, the bass from the pop hits making the floors pulse under our shoes. The flashing disco lights threw vibrant colors across everyone as we laughed and danced, each song making us feel unstoppable. We were sixteen, the center of attention, and we knew it. Friends from school and a few older siblings' friends filled the room, adding a grown-up edge to our shared birthday bash.
At the beginning of the night, Eloise and I had walked into the room arm in arm, soaking in every second as people shouted, "Happy Birthday!" The two of us looked over our little setup—a table with disposable cameras, candy bracelets, and stacks of glossy polaroids from years before with Eloise and me in matching birthday crowns. It felt like our version of a red-carpet event, and we'd dressed the part.
"Blair! Eloise!" Aofie had called, making her way through the crowd, grinning as she spotted us. "You two are totally stealing the show!"
"That's the plan!" Eloise laughed, striking a playful pose. She looked over at me, nudging my side. "Come on, we need a picture."
We'd spent ages taking pictures and group photos, the flashing lights making our glitter makeup sparkle. At some point, Joey showed up with a pack of red plastic cups, slyly mixed with pop and whatever Podge had slipped him. He handed us each a cup with a knowing grin. "Happy birthday, you legends. Don't get too wild."
"Oh, like you're one to talk!" I said, laughing as I took a sip of the overly sweet concoction.
Every hour or so, someone else would pull us into a dance or insist on toasting with us. Casey found us after a few songs and wrapped us in a group hug. "Sixteen, huh?" she teased, ruffling my crimped hair. "Getting all grown up on me."
"Never!" I protested. "We're still babies. Right, Eloise?"
"Totally!" Eloise agreed, slinging an arm around my shoulders. "We're just taller, that's all."
As the night wore on, Eloise dared me to chug another cup. "Come on, birthday girl! You've got to live a little," she teased, her eyes flashing with laughter.
"Oh, you're on," I replied, lifting the cup to my lips, feeling everyone around us cheering me on. The syrupy taste was a little overwhelming, but I finished it with a grin, earning high-fives from Joey, Alec, and even Aofie.
That's when everything started to feel a little lighter, a little funnier. The room was a colorful blur, and after a few spins on the dance floor, Eloise and I had stumbled down the hallway, barely able to keep from collapsing in laughter, until we ended up sprawled out on the bathroom floor.
"B-Blair!" Eloise gasped, breathless from laughing. "I told you that you couldn't handle it!"
"Oh, please!" I laughed, my voice echoing off the bathroom tiles. "That was nothing! You're just jealous."
