The Untold

Chapter 5: In the Spotlight

Friends were dancing, drinks were flowing, and the excitement was contagious. I let myself get swept up in the moment, laughing and chatting with classmates. But as the night wore on, my phone buzzed in my pocket, pulling me back to reality.

I glanced at the screen and saw my parents' names flashing. My heart sank slightly. It was late, and I hadn't told them I'd be out partying.

With a sigh, I stepped outside, away from the music and chaos, and answered the call.

"Hey, Mom! Dad!" I said, forcing my voice to sound cheerful. "What's up?"

"Just checking in! How's your week going, sweetie?" my mom asked, her voice warm and familiar.

"It's good! Just, you know, studying and stuff," I lied, hoping they wouldn't catch the nervous edge in my tone. "Classes are wrapping up nicely."

"Studying? That's great to hear! We're proud of you," my dad chimed in. "Just remember to take breaks, okay?"

"Definitely! I'll make sure to relax," I replied, glancing back into the party.

The music felt so distant now, and the thought of facing my parents' expectations weighed on me.

"We absolutely can't wait to see you next week honey," Mom said, her voice full of love. "We're so excited to have you home."
"Me too! I can't wait to see you guys," I said, forcing a smile even though they couldn't see me.

After a few more minutes of small talk, I hung up and took a deep breath. I felt guilty for lying, but I also knew that this week was about letting loose and enjoying my freedom before heading back home.

I couldn't let the pressure get to me, not when I had one last chance to make unforgettable memories with my friends.

With renewed determination, I re-entered the party, ready to embrace the night and forget about the weight of expectations for just a little longer.

The energy inside the party was electric, and as I rejoined the crowd, I felt the weight of my earlier conversation with my parents fade away.

Carolina grabbed her arm, spinning her into the group with her usual infectious excitement.

"Finally, you're here. Don't tell me you were upstairs doing something responsible."

"Like I'd ruin my reputation like that," I shot back, grabbing one of the half-empty glasses on the table.

"How's the party?"

"Full of try-hards," she replied with a flick of her hair. "But I'm surviving."

I leaned against the booth, sipping my drink, waiting for the rest of my girls. Raven appeared, her leather jacket slung over her shoulder.

Her jet black hair pulled into a loose bun, allowing just her micro bangs to from her face. She always had this effortless vibe about her, like she just wandered in and didn't care what anyone thought.

"Finally decided to show up?" she said, her smirk as sharp as ever.
"Couldn't let you run wild unsupervised," I played along, earning a dramatic eye roll as she plopped down next to me.

Before I could say more, Bianca's voice rang out above the music. "Amira!" She strode toward us from the bar, her blonde ponytail swishing and her white blazer practically glowing under the lights. She carried two drinks like some kind of party queen on a mission.

"Met Gala story," she said, handing me a glass. "They don't believe me."
"It happened," I said with a shrug. "Bianca charmed the security team and half the A-list before they realized we didn't belong."

"Told you guys!" Bianca shouted back at the group she'd just left, before turning around and grinning as she slid into the booth.

Not even a minute later, Cerise joined us, phone in hand and her expression cool as always. She didn't bother sitting, just hovered near the edge of the table, her lilac curls catching the light.
"Any news?" she asked, holding up her phone.

"Not unless you're tracking it," I teased.
"Always," she said simply, her cat-eye glasses glinting as she turned her attention back to her screen.

"Move," Raven said, nudging Bianca to make room as she leaned back. "What are they looking at?"

We noticed a group of guys huddled together in a corner, their voices rising above the music. One of them, a stiff-looking guy with a cocky smile, glanced our way and said something that made his friends laugh.

Feeling bold, I nudged Raven. "Let's go put them in their place!"