six/sixteen

6. past lives

Sorry this update took so long! I've been preoccupied.
-
Spring break was probably my favorite time of year in college. Ella, Trent, Jenna, Trent's friends, and I would all pitch in for a lakehouse in Havasu and spend four great, drunk nights of bliss.

I loved it there. Jenna and I were free to do whatever we wanted, and we didn't have to talk to Ella or Trent if we didn't want to.

I had to admit that I was nervous, though, seeing as I had almost hooked up with one of Trent's friends last year. I just hoped he wouldn't make it a big deal this time.

"It's 75 a person this year," Ella told me as I grabbed my wallet out of my purse.

"How come? It's normally 88," I said.

"Cole's coming, so it knocks down the price," Ella said, and we made eye contact, "is that a problem?"

The way she was looking at me told me she knew something. And maybe she did. It's not that I wanted to hide Cole, I just didn't want to make us a big deal when I didn't even know if there was an us.

"Why would it be?" I challenged, waiting for her to say something bitchy.

Ella stared at me intensely for a few more seconds and then relaxed, throwing me a casual shrug.

"No reason. Just wondering," she replied.

I dug a fifty, a twenty, and a five from my wallet and handed it to her. Having rich parents in college was a blessing, and I never complained. I had a job every summer, but my anxiety couldn't handle having a job and doing school. My parents understood, though, and they were happy to send me money each month to keep me going.

Trent exited his room half-dressed and entered the kitchen. He rubbed his face and stretched, indicating that he had just woken up.

"How much?" He asked as he slid into a stool at the counter.

"75, babe," Ella said to him.

He nodded and slid his wallet out of his shorts, pulled out the money, and handed it over to Ella.

"Hey, Jordan's birthday is today. We're going to Lex at 11," Trent said, "Kira, you're welcome to come."

"And invite Cole, too," Ella interjected, "I'm sure he'd love to come."

Her comments about Cole were making me feel uneasy, and I wasn't sure how to respond.

Clubbing with Trent's friends used to be so much fun when we first started dating. Trent would pay off a bouncer to let me in to Lex or Edge and we'd have the time of our lives. But I couldn't bear to think about those times anymore. I had to live in the moment.

"Sure," I replied, "I'll go."

Trent nodded and stretched again, his lack of a shirt revealing all the muscles on his body.

I decided to go back to my room and try to take a nap. But first, I texted Cole.

hey. question.

He replied almost immediately.

What's up?

trent's friend's birthday is tonight and we're going to lex at 11

That club?

yea. i didn't know if you were down but it's really fun

Yeah, I'm down. Thanks for the invite (;

no problem (: see you later

I texted Jenna and invited her as well. I knew tonight was going to be a night to remember, I just didn't know how yet.

-

Choosing an outfit for the club was always a grueling task. I wanted something sexy but also something I could dance in. After much consideration, I decided on a black satin wrap dress and some heels to match.

I hoped it didn't look like I was trying too hard, and I hoped Trent's handsy friends didn't take my outfit as an invitation to try something shady.

As soon as we entered the club, the music was deafening. I could feel the bass vibrate through my whole body, and I couldn't even hear myself think.

The first thing I did was go to the bar with Jenna. We slid into two of the stools and made ourselves look extra available.

The drinks at Lex were expensive, and I never felt like paying for my own or Jenna's.

I felt a hand on my waist and turned around to see Trent standing next to me. He smiled at me lazily, indicating he had definitely taken some shots before he got here.

"Hi, ladies," he said to Jenna and me.

Jenna rolled her eyes and gave him a half wave.

"Hi, Trent," I said politely.

His hand didn't move from my waist as he slid into the stool on the other side of me.

"Barkeep!" He called to the bartender who was currently wiping down a glass.

The thin, bearded man approached Trent and and smiled.

"What can I get you?" He asked.

"Two rounds of vodka shots," Trent ordered.

The bartender nodded and replied, "Coming right up."

Trent placed his hand on my knee, and I casually moved my leg away from him.

He took this as a cue to lean closer to me, near my ear.

"Having a good time?" He asked.

I backed away from him slightly and nodded.

"Yeah. You?" I asked him.

He nodded slowly before replying.

"You look fantastic," he drawled.

I smiled politely and nodded.

"Thanks, Trent."

This wasn't the first time he'd come onto me while he was drunk. I was used to it by now. There'd always be lingering tension between us until we resolved it, which I didn't plan on doing any time soon.

That's what I said before 9 shots.

I looked to my right and saw Jenna making out with the guy next to her, and Trent was getting up from his seat, extending his hand to me.

I tapped Jenna on the shoulder, and she flashed me a thumbs up, telling me she was all good where she was at.

I took Trent's hand and slid out of my seat, stumbling a little as I hit the ground.

I knew I was making a mistake. I knew I shouldn't have followed Trent into the bathroom hall. I knew I shouldn't have let him convince me to do this. I was being stupid. I could admit that.

The whole time, I was thinking of Cole. I wanted him to be here. He said he would be here, and he never showed up.

My stomach was in knots as Trent pushed me against the wall. My mind was racing as his clammy hand trailed up my thigh and pulled my leg up. I felt disgusting as his lips met mine, sloppy and hot. But I didn't stop. I knew I should've, and I didn't.

He placed his other hand behind my head and tugged lightly. His breath tasted like cigarettes and vodka, and I couldn't imagine all the stares we were getting.

It wasn't until I heard a familiar voice that I had the sense to push him off of me.

I looked to my right and saw Cole, wide-eyed, looking very hurt.

"Kira?"