A Year Of Hope

I didn't notice it at first,

But I slowly became happier after meeting Jane. I didn't worry as much, I no longer felt slowed down by the weight of the world, and everything became so much more interesting and easy to do once again. I even caught myself smiling a couple times for no reason.

Jane and I texted all week almost every moment we got. She loved to send selfies showing her reactions to things, like her rolling her eyes about her pompous art teacher, or her excited selfie as she was getting her ice coffee.

A week after we had last seen each other, she texted me:

"I feel like the answer is no, but have you gone to a college party?"

"You're correct I have not. I used to go to community college... I don't think people really have parties here." I replied.

"LOL dude community college people have parties."

"Oh... guess I'm out of the loop."

"You're adorable you know that?"

She called me that at least five times a day.

"Anyways, wanna come to a party, it's this Saturday, after we all have completed finals."

I didn't answer right away. I wanted to go, but that sort of scene made me nervous.

"Sure," I finally answered, hesitantly.

"GREAT! I can't wait! Send you more details later!"

I was anxious about the party for days. I never liked big crowds. What should I wear? Should I try to talk to people when I get there? How would I talk to people? I had an outfit picked out days in advance. Nice, not too casual, but still casual enough so it didn't look like I planned out my outfit too much, even though I did. I also rehearsed scenarios where I talked to people.

On the day of the party I picked Jane up, because she wanted to ride together, and I didn't want to deal with her unnerving driving when I was already on edge.

She lived at an apartment complex only a mile away from the local liberal arts school.

She came out,  wearing a blue dress with fishnets and combat boots. Dressy, yet casual. I sighed with relief knowing I wouldn't stick out.

As she hopped in the car, and said "You look nice," with a grin.

"Uh, thanks. So do you."

The party was at a big house, basically a mansion.

"How-" I began.

"Daddy's money," she said and rolled her eyes. "But hey, free drinks."

The party was much of what I had imagined. Loud music, drugs and alcohol everywhere, and many intoxicated underage college kids.

I walked in and immediately felt overwhelmed by the scenery.

"You don't look too thrilled," Jane noticed.

"It's just a lot."

"I'm sorry, we can leave if-"

"No no, we can stay. I'm sure I'll have more fun as the night goes on."

We entered a large, minimally decorated living room where it appeared most of the party was happening. That's where the speakers were and a bunch of people dancing drunkenly.

"Jane! Thank Jesus I've been looking everywhere for you!" said a girl.

She looked goth. She wore all black. Ripped skinny jeans with fishnets underneath, a black muscle shirt with the band Green Day on it, and combat boots similar to Jane. She was the same height as I and curvy. She had dark skin and warm brown eyes, and she styled her hair in long locks tied up into a messy bun, with some of the dreads dyed green, blue, and red. She wore black lipstick and silver eyeshadow. She was very pretty, like Jane, but in a different way than Jane.