The Ride of My Life (an Ansel Elgort story)

Chapter 49

Ansel's POV

I get home to find that Lucy's car is still in the parking lot. Good, she didn't chase after me.

When I get inside my apartment I see her sitting on the love seat with her arms crossed. She's staring at the wall, only slightly turning her head to look at me.

"Long time no see. Did you "take care of it"?" She says, using air quotes and a mocking tone.

"Yes, actually I did."

"Ansel, the secrets end here. Who the hell was that? I have a right to know." Even though she says this, I can tell she already knows who it was. She just wants me to confirm it.

"It was Chase. I handled it. He won't bother you anymore. But, just in case, you might want to block his number."

"Been there, done that. I'm always one step ahead of you, Ansel, my love."

"I'm glad you're not mad at me. I'm happy we worked it out."

"So am I. Ansel, I love you. A lot. Come here."

I take her up on her offer and sit next to her on the love seat, wrapping my arms around her and putting my chin on the top of her head.

We sit like this for a while, just enjoying each other's company. After a long time, Lucy explains that she has to go home to do homework. I smile, knowing everything is right in our relationship.

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Lucy's POV

It's been a few days since Ansel and I's 'fight'.

I am walking with my friend, Sarah, after my last class is over.

"Are you going to the party tonight?" She asks.

"What party?"

"It's the campus' biggest party of the year! I can't believe you haven't heard."

"Oh, I guess I've just been too busy to pay attention."

"Well you should go. Text me if you decide! See ya!" We go different ways and I'm left wondering what I should do. I wonder if Ansel is going...

"Hey girl!" Kat says, when I enter our dorm. We've become pretty good friends.

"Why are you in such a good mood?"

"Because! The party tonight! Are you going?"

"I'm still deciding." I guess everyone but me knew about this party. Hm.

"Well, you should go. We can have a girls night. We can dress all slutty and dance with hot guys. It'll be fun!"

I chuckle. "I have a boyfriend! And so do you, kind of."

"Forget about them for tonight! They'll still be here tomorrow."

"Fine. I'll go." I give in.

Kat squeals in excitement and with that we start getting ready. She curls my hair for me and teases her own. Within minutes our room is flooded with the smell of hairspray.

Once we're dressed and have heavy makeup on, we're out the door. It's a Friday night, so I'm glad we can stay out late.

We are in Kat's car when I realize I forgot my phone. She tells me not to worry, nobody will need to reach me. I guess she's right. It'll only be a few hours, right?

We get to the venue of the party and I can already tell its very crowded.

"Are you ready?" Kat asks.

"Ready as I'll ever be." I say.

Once we're in the crowd, I'm reminded of the frat party. Hopefully Chase isn't here. If he is, there will be nothing stopping me from kicking him in the balls.

"Let's go get a drink!" Kat says. She finds red cups and hands one to me.

"What is this?" I ask, looking at the liquid.

"Probably vodka, I don't know. Try it." She smiles.

"I don't drink."

"Tonight, you do. Let loose!"

I sigh, and drink the alcohol. It tastes sweet and bitter at the same time. I don't understand how people can drink this stuff all the time.

"Lets dance!" Kat says, dragging me out to where dozens of drunk people are grinding on each other.

Oh boy, here we go.

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Ansel's POV

I am worried. I have called Lucy's cell at least 10 times. Several texts have been sent and still no reply. We're supposed to go to see my favorite DJ tonight, but we can't if she doesn't answer.

"Give it up, man. She doesn't wanna talk to you." Cory says.

"Shut up." I snap. "Do you have Kat's number? Maybe she's with her."

"Nope. I haven't gotten the chance to. I was only with her when I was drunk."

"Damn it. I don't know what to do."

"I do."

"Enlighten me, please."

"Lets go to that party. You need to have some fun. You've been a little whipped lately."

"I have not!"

"That's what they all say. Lets go."

Lucy's POV

Before I know it, I've gulped down at least four drinks. The taste is getting less bitter with each sip I take.

We've been dancing for a while now, and a few guys have already tried grinding on me. Even though I'm sort of drunk, the thought of a guy other than Ansel being that close to me makes me sick.

"Lucy!!!" Someone shouts. I turn around to see Nathan, one of my friends from my classes. He comes over and starts dancing, I follow his lead.

Kat tries to whisper, "I know I said to forget about Ansel for tonight, but still, don't get too wild!"

"It's okay! Nathan's gay!" I whisper back, even though it's a shout over the music.

Dozens of songs pass and I wonder why I didn't start partying like this sooner. I had a crazy phase in high school where I used to drink, party and be irresponsible. That was the Chase phase, too.

Maybe this night is going so well because Chase isn't here.

Or maybe it's because I think I finally know what it means to let loose.

Ansel's POV

Even though this party is said to be the biggest one of the year, it looks the same size as all the other ones.

"Dude, do you want a drink?" Cory asks.

"No thanks, I'm good."

"C'mon! You have to do some fun shit when the girlfriend isn't around."

"No. Thanks."

I ditch Cory and see if I know anyone I can talk to. I see Amanda, a girl I had a class with one year. I see Derrick, we used to hang out, but he's a dick now. I guess there's no luck.

Besides, I don't know how much of a conversation I can get out of a drunk person.

My eyes skim the crowd once more and they stop in the middle of the dance floor. A short brunette, dancing like a lunatic in the middle of everyone.

Is that...

Lucy?