COMPLICATED.

CHAPTER 21

TRUTH OR DARE?

My head is spinning, the music is too loud, and Like a G6 is thumping in my ears. I think I’m officially wasted.
​"Shots, shots, shots!" a group of guys yells behind me. Aria is among them, jumping for joy, and her movement makes me even more nauseous. Seth keeps pouring straight vodka into shot glasses on the counter. My rational side wants to refuse, but my body has already finished another five in the blink of an eye.
It burns my throat, but it’s not a bad feeling. I feel free, finally like every other girl my age.
​"I think that’s enough for now!" Seth says, moving the bottle away.
"No! You’re mean, I want more!" I exclaim. Since when is my voice this high-pitched? I’m not just tipsy; I’m drunk—very drunk.
"Girl, you’ve had two drinks and I don't know how many shots. It’s a miracle you haven't fainted yet!" Aria takes my hand, and within seconds, we’re in the living room on the makeshift dance floor.
​"It’s a change to see you so social!" I yell at her, spinning around.
"It’s a change to see you so drunk! How long has it been since you drank like this?"
"Since... forever! This is the... let’s see... the first time I’ve ever been drunk! I’m sure of it!"
I have no control over the words coming out of my mouth. The flashing lights reflect Aria’s shocked face. She’s a beautiful girl, I have to admit. I want to be like her.
"Damn, this is a mess," she says, placing a cold hand on my forehead. "Tomorrow you’ll have one hell of a headache. Now, come on, let’s dance. I’ll save you."
​Dance? Me? "No way, Aria! I can't dance!"
"You don't have to twerk like these cheerleaders!" she says with a look of disgust. "Just move in place, shake your hips a bit, wave your hands. Follow me, it’s easy."
I start to dance, imitating her steps until I memorize the rhythm. It’s liberating to not give a damn about anything or anyone. For now, I’m not Emma, the problematic, paranoid girl. I’m just a girl dancing at a fantastic party.
​"Hey, I think you’ve got an admirer," Aria whispers, nodding toward someone behind me.
I turn around and find Seth and a tall, blonde guy in a Tigers jacket staring at me. A basketball player.
"Nice moves, blondie. You’ll have to teach me those one day," he says with a smirk.
The alcohol makes me brave. "Was that a joke? Because it wasn't funny. If you want, I can teach you how to be less of an idiot."
The guy stands there mouth agape while Aria and Seth burst out laughing.
"Forgive him, Em, he doesn't know how to flirt," Seth says. "This is Jack, my right hand."
"I’d say it’s a pleasure, but it’s not," I retort.
"I can always make you change your mind," Jack whispers in my ear, leaning in too close.
​"Anyway," Seth interrupts, "we’re going to play Truth or Dare in the garden. Everyone’s already there."
Aria pulls me along. "Don't think about anything today, Emma. It’s just a game, nothing will happen. Let’s just try to have fun for once."
I follow her out to a table where everyone is gathered. And then I see her. The most hateful person in the world. Sasha.
​"Sasha, what a surprise! All alone tonight? Is Leo not with you?" Aria barks at her.
"No, he wasn't feeling well," Sasha replies, never taking her eyes off me.
My blood boils. "The truth is he’s already tired of her," I sing-song to the group.
"He got tired of you a year ago because you wouldn't give him what he wanted!" she snaps.
I jump up, ready to lunge at her, but Seth stops me. "Girls, calm down! We’re playing a game."
​Sasha spins the bottle. Of course, it points at me.
"Emma, how unexpected! Truth or dare? Let me guess... truth?"
"Dare," I answer, challenging her.
"Fine. I dare you to... kiss Jack."
Everyone stares. Jack smirks at Sasha. I stand there frozen while Aria tries to intervene. "Sasha, I don't think—"
"I’ll do it," I say to Jack.
I want to forget everything. I want to be numb.
​Jack reaches out, his hand on my cheek, moving my hair away. His lips are a millimeter from mine. I lean in, but suddenly, I’m jerked backward by strong arms. Despite being wasted, I recognize that grip instantly.
Nick.
​"The game is over for you. Let’s go," he mutters through clenched teeth. He glares at Jack with pure venom. "You! Stay away from her."
"You don't tell me what to do! Get lost!" I yell, trying to pull away.
Nick doesn't say a word. He’s livid. He suddenly throws me over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes and carries me away, ignoring my screams and the fists I’m pounding into his back.
What an embarrassment. What a total disaster.