The Rainbow at the end of my storm

•17•

I made my way back to my dorm, stopping when I noticed Bree. She was with Jason and Adam. I strolled towards them, almost getting knocked over when Bree noticed me.

"Hey!!!" She screamed. "Guess what? There's a party tonight." She sang, dancing silly in front of me. I couldn't help giggle.

"Scold me if I'm being a nerd, but on a school tonight? Like, we have class tomorrow." I verified, confused.

She rolled her eyes and laughed out loud. Very loud. "Yes, and I will scold you for saying such a nerdy thing! But please come!" She began her begging, grabbing both my hands, puppy eyes, and continuous whining. If I say no, she'll keep it up all night; but if I say yes, she'll stop. I weighed out my options.

I'm sure a few hours wouldn't be too much, right?

"Okay, yes, fine. I will come," I pushed my hair behind my ear. "But, not too late. Please."

She rolled her eyes again, but nodded. "Okay, if it means you're coming out then yes we won't stay late." She clapped her hands excitedly.

"Changing the subject," I whispered. "Does your brother know then?" I motioned to Jason and Adam, and her eyes widened as her head shook fast and stiff.

"No way! We were talking out here, practically flirting, and he saunters over all smiles. He has no clue, Vic." I saw a hint of disappointment flicker across her eyes. A part of her must really want what I said the other day to be true, and so did I. It was clear how much they liked each other, I felt sorry for her.

"If you two are certain you want to be together, you know it will work, just tell him." I said, realising that, actually, that was easier said than done.

"He would hit the roof. Him and J have been friends for years, I couldn't do that to him. Well, I already was, but you know what I mean." She looked down in sadness, sighing.

"I get you, just be careful. I don't want to see you hurt, B." I gave her a tight squeeze, letting go to continue back to our dorm, when I realised I hadn't told her about the date Mason asked me on.

She clearly saw the excitement at the reminder as she started asking questions. "Hmmm, what's got you so smiley?" She smirked, her eyes never leaving my face.

"Promise me you won't tell a soul?" I asked.

"Promise!-"

"Even Jason." I interrupted her excited squeals, I didn't want him knowing.

"My lips are sealed." She made the impression of closing a zip across her mouth and waited in anticipation.

"I have a date," I admitted, cringing when she actually squealed. Everyone stared, especially Jason who just smiled. He really did like her for everything she was.

"Shhh-" I held my hand over her mouth. "Everyone will know at this rate." I still released a small giggle.

"Sorry, but who with?"

"Mason." I whispered, scrunching my face in anticipation for her reaction. Was it going to be negative? Or positive?

I went with the latter when her eyes widened, and her parted mouth turned into an excited smile. "Oh my god! What did I tell you! He never dates, Vic! He really likes you!"

Putting my hand up to stop her, I said, "You don't know that, okay? He could be leading me on for fun. I know we've kissed a few times and yesterday he took me-"

"Where did he take you?!" She shouted, interrupting. She really was a ball of energy.

"Just this lake place, it was nice. I just felt I had a connection with him Bree. But I'm so scared, I don't want to get hurt again."

Her face softened and so did her voice. "I don't know what happened at home, but I'm here if you ever want to talk. You never know, I might be able to help." She shrugged, giving me a genuine smile.

"Thanks, Bree. Just please don't tell anyone. If this does go bad, if he is playing me, I don't want to be the laughing stock of the college."

"I won't. I promise." She gave me another hug, and we said our goodbyes.

"I'll see you later, we going together?" I asked, referring to the party.

"Yes, woohoo!" She cheered, before walking back over to Jason and her brother.

As I continued my walk back to our dorm, I considered what Bree said. Maybe I could confide in her now. It had been a few weeks since I'd started, but could I risk losing her? I stiffened at the thought. Maybe not yet. Maybe just a while longer.

📚📚📚

Later that night, we were both showered, dressed, makeup applied, and ready to party. I'd decided on a black denim skirt, simple white T-shirt, and a pair of black sandals. The skirt was already making me feel too revealing, I kept pulling it down when it couldn't go any further. But I promised Bree I'd wear it. Apparently it really suited me. It was against everything I'd tried to make sure I wouldn't do, but when push came to shove, I didn't want to upset my friend so I agreed.

"Who's driving?" I asked, as we walked out the door.

"Errr, not sure, actually." She shrugged, puffing her hair up a little more as we descended the elevator.

When we reached the doors, we noticed that Jason had drove. Apparently the party was at their frat house again but he didn't want to see us walk or get an Uber. He was real sweet when it came to Bree, another reason I felt sad for her. I'm sure he'd treat her with so much respect if Adam would let them be together. I just wish they could tell him.

We walked to the car, Bree taking longer because of her four inch heels, and I opened the door to the backseat. I almost tripped when I noticed who was in the back. Mason.