I hurriedly sifted through my suitcase, searching for the perfect outfit, trying on various clothes until I settled on a black mini-dress and some heels. It was a departure from my usual sneakers and boots, but I figured it was a special occasion.
Before getting dolled up, I stepped into the shower, my thoughts drifting to the fact that I still hadn't met my roommate. At first, it struck me as odd, but then I reminded myself that this was my first experience rooming with a complete stranger; maybe this was normal.
Stepping out of the shower, I changed into some comfortable loungewear and began the process of preparing my makeup for the evening ahead.
Around 9:30, my phone beeped, and I glanced down to see a text from Rae, saying she was waiting outside my door.
Quickly texting her back, I informed her that I was on my way. I took one final look in the mirror, making sure everything was in place, and then headed out.
As I stepped outside, I descended the stairs and spotted Rae and Maria waiting for me. They both let out appreciative whistles.
"Looking spicy, girl," Maria commented, while Rae seemed to cringe at her choice of words.
"Spicy?" Rae questioned.
"What?" Maria responded, her expression suggesting confusion about why Rae found her choice of words unusual.
"Anyway," Rae interjected, "you look nice."
"Thanks," I replied, delighted by their compliments and their playful banter.
We began our walk to the Sorority House, which was only about a ten-minute stroll from my dorm building. We laughed and talked about our hobbies and interests, and I mentioned that one of mine was drawing. Maria insisted that I draw a picture for her sometime, and Rae readily agreed.
We continued chatting, and before we knew it, we had arrived at the party. Even before stepping inside, the scent of alcohol hit us as we witnessed a heavily intoxicated student being carried out by his friends.
Once indoors, we made our way to the dance floor, where Maria mentioned that Casey and Tyler were. After exchanging greetings, I decided to head to the bar to get a drink before attempting to bust a move on the dance floor.
As I approached the bar, a guy sat down beside me and said, "I'll have one of what she's having." I turned to see a cute guy flashing a friendly smile. I nodded, and the bartender prepared my drink.
"I haven't seen you around campus before. Are you new?" he asked, curiosity lacing his words.
"Yeah," I replied, trying to contain my ear-to-ear grin.
We continued our conversation, which seemed to stretch on for about 30 minutes and I enjoyed every minute of it that was until the cute guy started drinking his fifth drink that's when things began to take a turn for the worse.