Freshmen Fiascos: My Dramatic Freshers Party Part Two

Jake and I walked back into the party, his shirt still stained but his confidence entirely intact. The music had picked up again, and the dance floor was packed with students swaying to the latest pop hits. Olivia spotted us the moment we entered, her eyes widening in surprise when she noticed Jake walking beside me. >6<

She shot me an exaggerated thumbs-up and wiggled her eyebrows, but I just rolled my eyes, trying not to let her excitement—or my own—show too much. My pulse was still racing from our brief encounter outside. There was something about Jake that made me feel both nervous and strangely at ease, like I didn’t have to pretend around him. ^.^

The moment we stepped back inside, a familiar chill ran down my spine. Sasha was still there, glaring from across the room like she was plotting something. Her arms were crossed, and I saw her whisper something to her friends, who all turned to look at me, then at Jake. -_-

“Should we... maybe avoid her?” I muttered to Jake, nodding in Sasha’s direction.

He shrugged nonchalantly. “Let her be. I’m here to have fun, not get caught up in whatever power games she’s playing.”

I admired how calm he seemed about the whole thing. It was a stark contrast to the way my stomach twisted every time Sasha threw a dirty look my way. Still, I tried to push the thought of her out of my mind. This was my night too, and I wasn’t going to let her spoil it. ^o^

We made our way over to Olivia, who had found a spot near the DJ booth. She was sipping her drink and clearly waiting for me to spill all the details. I barely got a word in before she leaned in and whispered in my ear.

“You’re hanging out with Jake Hill?”

I blinked. “Wait, you know him?”

Olivia gave me a look like I had just asked if the sky was blue. “Uh, yeah. He’s in our year, but he’s kind of known for being a bit... I don’t know... mysterious? He doesn’t hang out with people much, but when he does show up at events, something always happens.” Gurl did I invite myself any trouble? It sucks to be involved with popular guys, I just want an uneventful and quiet college life. That's it. But I also want to he Jake's friend. =_=

I frowned, glancing at Jake. “Something like what?”

She shrugged. “Like drama. Girls falling for him, people getting into arguments. He doesn’t seem to do it on purpose, but trouble just kind of follows him around. Even Sasha fell for him but he rejected her, that's why this drama is taking place”

I took a sip of my drink, glancing back at Jake, who was scanning the dance floor with a look of amused detachment. I wasn’t sure what to make of what Olivia had said. He seemed so calm and collected. And besides, he’d handled the whole Sasha situation pretty maturely. 0.0

“I don’t know,” I said slowly, “he seems nice.”

Olivia gave me a teasing smile. “Nice, huh? Careful, Mia. College boys are trouble, and mysterious ones are double trouble.”

Before I could respond, the DJ cranked up the volume, switching to a new track with a heavy bassline, and Olivia grabbed my hand.

“Enough talking. Let’s dance!”

Jake joined us as we made our way to the center of the dance floor. The music was loud, the lights flashing in sync with the beat, and for the first time that night, I started to relax. I let myself get lost in the rhythm, dancing with Olivia, feeling the energy of the room flow through me. Every now and then, I’d catch Jake watching me with a small smile, and I’d feel that familiar flutter in my stomach. My face was like >w< UwU OwO

We were in the middle of a particularly energetic song when Sasha decided to make her move. I didn’t notice her at first—too caught up in the music—but suddenly, I felt a sharp tug on my arm, pulling me out of the crowd. I stumbled, turning to see Sasha standing there, a fake smile plastered across her face. I sensed some trouble *_*

“Hey, Mia,” she said in a sickly sweet voice that made my skin crawl. “Having fun?”

Olivia was immediately at my side, her eyes narrowing. “What’s your problem, Sasha?”

Sasha ignored her, her gaze fixed on me. “I just thought I’d come over and say hi. I mean, I didn’t realize you were friends with Jake. I guess you didn’t know about his... reputation.”

I frowned, glancing at Jake, who had stepped away from the dance floor and was watching us carefully. “What are you talking about?” =_=

Sasha’s smile widened. “Oh, come on. You’ve heard the rumors, haven’t you? Jake’s a heartbreaker. He goes through girls like they’re tissues. I just thought you should know—before you get in over your head.” My expression was like 6_6

My heart sank. Was that true? I had only just met him, but Olivia’s earlier comment echoed in my head. Trouble followed Jake. And now, Sasha was confirming it—or at least trying to.

I clenched my fists, trying to stay calm with my anxiety running over my head, my worse nightmare was coming true. People using me, they were using me. This guy will take advantage of me. I started to panic, but trying to keep my calm and said “Why do you care, Sasha? What’s it to you?” -_-

Sasha’s expression hardened. “I don’t. But it’s fun to watch you make a fool of yourself.” Damn. She said it to my face. With my anxiety, I still tried to keep calm and understand that she was just trying to trigger me. I don't think I can hide this anxiety thing any longer. |_|

That was it. The words hit like a punch, and before I could think, Olivia stepped forward, getting right in Sasha’s face. “Back off,” she said, her voice cold. “Leave Mia alone.”

Sasha’s eyes flickered with something—surprise, maybe?—before she plastered that fake smile back on. “Oh, don’t worry. I’ll leave her alone. I’ve said what I needed to.” =_=

She turned on her heel, her friends trailing behind her like obedient little ducks. Olivia let out an exasperated sigh, running a hand through her hair.

“I cannot stand her.”

“Neither can I,” I admitted, feeling a wave of relief as Sasha disappeared into the crowd. “But... do you think she was telling the truth?”

Olivia’s eyes softened as she turned to me. “Honestly, Mia? I don’t know. But don’t let her ruin your night. If you like Jake, talk to him. Find out for yourself. Don’t let Sasha—or anyone else—make decisions for you.”

I nodded, but my mind was still buzzing. I glanced over at Jake, who was standing by the bar now, chatting with someone else. He looked completely unbothered by the whole thing, and I couldn’t help but wonder... was he really the trouble everyone made him out to be? >.<

Later in the night, after I’d danced with Olivia and taken a breather from all the party drama, I decided to take Olivia’s advice and talk to Jake. I wasn’t going to let Sasha’s venomous words hang over me like a cloud. 0-0

I found him leaning against a wall near the exit, sipping on a bottle of water, looking thoughtful as he watched the party wind down. The music had softened to a more mellow beat, and fewer people were on the dance floor now.

“Hey,” I said, walking up to him.

He looked up and smiled. “Hey, you. You disappeared for a bit.”

“Yeah, I needed a breather,” I replied, feeling the weight of what I wanted to ask hanging in the air between us. +_+

Jake seemed to sense it too. He raised an eyebrow. “Everything okay?”

I hesitated for a moment, then decided to just go for it. “Sasha said some things about you. She said you’re... trouble. That you’re a heartbreaker.” I kinda feel stupid to go with the flow here, maybe confronting him was a bad idea but I also didn't want any trouble, I wanted to be his friend but only if he is a good guy. ~_~

Jake’s expression didn’t change, but I could see a flicker of something in his eyes—maybe disappointment. He leaned back against the wall, crossing his arms over his chest.

“And you believe her?” Damn I felt soooo bad as he said this... like why on earth did I ask him? I felt like drowning myself. >_<

I shook my head quickly. “No. I mean, I don’t know. I don’t know you. But I don’t want to judge you based on rumors.”

He was quiet for a moment, his gaze fixed on the floor. Then he sighed. “Look, I’m not going to lie to you. I’ve had... complicated relationships in the past. I don’t go around breaking hearts on purpose, but things happen. People get hurt. And I guess that reputation has stuck with me.”

Bro he gave me a red flag. I kinda don't want a person with a bad relationship history. But we are just going to be friends so it's fine.

I kinda appreciated his honesty, but it didn’t exactly make things clearer and I wanted specifics. “So... what does that mean? Are you trouble?”

Jake looked up at me, his eyes serious. “It means I’m not perfect. But I’m not looking to hurt anyone, Mia. Least of all you.”

My heart skipped a beat. There was something so sincere in the way he said it, like he was letting me in on a part of himself that he didn’t share with many people. I took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the decision I was about to make. But why did he have to say it like that???? 0_0

“I believe you,” I said softly. What? I had to cover for myself somehow.

Jake’s expression softened, and for the first time that night, I felt like we really understood each other. The music in the background faded into the distance as we stood there, just the two of us, sharing a quiet moment amidst the chaos of the party.

The Freshers’ Party started to wind down not long after. People were leaving in pairs and groups, the lights in the hall slowly brightening as the music softened even more. Olivia found me as Jake and I made our way back towards the bar for one last drink before heading out.

“Well, look who’s still together,” she teased, grinning. “Did you two solve the mystery of Jake’s reputation?” Gurlllll why did you have to say it out loud >_<

I laughed, shaking my head. “Something like that.”

Olivia gave Jake an appraising look before turning back to me. “I’m proud of you, Mia. For not letting Sasha get to you. You handled tonight like a pro.” Pro???? What the hell? I literally asked him to his face >_<

I smiled, feeling a sense of accomplishment wash over me. It wasn’t just about Sasha or the drama with Jake—it was about me realizing that I didn’t have to let anyone else define my experience here at college.

It felt like I could finally be free, I could do whatever I wanted, I was starting to feel things again, it felt like I actually enjoyed the party, it felt amazing to finally challenge my anxiety. No one will know the real me. No never.

This was my story, and I was going to write it the way I want.

Well that was it for the night. Byeee :D