When the party was split up into groups and dispersed in different rooms, Nathan immediately thought of a plan to bring the party closer. It was one last bang before we could all go away to live our separate lives. He turned down the music and stood at the coffee table in the centre.

"Y'all, I'm giving you 5 minutes to wrap up whatever you're doing and come here. We're going to be doing something fun." Nathan said with a mischievous grin.

Everyone cheered and hooted, hurriedly grabbing their drinks and walking. I quickly picked up my bag and ran upstairs, hoping to change my clothes before the real party began. I couldn't stay any longer in the uncomfortable sequin dress. I took it off, changed into a comfortable tee and jeans and ran down. The party has finally assembled.

"Girls and boys, I think we've had enough of the Hollywood glamour and elegance for the night. It's time to get dirty."

"Yesss!" "Oh yaa", everyone screamed in approval. The atmosphere crackled with energy, and I couldn't help but join in the excitement. This unexpected twist promised a memorable end to an already unforgettable night.

"We're playing a game of '7 minutes in Heaven! I'm going to put all your names in this app. It's going to choose two people randomly and you can do whatever you want."

Gasps and laughter erupted, the idea of the game sinking in. I looked at Tyler, who had a mixture of amusement and intrigue in his eyes. People began to pair off, the excitement building as each duo awaited their turn. Natalie was the first to be paired with Daniel. As the doors closed behind them and the timer turned on, we were already guessing what could be happening inside. Since they used to date a while ago, it wasn't such a surprise.

When the spotlight landed on Alisha and Tyler, a ripple of chuckles spread through the room. Alisha's laugh was carefree, her eyes sparkling as if she were relishing the attention. Tyler's eyes met mine briefly, his lips curving into a reassuring smile before he followed Alisha into the closet. Laughter and cheers accompanied them, and the door closed behind them, shrouding them in darkness.

The seconds ticked away, and the room filled with playful banter and teasing. As the door opened and Alisha and Tyler emerged, there was an air of mischief about them, as if they had shared a secret that I would never know. I couldn't deny the pang of jealousy that surged within me. Even though I knew it was all in good fun, seeing Tyler share that closeness with someone else, even for a game, stung more than I expected.

As the game continued, the pairings shifted, and the room was filled with laughter, daring dares, and the occasional stolen kiss. My smile felt forced, my attempts to play along clashing with the unease that gnawed at me. Then it was finally my turn, and my heart raced in happiness as I realized it was Tyler.

We held hands and walked into the closet. As the doors closed behind us, we stood close to each other, our breaths interlacing. "Finally, we got paired", he said, bringing my hands up and kissing them.

"Sounds like you're disappointed."

"I don't know about me. But you definitely sound like it. ", he said teasing.

I could not properly respond to him anymore. Everything he said set off a chain reaction in me.

"Vee, come on, it was just a game," Tyler's voice rose, frustration evident in his tone.

"A game that had you cosying up with Alisha," I retorted, my jealousy igniting an anger I hadn't felt before.

"Seriously, Vee? You know that was nothing," Tyler's words dripped with irritation.

"Yeah, well, it felt like something to me," I shot back, the hurt and insecurity fueling my anger.

Tyler's jaw clenched his expression hardening. "You're overreacting, Vee. This isn't fair."

"Oh, right. So now I'm not allowed to feel anything?" My voice shook with a mixture of anger and pain.

Tyler's frustration reached a boiling point, and his words were sharp and hurtful. "I know what you're going through. But right now, you're just looking for reasons to be upset."

The sting of his words was like a slap across the face. Hurt pooled in my eyes, but I refused to let it show. I stepped away from him, my voice trembling with anger. "Looking for reasons. Wow? Ty. Do you think this is all a big joke? — Or I'm doing it all for pity? My mom died. How would you understand that, Mr.Perfect."

"That's not what I meant. But, you're overfetching. If you didn't like the game, or coming to the party, you could have told me."

"So you could come alone?"

"What? No. What's wrong with you? Why are you twisting my words?"

"You know what, Tyler? Fine. This has all been a big mistake. I'll leave."

Before he could respond, I turned on my heel and stormed out of the room. The partygoers stared in shock, as I ran up the stairs and locked the door to the first room I saw. Tyler ran behind me, trying to get a hold of me and talk.

"Vee, please. Let's talk"

"Leave me alone, Tyler."

"What's going on, Tyler", I heard a voice approaching closer to the door. I could guess it was Alisha.

"It's nothing, Alisha, I just need to talk to her."

"Come on, Vee. Don't be such a drama queen. You're killing the party.", she said, coming closer to the door.

Drama queen? How dare that, bitch. I couldn't take her voice standing there. "Shut up. This is none of your business. Leave us alone." I screamed from inside. Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes, a mixture of frustration and a sense of helplessness washing over me. I couldn't stay there, not when every corner of the house felt suffocating. I came out of the room, pushed Tyler aside, and ran down again.

"Nate, are you drunk?"

"Uhh, maybe. Why?"

"Can you drive?"

"I think so. But why?"

"I just need you to drive."

"Okay", he said and he grabbed the keys from near the fireplace.

We got into his Mercedes and with a huge exhale, he started the car and pulled it out of the driveway. "Where to?"

"Just keep going."

I could feel everyone else looking at us from behind, not understanding what was happening.

The engine roared to life, and we accelerated down the street, the wind whipping through my hair. My vision blurred as the tears spilt over, a mixture of anger and sadness coursing through me.

"What's going on?"

Tears fell without control. "I don't know. I feel like I'm going crazy in there. It's just too overwhelming."

"It's okay, Vee. I get it. No one expected you to be normal."

"That's the problem. I want to be normal, but I can't. Everything triggers me. I know I'm all over the place, but I can't control myself. This was supposed to be my special night, but I can't even look at Tyler in the eye anymore."

"Ohh! You were going to do it tonight?"

"Yeah! But that's not important."

"No. No. Talk to me about it. Let's take your mind off of the rest."

"Uhh. I don't think I want to talk about that with you."

"Why not?"

"I've never told you this. But I had the biggest crush on you in Freshman year."

"You don't have to tell. I knew", he said grinning like an idiot.

"You knew?"

"You weren't really subtle."

"Ugh.. This is embarrassing.", I said closing my eyes with my hands

"Don't be. If it makes you feel better, I liked you too."

"What? Don't joke with me. I never thought you..."

"Tyler and you were thick as thieves. I never really had the chance."

"I didn't think I had a chance with you either. What's up with Alisha, anyway? Are you guys getting back together?"

"I don't think so. She's not what I thought she was. She got what she wanted from me, and now she doesn't need me anymore. She's moved on to the next best thing and I don't care anymore. I'm over it."

"That's stupid. If I had a boyfriend like you, I could never let you go. You're a full package, you know?". We laughed.

"I know a cool place just ahead. That's where I go when I'm pissed off. Do you wanna go?"

"Sure"

Soon, we ventured into the night, ascending a small hill that unveiled a serene panorama. A pond glittered like a jewel, surrounded by trees that swayed to a rhythm only they could hear. Lights beneath two benches cast a soft glow. We sat, gazing at the stars above.

Nate sensed my mood and held my hand. It felt comforting and there, in the quiet, I poured my heart out, sharing the guilt I felt for not thinking of my mom and not getting the university I was waiting for. The weight of my emotions felt lessened as I shared them with Nate. I realized that my insecurities had driven a wedge between Tyler and me, making me question everything.

"Maybe you just need a break," Nate suggested gently. "A change of scenery, meeting new people, and having some fun could do wonders."

I sighed, considering his words. "I wish."

We stayed there, watching the stars without much talking for some more time. The night air carried away my anger, and in its place, a sense of unrest and sorrow settled within. With resolve in my heart, I rose to my feet. Turning to Nate, I said, "Let's return to the party. I don't want to keep them all waiting for us."

We walked back to the car and sat in. "I know you'll hate me for this. But I might have something that you need.". He opened the glove box and grabbed a small pill bottle. They looked like some placebo pills, but I could guess what it was.

"I don't think that's a good idea, Nate."

"It's just to take the edge off, just for tonight," he assured me. "You could use a break."

"Umm... I don't know."

"Trust me." He immediately put one under his tongue. "Go on. Try it", he said, handing a box to me.

Drugs are wrong. I know. It's only a problem If I'm addicted. I'm only going to do it once, so I can enjoy the night. What's the worst that could happen?

I took two pills out of the box and put them under the tongue, just like he did.

"Nothing's happening", I said.

"Give it some time. Shall we go?"

"Yes, but I'm driving", I said with a mischievous grin.

"Yaay! That's right, baby."

As I got behind the wheel and began driving back to the party, I couldn't help but wonder whether this choice would lead to more problems or offer a temporary escape from whatever was left of the night.

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Hi Love,

What do you think is going to happen next? Keep your guesses coming.

I really appreciate every reader taking your time to go over my story. I hope I could bring some desi vibes into this story - exploring the best of both worlds for you guys.

LOVEEE,

Regina