Chapter 6 Six

Emma

The whole week flew by in a whirlwind of paperwork, campus orientation sessions, and settling into a routine with Jade. Registrations were finally done, my schedule was set, and classes would start properly next week. Tonight was the big back-to-school freshman party, and my stomach was already in knots.

“Emma, absolutely not,” Jade declared, standing dramatically in front of our big shared closet. “You cannot wear that plain top and jeans. This is the party of the year!”

I looked down at my safe outfit. “It’s cute and I feel comfortable…”

“Comfortable is for the library,” Jade said, diving into the huge closet. She pulled out a soft off-shoulder cream top with delicate lace trim along the neckline and a pair of flattering high-waisted dark jeans. “Try this. It’s cute, not over-the-top, and it’ll look amazing on you.”

I hesitated. “That’s yours. I don’t have a lot of clothes here yet…”

“Roommates share! Put it on,” she insisted, pushing the clothes into my arms.

I changed quickly. The top was soft and showed just a hint of shoulder and collarbone. I brushed my long dark hair into loose waves and added a little lip gloss.

Jade clapped her hands. “Yes! You look hot but still totally you. The good-girl-next-door vibe is strong.”

I laughed nervously. “I’m still not drinking tonight. I need to stay clear-headed.”

“Fine, fine,” she said, rolling her eyes playfully while finishing her own makeup. “Now call your best friend. She has to see this transformation.”

I FaceTimed Mia. She answered on the first ring.

“Emma! Finally! How’s college treating my future lawyer?”

I turned the camera so she could see both me and Jade. “Good! This is my roommate Jade. Jade, meet Mia — my best friend since forever.”

“Hi Mia!” Jade waved enthusiastically. “Your girl is looking fire tonight. We’re forcing her to the big freshman party.”

Mia squealed loudly. “A party?! Emma Harper at a party? I never thought I’d live to see this day! Jade, you’re a miracle worker. Please send pictures and make sure she actually has fun instead of hiding in a corner with a book.”

Jade laughed. “I’ve got her back. She already promised she’ll stay for a bit.”

We talked for a good fifteen minutes — Mia complaining about her own roommate, Jade sharing funny stories, me reminding them I was only going because of Jade. By the time we hung up, I felt slightly less anxious.

“Ready to go?” Jade asked, linking her arm with mine.

“As ready as I’ll ever be,” I muttered.

The party was loud and overwhelming. The big off-campus house was packed wall-to-wall with freshmen. Music blasted from every corner, colorful lights flashed, and the air smelled like alcohol and perfume.

“Wow,” I said as we squeezed inside.

Jade was instantly glowing. “This is what I’m talking about! Let’s get you a soda or something.”

We made our way through the crowd. Jade was the life of the party — chatting with everyone, introducing me to random people, dancing a little even while standing.

“Emma, these are Sarah and Priya from the second floor,” Jade said excitedly.

“Hi,” I smiled politely. “Nice to meet you guys. The music is really loud, huh?”

Sarah laughed. “It’s perfect! You have to dance with us later.”

“I’m more of a people-watcher tonight,” I replied.

Jade nudged me. “She’s in full good-girl mode. But I’m slowly corrupting her.”

We spent the next hour talking and laughing in our little group. Jade dominated most of the conversation with hilarious gap-year stories that had everyone in stitches.

“That time in Thailand when I—” Jade started.

I was laughing along when Jade suddenly leaned close. “I really need to pee. Stay right here, okay? I’ll be back super quick.”

“Okay,” I said.

Ten minutes passed. Then fifteen. No Jade. I texted her twice with no reply. Worry started creeping in.

I pushed through the crowded house and stepped out into the backyard for some air, hoping to spot her.

“Jade?” I called softly, walking further from the noise.

A tall, muscular guy in a varsity jacket stumbled toward me, clearly very drunk. His eyes lit up when he saw me.

“Heyyy, beautiful,” he slurred, stepping way too close. “What’s a pretty thing like you doing out here all alone? You look lonely… I can keep you company.”

“I’m just looking for my friend,” I said firmly, trying to step back. “She went to the bathroom.”

He ignored that and moved closer, his breath reeking of beer. “Come on, don’t be stuck up. You freshmen girls are always playing hard to get.” His hand reached out and grabbed my arm. “Let me show you a good time. I bet you’ve never been with a guy like me.”

I yanked my arm away. “Let go of me!”

He laughed and grabbed me again, harder this time, pulling me toward him. “Feisty. I like that. C’mere, baby. Just one kiss. You know you want it.” His other hand tried to slide around my waist, fingers digging in as he pressed his body against mine.

“Stop it!” I shouted, struggling and shoving at his chest. My heart was pounding in panic. “I said no! Get off me!”

He didn’t listen. He leaned in, trying to kiss my neck. “Don’t be a tease now…”

I was fighting hard, pushing and twisting, when suddenly a strong hand yanked him violently backward.

“What the fuck do you think you’re doing?!” a deep, furious voice roared.

My savior started punching the drunk guy repeatedly — hard, angry blows. “You don’t touch women like that, you disgusting piece of shit! Disrespecting her, forcing yourself on her — I should beat the fuck out of you!”

“Stop!” I screamed, terrified at the violence. “Please stop! You’re going to kill him!”

The drunk guy was on the ground groaning. My savior stood over him, chest heaving.

I felt lightheaded. My knees buckled. The world spun.

Strong arms caught me before I hit the ground. I looked up weakly and caught a glimpse of his face — incredibly handsome, intense dark eyes, sharp jawline.

Then everything went black.