Chapter 2 Chapter 2

THREE MONTHS LATER 

Coleen

“Coleen freaking Miane? Are you ready yet?”

I turned back to find my Mark standing at the doorway. His floppy blonde hair flattered him, making him look like the golden retriever that he was. Right now though, he had a frown of annoyance on his face that seemed almost humorous.

An exasperated sigh left me as I turned to my packed bag.

“I'm almost done,” I said, even though my heart still felt heavy.

I heard him move closer before his arms wrapped around me 

“Don't think too much about it.” he murmured against my neck, “all those bad days are over. This is a fresh start for both of us,”

“Easy for you to say, Mr music prodigy,?” I nudged him teasingly, but I couldn't deny that what he said was true.

Three months after the news of our scholarship we moved into the city, got an apartment and started setting up everything else in advance. 

We'd spent the entire summer break here, preparing for its resumption whether it was going to prep classes, touring the college or exploring the city.

Everything felt new and refreshing here, far away from the town I'd grown up in. Away from the hellish memories of high school. Of Chase, Abigail and … Hayden.

I was now starting anew, moving past those days, and today was going to be the official start of my new life.

Smiling at him, I immediately stood up, handing him my bag.

“I'll race you out of the building,” I said before moving past him, rushing out my room.

After the fun moment we arrived at the college. Despite being here several times already my heart still leapt anytime I saw the name.

Domino's college's. One of the most prestigious private colleges. All my hard work has been to get here and I finally was.

Due to our separate majors. I took my classes separately from Mark. It didn't matter much though as I threw  myself fully into college life. It felt completely like a dream to be there. 

Midway through one of my classes, I made a new acquaintance in the form of Lisa.

“There's a freshers party happening tonight. I'd love it if you came with me and had fun.” she smiled.

Hesitation gripped me at their thought. I was never one for parties or extravagance, yet in the face of her enthusiastic smile I stopped myself.

This was the new me. I had to let loose. 

“Okay,” I said, receiving her hug in response. 

After the classes, I took a detour to change into the closest thing to party clothes that I had, a little black dress. Meeting up with Lisa at the college gates, she quickly led me towards the party.

It was as I expected. Loud but somehow with her by my side it didn't feel bad. As she presented me with a cup full of some unknown alcoholic concoction I couldn't even bring myself to care as I downed it. 

Shortly after, the buzz hit me And I truly began to enjoy the party.

I giggled as I stumbled and danced against the sweaty crowd, the strobe lights hypnotizing. I could have sworn I'd lost Lisa in the mix as I traversed through the party but what did it matter?

If this was what college was about, I loved it.

Stepping out of the crowd, I stumbled into a hard warm frame I vaguely recognized as a person and felt arms wrap around my waist.

“Hello.” His deep voice made me shiver . Looking up at him a string of attraction filled me. He looked handsome.

“Hello stranger,” I giggled at him. Somehow he seemed familiar… 

The thought slipped away as his arms tightened. Slowly I was pulled into a dance, words leaving me. Before suddenly, his lips fell on mine.

“Wanna go upstairs?” He murmured and I found myself nodding.

Everything else became a blur. I found myself taken out of the crowd, led through the throng of people before being alone in a room. Kissing him , I pulled him closer, savoring him. I wanted more… more…

And then…darkness.

….

I groaned against the lights as I opened my eyes. My head was pounding but I could recognize the rays of sunlight that told me it was morning. The events of last night slowly slipped in and I stiffened.

The party…the kissing and then-

Looking down at my naked frame covered with a blanket, I could already guess what happened with growing panic. A groan beside me however made me stiffen.

That voice. I remembered it.

The blurry memory of his face reached my mind, filling me with horror.

No, it couldn't be him. Anybody but him.

I turned to the side and my heart sank instantly.

A sleeping, naked Hayden Michaels was right beside me.

I'd had a one night stand with Hayden. The one I thought I'd left in town miles away. And seeing him now made one of the memories I desperately want to forget rushed back into in head like it was happening again 

Flashback

One week to graduation, And all that kept me going was the acceptance letter in my drawer back at home and the encouraging words from my parents and Mark. 

I just finished lunch and The principal had sent for me before lunch to inform me personally that I was going to be the Valedictorian of my year.

It was exciting news but there was no one to even celebrate with, my best- I mean ex best friend had been avoiding me for two weeks now after I saw her kissing my boyfriend, so now I sit alone during lunch and come to school alone vice versa.

I needed to start planning for my speech as the Valedictorian, I just had one week to prepare and I'm sure Mark and my parents would be proud of him.

I have successfully avoided Hayden, Raymond and other of his teammates for a week and I plan on doing that till graduation.

Since I had free class after lunch and I planned to use it for work on my speech but I just didn't feel like it, I just went over to the swimming pool area in school to watch them practice because I couldn't swim and that was no one's fault I don't just know how to swim.

I realized it was a huge mistake because immediately I stepped in I saw Hayden and his friends discussing something but before I could run away Raymond sighted me.

“Nerdy! Come here…” he shouted making everyone look in my direction “...we were just talking about you” he stood up and some of his friends followed him as they walked towards me.

Fuck

“I…I- will, I was just leaving” I stuttered.

He acted like I had not said anything as he continued “I heard you are going to be the Valedictorian…” he laughed “funny right? Cause I don't think you should be, I mean WE don't think you should be” he added and I knew immediately that Hayden must be the WE.

“I got to be the Valedictorian fair and square” I said trying to make the fear building up within me, as I turned to leave.

Before I knew it Raymond dragged me and pushed me into the pool.

I couldn't swear I saw surprise in Hayden's expression before I fell into the pool… but as I tried to struggle not to drown Raymond held me down in the water 

“Give up the Valedictorian position and I will let you go” he declared 

What? Is he trying to kill me for just Valedictorian position that he couldn't even take on if I drop it, only Hayden Michaels can be the next Valedictorian if I drop the position soo….jezzz he's the reason.

I couldn't take it anymore so I nodded viciously, and he dragged my head out of the water.

“What did you say?” He asked

“I said I will denounce the Valedictorian position, I will go to the principles right now and let him know I'm no longer interested in being the Valedictorian” my long time dream, I just gave it up just like that.

“Good nerdy, just as it should be!” He drew me out and walked back to were Hayden and others were sitting 

And Hayden had that smirk on his face.

I knew it was him!

Flashback ends

“Oh god,” I whispered to myself before rushing out of the bed. Through my panic, I had a clear goal.

I had to go.

I put in my scattered clothes frantically, rushing out of the room before he could wake up and leaving the building. As I rushed into the streets towards my apartment, thoughts barraged me.

I had slept with Hayden. The same Hayden who made my life hell. He wasn't supposed to be here.

I stopped in place on the sidewalk as the thought pierced my mind.

Why the hell was he here?