Page 4 of Fragmented Illusions
None of them real.
I set the bottle down onto the countertop next to me with a clank. I glance up at Trenton and when my eyes meet his, I die a little on the inside. He’s so gorgeous. Why can’t people like him want me?
Because you’re the sick girl.
But no one knows that.
“That’s cool. So, what’s your major?” he asks me with a smile, and the metaphorical butterflies in my stomach start fluttering. His bright, white teeth practically reflect the lights flashing around us. This time, I actually take the time to check him out. His short brown hair is spiked. His brown eyes are somewhat glassy, making me think he’s probably had a little too much to drink, and his lips are full and pink.
When I drag my eyes away from his face, I find myself snorting. My eyes widen as I realize what noise I just made and I bring my hand up to cover my mouth, my cheeks instantly heating with embarrassment.
I stare at the counter, my entire face on fire as I berate myself for my stupidity.
“I’m not very creative, I know.” Trenton laughs, and the noise gives me enough courage to lift my gaze to meet his. He laughs harder when he sees the embarrassment written clear as day all over my face.
“There’s no reason to be embarrassed.” He reaches his hand out and brushes his fingertips against my heavily freckled cheek. My face grows warmer from his touch and when my eyes meet his, he smiles warmly at me.
“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have laughed,” I apologize, my voice small and meek.
“Why not? I laughed at myself when I put this on. A football player dressing up as a football player for Halloween is the worst costume choice of all time.” His eyes sparkle with humor and I find myself smiling genuinely in return.
“I just didn’t expect it is all,” I say truthfully. “Though, I will say I’m not surprised.”
“And why is that?”
“Because it seems like something you would do,” I add before I can change my mind. I’m the new Fallon Dahlia Kessler. I’m not the broken Fallon any longer. The new Fallon would never question things, so neither will I.
“You’re most definitely correct.” He smiles, and when he hands me another beer, I take it without hesitation.
The party around us gradually gets louder and my head starts to pound from the noise and probably from my alcohol consumption—I’m a lightweight of the worst kind.
“Hey, if you don’t mind, I’m going to go use the restroom.” I step closer to Trenton so he can hear me, and he leans down, closer to my ear to answer me.
Only so you can hear him better—not for any other reason.
He wouldn’t want someone like you, Fallon.
“Sure thing, babe. I’ll be around. Find me when you’re done.” His warm breath flows across my ear, and I shiver from that and his words.
He pulls away from me and smirks. His smile is kind of cocky, but I find it hot, nonetheless. A smile plays at my lips in return before I leave to find an empty bathroom. The two downstairs are usually always packed with long lines, so I don’t waste my time with them. Instead, I make my way up the wooden staircase which curves left before going up the rest of the way to the second floor.
Once I’m at the top, I walk down the hall, heading straight for the bathroom at the end on the right-hand side. I’ve only been at this frat house one other time before, but I remember my way around easily enough.
I knock on the door twice to make sure it’s empty, and when I don’t hear anything on the other side, I grab the old black metal doorknob and twist it open. The heavy wooden door creaks on its hinges as it swings open.
I shut it behind me and blink rapidly, trying to adjust my eyes to the sudden darkness as I feel around for the light switch which must be here somewhere…
Ah, there it is.
My fingers catch on the switch, and I quickly flick it on. A dull yellow light floods the small room and I take a deep breath at the instant comfort the light brings.
I’m not necessarily scared of the dark but I’m not ignorant to the fact most bad things happen in the dark where no one can see, and that alone is enough to make me more than hyper aware. So I choose to stay out of the dark as much as possible. I feel more comfortable that way.
After using the restroom, I wash my hands in the sink—pleasantly surprised there is actually soap in here—and quickly dry them on the towel hanging next to the compact white counter. I pull open the heavy door again and the muffled music from the party below instantly echoes around me.
“Wolves” by Big Sean and Post Malone thuds heavily through the bass and the pounding in my head multiplies. I walk toward the stairs, my heels clicking lightly against the wooden floor, when something behind me catches my eye.
I spin around and quickly glance around for what it could be. At first, I don’t see much of anything, but then a beam of light flashes before disappearing just as fast. I find myself moving toward it, the tap of my heels against the wooden floor matching every other beat of my racing heart.
