By: Justashley

January 19, 2011

Introduction:

"Tonight, we're going to a party." Those were the words that kept me goin' that day. I was beyond psyched. It's not that we were dorks or anything, we just were not particularly in the "in- crowd" so to speak. Me and my best friend Marissa have always felt we were above those people, and just never stooped to their level.

I was going to be something in life. The popular kids were like a sickness, and an incurable one at that, much like some of their STD's, I'm sure. I never had an interest to be like them, whether that meant being a sleaze, or a stoner, or a failure. There are better things to worry about. It took me till about this year to realize all of that. And it's about time I got some confidence and common sense, with my being a senior and all.

I don't really give the guys at my school the time of day; they were all the same – Dumb. I only had one real boyfriend and that had been two years ago. Back when I was dumb. But I wasn't a loser, I'm actually pretty. And nice. And really smart. I guess guys might've been intimidated by me. I'm a triple threat.

But what better place to meet new guys, mature guys; than at a party, right? Even better yet, a college party.

Well, turns out I wasn't as smart as I thought I was. I didn't know what could happen. Or the consequences. I was unaware of everything at the time, unaware of a whole other world. But I would learn soon enough.

And the damage couldn't be undone...

1.

I felt like a Zombie. Only one class down, and many more to go. I did not feel like being at school right now. I considered calling my mom and telling her I was sick. I kinda was sick. Sick of being bored. My life was empty. My days and night consisted of being at home texting, studying, or occasionally hanging out with my best friend Marissa. I wanted more.

At my locker I watched Marissa skip up to me all perky.

"What are you so happy about?" I asked in a tired voice.

"Tonight, we're going to a party."

"What? We never go to the parties, Marissa."

"Oh god I know that, ." She began, "I'm not talking about some stupid party at Jesse's." she said referring to the most popular girl in school. I raised an eyebrow so she would continue to explain.
" I'm talking about a real college party!" She squeaked excitedly. "Matt said I could go, and I'm bringing you along. Now thank me!" Matt was Marissa's boyfriend for about a year now and he had recently gone off the a college not too far from the high school. University of California. One of the top rated party schools in the nation. Just a fact.

School went by even slower after that. I was so excited I could feel my blood pressure rising. I knew what went on at parties, I'm not stupid. So, I had no intention of hooking up or drinking or anything. I'm a good kid. Plus, the thought of being intoxicated did not appeal to me. Getting messed up and making an ass out of yourself didn't exactly sound like my cup of tea.

Finally getting home after a long day at high school I couldn't keep my nonchalant facade any longer. I raced up the stairs to my room and began packing a bag.

"Um, Lena, what do you think you're doing?" asked my mother, arms crossed leaning in the doorway.

"Oh!" I scrambled around in my brain for something to say. I'm not a liar so it was hard to come up with something on the spot. "I'm spending the night at Marissa's tonight."

"Why are you in such a hurry?" She continued to question me, taking a step into my room.

"She needs me over there, like now." I began, thinking of a story. "Matt broke up with her and she's having a breakdown. We need a girls night." I thought I sounded convincing.

"Alright then. Well have fun, don't get into trouble." I rolled my eyes at the usual mom speech.

When she left I tore through my closet for something to wear tonight. After speed changing through about five outfits I finally settled for black skinny jeans and a black tank top and a cardigan, plus jewelery and a small black clutch purse. I was ready.

At first I thought the all black theme was too much of a statement, but after all that is what I was going for. Plus, I thought it made me look older. I wanted to make a statement and be noticed to people other than my regular peers.

With a new confident attitude I waltzed out the door and headed to Marissa's.