Siya twists her face. “Why do you have to put it like that?” She makes a face and I laugh.
She playfully swats at my arm before continuing, “Go on, it’ll be fun. If not, call me. We will chat until this party monster is done.” She glares at Sophia who smiles sheepishly at us. I wonder how she is our friend, considering her very vibrant personality. She’s just so outgoing and bubbly. Sometimes, it feels like a privilege that she wants to hang out with us.
It was my first day on campus and I was struggling to figure out where my next class was when this whirlwind of energy—Sophia—showed up. She spotted my confused look, grabbed my arm, and dragged me along, all while introducing herself and rattling off fun facts about the campus. By the time I found my class, she’d somehow convinced me to join her for coffee after. And I never say no to coffee. I am not sure how it happened, but that one random encounter turned into a friendship I didn't realize I needed.
Soph gets on her knees, breaking my train of thought. “And I will be with you. You just have to say one word and I will bring you back to your haven safely, I promise.” I roll my eyes at her dramatic antics and laugh.
Maybe it won’t be that bad. I take a deep breath, feeling my resolve weakening under their persuasion. I did promise myself that I would enjoy my college life and meet tons of new people.
I look back and forth between my two friends, still feeling a little bit hesitant and unsure. But the more I think about it, the more I realize that they’re right. It’s just a party.What’s the worst that could happen?
And besides, Soph promised to stick by me the whole time, so I won’t be completely out of my comfort zone. “Fine.” I cave, trying to sound annoyed but failing miserably. “But if it gets boring or uncomfortable, you better not complain.”
Soph lets out cheers of victory, high-fiving with Siya like she just won a major battle. And I just shake my head. I don’t know what I am signing up for.
“Now, it’s your turn to be persuaded!” Sophia exclaims, pointing her finger at Siya.
Her eyes widen. “No, let her be, Soph.” I sigh. Soph pouts, crossing her arms over her chest.
“Why not?” Soph whines.
“I don’t want to, Sophie. And you know I would say yes if you insist once more, but I am not comfortable. I promise I will join you next time.” Siya smiles softly, and I guess she doesn’t know this yet, but no one can ever deny her something. At least not me. I am too fond of her.
Soph sighs. “Fine. At least one wicket is down.” She grins as she looks at me. And I smile.
I glance at Siya, my face twisted in concern. “You will be alone here. Arnav is going out, too.” I inform her.
She smiles. “Zeke will be here,” she says shyly. Zeke is my brother’s friend. He was in need of a new place to live, and Arnav asked me and Siya if we were okay with him moving in. We said yes, but if I had known that he is a heartbreaker, a playboy, I would have said no because I can’t stand Siya getting hurt anymore. I had heard rumors he had been dating two girls at the same time. Now I usually don’t trust rumors but it’s for the safety of my friend. So, when she mentions his name, I get a little worried. But then again Arnav won’t bring someone like that near us so I doubt those rumors are true.
Sophia whistles and I narrow my eyes. “You do know he’s a playboy, right?” Siya looks at me for a moment. She opens her mouth and closes it. It seems like she wants to say something, but she decides against it, nodding instead.
“I am aware of that, but we’re just friends, that’s all.” She flushes a little.
I shake my head, a little concerned for her wellbeing. “I don’t know, Siya. Are you sure about hanging out with Zeke?”
Siya puts on a defiant expression. “We’re just friends. I can handle myself.” I don’t say anything, but I might need to talk to her later.
“Now, come on. We’ve got to get dressed,” Soph exclaims, pulling me off the bed. “And don’t you dare try to wear your jeans and tops. I am going to dress you tonight.” I open mymouth in protest, and she silences me with her finger. “Ah, ah. No complaints.” She turns to Siya and winks at her. “Would you help me, babe?” Siya nods, getting off the bed herself.
I roll my eyes, already feeling a sense of resignation. Soph can be pretty persuasive when she wants to be, and I know better than to argue with her. Especially when she’s got Siya on her side.
“Fine,” I grumble, allowing myself to be dragged into the room. “But I draw the line at anything too revealing.”
As I follow Soph and Siya into the latter’s room, I brace myself for what’s to come. I know that when it comes to fashion, my friends can be a little…intense.
“Okay, first things first,” Soph says, her eyes scanning me up and down. “We need to find something that’s both comfortable and flattering. No offense, but your usual jeans and T-shirt combo isn’t going to cut it tonight.”
“Trust me, you have made that clear.” I glare at her, earning a sheepish smile from her. “But I’m not wearing anything too flashy. Or short. Or tight,” I mutter.
“Don’t worry,” Soph says, waving her hand dismissively. “We won’t make you look like a disco ball. We just want to show off your best features.”
Soph rummages through the suitcase that she brought with her; she is going to stay with us this week because her mother is out of town and she did not want to stay alone. She pulls out a few dresses. I watch as she lays them out on the bed, my stomach turning at how short and tight they are. They’re all pretty but way too revealing for my taste. I eye the dresses warily, feeling a wave of anxiety wash over me.
“Soph, these are all a little too revealing for me. Can’t I just wear something simple?” I ask.
Soph rolls her eyes, clearly not taking my concerns seriously. “Simple? We’re not going to a funeral, Anya. We’re going to a party. You need to look sexy.” She winks.
I look through the dresses. A black silhouette catches my eye. The fabric is silky and luxurious, shimmering in the light. It’s beautiful and the simplest of the ones she has pulled out.
