I shrug. “You never know unless you try, right?” I say casually, trying to sound convincing.
“I…uh…” she stutters. “I have been to parties.” She raises her chin in defiance.
I laugh lightly. “Make it more convincing and I’ll believe you.” I snicker. She pouts, clearly annoyed at my comment.
“Fine, I’ve never been to a party. I just don’t see the point. They’re just a waste of time.” She crosses her arms, still unconvinced. “But why would you want me at your party? We barely even know each other.”
“It’s just a party, not a life-altering decision. And we might not know each other well, but I thought you could benefit from a little adventure,” I say gently. “And I only reserve my best sales pitch for you,” I add, giving her a lazy grin.
She rolls her eyes again, but I can see her start to soften. “I’m not easily convinced, you know,” she says stubbornly. Before I can respond, her phone rings, her eyes widening as she sees the screen. “I’m sorry. I have to go, Daniel. I completely forgot I had to meet my friends right now,” she says, getting up. Disappointment bubbles in my chest, but I don’t say anything.
“Have fun.” I smile, getting up myself. I reach forward to help her gather her stuff, our hands briefly touching.
I walk out with her. “We’ll meet later if needed for the assignment,” she says.
“Yeah, no problem. We can definitely meet up. For theassignment,” I add the last part when she shoots me a look.
As she waves me goodbye and walks away, I can’t help but let out a sigh. “The invitation is still on!” I shout, watching her retreating figure. She looks at me over her shoulder once and then disappears into the crowd.
∞∞∞
5
ANYA
I stare at my phone while Soph shrieks, waving it in front of me like a victory flag. Meanwhile, Siya sits beside me, trying her best to calm her down.
“Girl, what are you thinking?” Soph exclaims. “Let’s go to that freaking party,” she says, looking at Daniel’s message.
Daniel:
The invitation still stands ??
Siya looks at me and pouts. “I am not going, Anya. Please.”
“I am not going either,” I say, giving Soph a wide grin and snuggling into Siya.
Soph glares at us like an exasperated older sister. “No. You two have been cooped up in this house the entire semester. I’ve kept quiet till now, butenough is enough.”
“What would I even do there? I don’t drink. I don’t dance. I don’t flirt and I definitely don’t do whatever nonsense happens at these parties.” I whine. “What’s the point if I won’t enjoy it?”
Soph plants her hands on her hips, her expression a mix of disbelief and frustration. “You guys are so lame. It’s a party, not a conference on economic theory. We’re going to unwind, have fun, and maybe make some bad decisions!”
“And you’ll be making them alone,” I mutter.
“Fine,” she snaps, her voice thick with sarcasm. “Stay home. Be boring. Knit a sweater or something.”
I roll my eyes, “Knitting isn’t boring.” Siya frowns, She hesitates, her gaze flitting between Soph and me. “Maybe it wouldn’t hurt to try, Anya. It might even be…fun?”
“You just said you didn’t want to go!” I say, narrowing my eyes at her.
She laughs softly. “Yeah, but I’m also not the one who promised to make the most of her college life.”
I sigh, guilt trickling in. “Will you come with me, then?”
“You know how I get around people,” she says quietly. “Besides, I don’t want you to feel like you have to babysit me.”
“I don’t babysit you. As a matter of fact, I like spending time with you. You’ve been my best friend since I was peeing in my bed.” I grin at her.
