THE PRETTY LIE

As Christine stepped out of the car, the crisp autumn air whispered secrets of a new beginning. Her heart skipped a beat as she gazed out at the unfamiliar campus, a mix of excitement and nerves swirling in her stomach. But despite the thrill of this new chapter, she looked upset, a little overwhelmed, as she began to talk to her mom.

"But you promised not to drive me here," Christine said, her voice laced with a hint of frustration. "You said I was going to be free, like a bird, remember?"

Her mom, looking a little nervous, responded, "I did what every mother does, which is to worry. That's a normal thing, Christine."

Christine's expression turned wry. "Oh, really? But you never let me be free for once in my life. Good thing I'm finally off the hook."

As her mom walked towards her, Christine continued, "Finally, you're leaving your mother's nest. But also, remember, sex is a choice, and—"

Christine quickly interrupted her mom as she whispered urgently, "Okay, Mom, not here. You're embarrassing me."

Her mom smiled sheepishly. "I'm just saying what you should know as your mom."

Christine rolled her eyes good-naturedly. "Which you've been saying all day and night since I was 10."

As her mom launched into another reminder, Christine interrupted, "Fine, I'll make sure to call you every night, answer my phone whenever you call, and I'm not saying I shouldn't have fun, but remember that everything—"

"---Is a choice, and all that matters is what you put at risk. I promise I won't do any stupid thing." Her mom smiled, satisfied that Christine was listening 

Her mom's expression turned serious. "Fine, I'll get going. Or do you need me to help you find your room?"

Christine shook her head, feeling a sense of independence wash over her. "No, I can do it myself. Get going, Mom."

With a final hug and a reminder to stay safe, Christine's mom drove off, leaving Christine to embark on her college journey alone.

*-*

As she wandered through the bustling campus, Christine couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder and possibility wash over her. The warm sunlight cast a golden glow over the lush green lawns, and the sound of laughter and chatter filled the air. After searching for the right way to go, she finally stumbled upon her dorm building and made her way to her room.

"Hello," she said softly as she stepped inside, her eyes adjusting to the cozy atmosphere.

"Hey, roomie!" a girl who was about her age replied, looking up from her phone with a bright, cheerful smile. Jessie's long, curly brown hair cascaded down her back, and her hazel eyes sparkled with excitement.

"You must be Jessie. I'm Chris, by the way," Christine said, extending her hand in greeting.

"Yes, I am! Finally, they brought me a roommate!" Jessie exclaimed, pumping Christine's hand enthusiastically. "We're going to be besties and do everything together."

Christine chuckled, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. "Sure, we're going to be besties."

Jessie's eyes sparkled mischievously. "So, there's a freshmen party tonight, and I was wondering if you could come. It's going to be epic!"

Christine hesitated, feeling a flutter of nervousness in her stomach. "I'd love to, but going out isn't really my thing. Besides, I'm just settling in and all that."

Jessie pouted, her lower lip jutting out in a playful scowl. "Come on, don't kill the vibe, bitch! It's going to be fun, and other freshmen are going to be there. You can't miss it!"

Christine shook her head, feeling a sense of trepidation. "I'm not going."

Jessie's expression turned persuasive, her eyes pleading with Christine to change her mind. "Please, I don't want to go alone. Besides, you're my new best friend."

Christine sighed, feeling her resolve weaken. "Fine, but we're not staying late."

Jessie grinned triumphantly, pumping her fist in the air. "Yes! Thank you, Chris! You won't regret it, I promise!"

*-*

As soon as Christine agreed to go to the party, Jessie rummaged through her closet, pulling out a dazzling outfit that sparkled like diamonds in the dim light of their dorm room. Christine hesitated, her eyes widening as she took in the revealing dress, but Jessie's enthusiasm was contagious, spreading like wildfire through her veins.

Before she knew it, Christine found herself in the midst of the party, Jessie's hand gripping hers like a lifeline as they navigated through the sea of unfamiliar faces. The air was electric, pulsating with the thumping bass of the music, and Christine's anxiety spiked, her heart racing like a jackrabbit.

"I can't believe you dragged me into this," Christine said, her voice barely audible over the din of the party, feeling like a small boat adrift in a stormy sea.

"Come on, I just helped you so you won't be bored all alone by yourself," Jessie responded, her voice dripping with persuasion, her eyes sparkling like fireworks.

"I don't like this," Christine said, her voice firm, but her eyes betraying her uncertainty.

"Oh, stop being dramatic, it's going to be fun! Wait here, I'll get us drinks," Jessie said, disappearing into the crowd like a ghost, leaving Christine alone and vulnerable.

Christine stood alone, observing her surroundings with a mixture of curiosity and trepidation. Her eyes wandered, taking in the colorful decorations, the laughter, and the music, until they landed on a mysterious guy sitting amidst his friends, completely absorbed in drawing. He seemed oblivious to his surroundings, lost in his own little world, his pencil moving with swift, sure strokes.

One of his friends whispered something in his ear, and he stood up, his eyes locking onto Christine like a magnet. He flashed a charming smile, his eyes crinkling at the corners, as he approached her with a confident swagger.

"Hey, baby girl, my friends say you were checking me out. So, you like what you see?" he asked, his voice low and smooth, like honey dripping from a spoon.

Christine rolled her eyes, her heart skipping a beat as she took in his chiseled features, his piercing blue eyes, and his chiseled jawline. "Uhmm, first of all, I wasn't staring at you. And secondly, I think your friends are obviously blind. Plus, there's nothing to like here."

The guy chuckled, his eyes glinting with amusement. "Wow, I didn't know you could be a bitch. But based on your looks, you're too pretty to be mad."

Christine's eyes narrowed, her anger simmering just below the surface. "Oh, really? I'm the bitch, and that makes you the bad guy."

The guy grinned, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "Yeah, so you do like this bad boy, huh?"

Christine scoffed, her voice dripping with disdain. "Just because you're hot and sexy doesn't mean I like you. So, I think you should fall back."

Just then, Jessie returned with drinks in her hands, her eyes flashing with annoyance. "So, I left my best friend for five minutes, and that gives you the right to flirt with her?" she asked, her voice firm but playful.

The guy smirked, his eyes glinting with amusement. "Catch you up later, baby girl."

Jessie shouted after him, "Yeah, that's rude!"

Christine raised an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued. "Who was that?"

Jessie replied, "That's Peter"

Christine whispers urgently "He's literally the worst thing that could happen at this party."

Christine's eyes widened, her mind racing with questions as Jessie continues to talk. "Not really. He's the hottest person in this whole freshman year. Too bad he's a psycho."

Christine nodded, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Obviously."

Jessie sighed, her shoulders sagging in relief. "Yeah, that's Peter for you. By the way, are you having fun?" Jessie asked.

Christine shook her head, her eyes scanning the crowded room. "No, it's boring."

Jessie grinned mischievously, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "It can't be boring when I'm here. Come on, let's have some fun!"

Jessie grabbed Christine's hand, pulling her into the crowd. They navigated through the sea of people, the music pulsating around them. Christine felt a rush of excitement mixed with anxiety as they made their way to the dance floor.

As they danced, Christine couldn't help but notice Peter watching her from across the room. His eyes seemed to bore into her soul, making her feel uncomfortable and intrigued at the same time.

Jessie, sensing Christine's unease, leaned in close. "Hey, don't let Peter get to you. He's just a player."

Christine nodded, trying to brush off the feeling of being watched. But she couldn't shake off the sense that Peter was waiting for her, his eyes fixed on her like a predator stalking its prey.

Little did she know, Peter's gaze held more than just casual interest, and their encounter was only the beginning of a complicated game.