Page 14 of Already Falling

Canvases under arms, we make the trek back to our dorm. Chloe’s phone starts buzzing, and she juggles the art in her arms to quickly grab it, reading the message and halting in her tracks.

“It’s a text from Dane. He had to work late and feels terrible for missing my show.”

“See, I told you it wasn’t on purpose.” A feeling of relief envelopes me. She seems to relax more now, knowing her new boyfriend texted her. Chloe always puts her whole heart into every relationship and always falls in love so fast.

I hope this Dane guy doesn’t break her heart. I’m not sure if she can handle another man in her life letting her down.

SEVEN

ANNIKA

This week flew by because I am not sure how it’s already Saturday and how I’m already approaching the frat house. We arrive an hour after Isaac says to show up to the party. There is no way in hell that I am going to be the first one there. Almost immediately after walking in, Chloe pulls her boyfriend, Dane, off to the side, leaving me looking like an abandoned puppy in the middle of the foyer. Up until this moment, I was having a great time.

We spent Friday morning picking up iced chai lattes, elbows linked as we frolicked through the streets of Gaslamp, hopping between stores and gathering different clothes and accessories for our outfits. We then spent four glorious hours today getting ready, which might seem like a lot to the average person, but this is why Chloe and I are best friends. We both love the process of getting ready, even if it means different things to each of us.

For me, it includes two face masks, one detoxing and one hydrating, showering, and blow-drying my shoulder-length straight hair so it’s sleek and shiny. For Chloe, it’s dancing and singing to her favorite songs and changing her outfit ten times. Then Chloe and I sit on the floor as we do each other’s makeup.

Now, usually, I don’t approve of this. However, she begged me and said it would be fun to get out of our comfort zone. I figured I was already stretching my comfort zone by attending this party, so why not let Chloe draw on my face? Chloe gave me cobalt blue eyeliner to match the holographic halter top I picked up from Crossroads. Then she drew little white daisies on either cheek.

I have to admit, I look rather cute, and it makes me want to exude the same carefreeness that Chloe wears naturally. I drew my signature black wing on Chloe’s eyelid, then added an emerald glitter to the end of the wing. When she opened her eyes, the glitter made the light green flecks in her blue eyes sparkle. She pulled on a strappy black and green floral jumpsuit and slid her feet into her trusty Birkenstocks.

Shoes are always my hardest choice because I don’t have a lot of options. We live in a small dorm room with limited space. So I decide to follow Chloe’s suit and settle on my ol’ faithful: a pair of high-top white Converse. It gives my blue halter top and high-waisted jean shorts a casual look. I feel a little exposed with most of my back on display, but I layer with a lace bralette just in case anything tries to slip out. Chloe reassures me and says I look hot, so I’m taking her word for it. I want to look hot but also be comfortable.

My comfort left my body with Chloe as she left my side once we stepped inside the frat.

She yells to me, “I’ll meet up with you in a second!” and drags Dane with her to the study off to the left.

They are clearly on better terms after him not attending her art show.

It looks like a cozy spot to curl up with someone and suck their face, which about three other couples are already doing. May his lips rest in peace after she’s done with him. I thought it would just be Chloe and me, the dynamic duo, Thing One and Thing Two, dumb and dumber, the two cool rats. But no, she brought Dane along, of course. He gave her a million compliments when he slid into our ride-share that stopped at his apartment before coming here. Something just seems off about him. I can’t place it.

The house looks exactly the same since the last time I was here at the beginning of the year. A pain in my chest starts to rise as I glance up the foyer at the iron staircase. It swirls up each of the four levels to the bedrooms and executive bedrooms, which, regrettably, I know all too well. Before the flashbacks hit me, I swerve to the room on the left to look for Isaac. If I make myself known within the first five minutes, then I don’t feel as bad if I ditch the party shortly after. The living room is packed with people. College students are draped over the three large sofas surrounding a massive flat-screen, some are chatting, and others are engrossed in the soccer game on the TV. I spot Isaac sitting at the edge of the sofa closest to the wall and head over to him.

“Well, well, well, if it isn’t lil’ Ojai Anni! Jed, you owe me twenty dollars!”

Gosh, I hate that nickname he gives me. Isaac springs up from the sofa, arms open wide as if he thinks I’m going to greet him with a hug. In his dreams. And then I remember it’s his birthday, and it’s probably the least I can do.

I meet his hug, pat his back twice, and quickly separate my torso from his.

“Wow, you have got to be the world’s worst hugger,” he says with a belly laugh.

“Happy Birthday!” I say, grinning, and pull out a card from my crossbody purse. Before I can hand it to him, he snatches it from me. “So you bet on me showing up even though the chances weren’t in your favor?”

“Well, it is because, selfishly, I was hoping you would.” He glances up from the card in his hand to meet my eyes.

The softness in his expression lasts a moment before his eyes shoot back down to the card. What the fuck was that?

I promptly change the subject. “So, anyway, the gift card is from Chloe and I. She’s, uh, preoccupied at the moment but wishes you a happy birthday.”

I glance through the hall and see her straddling Dane’s lap in the study near the fireplace. Her face is engulfing him, and he has his hands running through her hair. Seeing their PDA gives me a strange pang in my chest. Is it disgust or envy? I hope the former.

Isaac tears open the envelope and pulls out a green mermaid gift card. “Oh, coffee shop gift card, sweet, ya know I can always use those.”

Isaac tries his best to force a genuine smile, but he knows it’s a lame gift. He starts to lean in for another hug, but I pull back before he can.

“Hey, drinks in the kitchen?” I slowly step backward, motioning towards the double doors I’m hoping lead to the kitchen.

I think I catch a look of disappointment on Isaac’s face that washes away in a split second.