Ms. Perfect's Imperfection

Chapter 2

I took a deep breath, trying to calm the nervous energy bubbling up inside me. What could go wrong, right? It’s not like I was planning on getting drunk. I’d had a few drinks here and there before, but I knew my limits well enough to avoid any embarrassing mishaps. I wasn’t exactly known for being able to hold my alcohol, so I usually steered clear of it anyway. Just a little, if any at all.

I glanced around my dorm room, the familiar space looking almost comforting in the dim light. The clock on my nightstand read just past seven. With the school’s curfew at 11 p.m., I wouldn’t have a lot of time to hang out, but maybe that was for the best. This way, I wouldn’t be tempted to stay out late—or risk sneaking back in smelling like alcohol. My dorm mates would definitely notice, and the last thing I needed was any rumors flying around.

Before Arielle arrived, I decided to go all out—a rare occasion for me. I slipped into the sleek black dress she’d gifted me for my birthday, a piece I’d only tried on once but had never dared to wear out. It hugged my figure perfectly, tasteful yet daring, with a simplicity that felt both elegant and a little bold. Paired with black heels, the outfit made me feel a bit out of my comfort zone, but in an exciting way.

I added a touch of makeup to complete the look—a bit of foundation, a soft smoky eye, and a hint of red lipstick that made me look almost unrecognizable. It was amazing how a few small touches could change everything. I barely recognized myself in the mirror, and for once, I didn’t mind. Tonight, I wanted to look different, to let go of the usual constraints.

When Arielle knocked on my door and saw me, her eyes widened with approval. “Sky! You look absolutely stunning!” she exclaimed, clapping her hands in excitement. “That dress was made for you!”

I felt my cheeks flush, but I managed a smile. “Well, thank you. I figured I’d take your advice for once.”

I gave her a small smile, feeling the mixture of nerves and excitement again. “Just… no crazy plans, all right?”

Arielle laughed, looping her arm through mine as she led me down the hall. “No promises, but I’ll try to keep it tame.”

As we headed off campus toward the downtown lights, I tried to shake off the last of my worries. It was just a few hours, a little adventure. What could possibly go wrong?

-

Arielle led the way with an unmistakable bounce in her step as we arrived at Padis Point, a well-known bar downtown that seemed to glow in the night. Neon lights illuminated the entrance, and the thumping bass of music drifted out, mingling with the laughter and chatter of the crowd. It was packed with people, all there to unwind, drink, and let loose. The energy was electric, almost contagious.

I paused for a second, taking it all in. This was so different from my usual scene, and I felt a slight thrill at stepping into unfamiliar territory. Arielle, of course, was completely at ease, her confidence radiating as she tugged me toward the entrance.

“Come on, Sky,” she urged, her grin widening. “Tonight, you’re leaving your worries at the door. We’re here to have fun.”

Inside, the lights were low, with flashes of neon illuminating the tables and dance floor. The scent of cocktails, laughter, and a hint of something a bit wild hung in the air.

Arielle quickly found us a spot near the bar. “Two drinks to start us off,” she said with a wink. “Nothing too strong for you—I know you’re not exactly a heavy drinker.”

“Thanks for looking out for me,” I laughed, feeling myself begin to relax just a little.

As we settled in, I let the energy of the place wash over me. It was a strange kind of freedom—one that I hadn’t allowed myself to feel in ages.

I noticed the way Arielle’s gaze swept over the crowd, a slight glint of mischief in her eyes as if she were scanning for something—or someone.

“Are you hunting or something?” I teased, raising an eyebrow.

She flashed me a grin, though there was a flicker of something more in her expression. “Nah,” she said, a little too casually. “Just… looking for someone.”

“Oh?” I smirked, leaning in. “And who might that be?”

She shrugged, trying to play it off with an airy wave, but I wasn’t buying it. “Just someone my dad set me up with,” she said, a hint of excitement sneaking into her voice. “He’s kind of hot, you know.” She threw me a playful look, her eyes sparkling.

I couldn’t help but laugh. “Wait, so you’re telling me the Dean is playing matchmaker now?”

“Apparently so,” she snorted, rolling her eyes but unable to hide the smile. "Actually, we dated before. Uh... he's my ex?"

"Omg, is that the ex that I never met?"

"Well, yeah."

"I don't even know his name. What is it anyway?"

"It's-I'll be right back, stay there."

My jaw dropped as she slipped away, leaving me hanging mid-sentence. “Arielle!” I called after her, but she was already weaving her way through the crowd, her dark curls bouncing as she disappeared toward the bar.

I shook my head, chuckling to myself. Only Arielle would drop a bomb like that and then just walk off. So this was the ex—the one she’d been all secretive about back in high school, the one I’d only ever heard hints about but never actually met. I hadn’t even known she was still in touch with him, let alone that her dad would be in on the whole thing.

It had been over ten minutes, and Arielle still hadn’t come back.

I scanned the crowd, hoping to catch a glimpse of her, but there was no sign of her anywhere.

“Excuse me,” I asked the bartender, leaning closer over the noise. “Where’s the bathroom?”

He nodded toward a corner. “There’s one over there, but it’s usually packed with drunk people this time of night. There’s also one upstairs, mostly reserved for staff, but I can give you a key.” He handed it to me with a quick smile. “You look trustworthy.”

“Thanks,” I replied, taking the key and heading toward the staircase.

I froze on the steps, gripping the railing as Arielle’s voice cut through the silence, sharp and defensive. I couldn’t see them yet, but their heated exchange echoed down the hallway, tense and biting.

"Stop it!" A man’s voice snapped, his tone edged with frustration. "God, you're so damn annoying!"

"What the hell is wrong with you?" Arielle shot back, her voice wavering between anger and hurt. "I said I was sorry! That was a long time ago. My God!"

"f**k you! Stay out of my way, or better yet stay out of my life!" His voice rose, cold and final.

I felt a jolt of shock. I’d never heard Arielle argue with someone like this, and certainly not with that level of bitterness.

A part of me wanted to turn back, to give her privacy—but another part of me felt compelled to stay. Taking a slow, cautious step forward, I peered around the corner, hoping to get a glimpse of what was going on without being noticed.

The guy’s back was to me as he stormed off, and I caught a glimpse of Arielle's face—frustration and hurt etched across her features. She looked on the verge of tears. My heart sank, and without thinking, I took a step back, deciding it was best to let her process whatever had just happened.

Returning to my seat, I tried to shake off the unease. A moment later, Arielle slid into the chair beside me, her demeanor completely shifted. She grabbed a glass of what looked like whiskey and downed it in one gulp, signaling to the bartender for another.

“Hey, slow down,” I said, my voice laced with concern.

“I’m sorry,” she replied, frustration spilling over. “I just needed to let it out.” She raised her glass again, her eyes flickering with determination. “You don’t mind, do you?”

I hesitated, my worry mounting. I knew how she could get when she drank, and I didn’t want to be the one to deal with a drunk Arielle. But watching her like this, I realized I couldn’t just stop her. She needed to vent, even if it meant she might regret it later.

“Just… be careful, okay?” I said softly, trying to strike a balance between concern and support.

“Yeah, yeah,” she waved off my caution, downing another drink. The way she was drinking, I knew I’d have my hands full soon. But I couldn’t help but feel a pang of sympathy. Whatever had happened with her ex had clearly shaken her, and she deserved a little space to process it—no matter how messy it might get.

I just hoped I would be able to control myself too, to keep my composure as Arielle let the alcohol wash over her.

But I guessed wrong.

Within minutes, she was visibly loosening up, her laughter spilling out more freely, but it felt forced—almost like she was trying too hard to mask whatever was bothering her. I watched as she swayed a little in her seat, her eyes bright and unfocused.

“Sky!” she exclaimed, leaning over the table. “You have to try this drink! It’s amazing!” She raised her glass as if toasting, nearly spilling it in the process.

“Uh, maybe you should slow down a bit,” I suggested again, though I knew my voice was barely audible over the pounding music. The last thing I wanted was for her to make a scene or worse, for her to regret anything she might say or do later.

“Come on, it’s just one night!” she insisted, her words slightly slurred. “Let loose! You’re always so serious, Ms. Perfect! Live a little!”

I could feel my stomach knotting up. I was beginning to regret letting her drink so much. “Arielle, please, just—”

“Just what?” She leaned back, crossing her arms defiantly. “I’m fine! We’re at a party! You need to join in! You deserve to have some fun!”

As she argued, I realized it was too late. The more she drank, the more reckless she became. I could only hope that I could help her navigate this night without too many bumps along the way. The last thing I wanted was for Arielle to make a mistake she couldn’t take back.

I didn’t know how it happened, but moments later, I found myself dizzy from laughing at her jokes, which didn’t seem like jokes. They were a chaotic mix of rambling thoughts and half-formed punchlines, but something about her energy was infectious. I joined in, laughing along, even as a nagging voice in the back of my head reminded me to keep things in check.

The next thing I knew, I was outside, leaning over the railing and pouring my guts out into the bushes below. The cool night air hit my face, bringing a sharp clarity amid the fog of my drunkenness. I groaned, regretting every sip I’d taken, even though I’d barely scratched the surface compared to Arielle.