Fallen For My Bully

Chapter 3— I am drowning.

I was in a bodycon mini red dress, and normally, I would have gone with my natural-looking face, but after my encounter with Tristan earlier, I wanted to slay. I wanted to prove to him that I was glowing and he wouldn't be able to dim my light this time.

My roommates and I got out of the car and Caroline rushed to me with a wide smile on her face.

"Remember to put in a good word for us when you talk to Tristan Reed." She stated and I sighed in defeat.

I had already tried to convince them earlier that we were just classmates, but they wouldn't budge. And the worst part was that I couldn't tell them the truth.

It would be too embarrassing to tell them about how I was bullied. Besides, I barely knew them to disclose such sensitive information.

The sight of so many students outside in the pool section gave me chills. It's been so long since I was last allowed to come to an event due to the seclusion I received in high-school.

I halted in my steps for a second feeling anxious, but when Caroline gave me a questioning gaze, I forced myself to move.

The smell of alcohol and sound of music grew stronger as we approached the house. Caroline and Maya decided to swim so they stopped at the swimming pool area, but since I didn't want to ruin my look, I went inside the house.

Moreover, I would really love to meet new people. But sadly, the first person I saw when I dashed in was Tristan Reed. It felt like the universe had a twisted sense of humor.

He was with a group of friends with a girl on his laps and as he said something in her ear, she laughed, placing an arm on his chest.

Eew. Man w***e.

Noticing the kitchen by my right, I instantly rushed in. The last thing I wanted was an encounter with him.

Bottles of alcohol and plastic cups were scattered across the kitchen counter, and I took the unopened bottle of gin I sighted.

I hardly take alcohol, but I wanted to explore it in this phase of my life. I wanted to have all the fun I missed out in high school.

But just as I was about to pour my second cup, a warm hand held mine to stop me.

"If you do that, you might be too drunk to walk properly and the party is just getting started," He stated, and when I looked up at him, my mouth parted.

He was surreal. He had jet-black hair, hazel eyes, and a neatly trimmed beard. His lips were surprisingly so pink. My heart skipped a beat, but I couldn't help but compare him to Tristan, and sadly, I knew Tristan was more attractive.

"Um...well, I didn't know." I cleared my throat, regaining my composure and he slowly took the cup from me.

"Thank you." I gave him a half smile and he rested on the counter, staring deeply at me.

"And you are?"

"Lydia Hale. You?"

"Andrew. Nice to meet you, Lydia. I have been staring at you ever since you entered this kitchen. You're very beautiful." He said, his voice growing deeper and I swallowed hard.

I didn't know what to say next. Did he want me to flirt back? How could I? Managing a conversation with a male wasn't something I was good at.

"Hm. Thank you," I replied awkwardly and he chuckled.

"So, first college party?" Andrew asked tilting his head.

"Yeah, is it that obvious?" I raised a brow and he nodded, laughing lightly.

"Kind of. Would you like to go to the swimming pool with me?" He asked and when my eyes narrowed slightly, he shook his head.

"No, no. I don't mean to be forward in anyway. People are in there just swimming and talking. I just think it will be a comfortable place to know each other better." He said and at first I hesitated due to how open that place was, but remembering my promise to myself to explore better, I nodded any way.

"Sure." I replied, then we walked out of the kitchen. When we arrived outside, I saw Caroline and Maya sitting among a group of people. They were seated in a circle, facing one another and it looked like they were playing a game.

My eyes scanned through the group searching for him subconsciously and when I saw him, I quickened my pace.

But just as we arrived at the swimming pool, Caroline had to open her big mouth.

"Omg! Lydia! Come and join us!" I heard her yell, then I forced myself to look their way.

"Thanks, but no!" I yelled back and through the corner of my eyes, I could see Tristan smirking.

"Just admit that you're scared of playing a truth and dare game, Lydia!" That annoying vulture said and I sighed in defeat.

He definitely knew how to challenge someone.

Fine. I will prove to him that I have changed.

I looked back at Andrew gesturing towards the group and when he shrugged, we went their way. As we approached the group, the chatter gradually reduced and several eyes turned towards us.

But I was only painfully aware of Tristan's gaze. His eyes briefly slid to Andrew standing next to me, scanning him from head to toe before it returned to my face.

"Well, well. Look who finally decided to join us." He said with a lazy smile on his face and I folded my arm, refusing to look intimidated.

"Don't flatter yourself. I am here for the game," I responded and a few people in the group laughed quietly.

Andrew and I sat down across Tristan. I could feel his gaze still lingering on me which caused heat to spread all over my skin.

The bottle in the center of the circle was spun again, rolling across the wooden floor as everyone leaned forward in anticipation.

It slowed.

Turned.

Then stopped.

Pointing directly at me and Tristan.

"Truth or dare?" He asked, smirking mischievously and in order to keep my sassy act, I fell into this lion's trap.

"Dare." I responded and his gaze darkened making my stomach turn. I wished I could go back on my word.

"Oh, this is perfect," He said slowly making my chest rise in tension.

"I dare you to kiss me."

As these words left his mouth, I could feel my eyes bulge out of my face.

What the f**k?