CHAPTER ONE.
798 Words
I stared at my phone, a rush of excitement running through me as I read the text message from my friend Isabelle.
"Party's tonight at 9! End of semester celebration!" I smiled as I read the bold written text.
I couldn't wait to join in the fun; I had been so busy with school, activities, and medical stuff that I really didn't have time for parties. And to top it off, it was exam week. Thank God the exams were over, and so was the semester!
I tossed my phone onto my bed, feeling a sense of relief wash over me. The soft glow of the evening sun streamed through my window, highlighting the cluttered space—textbooks stacked haphazardly, a half-finished coffee from last night, and scribbled notes scattered across my desk. It was a reminder of the countless late nights spent studying. I let out a deep sigh, feeling the weight of the semester lifting off my shoulders.
Later that day, my roommate Anna was already in the bathroom, straightening her hair and singing along to her favorite song, "Just You and Me" by Jenny. The sweet melody filled our small apartment, and I couldn't help but hum along as I got ready.
"Hey Anna, Isabelle's having a party tonight!" I shouted from the room so she could hear over the music. “You got a text too??” I asked with a lot of excitement and giggling
Anna stepped out of the bathroom, a bright smile on her face. "yes I got a text too! You know she always invites me to get parties” I'm so down for it! I'm so exhausted; I really need this."
I grinned, feeling a sense of camaraderie with my roommate. Exams had been stressing us both out, and a party was just what we needed.
As we finished getting ready, I slipped on my favorite pair of jean skirts with a blue tank top. Anna wore a blue floral dress, and we both headed out the door to celebrate.
The air was crisp and refreshing as we walked to Isabelle's house. The sound of music and laughter carried through the night air, and we could see people dancing around through the windows.
"Here we go!" Anna said, pushing the front door open.
I stepped inside, scanning the room for familiar faces. Isabelle spotted me and waved, a huge smile on her face.
"Val!" she often called me.
"Isa!" I called back.
"You finally made it! I thought you wouldn't be able to make it since you're such a nerd these days!” she joked.
I laughed, feeling a sense of ease with my friends. "I wouldn't miss your party for the world!" I smiled and gave her a hug.
Anna already left me to talk to a guy from our biology class, she seemed so excited that I didn't want to disturb her fun.
As the night faded on, I found myself laughing and cracking jokes with my friends. We danced and sang along to the music, enjoying the freedom and release of the party. The dim lighting and pulsating music created a sense of abandon, and I let myself get lost in the moment.
But as the hours passed, I began to notice that something felt... off. Isabelle and our other friends seemed... different. Their laughter was just a little too loud, their smiles lingering for a fraction of a second too long. Conversations drifted in and out, and at times, it felt like they were talking in circles.
At first, I brushed it off as exhaustion or paranoia. But then, Isabelle grabbed my wrist mid-laugh, her grip a little too tight.
"Val, have you ever felt like you're in a dream?" she asked, her voice almost hypnotic.
A chill ran down my spine.
"What do you mean?" I tried to laugh it off, but the uneasiness in my chest grew.
"Like..." she hesitated, her eyes darkening. "Like nothing is real, but it still feels right?"*
I forced a smile. "I think you've had too much to drink, Isa."
She let go of my wrist and let out a soft giggle, but something in her expression told me she wasn’t joking.
The music swelled around me, but suddenly, it felt distant—like I was hearing it through water. I looked around, and for the first time, I noticed something strange. The clock on the wall hadn’t moved. The drinks on the table were untouched, yet I could swear people had been sipping from them all night. And when I glanced back at Anna, she was staring at me, an unreadable expression on her face.
Little did I know that this party would be the beginning of the end. The night that would change my life forever…..
- Writer
