Truth or Dare

SKYLAR’S POV When I got home, the house was unusually quiet. No music, no sound from the TV — nothing. My parents weren’t around. I went straight to my room, dropped my backpack on the floor, and took a long shower. The water helped me relax, washing away the exhaustion of the day. I changed into something simple — ripped jeans and a light top — and headed to the kitchen, starving. To my delight, Mom had made macaroni and cheese. My favorite. I grinned like a child, microwaved a plate, and devoured it in minutes. When I was done, I texted her: “Hey Mom, I won’t be back early. Going for a party.” A few moments later, my phone buzzed. “Alright, princess. Have fun — and maybe get a boyfriend while you’re at it.” I rolled my eyes so hard it hurt. “Oh, Mom,” I muttered under my breath, chuckling. I grabbed my small bag and headed out to meet Kenzy, who was waiting for me outside. “Party, here we come,” I murmured as I got into her car. “How’s Ace doing?” I asked, breaking the silence. Kenzy’s face instantly lit up. “We’re official!” “Wait, what?!” I gasped. She laughed shyly. “Yeah. We talked after the last party… and he asked me out.” “Wow, babe! I’m so happy for you,” I said, pulling her into a half-hug. “You’ve had a crush on him forever. It’s about time!” She blushed even more as I scrolled through her phone, looking at pictures from their first date. They actually looked perfect together. Back at her house, Kenzy clapped her hands dramatically. “Alright, girl — it’s time to get you ready for the party.” “Ugh, do I have to?” I groaned. “Yes, you do,” she said, rummaging through her closet. “You’re not wearing baggy jeans tonight.” Minutes later, she handed me a bright yellow dress. I stared at it like it was some sort of alien fabric. “Kenzy, I look ridiculous,” I complained, tugging the hem down. “No, girl, you look stunning. Wait till you see yourself.” She spent forever on my makeup — foundation, lashes, lip gloss, the whole deal. When she finally dragged me to the mirror, I barely recognized myself. My jaw dropped. “Wow,” I whispered. “See? Told you,” she said proudly. “You’re glowing.” I really was. My hazel eyes looked brighter, my curls fell perfectly over my shoulders, and the dress hugged my curves in ways that made me blush. I felt beautiful… and nervous. “But, Kenzy,” I said softly, “I don’t feel comfortable in this.” She smiled reassuringly. “Don’t worry, we won’t stay long. Just breathe.” Still, one thought kept haunting me: What if he’s there? Caden. Just the idea made my stomach twist. I hated him. Or at least, I told myself I did. Alex arrived to pick us up not long after. He looked sharp — jeans, a black jacket, and that charming smile of his. “Wow, Sky, you look gorgeous,” he said with a playful wink. I felt my cheeks warm. “Thanks, Alex.” Kenzy smirked. “If I didn’t know better, I’d think you were flirting with her.” He laughed. “Please, you know my type.” That made me giggle. Alex was gay — and only the three of us knew. It was our little secret. He pecked my forehead and held out his hand dramatically. “Shall we, my ladies?” “Yes, your majesty,” Kenzy replied with a bow, making us all laugh. The party was already in full swing by the time we arrived. Loud music pulsed through the house, lights flickering in every color imaginable. The air smelled of alcohol and smoke, mixed with perfume and sweat. Alex noticed how tense I’d gotten and gently wrapped his arm around my waist. “Relax,” he whispered. “You’ll be fine.” We found a corner to sit and started joking around. Before long, Ace appeared, grinning from ear to ear. “Hey, guys,” he greeted, before slipping his arm around Kenzy’s waist and planting a kiss on her cheek. “Do you mind if I borrow her?” he asked. “She’s all yours,” Alex said teasingly. They disappeared into the crowd, and then Alex left too — apparently to get drinks. I sat alone for a while, scrolling on my phone, until boredom finally won. I decided to go look for Kenzy. I checked the first room — mistake. Two people were making out on the bed. I slammed the door shut, face burning. I tried another door and stopped in my tracks. There they were — Kenzy, Ace, Caden, and a few others I knew from school. The atmosphere screamed trouble. “Sky! You came just in time!” Kenzy shouted, pulling me inside. “We’re playing Truth or Dare!” Of course they were. I sighed and sat down, already regretting it. Kenzy was dared to give Ace a lap dance — which she did way too happily. Everyone cheered and laughed. Then it was my turn. “Truth,” I said immediately. Seth, one of the guys, smirked. “Okay, have you ever kissed anyone before?” My face heated. “No.” The room erupted in laughter. “Aw, how adorable,” someone mocked. I laughed awkwardly, trying to brush it off. Next round. My turn again. “Truth,” I said. Before anyone else could respond, Caden’s deep voice cut through the noise. “Of course you’d pick truth. Too scared to have fun, right?” That did it. “Fine,” I said, glaring at him. “Dare.” Samantha, with her mischievous smile, leaned forward. “I dare you to kiss Caden.” “What?!” My eyes widened. “No way.” “Then you’ll have to date me for a month,” Caden said casually, his lips curling into a smirk. The group erupted in laughter. I glared at him, feeling my pulse quicken. “Fine,” I said through gritted teeth. I stepped closer, staring at his annoyingly perfect face. His blue eyes locked on mine, unreadable. Before I could think, he closed the distance and kissed me. It wasn’t gentle. It was intense. His hand slid to my waist, pulling me closer. My fingers instinctively gripped his shoulders. His lips were soft, tasting faintly of mint. My heart raced so fast it scared me. Then Ace’s voice broke through: “Get a room, you two!” I jumped back, face burning. Samantha grinned. “That’s not even the real dare. You were supposed to kiss him, not the other way around.” My mouth fell open. “What?!” Caden smirked. “Guess that means you owe me another one.” “No way,” I snapped, storming to my feet. “You can keep your dare — and your stupid month.” I left the room, my cheeks hot with anger. My first kiss — stolen by a guy I couldn’t stand. Back in the living room, I found Alex chatting with a new guy. “Hey,” I muttered, dropping beside him. He looked up. “Whoa, what happened? You look like you just fought a tornado.” I told him everything. Every humiliating detail. When I finished, both of them burst into laughter. “You’re laughing?!” I cried, smacking Alex’s arm. He raised his hands, still laughing. “Sorry, babe. I swear I’m not laughing at you.” The other guy chuckled. “Sounds like a pretty memorable first kiss, though.” I groaned and buried my face in my hands. “Kill me now.” Alex grinned. “Oh, honey, this is just the beginning.”