Page 15 of Fighting Fate

A "light" reading break, Milli?

Who am I kidding? It was like stepping into a whirlwind of passion and intensity, each page fueling a fire inside me. It took every bit of my discipline, every fiber of my dancer's willpower, to finally snap the book shut. With a reluctant sigh, I put it aside, knowing I had to get my room in order, especially with dance practice looming in the morning. I got most of it done, setting things up just how I pictured, except for some pillows for my egg chair, still MIA.

Suddenly, the door bangs open and Payson struts in. "You better grab some shut-eye or something, 'cause Alpha Rho Tau is throwing their kick-off bash tonight, and you don't want to miss it," she announces, the door thudding shut behind her.

I let out a groan, feeling every bit of my tiredness. "Do I really have to go?" I grumble, rubbing my eyes. "Aren't you supposed to be, like, the responsible RA, guiding the newbies, not hyping up parties?" I tease, cracking one eye open just a sliver.

She gives a nonchalant shrug. "Well, there's no one to 'guide' yet," she says, making air quotes. "I showed up early because RAs have to learn all the mentor-y things." She waves her hand dismissively, as if the responsibilities of an RA were nothing more than a minor inconvenience. "Which means I'm totally free to hit the party tonight. You're coming, right?"

The energy in the room shifts, a blend of Payson's infectious enthusiasm and my own weary reluctance. It's the start of something new, a college adventure just waiting to unfold, with every choice shaping the journey ahead.

But, the thought of heaving myself out of this comfy bed to go party with a bunch of frat guys? Yeah, not exactly my idea of a great time right now. I had my heart set on diving into my new book and slipping into silky pajamas. Isn't that the ultimate college girl's dream night?

"No, Milli, not everyone kicks off their college life buried in a book," Payson remarks.

Crap, did I say that out loud? But wait, it's not really my "first" night of college, right? That's when classes start, isn't it?

Payson's head pops up from her closet. "You didn't say anything, but come on, I know you. Straight into nerd mode with your steamy books, right?"

I roll my eyes internally. Yeah, I'd rather live vicariously through "slutty" books than be "slutty" in real life. Payson turns, holding up two dresses; her face lit up with excitement. "Which one for the party?" she asks.

I scrutinize them—one's a daring, tight number with a neckline that dives south and a slit that's more like a reveal. The other, more subdued, flowy, but still subtly sexy.

Eyeing Payson up and down, it's clear—she'd look killer in either. "Well," I start, weighing my words, "the first one's definitely gonna turn heads."

She bites her lip, a flicker of uncertainty in her eyes. "Yeah, but is it too much?"

"You'll look amazing, Pay. Trust me, you'll be the center of attention," I assure her, but inside, I'm not keen on the idea of being part of that scene tonight.

Her face breaks into a grin. "You're right," she says, dropping the dresses on her bed. Then, in a swift move, she's grabbing my hands, pulling me toward my closet.

"Whoa, what're you doing?" I protest.

"Finding you something for the party," she declares, like it's the most obvious thing.

I shake my head firmly. "No way. I'm not going. I'm beat from unpacking and I've still got stuff to sort out tomorrow."

What stuff, Milli? That inner voice taunts me.

Payson's gaze sharpens, irritation coloring her expression. "Are you even listening to yourself? This is college! Our time to shine. We've got, what, four, maybe five years to live it up to the fullest."

Five years?

She exhales, a hint of desperation in her voice. "Just come out tonight, Milli. Please?"

I hesitate, her pleading look making my resolve waver.

"Pleaseee," she begs, big pouty lips and all.

I let out a heavy sigh, pointing a finger at her. "Fine, but no hangovers. I've got dance practice tomorrow, and I need to be on point."

Payson's hand smacks my ass, making me jump. "Deal." She grins. "We'll keep it chill."

Her eyes then sweep over my wardrobe with a look of playful disdain. "This, though, we need to work on. Looks like it's plan B for you tonight."

Plan B? My mind races. What the hell is that?

Payson whirls around, brandishing what looks like a microscopic crop top paired with a skirt. Sure, the skirt seems manageable, but the crop top? It's practically a glorified bra.