Page 20 of Fighting Fate

She was at that frat party? The one I was supposed to be at? The one I avoided? My freshman teammates were probably all over it.

The voice in my head taunts me. Look who's playing the overprotective brother now.

I shove the mocking thought aside, focusing on her.

Miles

You were at that party?

The very thought stirs a storm in me. That party is infamous, a hallmark of wildness, only second to our post-game celebrations. I'm part of that fraternity, but it doesn't mean I revel in every raucous night. I skipped it, opting for solitude, a choice now laced with regret and worry. What if something happened to her?

Mills

Yeah, is that an issue, Sunshine?

Every instinct screams, Yes, it's a damn issue! But I hold back the tide of concern.

Miles

No, it's fine. Just . . . stay safe at those parties, okay?

I watch the screen, the typing indicator flickering like the slow beating of a heart. Time stretches, thin and taut, until finally she replies.

Mills

Understood, Mr. Protective. Next time, do I get to drag you along as my bodyguard?

My mind races with unspoken promises. Oh, I could be so much more...But I choose to steer us back to safer waters.

Miles

You damn will, Baby Sutton. *winky face*

However, I choose to send a winky face because it's Milli, and I need to remind myself that she doesn't need yet another overly protective person in her life, especially in this new phase where she's exploring her identity.

I lock eyes with Payson as she settles into the seat across from me at a library table; Brooke follows closely. I watch, slightly amused, as Payson meticulously unpacks her bag, spreading her study materials with a precision that speaks of her meticulous nature.

"Alright, study buddies it is," I whisper, more to myself than to them.

A gentle smile plays on my lips. It's not that I mind them joining; it's just that Payson's idea of "studying" often involves a whirlwind of gossip, laughter, and shared secrets. I adore these moments with my besties, but college has upped the stakes. With my dance practices now demanding more of me, there's a delicate balance I'm still learning to navigate.

"Think tonight will be a success?" Payson asks, her voice laced with curiosity.

I remove one AirPod, responding, "The game? Absolutely. It'll be intense, but aren't those the kind that really get the heart racing?"

Payson begins scribbling in her notebook, and I can't help but tease, "Looks like we're actually going to study today."

"I wasn't talking about the football game, Milli," she shoots back, her words pulling me back to the reality of my own challenge.

I swallow, feeling a lump in my throat. The truth is, I'm a whirlwind of emotions about my first dance performance at NorthRidge University Stadium. Excited, yes, but also a bundle of nerves and fears. In my head, I try to lighten the mood with a bit of sarcastic humor, but it doesn't quite mask the jittery feeling in my stomach.

Just remember, Milli, dancing is like life—it's best when you follow the rhythm without overthinking the moves! My thoughts sway with a touch of irony.

"Yeah, I'm ready," I say, trying to sound more confident than I feel. Nervous? Absolutely. It's a huge crowd, and being on scholarship means I've got to prove I'm more than just a high school star.

Inside, I'm battling a storm of doubt and pressure. But I also know my worth, my talent. It's just the weight of expectation that's heavy on my shoulders.

"That's great to hear," Payson says, her cheerleader spirit surfacing with a little hand wave that makes me smile despite myself.