A Livestream

Ava’s POV

​I didn’t know my boyfriend was cheating on me until someone handed me the video.

​"Ava… don’t freak out, okay?" Lily whispered as she handed me the phone.

​"Why would I—"

​"Just… watch."

​It was a livestream. The comments were pouring in and the views kept rising. When I saw the username, my stomach did a slow flip. It was Nina, my roommate. She was a content creator, always chasing views, but this stream didn't just break my heart, it shattered my entire world.

​I could hear the moans in the background, a sound I knew I’d never be able to forget. It was in our room. My bed. She was on top of someone, her back arched, her legs spread wide.

​Then the camera shifted, and I saw him. Daniel. My boyfriend.

​His hands were on her waist, guiding her, pulling her closer. They were laughing, drunk, careless, and completely oblivious to the phone recording them. Or maybe they just didn't care.

​"No…" I tried to breathe. 

​"Turn it off," I said, my voice sounding like it belonged to a total stranger.

​But my thumb wouldn't move. I was paralyzed. A sharp, mocking laugh cut through the hallway behind me.

​"Damn, she’s actually watching it—"

​"Shh! Shut up!"

​My ears began to ring, a high-pitched whine that drowned out the whispers in the hall. My name was being tossed around like a joke. “Ava… Ava…”

I turned and walked. Fast at first, then a full-on sprint until I burst through the bathroom door, slamming it shut. I gripped the edge of the sink until my knuckles turned white.

​"Why?" I whispered to the mirror, tears finally pouring down my cheeks. "They filmed it."

​My throat burned with the humiliation. I pressed my palm over my mouth, trying to swallow the sound of my own breakdown. 

On the counter, my phone kept buzzing. Daniel’s name lit up the screen again and again. I didn't answer. What would I even say?

​"Stupid. You’re not crying over him. You’re not."

​The door burst open. Lily didn't knock, she never did.

​"Ava!"

​I wiped my face with a quick swipe, turning my back. "I’m fine."

​"Yeah, and I’m the Queen of England," Lily said, locking the door behind her. "Who do I need to kill first? Daniel or the roommate?"

​I let out a shaky breath. "Get in line."

​She grabbed my shoulders, forcing me to face her. Her eyes were burning with fury. "I swear, if I see him—"

​"Don’t," I snapped. "Please, Lily. Just don't."

​"I hate him," she spat. "And Nina? Oh, I’m dragging her by her hair—"

​"Lily!" I shook my head, my vision blurring. "I just… I can’t think about it. I can't be the 'sad girl' tonight."

​"You’re right," she said, her voice softening but staying firm. "We aren't staying here while you cry over that piece of trash. Absolutely not."

​"I don't care what they think," I lied.

​"Liar," she countered instantly. She grabbed my wrist. "Come on."

​"Where are we going?" I insisted, sniffing and holding back a fresh tear.

​"There's a party tonight in celebration of the hockey team and their victory. You are coming. No room for objection, babes. So come on, take a shower and get dressed."

​"But I don't want people to see me like this," I protested, gesturing to my red eyes.

​"That's why I said take a shower." She looked at me with a casual, knowing smile.

​"Fine. But if I’m not comfortable, we’ll leave."

​"Fine by me."

An hour later, I was dressed in one of Lily's clothes and layered with waterproof mascara.

​The hockey house was a war zone of scent and sound. Cheap beer, expensive cologne, and bass so heavy I could feel it in my bone marrow.

​"See?" Lily yelled over the music, shoving a red plastic cup into my hand. "Better already."

​"I can’t hear myself think!" I shouted back.

​"Exactly! Drink!"

​I took a sip. It was warm and tasted like battery acid, but it burned. It felt like something other than the hollow ache in my chest. I took a longer swallow.

​"Again," Lily urged.

​"You’re a bad influence."

​"I’m an essential service."

​I finished the cup, letting the noise become my shield. Everything was starting to blur, until a voice sliced through.

​"Hey, look who decided to show up."

​My blood turned to ice. I turned slowly. Daniel was standing five feet away, looking perfectly untouched. Like he hadn't just burned my life to the ground.

​"Wow," Daniel said, a smirk playing on his lips. "You look hot."

​I felt a phantom sting across my cheeks. "You've got to be kidding me."

​"Ava…"

​"No," I cut him off, my voice steadying. "Don't 'Ava' me."

​"I'm not starting anything," he said, playing the victim for the benefit of the growing crowd. "You’re the one making a scene."

​"A scene?" I repeated, my voice rising. "You cheated on me. With my roommate. On a livestream!"

​"It just happened, okay?" he shrugged. He ran a hand through his hair, looking bored. "Look, can we not do this here? You're being dramatic."

​"Dramatic?" I echoed. "You humiliated me."

​"I didn't post the video," he said, shifting his weight. "It's college, Ava. Things happen. It's not that serious."

​The room went silent. Even the music seemed to fade into the background.

​"Not that serious," I whispered.

​Lily stepped forward, her hands curling into fists. "Okay, I’m actually going to hit him…"

​I caught her arm. "No."

​I looked at Daniel. Truly looked at him. The boy I’d loved for three years was gone, replaced by a stranger who wasn't worth the breath I was wasting. He wanted me to look like the crazy ex. I wasn't going to give him the satisfaction.

​"Okay," I said.

​He blinked, confused. "Okay… what?"

​"Okay." I turned my back on him.

​"Ava? Where are you going?" Lily called out.

​I didn't look back. I moved through the sweaty bodies, my eyes scanning the room until I saw him.

​He was leaning against the far wall, a shadow in a room full of neon. Ryan Carter. The captain of the hockey team. The guy with the dangerous reputation and the haunted eyes.

​Perfect.

​I didn't hesitate. I didn't think. If I did, I’d stop. I walked straight up to him. He noticed me three paces out, his gaze locking onto mine. His eyes were dark, confused, and entirely too focused.

​"You lost?" he said. His voice was a low, gravelly rasp that made the hair on my arms stand up.

​I shook my head. "No."

​I reached out, pulling the fabric of his shirt in my hands, and pulled him down. Before he could say another word, I pressed my lips against his.

​I just kissed the hockey captain.