002

PRESENT DAY

Coleen

“Coleen freaking Miane? Are you ready yet?”

I turned back to find my Mark standing at the doorway. His floppy blonde hair flattered him, making him look like the golden retriever that he was. Right now though, he had a frown of annoyance on his face that seemed almost humorous.

An exasperated sigh left me as I turned to my packed bag.

“I'm almost done,” I said, even though my heart still felt heavy.

I heard him move closer before his arms wrapped around me

“Don't think too much about it.” he murmured against my neck, “all those bad days are over. This is a fresh start for both of us,”

“Easy for you to say, Mr music prodigy,?” I nudged him teasingly, but I couldn't deny that what he said was true.

Not long after getting the news of our scholarship we moved into the city, getting an apartment and setting up everything else in advance. We'd spent the entire summer break here, preparing for its resumption whether it was going to prep classes, touring the college or exploring the city.

Everything felt new and refreshing here, far away from the town I'd grown up in. Away from the hellish memories of high school. Of Chase and… Hayden.

I was now starting anew, moving past those days, and today was going to be the official start of my new life.

Smiling at him, I immediately stood up, handing him my bag.

“I'll race you out of the building,” I said before moving past him, rushing out my room.

After the fun moment we arrived at the college. Despite being here several times already my heart still leapt anytime I saw the name.

Domino's college's. One of the most prestigious private colleges. All my hard work has been to get here and I finally was.

Due to our separate majors. I took my classes separately from Mark. It didn't matter much though as I threw myself fully into college life. It felt completely like a dream to be there.

Midway through one of my classes, I made a new acquaintance in the form of Lisa.

“There's a freshers party happening tonight. I'd love it if you came with me and had fun.” she smiled.

Hesitation gripped me at their thought. I was never one for parties or extravagance, yet in the face of her enthusiastic smile I stopped myself.

This was the new me. I had to let loose.

“Okay,” I said, receiving her hug in response.

After the classes, I took a detour to change into the closest thing to party clothes that I had, a little black dress. Meeting up with Lisa at the college gates, she quickly led me towards the party.

It was as I expected. Loud but somehow with her by my side it didn't feel bad. As she presented me with a cup full of some unknown alcoholic concoction I couldn't even bring myself to care as I downed it.

Shortly after, the buzz hit me And I truly began to enjoy the party.

I giggled as I stumbled and danced against the sweaty crowd, the strobe lights hypnotizing. I could have sworn I'd lost Lisa in the mix as I traversed through the party but what did it matter?

If this was what college was about, I loved it.

Stepping out of the crowd, I stumbled into a hard warm frame I vaguely recognized as a person and felt arms wrap around my waist.

“Hello.” His deep voice made me shiver . Looking up at him a string of attraction filled me. He looked handsome.

“Hello stranger,” I giggled against him. Somehow he seemed familiar…

The thought slipped away as his arms tightened. Slowly I was pulled into a dance, words leaving me. Before suddenly, his lips fell on mine.

“Wanna go upstairs?” He murmured and I found myself nodding.

Everything else became a blur. I found myself taken out of the crowd, led through the throng of people before being alone in a room. Kissing him , I pulled him closer, savoring him. I wanted more… more…

And then…darkness.

….

I groaned against the lights as I opened my eyes. My head was pounding but I could recognize the rays of sunlight that told me it was morning. The events of last night slowly slipped in and I stiffened.

The party…the kissing and then-

Looking down at my naked frame covered with a blanket, I could already guess what happened with growing panic. A groan beside me however made me stiffen.

That voice. I remembered it.

The blurry memory of his face reached my mind, filling me with horror.

No, it couldn't be him. Anybody but him.

I turned to the side and my heart sank instantly.

A sleeping, naked Hayden Michaels was right beside me.

I'd had a one night stand with Hayden. The one I thought I'd left in town miles away.

“Oh god,” I whispered to myself before rushing out of the bed. Through my panic, I had a clear goal.

I had to go.

I put in my scattered clothes frantically, rushing out of the room before he could wake up and leaving the building. As I rushed into the streets towards my apartment, thoughts barraged me.

I had slept with Hayden. The same Hayden who made my life hell. He wasn't supposed to be here.

I stopped in place on the sidewalk as the thought pierced my mind.

Why the was he here?