"So.... What do you think?" the guy in front of me grumbled out, observing me with an hopeful look, clearly written on his face.
I squinted my eyes, not even bothering to hide my disgust as I took in the room we were currently standing in.
It was a three bedroom flat, two guys already occupying the rooms.
This was the only room available, and it was cheap.
"I.... Don't know.." I whispered out, stepping over scattered wall debris.
What the fuck had happened here?
"Look, you won't get somewhere this cheap in such a short notice. This is the best you can get around here."
"Damm!!" I muttered, if only I had left earlier, I wouldn't be in this predicament.
School would be resuming soon, and I couldn't keep wasting my money on cheap motels.
The dorms were full already, which means I needed to find anyone looking for a roommate outside school.
But shit.. nobody told me it was going to be this hard.
I had checked out so many places, and they were all disgusting or had other issues I couldn't cope with.
"I will take it, but only on one condition."
He nodded his head, giving me the go ahead to state my conditions.
"All these damages will be fixed by you, or be split off from the rent."
"We need to have a clear schedule about cleaning."
The guy scratched his jaw as he observed me.
My heart was beating fast, while my face was perfectly normal.
"Deal," he says. "You can remove the money for fixing the damages, then pay up the balance."
"One more thing."
"Everyone minds their business, occasionally I might throw a party or two."
I opened my mouth to object, but he cut me off.
"You are only allowed to bring your hookups three times a week, and they should be limited to your room and maybe the kitchen area."
He paused, running his hands through his hair.
"Well that's all for now, with time, more rules might be added."
I nodded my head, mulling over everything he had said.
"Ok," I reluctantly agreed.
"My name is Bryan Water, welcome on board."
"Christy...," I whispered out, before clearing my throat.
"Christy Morris," I said loudly, before shaking his outstretched hand, grimacing at how sweaty it was.
He released my hands, grinning, before leaving the room.
I sighed, taking in the disaster around me.
Well... I better get to work, I muttered out.
It took about two weeks, but finally, I had successfully cleared the room, arranging it to my taste.
While Bryan didn't have any problems, and could be considered an easygoing guy, kelvin on the other hand was a pain in my ass.
He would occasionally drop snide remarks about my weight.
One time he had eaten my food, and when I had confronted him about it.
He had laughed loudly, before crudely commenting on how he was doing me a favor.
I didn't need to be told, I knew he was referring to my weight.
Being bullied about how fat I was, was something I thought was behind me, but apparently, it was like a curse following me around.
I gasped as I checked the time, jumping up from my bed as I quickly dressed up, gathering every essentials I needed.
Today was the first day of school, and I wanted to avoid being late at all costs.
Thankfully, my flat was very close to the school, so I didn't need to waste unnecessarily on transportation.
I jogged down the street, occasionally stopping to catch my breath.
I checked my watch, seeing I still had a little time before my first class started.
"Hey... hello!" I called, stopping a petite girl on her way to her class or something.
She stopped, waiting for me to say what I wanted.
"Please can you direct me to the business department?"
She pointed at a building to my left, before walking away.
"Thanks...." I shouted at her retreating back, before walking towards the building she had directed me to.
Originally I had wanted to study medical laboratory sciences, but long story short, I switched to business.
By the time I located my class, I had only a minute left before class would start.
Quickly, I entered the lecture class, hurrying to the back seat.
Finally, I breathed out in relief, before observing the classroom.
Few students were scattered around, some discussing with their friends why others were busy reading their books.
I smile, before bringing out everything I needed for this class.
Not too long after, the lecturer, an old man in his forties, came into the class.
He introduced himself, before asking us to do the same.
That was all that happened, before I was moving to my next class.
It was day one, and I could already see the clear difference between high school and college.
Against my mother's wishes, I had applied for some university in New York.
Not that I thought I would actually get in, but as a form of wishful thinking.
So imagine my surprise when I actually got in.
Immediately I saw that acceptance letter, I knew it was fate, giving me a clean break to start over.
High school was a nightmare, and every day, I counted the days I could leave all that behind me.
Nothing much really happened in school today, unlike high school, I could schedule my classes online and everything.
I stopped at a cafe to get something to eat, scrolling through my phone as I waited for my order.
"Christy... right?"
I snapped my head up at the sound of my name, the familiar sight of Brenda greeting me.
"Yea, that's me," I muttered, chuckling a bit.
Now for those wondering, Brenda was staying in the flat opposite mine, and was currently in a somewhat relationship with Kelvin.
She had intervened most times during our banter, but otherwise was a chill, relaxed person.
I could actually see myself being friends with her, if only she wasn't with that asshole Kelvin.
"So what brings you here?" she asked, typing on her phone.
"I was hungry so wanted to get something."
She nodded her head, the awkwardness obvious.
"So you're going to the party tonight?"
I raised my eyebrows at that, nearly bursting out in laughter.
Me, and parties, were too side of a coin.
Yeah, not gonna happen.
"No, I didn't hear of any party."
"Damn..girl where have you been hiding? The party is all everyone's talking about."
"Anyways, I think we should go. I heard Brandon Jacobs and his friends are gonna be there."
I frowned, I didn't know who this Brandon guy was, so why should I go to my first party because he was also attending.
Wait......... this was college, not high school.
I have absolutely no reason to not go to this party, especially since I was on the road to rebranding myself and confidence.
"Ok, let's go to the party," I agreed, beginning to smile as waves of giddiness floated inside my stomach.
If only I knew, I probably would never have gone to that party.
Brenda smiled back, launching into a full description of the Brandon crew.
We took our orders, before walking back home.
Once I got inside my room, I went straight to my wardrobe, bringing out every cloth I owned.
The food I had bought, quickly forgotten.
Every cloth I had was suddenly distasteful, and not fit for a party.
Lastly, I had no choice but to put on the clothes my mother had insisted I brought to college.
It was a short red gown, the back of it open.
For some it would be considered slutty, but this was college.
The last party I attended in high school was a complete disaster, so I needed to look my absolute best.
I tried on the dress, happy it still fitted me, considering I had gained a few pounds.
Looking in the mirror, every one of my insecurities was on full display.
I didn't like my fat body, it made the dress cling to my body, exposing my shape for everyone to see.
Surprisingly, I had a very flat stomach which I was really grateful for.
And then my legs, I felt they were too short, carrying the weight of my body.
Quickly, I could feel the excitement I felt earlier draining away the more I continued staring at my body.
"Hey... are you almost done?" Brenda asked, barging into my room.
I blushed, trying to hide myself behind my wardrobe door.
"Just give me a little time," I grumble out, my words muffled.
The door was pulled out from my hands, Brenda stood there, staring at me, her mouth almost dropping to the floor.
"I...know..." I stammered out, dragging my dress down.
"I don't have anything else to wear, I don't think I can attend this party."
"Are you kidding me?" Brenda whispered out.
"You look absolutely gorgeous girl. You just need to curl your hair a bit and then a little makeup and believe me girl.... A lot of guys would be fighting over you."
"I will be right back," she mutters, running out of my room.
I sneaked a peak at my reflection, frowning in confusion.
I honestly didn't see what Brenda was talking about, but her words were enough to revive a little bit of my confidence.
This was my first bold step in forever, I refuse to back out.
Brenda came back with a curling iron and a small bag I suspected to be filled with makeup.
"Hold on, I told her, let me just freshen up a bit."
"You look beautiful," I told her, before walking towards our shared bathroom.
I wasn't lucky to get the en suite room, so I had to share the bathroom with Bryan which I am grateful for.
Better him than Kelvin right.
Brenda was putting on a short, and I mean very short green dress, her hair and makeup already done.
She was a really beautiful girl, so I still couldn't understand why she chose to be with someone like Kelvin.
Briefly, a twinge of jealousy filters through my chest.
If only I was as slim as her, or had her nice shape.
Shaking my head, I rid myself of every jealous thought. I did enough of that in high school.
And like my mother always told me, you need to love and accept yourself before others can.
That was my motor for college.
After doing my business, I put on the red dress, before walking back into my room.
Brenda was sitting on my bed, all the clothes I had scattered neatly folded to one corner.
"Sorry," she said sheepishly, "I just didn't know what else to do."
"It's fine I told her," a bit embarrassed.
I sat on my dressing chair, waiting for her to work her magic on my hair and face.
After she was done, I sat there speechless, unable to believe I was the girl in the mirror.
"What do you think?" Brenda asked, her hands on her hips.
"O.M.G... Brenda this is wonderful... Thank you very much."
"It's fine," she said, laughing a bit. "You were already beautiful, I just enhanced it."
I blushed, before thanking her again.
I sprayed some cologne, before putting on my low heels.
Together we went downstairs, getting into Brenda's car.
"Is this your first party?" Brenda asked suddenly as we drove to the location, breaking the silence.
"Not really," I muttered out, that gory night briefly flashing before my eyes.
Brenda must have read something in my eyes, because she gave my hand a reassuring squeeze, smiling softly as I turned towards her.
"Well.... Am gonna give you some warnings."
"Warnings?" I asked, frowning slightly.
"Well college parties can get very wide, so avoid taking drinks you didn't mix yourself, do not take pills passed to you, and lastly always use a condom."
"You don't want to be catching anything from these boys."
I blushed hard at that, snickering quietly.
I wish, but the first time I had tried to have sex, the guy had been disgusted with my fat body.
According to him, it was a dare, but apparently I was too disgusting for him to actually go through with it, so he paid 200$ instead.
I didn't tell Brenda any of this, instead I just nodded my head, keeping the knowledge of my virginity to myself.
We discussed throughout our ride to the party location, well..... It was more Brenda telling me about parties she had attended while I listened, trying to calm my nerves.
Everywhere was packed when we got to the location.
It was a big beautiful house, standing tall with no visible neighbors in sight.
Which was good, because I could hear the loud bass of the music playing inside.
"Oh Gosh..." I mutter, running my hands through my hair.
"It's going to be fine," Brenda assured me, as she parked her car roughly, nearly slamming into the car in front.
"Oopies..." she mutters, giggling.
She turned towards her backseat, bringing out a half bottle of vodka, drinking from it, before handing it to me.
I really wasn't the alcohol type. The last time I snuck into my mother's cupboard to get a taste of what it tasted like, was honestly the last.
Yet I swung the bottle, drinking from it like it was water.
"Hey.... Slow down, you don't want to get drunk before the party actually starts, yeah."
She took the nearly empty bottle, capping it back, throwing it at her backseat, before straightening her hair.
Together, we got down from the car, walking the distance toward the house.
Like any typical party, people were scattered about, some discussing, while a few were actually face down on the dirty floor.
One guy was trying to drag another guy clearly drunk out of his mind.
We walked inside the house, the music louder than before.
I could feel the bass vibrating through my body.
My mouth had a bitter taste to it, and I could already feel the alcohol I had consumed earlier working its magic through my body.
I followed Brenda around, waiting as she greeted a few people.
Finally we were alone.
"What would you like to drink?" Brenda asked as she ruffled through the fridge filled to the brim.
"Ummm.. anything," I told her.
She brought out an unopened bottle of vodka, while I took two plastic cups from the ones arranged.
She poured for herself, before pouring for me.
"To us," Brenda cheered, before drinking without stopping. She laughed at how wide my eyes were, urging me to drink mine.
I did, but couldn't finish mine. Brenda took my hands, dragging me towards the dance floor.
Now I was still very shy, but the alcohol running through my veins gave me enough courage.
Ignoring the eyes burning a hole through my body, I drank the remaining alcohol, dancing with Brenda.
The music, the alcohol, the flashing light, everything was like a whole other world.
"Excuse me," someone said, trying to squeeze their way through the dancing crowd.
I don't know who pushed Brenda, causing her to fall into me.
As I tried to steady an already drunk Brenda with myself drunk as well.
I tripped, falling down.
But no.... Of course it won't be too easy, not when it comes to me.
I had to fall on someone.
I could feel my body pressing down on whoever it was, my dress hiked up, nothing was left to the imagination.
What the hell..., thick deep voice bellows out from under me.
While everyone stopped dancing, eyes wide as they took in the sight.
Before I could even do anything, strong hands were pushing my body away from theirs.
The music was slowed down already, bright lights flashing down on me.
"I am so sorry," I mutter out, dragging my dress down, before looking up.
I gasped, my heart nearly jumping out at the sight before me.
A tall guy stood there, with ripped muscles you could clearly see from the way his white shirt clung to his body.
My Gosh he was absolutely breathtaking. His green eyes were hard as he stared at me, his thick hands dusting his jeans trousers.
"O my gosh, are you ok?" Brenda asked, helping me stand up from the floor.
"I am fine," I told her, arranging my dress.
The murmuring was very obvious now, while embarrassment clung to every pore of my skin.
"I am so sorry" I told the guy I had fallen on top of.
"Should you be here?" his deep voice rang out as he observed me, four other guys flanking his sides.
I frowned, confused. Was this not an open invitation party?
"I am sorry, I didn't know I needed your permission to be here."
He chuckled dryly.
"Hey, I think we should go," Brenda whispered beside me, tugging my hands.
I glanced at her, noticing the worry on her face, before glancing at the crowd already formed around us.
I nodded my head, turning away.
"Hey..." the guy called out. "You don't walk away until I say you do."
I snickered, walking faster. I have had enough of egoistical boys.
It wasn't my fault, and I had already apologized.
He couldn't even help me off the floor, I shake my head.
A strong grip on my hands stopped me from walking forward.
"I said, you don't walk away till I am done with you."
"Oh no," Brenda mutters, while I turned, facing his annoying handsome face.
"Look here," I start, "it wasn't my fault I fell on you, and I have apologized for that. Except if you have injuries my fall might have impacted on you, then I see no reason while we are still having this discussion."
"Get over it, and mister, you are hurting my hands," I said, nodding my head towards his tight grip on my hands.
His hands tightened on mine a bit, before he released his grip dusting his hands.
"I am sure with your weight, a bone or two should be broken."
Brenda was nearly hidden behind my back.
I opened my mouth to retaliate, closing it back as laughter rang around us.
By now, the music was a slow soft hum, onlookers gathered around us as bright lights shined down on me and the asshole in front of me.
"I am sorry again but you can contact me if I injured you in anyway otherwise, you are making a mockery of yourself."
I didn't know where my confidence was coming from, or maybe I was tired of people bullying me because of my size.
I am fat so what, it's not the end of the world.
He didn't say anything, his eyes slowly taking me in.
"I am Brandon Jacobs," he said loudly, "and to show I have accepted your apology, I am specially inviting you to my vip section."
Everyone gasps, murmuring ringing out amongst those gathered.
"I am sorry, but I don't think I want to be in your presence any longer."
He gritted his teeth, folding his hands against his chest.
"Well then, you leave me no choice but to punish your friend for your mistakes."
I burst out laughing.
"What?" I asked, laughing at how ridiculous he sounded. "Punish my friend... dude who the fuck do you think you are?"
Brenda, pinched my hands hard, her eyes wide as she shakes her head.
I glanced around, noticing how silent everyone was.
What was going on, it was as if I had asked a taboo.
"I am so...sorry Brenda spoke out, breaking the stunned silence. My friend is new here, and doesn't understand how things work."
"She will gladly join your vip section please Brandon forgive us."
I open my mouth to object but Brenda shushes me, throwing me a sharp glare.
"Very well," Brandon says, before turning, the crowd parting for him and his friends to pass.
While Brenda dragged my hands, following behind them.
All this was just like high school all over again.
The main character's energy, and the followers fueling their behavior.
We got to the vip section, a small area slightly above ground.
Everyone took their seats, while me and Brenda stood there awkwardly, waiting for Brandon's permission or something.
A slim petite wannabe blonde was already seated on Brandon's laps, her eyes glaring at me.
"Brandy baby..." her tiny voice screeched out. "Must they really join our vip section, and besides, where will the fat one seat?"
I blushed hard in embarrassment as everyone burst out laughing.
"Get out," Brandon's hard voice rang out, silencing the laughter.
I sighed out, almost smirking as I breathed out in relief.
I glanced towards Brenda, taking her hands as I turned to leave.
It was better this way, I don't understand why he would even bother inviting us to his vip section, only to rudely throw us out.
"Stop..." he barked, "I am not talking to you."
I watched as he calmly removed the blondie away feeling his lap, asking her and her wannabe friends to leave his vip booth.
Blondie gasped in shock and disbelief, almost starting to protest but the sharp cold look Brandon threw at her, prompted her and her friends to leave the booth quickly.
But not before her small body attempted to push me out of her way.
Finally, it was just Brandon, his four friends and the girls on their laps.
Brenda took her seat, leaving me no other option but to sit beside Brandon.
Now what? I thought.
Drinks were passed around, the music picking up again. From here, I could see everyone on the dance floor.
"Hey.., what's your name?" the guy sitting to my right asked, slightly leaning into me.
"Christy," I told him, smiling at how friendly he was trying to be.
"Mine his Felix," he told me, extending his hand out for me to shake.
The girl on his lap simply waved at me, before focusing on whatever she was doing on her phone.
Cold hands took mine, putting a cup in it. I turned, raising my eyebrows at Brandon.
He simply struggled, motioning for me to drink from the cup he had so kindly put in my hands.
I sniffed the drink, while he watched me.
Sharing a quick glance with Brenda for confirmation, before drinking at her small nod of approval.
Tapping my legs, it took everything in me not to stand up and start dancing.
I can't say for sure how many cups of drinks I have had, but immediately I took that one cup, Brandon just kept pouring and pouring, and me, I just kept drinking.
I was drunk, and at this point, I didn't care.
Why haven't I drank alcohol properly before I wondered, swaying to the beat of the music.
I don't know where everyone went to, but right now, it was just me and Brandon sitting in the booth.
I could feel his body heat, my face heating up as I drunkenly realized how close we were.
Brandon smirked, before bringing out a rolled up blunt.
"Have you tried this before?" he asked, his hot breath tickling my neck.
"Yes," I lied, why was something I would question myself about later.
Brandon nodded, his eyes briefly glancing to my lips, before lighting up the blunt.
I watched, fascinated as the smoke blew out between his lips.
I licked mine, before glancing up, blushing at the way Brandon was staring at me.
He passed the blunt to me, while I dragged it, coughing instantly.
I tried again, this time getting it right.
It didn't take long, this time I could feel the sensation slowly taking over.
The lights were brighter now, while the music was pounding through my head.
I don't know how it happened, but next thing, I was kissing Brandon.
His shocked expression was the last thing I saw, before passing out.