chapter 3

As we approached the door, Peace asked me to go ahead while she caught up with the boys. "Go on, I'll come back to get you later," she said, and left. I walked up to the door, which, to my surprise, wasn't locked. I slowly entered, wondering if anyone was inside. A girl sat on the bed, engrossed in a book. She stood up when she saw me.

"Are you also posted here?" she asked.

"Yes, I am," I replied.

"I've been here for a while now. I'm Kelly," she said, extending a friendly smile.

"I'm Liz. Nice to meet you," I replied, feeling a bit more at ease.

"We're supposed to be three in a room. I guess someone was here already, since I saw some stuff when I came in," Kelly said.

"Actually, yes. I met her before coming here. She even invited me to a party for freshmen tonight," I replied.

"Really? Can I tag along? I can invite my boyfriend too," Kelly asked.

"You already have a boyfriend? I thought you were just starting university," I said, curious.

"Yes, I'm just starting, but he's already schooling here. He's in his second year. We've been dating before he started university," Kelly explained.

"Wow, that's amazing! I've never had a boyfriend before," I admitted, looking away.

"What? Are you for real?" Kelly asked, surprised.

"Yes, I'm for real," I replied, laughing.

Just then, Peace walked in. "Hey, Peace! This is our third roommate, Kelly," I said.

"Nice to meet you, Kelly. Welcome to Caleb University," Peace said with a warm smile.

"Thanks, Peace. Liz told me about the party tonight. Can I bring my boyfriend along?" Kelly asked.

"Sure, why not? The more, the merrier! You're welcome," Peace replied.

As Kelly called her boyfriend, I settled in, thinking about the party tonight. Before I knew it, night had fallen, and Peace asked us to get ready. "We'll be leaving soon," she said.

I pulled out a long dress, but Peace and Kelly exchanged a disapproving look. "You can't wear that to a party – it's too long and won't fit in," Peace said, rummaging through my bag. She pulled out a light blue gown. "Now, this is what we're talking about!"

Kelly applied some makeup, and I couldn't believe the transformation. "Wow, thank you guys so much!" I exclaimed.

Just then, a knock on the door announced Kelly's boyfriend, Ken. We exchanged introductions, and Peace said, "Let's get going, guys!"

We headed to the party, and my heart raced with excitement and a hint of nervousness. The music and chatter enveloped us as we entered the bustling party scene. I'd never seen so many students or heard such loud music.

"Welcome to the party, Liz!" Alex shouted above the din.

"Thanks for inviting me!" I replied, feeling a bit overwhelmed.

As we mingled, a strong hand grasped my waist. "Hey, beauty, how you doing? You look amazing – I want to eat you up!" a voice whispered in my ear.

I tried to wriggle free, but the grip tightened. "Get away from me!" I protested.

Just then, a thunderous voice intervened. "Get away from her!"

The guy released his hold, and I turned to see Emmanuel, the same guy who had saved me earlier. The would-be suitor apologized and quickly retreated, leaving me feeling shaken but grateful.

Emmanuel smirked. "You like what you see?"

I stammered, "H-hank you for saving me..."

He chuckled. "I didn't do anything."

Lost in thought, I heard Alex calling me. "Liz, there you are! We're playing a game – come join us!"

I followed Alex to a table where a group was gathered. Peace explained the game: Truth, Dare, or Drink. If you couldn't answer a question or do the dare, you drank a cup of whiskey.

The game began, and when the bottle landed on me, I opted for Truth. The question caught me off guard: "What's your body count?"

I looked shocked, and instead of answering, I downed a cup of whiskey. The taste was awful, and I felt like vomiting.

The game continued, with the bottle landing on Emmanuel and Alex. Before Emmanuel could ask his question, Alex said, "I don't do Truths – I do Dares."

"Great! I dare you to kiss Liz," Emmanuel said with a wink.

Alex stood up, walked towards me, and asked, "Can I?"

I was taken aback, and before I knew it, I nodded