I heard Clint’s voice in my ear and I looked up at him. He smiled down at me, but for some reason I wasn’t comforted by his presence. We moved with the beat for a little bit. He caught me as people shoved me around. Someone else came by and shoved a drink into my hand. And already, I smelled that fruit punch and cinnamon.
Before Clint tried taking my drink away.
“What are you doing?” I asked.
I looked up at him as I turned around.
“I’m taking your drink from you. You've had enough.”
I snickered. “Since when do you make that decision for me?”
He paused. “I’ve just never known you to drink.”
“Well, why don’t you get a drink and join me? It’s my college orientation. Let’s celebrate! Woo hoo!”
“Woo hoo!”
The entire room stopped to cheer with me and I burst into laughter. How cool was that? I swiveled my hips and tipped back the drink, swallowing it all down without once removing my mouth. We all got sucked into the party. Into the dancing and the laughter and the conglomerate cheers. Someone started tugging on my arm and I found myself by the counter with Allison while we snacked on chips. My best friend leaned against me as we watched the boys get roped into a game of beer pong.
“Hey! This is Rae. She’s my best friend. She starts here in September.”
Someone jutted their hand out and shook mine as I tried to focus.
“Hey there. I’m Matt.”
“Hey! I’m Jessica.”
“Rae? That’s such a pretty name. I’m Ralph.”
“Nice to meet you! I’m going to be a freshman, too. Well a transfer freshman, but still. I’m Rebecca!”
“DeShawn.”
“The name’s Curtis. Rae’s a very pretty name.”
Allison introduced me to anyone and everyone that walked by. I was beginning to think she’d had too many drinks, too.
“Rae! Hi!”
I perked up at the familiar voice. “Meredith! Hey there!”
The girl from lunch walked up to us and I leaned over to Allison.
“I met her at orientation. She’s cool,” I whispered.
Meredith walked up. “Here you go. Drink for you, and a drink for--”
Allison held out her hand. “No, no. It’s okay. I don’t drink.”
“Oh! Well, I’ll get you a water, then. You know, once I make my own trip back.”
Meredith winked before she stumbled a bit. Which made me smile.
“A bit too much there?”
She snickered. “Never. Not at parties like this. Oh, my gosh. I’m so glad you made it out. Have you seen Kristie? She’s here with Kayla.”
“Who?” Allison asked.