The loud music was pounding into my head. I had escaped to this hell-hole of a college party after perhaps my biggest fight with long-term boyfriend, Tyler. It was my Freshman year at college, and Tyler and I had been together since Sophomore year in high school. I loved him with all of my heart, but after a fight like we just had, I wanted to lose myself and get away.

This would be my first college party.

I sat at the bar, holding back tears and feeling impulsive and angry. I took my first ever sips of alcohol – I’d always been so against the stuff – but now I was angry and ready to do anything. One drink turned into two, and the burning feeling in my throat was somehow soothing and I couldn’t get enough. I was losing myself and forgetting. The lights and the music and the wild dancing was some sick medication for me that was working, and fast.

I felt a hand on my shoulder and for a second I thought it could be Tyler. I debated about hugging him, kissing him, or kicking him in the shins. I turned around and found a different face.

His name is Matt. Matthew Beloin. I giggled when I saw him, his french name seemed so comical. “Bell-waaaay!” I hugged him, stumbling off the stool. My anger was a pure sort of joy now at seeing my old friend. Matt was best friends with both Tyler and I, although I hadn’t seen him since graduation. He only lived about 45 minutes away, but we just never had the time to see each other.

Matt was never particularly attractive. In fact, he was a flat-out dork most of the time. We made fun of him for his pleated ‘grandpa pants’ and slip-on ‘grandpa shoes’. He had medium length brown hair and green eyes. Today he was wearing a deep blue striped dress shirt with a white t-shirt underneath. He held car-keys in his hand and looked concerned.

“Caitlin, are you alright?” Matt frowned. A blind man could tell I wasn’t.

“Mmm Bellwaay, whatcha doing here?” I asked. Matt took the alcohol away from me and led me to a much quieter room, where two or maybe three couples were making out. This was a fatal mistake. I was already an impulsive person, and tonight my inhibitions were out the window.