You weren’t even sure how your friends had convinced you to come out tonight. It was a kickback at some stranger’s house, packed with college students. Maybe it was because you were run the hell down. Your relationship was draining you and your friends took notice quickly. Exhausted was an understatement; you were withdrawing.

They wanted to lift your spirits the only way they knew how: A night with drinks, loud music, laughter and maybe a little recklessness.

Your partner had been tearing you down, again and again, repeating the same hurtful cycle. Your friends couldn’t stand your partner, which is why they were so eager to get you out of the house, hoping a fun night would help you forget them, at least for a little while.

As the party wore on, your friends got familiar with a small group of boys. Talking and chatting away to their heart’s desire. They even put you on the spot, explaining to the strangers that you were in a “shitty relationship” and needed a break. Embarrassing.

One of the guys, a tall one with sharp eyes, face littered with tattoos, and an air of mischief glanced your way.

“You’re the one in the shitty relationship?” he asked, amused, a slow smirk spreading across his face. “You know good girls who don’t come outside get cheated on?”

His words hit close to him. It even boiled your blood a little, stirring up a bitter feeling inside the pit of your stomach. Before you knew it, you threw your head back, swallowing the drink in your red SOLO cup in one swift go.