The beat of the music pounds in my head as I weave through this insanely crowded party, my vision blurring around the edges. My head spins like I just got off some sick ride but it won't stop. It feels like I'm floating, on a big blue sea, waves crashing over me making it harder and harder to breathe. I can't tell if I'm just overwhelmed or something else I can't identify. I can barely think straight let alone walk straight.

I need to sit somewhere. Anywhere.

I spot a sofa in the corner and slowly stumble my way towards it. The second I collapse on the cushion the room tilts, a wave of unease surges up, but I swallow it back down with a groan, gripping the sofa arm like it'll help me if I do yack everywhere. My head lolls back, and I squeeze my eyes shut, trying to piece myself together. The noise of the music fades into a muffled hum as I focus on breathing.

In and out. In and out.

Minutes pass, though they feel longer. Eventually the spinning slows, just enough for me to open my eyes without feeling sick to my stomach. And that's when I see her.

She's standing in front of me, not even trying to hide the fact that she's staring. Her dark, kohl-lined eyes meet mine. They're wide, curious, pretty. She wouldn't be hard to find in this mess of a party. Dressed in layered scene clothes—ripped fishnets, a band tee that clings tight to her frame, a spike choker and shimmer under the lights. Her hair is jet black, with streaks of some color I can't quite make out right now. Everything about her screams Tumblr scene queen. Her looks alone make my stomach flip.

She doesn't say anything. Just keeps watching me. It makes me feel crazy. The intensity makes my skin prickle.

"Can I uh—help you?" My voice comes out rough, the words stumbling out from pure nervousness. Nothing gets translated through my brain first, just leaves my lips.

She doesn’t flinch, doesn’t even blink. Her gaze is steady, unshaken.