Chapter 1. Let's end this, Amanda.

Just as they always say, there will always be a first time for everything and everyone. Maybe this was it for me….

For an incoming freshman like herself, going to her first frat party felt somewhat like a rite of passage to Amanda Greyson. She was excited anyway because she had that feeling of already surviving the entire syllabus week, and now considered it a high time to feel out the party scene. 

It would not be so bad to enjoy herself, would it?

Just three months ago, Amanda had celebrated her 18th birthday and was now officially an adult. She was no longer the mommy’s girl she always was, and she didn’t even want to keep being that. Although she still considered herself a good girl, she believed she warranted a little more independence. While she was away from home, she remained under her mom’s control and dictates, never being free to go where she liked or do as she pleased.

If she were to be honest, the last few semesters spent in college had being completely immersed in her studies because she wanted to do exceedingly well to please her mom who would never take any slight chances of seeing her fail and yes, she had kept her part of the bargain doing just fine at school, trying her very best to juggle academics with the responsibility that came with being a poor student on scholarship.  

She didn’t have much time for partying, which was still very much a surprise for someone like her.

Well, that was all thanks to someone being overprotective, and it was no one else but her mother.

Amanda didn’t know why, but she had this bubbling anticipation that was swirling from within her as their car got closer to the fraternity house where the party was taking place that night. She was overly excited because her long time crush, Ryan, would be announcing her as his girlfriend today at the party. She and Ryan had been close friends after highschool and had met each other at a community service in their neighborhood.

She had developed a serious crush on him since then, and he probably felt the same way about her. They resumed college together at the prestigious Texas university and had maintained a close bond with themselves.

Amanda, along with her pals Melanie and Charlotte, made their way out of a modest Camry car that belonged to Melanie, the wealthiest member of their group. Amanda came from a middle-class home where her mother was the only breadwinner. For once in her life, Amanda was never able to meet her father. All she knew was that her father didn’t want her and abandoned her. This most likely explains why her mother detested males and constantly interfered in her daughter’s relationships with them.

“You look hot in this dress, Amanda.” Charlotte mumbled, cupping Amanda’s cheeks.

“Thanks,” Amanda replied, feeling a little too shy.

Amanda was in a well-fitted, light blue above-the-knee sheath dress in an off-the shoulder style with short sleeves while complimenting the dress with black three-inch stilettos. The dress was body hugging, bringing out all of her curves and shape. Unlike her friends, who walked with confidence, she kept her steps at a slow pace, careful not to trip on her three-inch stiletto heels since she wasn’t used to wearing such. Her makeup was minimal, but she still stood out. Her caramel blonde wavy and thick hair cascaded all the way to her waist.  

She could see every eye staring at her from different corners, making her skin crawl. Her cheeks heated and flushed in embarrassment, and she tried her best to maintain her confidence.

Melanie was putting on a plain navy blue, V-neck, fitted short dress that revealed her thighs and breasts. Her jet black shoulder length hair, which was hanging freely by the right side of her neck with the slight smokey eye makeup she did, made her dark eyes pop. Charlotte, on the other hand, was in denim pants and a crop top and she had her brunette hair tied in a ponytail.

“Come on, Brighten those smiles. You don’t want to ruin everything by keeping your face gloomy..” Melanie mumbled as she searched Amanda’s features with her sharp emerald eyes. Amanda forced a smile on her face, trying to keep her smile from faltering.

“It’s going to be a loud one tonight!” screamed Melanie as she winked at a hot dude standing in a corner. She was the extrovert in their squad. Amanda, on the other hand, was more of an introvert who enjoys being by herself, but Charlotte, despite her introversion, was still funny and gregarious. Amanda finds most outings to be awkward because she feels she doesn’t belong. Among the gang, Amanda was known for being shy and prudish. 

In fact, she dreaded outings like these that had alcohol, crowds and noise. She often wondered how she got herself involved with one of the sleekest girls in college, but she guessed it was all thanks to being friends with Melanie.

Once in their General Studies class, which they all had together, she had helped Melanie with some of her work when she had issues with her assignments, and that was how they got close and she got herself included in the three girls’ squad. She felt like the nerd in the group anyway.

“I can’t wait to see Ryan’s expression once he sees how stunning you are, Amanda.” Melanie says with a rush of excitement on her face, making her extremely nervous and curious.

Together, they made their way into the opulent bar as confidently as possible. Vibrant lights bathed the entrance in a mesmerizing kaleidoscope of colors, reflecting the pulsating energy that emanated from within. Live Rock music instantly spilled through the noisy bar and they darted their eyes at every smiling face in the hall. 

The whole place reeked of alcohol and, unsurprisingly, a different stench of body odor, oozing out from different corners. Of course, what else should she expect in a place like this flowery fragrance and scent?

Amanda reasoned within her as she took in her environment and concluded that it differs greatly from the house parties she was used to attending back then when she was in high school. 

The party was mixed with the smell of strong alcoholic drinks with few non-alcoholic ones that were going to be used only as mixtures and yes, the slight stench of sweat couldn’t be excused from the crowd gathered and basically as should be expected, there was a lot of blasting music, noise, smoking and games going on in the background.

In the middle of the room was a large table placed where some people were playing games. Amanda figured that they were doing the truth or dare game and far off, people crowded around a set of settees talking or probably doing whatever. 

Another table was set up on the opposite end of the room, where a bunch of people played beer Pong. Amanda was excited. She had never really played it before and had promised herself that it was going to be one of those things she would try out to mark as done on her bucket list. 

Her mom’s face flashed in her thoughts and she could picture her yelling at her for going out at such wild parties. Not wanting her mother to spoil her day, Amanda pushes the thought of her mother aside.  Her mother had never been aware that she and Ryan were still together; she had always attempted to keep them apart.

Despite her mother’s restrictions, Amanda was eager to enjoy this fun-filled evening with Ryan. Nothing was going to stop her. Besides, her mom isn’t even here… ttch!

“Baby!” she heard Frank call as he noticed the girls walk into the large noisy room. He was Melanie’s boyfriend, and he had left his friends and went over to take his sweetheart in his embrace.

“Frank!” Melanie called excitedly as she rushed over to meet him, throwing herself into her boyfriend’s open arms.

She hugged him tightly, like a woman whose lover had just returned from the navy. 

Frank let his arm travel down her tiny waist and curvy backside as he closed his eyes behind her to bask in her smell. 

“Helloooo!” Charlotte says, clearing her throat in order to remind the two love birds that they were out in the public and should shorten their PDA. 

Amanda was giggling at the two cutest couples, but she still had her eyes darting around in search of Ryan.

“Hey girls!” Frank greeted the others when he finally let go of Melanie. “It’s nice to have you all here”

“Welcome,” Justin, one of Frank’s friends, greeted as he joined the group.

He was smiling at them all, feeling like a suitable host coming to receive VVIPs into the party. Justin had always had a crush on Amanda, but she didn’t give him attention since she thought he was a bad boy because he constantly flirts with women and gets new tattoos every week.

“Hey Amanda!” He called at Amanda and she forced a smile, waving at him softly in the air.

Just then, Amanda’s eyes widened when she saw two people at a far end beside the counter. They fondled their bodies as they engaged in a passionate kiss. Her heart raced and pounded hard in her chest as the weight of the moment sank in.

It was her crush, Ryan, who had planned on proposing to her today, but there he was, engaging in a passionate kiss with some other lady.

“Oh -ohh,” Melanie mumbled, her mouth in the shape of an oval as she traced Amanda’s gaze.

“Damn! This dude is a motherfucker! He told you to come here so he could propose to you and now he’s kissing someone else?! What a bloody cheat!” 

Charlotte cussed, clenching her fists.

Amanda was speechless; all she could do was watch them kiss with tears stinging in her eyes.

“I’ll teach that fool some lessons!!” Melanie said as she dropped her goblet angrily on the table before walking up to Ryan. She gave him a slap on the face, causing his head to tilt to the left.

“Hey you bitch! How dare you slap him!!!” Melanie put her palm in the air to silence the lady Ryan had kissed. 

Ryan’s eyes widened slightly when Amanda seized the opportunity to arrive at the scene.

“What is this, Ryan? You told me yesterday that you wanted to propose to me today, which is why I came here. And now, you’re already cheating on me with someone else?!” 

Amanda snapped, her voice tinged with anger as she tried to hold back her tears. She was someone with a soft heart, someone who easily got hurt.

“I’m sorry Amanda. I can’t have you as my girlfriend. Let’s end everything between us,” Ryan uttered plainly, his words stabbing her in the chest like a dagger.

“Why, Ryan? But I’ve - I’ve always loved you..” Amanda stuttered, ignoring the eyes fixed on them.

“I don’t feel the same way, Amanda. I love Nicki and she has everything I need in a lady,” Ryan disclosed bluntly, and audible gasps erupted from the audience.

“What do you mean?” Amanda asked with wide teary eyes..

“She’s elegant, wealthy, sophisticated, and, um, great in bed. She’s my type of lady and I definitely don’t think it can work between us, so I’ve decided to call it quits,” As Ryan admitted, laughter echoed along the hallway. Amanda’s eyes found Ryan’s arm, and she saw Nickie’s face tattooed there. He has never before gotten a tattoo. He had become so different. Not the Ryan she’d known all her life. Even if he was to draw a tattoo, why should it be that of his new girlfriend? It hurts her to her marrow.

“Not so good, man. You just hurt her feelings.” A fat dude on a settee exclaimed with a mouthful of burgers.  

Amanda’s eyes stung with unshed tears as she shook her head in disbelief. 

Melanie was about to hit Ryan, but Nicki grabbed her hand. Just then, three motorcycles zoomed into the hall with a perfect entrance, grabbing the attention of every single person in the club.

It was the Wild Hogs team .... One of the popular motorcycle clubs in college.

It’s strange that they showed up at a normal bar…