AUDREY

I barely stepped into the gigantic gate of UCLA when soft feminine hands covered my face. I smiled to myself. It could only be one person—Lislie. She loved taking me by surprise, but she had never succeeded because I had mastered her fingers and even her scent of cherry and lavender.

"Lis... What's up?" I asked.

"You know I will always know it's you."

She grunted, uncovered my face, and sidestepped me to stand in front of me, giving me a quick over-glance.

"Damn! I really missed you," she said and hugged me firmly.

"And you have grown taller." She used her hand to show how tall I had gotten. Well, I had always been taller than Lis. But, this time, it was damn noticeable.

I smiled and pinched her cheeks playfully.

"I missed you too. I hope you had fun during the summer vacation?" I asked as we walked inside the great citadel, which would be my school from now on—our school rather.

"Yep, I went to a summer camp. Liam was there..."

Liam went summer camping? Wow! I thought he said he would be spending the summer vacation with his father's brother in Beverly Hills. That explained why I had to follow my dad for a summer conference/vacation in Malibu. I figured, since my best friend wouldn't be in Los Angeles, there was no need to stay here. Somebody's definitely going to hear from me. To think he hid his location from me for the rest of the summer?

Lislie's giggles snapped me out of my thoughts. I looked forward to see what she was giggling about, and my gaze fell on Liam. Gosh! Did he go for a physique reconstruction or something?

Liam wasn't this muscular, and he didn't have biceps before the summer. Yeah, we kind of stopped seeing less of each other during the last months of our senior year because of the art workshop I attended—as a boost to my college application.

Forgive my manners; my name is Audrey O'Connor, and I am a freshman at UCLA—we all are—me, Lislie, Liam, and two other of my female friends that you will get to meet soon.

Liam had been my best friend since middle school, and we had remained buddies from then until now. Our families became closer as a result of our friendship, and people usually referred to us as siblings. My dad and his dad worked in the same company, but it was our friendship that brought them closer. Same with our mum before mine died. We usually took turns having dinner at each other's houses or going out for treats.

They let us sleep over at each other's houses, go to school together, shopping, church; we did virtually everything together. And all those years, his physical features were the least things that crossed my mind.

I mean, I had no time to be checking out my best friend. That's the job of those other girls who fall at his feet. Moreover, I hadn't taken a closer look at his features until now. Damn! He was looking astoundingly superb!

Seeing him right now, in that tight t-shirt and jeans trousers, with his glasses hanging loosely on his head, in his usual graceful stride, my heart did a thousand flip-flops. I had missed him throughout the summer vacation—unlike before, and I had attributed it to the fact that we weren't spending as much time as before during that period I went to an art workshop for a couple of months. But, on setting my eyes on him, I began doubting if it was only the inadequate time we spent or if there was something else.

He grinned on getting closer to where Lislie and I stood.

"My day one buddy!" He screamed and wrapped his hands around me.

Oh my, did my body just respond to his touch? I shook my head as if trying to shake off the sparks that his touch ignited. That had never happened before.

"Why are you shaking your head vigorously like that? Shocked to see me?"

I forced out a smile. "Like hell, I am."

He chuckled and shoved my shoulders. "I have missed you, bud."

I was still having this weird sensation as a result of his touch. A series of sparks were ignited, and I wondered if it was just from the fact that I missed him or was there something more.

However, I schooled my appearance and turned to face him. I will deal with that later.

"How was summer camp?" I looked him over.

"Someone didn't tell me he's going to a summer camp." I appraised him with a hard stare, trying to pass the message across that I was angry. I guess it worked. His expression softened, and he held my hand.

"I'm sorry, Drey. I felt it was needless to tell you since you had already left Los Angeles; you had no idea how guilty I was feeling. I'm sorry, bud."

Even though he hadn't apologized, just seeing this expression on his face, coupled with how hella cute and gorgeous he had become, my heart couldn't resist melting. It wasn't as though I was really angry in the first place.

"Just don't hide your location from me again, and we are good," I replied, parting my lips in a smile and nudging him so we could keep moving.

From my peripheral vision, I could see him giving me a sweeping glance.

"But seriously, bestie, you have grown really taller and way prettier. This summer really did you good."

My heart fluttered at the compliment. Whoa, what's wrong with me? This wasn't the first time Liam was giving me compliments. What's the difference now, and why was it affecting my heartbeat?

"Well, the difference is that you are beginning to see him in a new light. Recognizing his striking features..." I shut out the voice inside my head, forcing a chuckle as we strode forward.

"Oh really? Prettier and taller than those girlfriends of yours?"

Exactly why did I say that? I had no idea. Since when did I start comparing myself to his girlfriends?

Liam was a player—a handsome one at that. Back then, in high school, all the girls were struggling to have at least a one-night stand. But, as expected, he was highly selective. All of them were falling at his feet, writing him love letters and proclaiming their love for him. I was the only one that never worshipped him or fell at his feet.

I saw him as a brother, not really giving a fuck if his arms were sprouting out muscles, his chest became hardened as a result of endless hours at the gym, or his tummy becoming damn flat and having six packs. But now...

Things were no longer the same. He looked astonishingly attractive to me now, and his touches sent cold shivers through my spine. Oh my freaking goodness!

Liam chuckled, snapping me out of my thoughts.

"They can't be compared to you. You are special—way special." My heartbeat quickened its pace as I stopped in my tracks. 'They can't be compared to you. You are special, way special.' What does that suppose to mean? And why was my heart reacting to those words?

I looked up at him. He was grinning, and then I noticed that our hands were still entangled, contributing to my fluttering heart.

God! What's wrong with me?"

"Look who's here!!!" Lislie's loud voice interrupted my thoughts. I glanced at her; she was pointing towards the hallway. "It's Evie!!" She exclaimed again, dragging Liam and me along towards the direction.

Evie was my other best friend. It felt really good to see her, and for a while, I forgot about my fluttering heart.

AUDREY

It felt good to finally be a part and parcel of the University of California, Los Angeles. It had been our dreams — the five of us. It was a blissful transition from the world of high school to the college of our dreams.

I came back with high hopes of meeting my friends again and starting the new semester as a freshman. Instead of everything going as planned, I found out that I was developing a soft spot for my best friend. What a weird way of starting a semester.

His words were still echoing in my head. "You are way more special..."

The statement was endearing, but come to think of it, this wasn't the first time he said endearing words to me. But, this was the first time I was taking it to heart. Because, sadly, everything had changed. During the summer holidays, I thought my missing him and craving for his presence was because we didn't see each other much during our last days in high school. Now, it all made sense. The distance made me realize that my heart had grown fonder of him.

But the point remained that I was his best friend. No matter how special he said I was, he would never see me as a potential date material.

I pondered over these as I sat in Evie's car, on my way home. My first day in college was fun, but let's cut to the chase: things weren't going to be the same anymore. I was looking at the way college girls flocked around him, just like high school. I couldn't help the jealousy that enveloped me.

He was supposed to drive me home today as promised, but he bailed out because he had a date, with this freshman that was as 'hot as fuck' as he described. That is exactly why I said, I would never be more than a special buddy and best friend to Liam.

He commented on my height and my beauty but just out of courtesy for a best friend — best friends should always compliment each other, right?

Thinking about it now, I remember that I didn't even compliment him like I always did. Maybe because his handsomeness was now having an effect on me, I practically forgot my loyalty to him as a friend.

Usually, I was always the first to tell him how good-looking he was, without even taking it to heart.

Now, those compliments were stuck on my tongue, and saying them out might not be the best idea. I needed to sort out this weird feeling first.

"Drey, are you okay?" I heard Evie ask as she glanced at me briefly.

"Yeah, I am. Why?"

She shrugged. You seem distracted. You are not even flowing with the music. Is Maroon, not your favorite music artist anymore?"

I forced a smile. The last thing I needed was Evie seeing through me.

"Of course, I am, just tired."

She nodded slowly. "I get it. Your department is really a lot of work." Then, she gave me a once-over.

"I didn't get the opportunity earlier to tell you about your outfit today; it looks cool and lit."

I could already sense the 'but' that would follow after the compliment. There was always a 'but' when it came to my fashion sense. "But what?"

Her lips curled up in a smile. "But it looks masculine, and we, as your friend, aren't comfortable with it any longer. Maybe that's why guys aren't so keen on asking you out."

"The last I checked, Liam isn't complaining."

"He won't because he sees you as his best buddy. I am talking about Lislie and Patty. We all dress feminine. You are the only one amongst us who dresses masculine. We just want the best for you."

I sighed. This wasn't what I wanted to dwell on. My fashion sense was okay for me. And it wasn't as though I was interested in any guy at the moment.

"Just take me home."

Evie nodded, touching my shoulders softly. "I am on it."

I folded my arms across my chest and stared ahead. I didn't know what was wrong with me. Hell, I wanted to know. To know why the image of Liam was stubbornly stuck in my mind's eye, refusing to let go.

As Evie dropped me off with the promise of coming later to check on me, and we said our goodbyes, I dragged my feet slowly to the front door of my house. I remembered leaving this house, a couple of hours ago in anticipation of seeing my best friend and my other friends after the summer holidays. But, coming back here, I was besieged with multiple questions that needed to be answered.

I flopped myself on my bed as soon as I got to my room.

The first day could have been interesting and thrilling if not for this weird feeling that persisted, from the first time I set my eyes on Liam till now.

I sighed. I undressed and grabbed my towel, heading to the bathroom. I needed to have a shower and rest my nerves.

Maybe I was hallucinating or infatuated by Liam's more mature body. He now looked every inch like a full-grown man. His chest and shoulders had become broader, his arm muscles flexing out. And those red lips...

Shit! I cursed as I rubbed soap inside my eyes while thinking about Liam. Quickly, I rinsed my eyes and continued showering.

Evening rolled by, and I found myself on my bed, with my laptop in front of me. I was trying to put this weird feeling in words so I could ask Google what it was. I was still trying to form my words when my phone rang.

I glanced at it — I placed it beside my laptop. The caller ID revealed Lislie. We didn't really say our goodbyes because she left in a rush, saying she had some errands to run for her mother.

I picked up and pressed the phone to my ears. "Hello Lis, what's up?" I tried to sound casual, so she wouldn't start asking me what was wrong with me.

"Hello, beautiful. I'm sorry I left in a hurry. I know I was supposed to drop you off."

I shrugged as though she would see me. "It's nothing dear, I understand. Hope you are home now?"

"Yeah, I am. I just wanted to invite you to a party for one of our classmates in high school. She invited the five of us."

No, I wasn't in the mood to attend any parties. Worse still, I felt shivers just at the thought of setting my eyes on Liam. I needed to deal with this shit. I didn't want to start acting all weird around my best friend.

"I don't think I can. You know..."

"No way. I won't accept any excuses, Drey. I will drag you down there if I must. So, be ready at 7. 30, yeah?"

"So, you are saying I must attend even if I don't want to?"

"I'm saying you should have fun with us and not avoid social gatherings like a plague. This is no longer high school; it's freaking college."

"So, because it's college, I should let loose and fly?" Lislie chuckled from the other end.

"Sweetie, I will pick you up okay? And wear something nice!" She finished and hung up, even before I got a chance to reply. I sighed and threw the phone back on the bed.

Resting my head on my throw pillow, and thinking of how weirder this night was going to be.

AUDREY

Lislie pulled to a stop in front of my gate _ where I stood waiting for her. The glass wind down and she gave me a once-over.

"Seriously?"

I raised a questioning brow. "What?"

She sighed and turned off the ignition. "Girl, don't you have feminine clothing anymore? It's a party for crying out loud."

I rolled my eyes. "If you don't like what I am wearing I might as well go back. It's not as if I wanted to attend the party anyway, so, it's my gain.

"There's no way you are escaping this party because of your outfit. No way in hell." She beckoned on me with her free hand.

"Come on in, you are beautiful even in denim trousers, t-shirts, and flannel shirts."

"I thought you'd never ask. I will just turn and spin on my heels." I said with a chuckle as I slid into the passenger seat.

"Where exactly are we headed?" I asked, trying to hide the disappointment that laced my face at the thought of Liam not coming to pick me up. Maybe he went to pick one of his numerous girlfriends. My stomach tightened at that thought.

"You know Shane right? Her birthday is today, and she's throwing a party at her house. And oh, before I forget, Liam said I should plead with you that he wasn't able to drop you off from school today and pick you up for the party."

I bit my lips, trying to contain my anger. "What could he be doing?" Well, wasn't I asking the obvious? It would only be a girl that would keep him away.

"He met this girl in his department, and she's way cute according to him. He dropped her off at her house today and he also went to pick her up." Lislie explained, staring at me at intervals. I tried to keep my face expressionless as I replied to her.

"No biggie..."

After a few minutes of driving down the street, Lislie swerved the car into a large compound, and I could hear the blaring of music even from inside the car. I hated loud music, that was why I hated attending parties. But I trust my friends to always drag me along.

We alighted and she held my hand _ after locking the car, and we strode down the lawn towards the front door.

"We are gonna have some fun!!" Lislie exclaimed as we neared the front door. She was already swinging her hips to the rhythm of the music.

I snorted. "I highly doubt that," I murmured under my breath.

We stepped inside the sitting room, and we were greeted by a bunch, horny teenagers. Some were at the center of the large sitting room, which served as the dance floor, grinding against each other, all in the name of dancing. Others were either hanging on the wall _ by the corners, or on top of each other on the couch. Bottom line, this wasn't my ideal scenario.

I saw most of them swapping spits and shoving their tongues down each other's throats. I resisted the urge to puke. I turned towards Lislie and found her waving at Patty and Evie, who were seated at the far end of the sitting room.

"Hey, let's go say hi to Patty and Evie, yeah?"

I nodded. "Sure."

We strode across to meet them. They were already grinning by the time we got closer to them.

Patty hopped on me, straddling me. Her mouth reeked of alcohol. Trust Patty to be the first one to down a bottle of alcoholic drinks before any other person. She is the shortest of us, but she was daring in so many ways.

"Hello, Drey. We have been waiting for you."

I smiled, holding her by the shoulders. "Patty girlie, I can see you are at it again. The party has not even started and you are already reeking of alcohol."

Lislie plopped down on the sofa beside Evie. "You damn well knew Patty."

Patty hopped down and jumped on the sofa where she was sitting before.

"Someone had vowed never to wear feminine clothes, yeah?" Evie commented, giving me a sweeping glance.

I rolled my eyes. "Yeah whatever, Evie," I said, snatching the plastic cup she was holding and downing the entire content in one gulp.

They all gasped and stared at me wide-eyed.

Placing the plastic cup on the table behind me, I gave them a narrowed gaze. "What?"

"Did you just down the entire content in that plastic cup?" Evie asked, still gawking at me.

"Yeah, I did. I'm just thirsty." They were still staring at me in disbelief, as though I had done the unthinkable. I folded my hands across my chest and rolled my eyes.

"Girls! Please stop staring at me as though I had done the unthinkable. Besides, where's Liam?" I darted my eyes around the sitting room, possibly checking if he was around here.

"He should be around here somewhere..." I heard Evie's voice.

My gaze flicked towards the dining area and I saw him. I did a double-take. My heart did a thousand flips as my breath stopped.

Right there in the dining area, he was holding a girl pinned to the wall, grinding against her with reckless abandon. They were so focused on what they were doing and the look on the girl's face showed she had been teleported to another world.

This wasn't the first time I had seen Liam kissing or grinding another girl, but why was my breath caught and why did I feel weird down my stomach? It was as though the whole place was spinning and I was spinning along with it.

I stared fixedly against them, watching how Liam nibbled and sucked on her lips, his hands on her waist while he ground her. There were obviously heating things off, and somehow my body wasn't comfortable with it.

"Oh! There he is with that his new girl I was talking to you about..." Lislie's voice drew me out of my thoughts.

That was when I was able to take my eyes off them.

I turned to my friends, and I saw Lislie collecting a glass of champagne from the server, who was carrying glasses of drinks around.

She was about to take a sip from it when I snatched it from her and downed it all at once. I took another glass from the server and gulped it all at once.

My head spun with each glass I took from the server. He just stood there staring at me wide-eyed, alongside my friends.

But I didn't care. I just wanted a distraction and these glasses of champagne were just perfect. This was the first time I was taking champagne and I was aware of its high volume of alcohol, but that wasn't my business.

I was about to down the remaining glass in the tray when Lislie caught hold of the glass. I looked up at her, belching loudly.

"What?"

"Geez! Girl, what has gotten into you?" Evie asked as she stood up to hold me. I wanted to take a step but I discovered that my head was already spinning and my head was aching _ I was already drunk.

I had this irresistible urge to pee. I freed myself from Evie's hold.

"I need to go to the restroom. I will be right back."

"Will you be okay on your own? It seems you are already drunk." Lislie asked, and I nodded.

"I am fine, and I can go on my own."

With legs that had suddenly become heavy with the dizziness that was beginning to overwhelm me, I found my way to the restroom.

I managed to relieve myself, but as I stepped out of the restroom, I had this sharp pain in my head, and I couldn't help but let go of my resistance.

I couldn't stop myself from giving way to the ground as the pain became stronger. When I thought I'd neared the floor, I felt a hand grip me from behind.