''Is there anything else you want to talk about?''

I look at the familiar pear of blue eyes, before I shake my head negatively.

''No? Are you sure?''

She insists and I feel like crying all over again, but I keep myself together.

''Why do I get the sense that you are lying to me Daphne?''

Her words make my heart sink. I mean I already knew, she would see it anyway. It's not like I can hide from her.

''I understand if there is something you want to keep for yourself. But as your psychologist I need you to know that you can speak about anything with me. I won't judge. I thought we have already made a progress on that matter.''

''We did. I mean...I trust you. You are the only one I can open up. It's just...''

''This is not the time.'' She continues my sentence and I nod in agreement.

''Ok. I won't pressure you. But I really hope you make up your mind and talk to me the next time. I can see something is bothering you and I can't help you If you don't let me.''

''Ok.'' I whisper, gathering my things.

''Until our next session.'' She shakes my hand, giving me a warm smile.

''Goodbye.''

I walk outside taking a deep breath of air. My head is dizzy and I feel the need for caffeine.

Dragging my feet to the bus stop, I think about her words.

This is the first time in months I couldn't talk to her about my thoughts.

Making this relationship work based on trust, was pretty difficult. Especially for someone with trust issues like me.

I used to have major panic attacks when I first came to her. I wasn't able to get inside the subway or go to college.

I would cry on a daily base and lost about 7 kg.

My life was living hell. A hell I felt I won't walk away.

But I did. With her help.

We came a long way and I feel guilty letting some random guy, destroy everything I worked for.

Fuck Daphne. You really fell in his trap. He probably wanted to make sure you'll keep your mouth shut and won't talk about the drug dealing.

The bus stops in front of me and I shake my head getting inside.

I find a sit beside the window, plugging my earphones.

The sound of Billie Eilish's voice fills my head, but I quickly change the song.

No more sadness.

Putting the ''Chicken Noodle Soup'' by J- Hope and Becky G, I smile thinking about the person who reminds me.

As if he heard my thoughts, the song pauses, while my phone vibrates.

I look at the caller's id smiling again. ''Stranger''

''Yes?''

''Hi stranger.'' A happy voice greets me from the other line.

''Hello.'' I respond already in a better mood.

''How are you doing today?''

''Good.''

''You don't sound good. What's up?''

''Nothing. I just missed my morning coffee.''

''Oh, that's why I called you. How about we meet at my place? I'll order something for both of us.''

''Ok...sounds good. Where are you now?''

''I just finished my lesson and I'm heading home. I want to show you something.''

''Like what?''

''You'll see. Don't make me spoil to you little brat.''

''I'm not a brat.'' I pretend to be annoyed, before I add smiling.

''I'll see you in a bit.''

The door opens with a thud and I flinch at the sound of it.

''Wow...you really wanted me here.''

''Sorry, there were shoes stuck behind it. Come in.''

I walk inside the apartment. It looks even messier than the last time I was here.

''I know, I know...it's Teddy's time to clean up and I'm not doing it again.''

''I can help you if you want.'' I suggest, lifting a few clothes from the couch.

''No. I'm not backing up. He has to clean at some point.''

''I mean I guess so...but are you willing to wait for him? You will be living with Micky if this goes on.''

''Micky?'' He asks confused.

''Mouse.''

''Ohhh that's funny. See? You spent a few days with me, and you already got yourself a sense of humor. I can't even imagine how you'll be in a couple of months.''

''For your information I already had a sense of humor. And it's not like I need a brainwash or something.'' I huff annoyed.

''Oh, believe me little brat. When I'm done with you, you'll be begging for another round.''

''Ewww...that's disgusting. Pervert.'' I say, punching his arm.

''Hahaha I was joking. You are so easy to tease.'' He laughs at me.

I pout moving to the kitchen. ''Whatever you say. Cute, silly, Babyboy.''

''Hey! Stop, calling me like that!''

I think it's safe to say that waking up in a stranger's house, especially after spending the whole day together, is at least mind troubling.

Or it was for me when I opened my eyes, neck aching from the sleeping position in a green couch, with a brunette boy next to me.

I looked at him sleeping like a baby and I tried to bring myself remember his name.

It was something sort. With an O maybe?

Searching for my phone, I light up the screen to find 30 missed calls and 20 messages.

Shit.

The boy moves opening his eyes slowly. When he sees my petrified face, he raises an eyebrow.

''Everything alright?''

''No. It's not alright. I need to go. Fuck my parents are going to kill me.''

I start gathering my things panicking, my pained leg slowing the progress.

''Ok. Don't freak out. Why don't you go wash your face? I'll make coffee.''

Is he mental?

''I don't have time for coffee Bob.'' I freak out.

''It's Rob. And yes, you have time.'' He calmly responds making me stop.

I look at him, while he gently smiles at me.

I take a deep breath trying to calm down my nerves, before I sit down on the couch.

''I can use some coffee.'' I whisper.

''Great. Do you like americano?''

''Yes. Black.''

''Mmm I guess we have to start by putting a little sweetness in your life.''

That was five days ago. After putting up with my mom's yelling and my friends scolding, I went back to my routine.

Only this time there was one new person in it. Rob. Or how I like to call him, Bob.

He was exactly what I needed at this point of my life. Fun, positive, full of energy and creativity.

Even though we were so different, he managed to make my feel comfortable around him. My awkwardness didn't affect him. Nor did the fact I am too introvert, or anxious with other people.

He looked at me as equal and not as a fragile girl like everyone else.

And I loved spending every single moment with him.

Which explains while I'm sitting here, five days in a row, watching him explain another work of art.

''So, do you like it? I took the inspiration from that movie we were talking about.''

''Mmm... I like it. A lot. What is it for?''

''Just practice. We are going to have a new project next week and I want to be ready.''

''Was it your first choice? The Art School?''

''Yes. Since I can remember.''

''That sounds fun.''

''You know what else sounds fun?'' He asks smiling cheekily.

''What?''

''Parties! College parties to be more precisely.''

''Yeah...not my thing.'' I respond shaking my head.

''That's why you have to come. Just do something different.''

''Nope.''

''Oh, come on! It will be fun. Have you ever been to a party before?''

''Yes, I have.''

''Really?'' He raises an eyebrow.

''Really. And it's not me.''

''Why not?''

''There are a lot of... there are a lot of people.'' I say in a whisper.

Silence fills the room, until I feel the couch sinking beside me.

''I'll be there. I promise. I won't leave you alone.''

I shake my head. ''You will be better without me. I'm just going to spoil your mood.''

''That's not true. Besides, I want you to meet my friends.''

''I met Teddy. And it didn't go well.'' I say, remembering the awkward moment I run into his roommate a couple of days ago.

He was walking naked unaware of the fact I was in the house too.

Our meeting end up, with me screaming at the top of my lungs and him covering himself behind the couch, after hitting his foot and landing on his butt.

Bob laughed his ass off, but me and Teddy didn't find it that funny at all.

''Oh, come on. Teddy has already forgot about it. Besides, you know what they say, naked friends are the best friends!''

''Who says that?'' I ask doubtfully.

''I don't know. Someone wise probably. The point is you are coming. End of story.''

Huh...I guess I'm going to a party.

*

''And who is this new friend again?'' My mom asks for the 100th time.

''I told you. Someone I met a few days ago.''

''Is he from your university?''

''No. He studies Art.''

''Is he the same person you slept on?''

I look at her from the mirror, while I put another layer of mascara.

The truth is I didn't say exactly what happened to my mom, when I spent the night at his house, because I knew she would freak out. So, I lied that I was with a girl from my college, working on an essay or something.

I know she didn't believe me, but she let it go, after my dad interfering.

''So?'' She asks raising an eyebrow.

''It's not...w-we have mutual friends.''

''Is Khloe coming?''

Ouch. Another delicate matter.

''No.''

''Why not? You guys go everywhere together.''

''Florence enough with the interrogation. Let her finish, before she stubs her eye with that thing.''

My dad's voice interrupts us and my mom leaves the room with an annoyed look on her face.

Well it's not like I can do anything about it.

A light nock makes me turn on the door.

''Can I?'' My father smiles at me.

''Of course.''

He walks in sitting on my bed.

''You look pretty.''

''You think so?'' I say tugging on my black velvet dress.

He hums in approval.

''I still remember the time we were going on parties at your age. Your mom used to sneak out of her house because your grandpa was too strict.''

''She did?'' I can't think of my mom as a rebellion. She looks too perfect for this.

''Oh yes. All the time. It was different back then. The people, the streets, society too.''

''I get what you're saying. But I'm not doing drugs and I'm not drinking. I'm careful.'' I say, sitting beside him.

''I know honey. I trust you. And the people who surround you. It's your choice after all.''

I smile in appreciation.

''So, Khloe isn't coming? Don't get me wrong. It's not like you can't go out without her. I'm just surprised.''

''Mm...We are not really in good terms right now.''

The truth is, I haven't spoke to her in days. After my ''sleepover'' we got into a huge fight and she hasn't contact me. I haven't either.

In any other case I would've try to talk things with her, but I was so sad and disappointed that I focus on anything else to keep my mind busy. And Bob played a big part.

''Ok. Have fun and take care. If you need anything call me.''

''Thanks dad.''

Kissing my forehead, he leaves the room, while a message pops on my phone.

''Be there in 10 minutes''

Brat👶:''OK.''

Grabbing my bag, I take a last look in the mirror, before I leave closing the light.

The streets were empty by the time I came to our meeting spot.

Looking around I try to keep myself warm, clutching my leather jacket tightly on my body.

The darkness surrounding the park, makes me think it was a bad choice meeting them here. Bob and his friends were supposed to pick me up from my house, but I change the spot. I didn't want them to be seen by my mom, cause I knew she would start interrogating me, or worst.

A silver car makes it's appearance, from the corner of the street. The window slides down revealing Bob's happy face.

''Brat! Looking good.''

I roll my eyes, staring at the people inside the vehicle. A tall guy drives the car, while two other sitting in the back. I recognize Teddy's form. He gives me a smile, while the man beside him is too busy, typing on his phone to aknowledge my existence.

''I'll introduce you later. Jump in!''

Teddy gets out making space for me to sit in the middle.

I go in hesitantly, tugging on my dress to avoid any accident. Soon I'm squished like a burrito by the two strangers, who are too occupied to realize my discomfort.

During the car ride, Teddy is looking outside the window, while the other one keeps his eyes on his phone.

I move a little to find a better position without being too obvious about it.

I end up kicking the guy beside me for the 10th time in the process, but he doesn't seem to notice.

Or at least that's what I thought.

''Do you perhaps want to sit on my lap?''

He speaks the words without averting his gaze form the screen. I turn embarrassed before I mumble a quite ''Sorry.''

''Wait till you sit.'' His eyes finally meet mine and I tremble under his dark gaze.

''Everything alright back there?'' Bob asks looking at us from the rearview mirror.

I keep our gaze for a moment before I turn my head in the front.

''Yeah.'' I say quietly.

''Yeah.'' He repeats not taking his eyes from me. I can sense him staring and I automatically move a little closer to Teddy.

At least he doesn't look me like a prey.

''We are about to be there in a few minutes.'' The driver says.

''I should introduce you then.'' Bob says happily.

Seriously that guy...We are practically on top of each other and he thinks this is the right time for introductions?

''Guys this is Daphne. My new little. Daph this is Theo and Isaac. You already know Teddy.''

The driver named Theo, gives me a wave, while Isaac stays silent.

I don't know what to do so I play with my fingers instead.

The sound of loud music echoes through the streets and I look outside. People, most of them drunk, walk around laughing and chatting. Lights coming from the house ahead of us, make the whole neighborhood bright and when we finally approach the entrance, I stare in an aw.

Don't get me wrong I've been to a couple of parties before, but nothing comparing to this.

The house is huge. Like these over the top you see only in movies.

Thousands of people are scattered around in the front playing drinking games and dancing.

It's the most typical college thing you can see. I can hear the yelling from afar, so I stare at the house again. Who leaves here?

''Close your mouth, you're gonna catch a fly.'' Teddy says chuckling.

''Whose is this?'' I ask.

''Just some rich guys'.'' He answers.

''Alright, alright, alright. Ready to have fun?'' Bob says and I nod hesitant.

It's going to be a long night.

***