PLOTTED || @badassxqueens
THE FEMININE SCREAM that ripped through the air sent a jolt of panic through Jackson’s shoulders. A quick glance over his shoulder and he could see a girl being carried by two guys. She kicked and screamed at them to put her down, but they weren’t letting up. Jackson found himself taking a step over there, but before he could get within helping distance, it was too late.
“1, 2, 3!”
With arms flailing, the girl hit the water of the pool with a loud slap and a splash. She resurfaced seconds later, pushing her brunette locks out of her eyes as the boys laughed at her.
“Ugh!” She slammed her fists into the surface of the water, a smile on her face, “You guys are assholes!”
The way they all laughed together let Jackson know that it was all in good fun. He felt some of the tension roll of his shoulders. Coming from a town where screams of terror were common, he was still getting used to the fact that people could laugh without being in real danger.
College was a much needed change. A break, even. A time to actually have fun without worrying about if letting your guard down would kill you.
He took a sip from his red solo cup. The liquid burned as it went down, filling him with a much needed warmth. If he waited long enough, the alcohol would kick in and his anxieties would go away.
Eyes scanned over the crowd, looking for a plan of action. He could flirt with the girls lounging by the pool (or the guys tossing the football around in the grass). He could go kick ass in beer pong. He could leave.
Okay, the last one wasn’t really an option—but if the party really blew before he did, he might.
A loud cheer from the beer pong table drew Jackson’s attention over. Someone made a shot. Big deal. It wasn’t enough to keep his attention and he almost looked away until he caught sight of a brunette girl at the end of the table. He stopped, his eyes narrowing.
Hold on a second...
He slid through scantily clad bodies as he made his way over to her. He knew that face. The name though, shit, what was her name? Nina? Selena? Elle—
“Elena?” He tilted his head to get a better look. It had to be her. He was sure of it.












