***
I had never been a fan of big gatherings of people, especially if I didn’t know anyone around. On top of that, the dress that Alex had finally approved made me feel naked, as it was strapless and really low cut. It felt as if my breasts would spill out any minute and it inhibited movement.
As per Alex’s request at the beginning of the evening, I kept following him around, forcing a smile for everyone to see. Unless he told me to stay.
Leaning against the ornate pillar where Alex had left me, I watched the other guests who seemed to be enjoying themselves. I couldn’t. Not only had I been forced to leave my mother in a state of emotional distress, but I had to put up with Alex’s ignoring me all evening. Even when I was at his side, apart from presenting me as his girlfriend when he needed to show off, he didn’t pay much attention to me.
I checked my wristwatch, I had been alone for more than ten minutes. “What is he doing?” I asked myself, looking around for him.
I decided that the open bar was a much better vantage point so I went there. I needed a drink anyway.
Before I could order anything, I saw him. My heart sank.
He was entertaining a small group of people, probably students from other Greek houses, and seemed particularly friendly to a girl I had never met before.
I couldn’t take my eyes off them, the anger rising inside me was hard to settle.
“Hey, pretty. You seem lonely over here, all by yourself,” some random guy said, standing a bit too close for my liking.
I frowned and stepped back, unsure of how to respond. I didn’t want to be rude, Alex had warned me that anything I did had repercussions on his image. He didn’t want anything staining his stellar fraternity house president reputation.
“Want a drink?” the intruder insisted.
I glanced in Alex’s direction at the same time as he leaned onto the other girl and whispered something with a flirtatious smile. I couldn’t take that.
“I’m fine, thank you,” I said to the guy, my eyes still Alex. He looked my way and squinted. It was his thing whenever he was unhappy about something.
“That’s rude,” the guy said, visibly offended by my lack of attention towards him.
“No, it’s not. If you’ll excuse me.”
Breaking eye contact with Alex, I started for the door. I wasn’t going to take any more crap, that was enough. Having to deal with Alex’s demands and general fussiness was one thing, but watching him hit on other girls while being left alone in a crowd of strangers was unacceptable.
The cold night air hit me as soon as I stepped on the patio. Before I could reach the worn stone steps I was shivering so bad, I knew I needed to go back and take my coat. Deep down, though, I didn’t want to, like suffering the cold would’ve helped with the confusion in my heart.
“Hey! Where do you think you’re going?” Alex shouted behind me. It made me stop in my tracks. Maybe the thought of him coming after me gave me some unexplainable hope.
“Back to my dorm.”
“No, you're not. We came together, we’re leaving together.”
“But we’re not staying together, right?”
“What?” He had caught up with me now. “I am busy, you know that.”
I raised my eyebrows. “Busy flirting with Miss Longlegs back there?”
He shook his head and tsked at me with disapproval. “She’s the president of a big sorority. I need her on my side. And you know what you did with your little tantrum? You screwed with my plan.”
“Right, make me the bad guy. You could’ve warned me about this.”
“I didn’t know I would meet her.”
“Yes, you did. You had the complete list of guests. I’m leaving,” I said and turned my back on him.
“What…? No, you’re not!”
He sounded angry. I didn’t realize how angry until he grabbed my wrist and jerked me back.
“Ouch! Alex!” I cried.
“You’re staying with me. And don’t act so virtuous. I saw you with that guy at the bar,” he said, speaking low, his face scary close to mine.
He was squeezing my wrist so hard, I thought my fingers twitched.
“I wasn’t doing anything! He was hitting on me and I left,” I defended myself. “Let go, you’re hurting me!”
His hot breath touched my face, the faint smell of alcohol making me queasy. I was afraid of him in those moments. I wanted to scream.
“Heya there, you two! Isn't it a bit cold for outdoor cuddles?” someone said, jovially.
“It’s alright, we’re going back inside soon,” Alex assured the man. I wanted to protest, but the unknown voice spoke again.
“Alexander Brandt? Is that you?”
“Professor Dorneget!”
“You rascal! How have you been? Haven’t seen you since your freshman year!”
Alex eased his grasp, but didn’t let go. He only released my wrist when he had to shake the professor’s hand.
“I’ve been well, thank you. What’s new? I heard you were on sabbatical.”
Alex talked like nothing had happened, like he hadn’t just attacked me. A cold shiver went down my spine, watching his perfect act. Maybe something wasn’t right after all.
“Good, yeah. I’ve traveled a lot. Listen, kid, could I talk to you for a minute?”
“Sure. What is it?”
The professor gestured he wanted privacy for this conversation. Alex glanced at me, the look in his eyes harsh. My eyes widened by themselves, as I was torn between screaming for help and wanting to cry.
“This way, professor,” he said, then turned to me and whispered, “Stay here.”
I nodded. I watched him put some distance between us, but taking care to have me in his sight at all times. I suddenly felt terribly lonely and hugged myself in an attempt to warm my freezing body and comfort my confused mind.
It didn’t take long until Alex returned to me, but I had lost track of time waiting. I didn’t move from my spot, not even when the icy wind had started blowing around me. I spent my time focused on the repetitive movement of a small evergreen shrub that stood against the wind courageously.
I didn’t realize Alex was back until I felt his suit jacket around my shoulders. He pulled me back onto him and wrapped his arms around me tightly.
“I’m sorry for earlier,” he said, resting his chin on top of my head. It hurt, but I didn’t want to interrupt him. His voice was calm, he wasn’t angry with me anymore. “I had a couple of drinks and I think I lost my cool. I’m sorry.”
I couldn’t help but smile. Maybe I was stupid to overreact like that.
“It’s alright. Don’t worry.”
“What do you say we go in, get our coats and then get out of here?”
“Sounds good. I’m freezing and hungry.”
“OK, babe. We’ll get a burger on our way.”
I nodded, happy we would finally be warm and alone soon. I liked cuddling with him and falling asleep together.