-o0o-

I leaned against the balcony heavily, sipping my vodka.

After what happened with Alyson, I don't really feel like partying anymore. Even though I don't have feelings for her anymore, she brought back bad memories. It took so long for me to drag myself out of the deep depression she pushed me into.

Sometimes I feel like I'm back in it, drowning in sorrow and self hatred. Soccer and Zeke were the only two things that woke me up. After that, I haven't focused on anything else. Especially not relationships. She ruined me for anyone else.

I groan as the alcohol begins to hit me. Thank god I can hold my liqour. Unlike some people. The sound of a guy vomiting of the railing a few feet away makes my stomach churn.

There's a tickling sensation at the back of my neck suddenly. Like somebody is staring at me. It's creeping me the fuck out.

Turning around, I jump when I see that I was right. However, it's not the creepy school shooter guy that I was expecting. It's the girl. The one with the mousy brown hair from earlier. She shrinks under my gaze.

"Uh, hi. I'm-"

"Ivy Odair. I know who you are," she said quietly, playing with her hair. I blinked, sorta weirded out. "We have Psychology and study hall together."

I immediately felt like an asshole. Especially for not knowing who she is. She seemed like a nice girl. A bit shy, but nice nonetheless. I noticed that she didn't look me in the eye.

"Oh. Well uh, I'm sorry. What's your name?"

She wrapped her arms around herself, rubbing her arms. Her eyes flicked up to me, blue and crystal clear. The pupils were dilated and I silently wondered if she had smoked some loud.

"I'm Marie," she whispered. I could barely hear her over 21 Savage rapping very savagely.

I sipped more of my vodka, noticing that it tasted like water. I walked over to her slowly, careful not to step on her toes. She fidgeted even more when I stood in front of her.

"Well, Marie with no last name. You look cold. Do you want my flannel?"

"I-it's Goldman and no. You'll freeze."

"No I won't. I'm literally sweating right now. Vodka makes me hot," I laughed. I unbuttoned my flannel sloppily, chuckling at how hard it is. "Can I get some help here, Marie? I am enebriated. Lol, that's a funny word."

Marie looked down shyly before moving to help me. "You use "lol" in sentences? Even though you're not laughing?"

I smiled down at her, rolling my eyes at myself. "Only when I'm enebriated."

Marie laughed quietly, covering her mouth with her hand. I smiled and draped my flannel over her shoulders. I watched her put it on, feeling an odd sensation. It was big on her but it looked nice. However, I felt stupid when I saw that she was wearing a dress.

"How do I look? Is it bad?" Her voice was insecure, like she thought I was judging her or something. I smiled at her.

"You look nice. I was just feeling stupid because I have nothing for your legs," I paused, swishing my cup. To my chagrin, it was empty. I rolled my eyes, randomly remembering that test I'm supposed to be studying for.

"Hey, it was nice meeting you Marie but I gotta go," I slurred, patting her shoulder as gently as possible (too hard). "I have a...uhhhh. A test! Yeah. I have to study for a test."

I faintly heard Marie speak as I turned to walk away but it was too late. I could see Zeke. I needed to get him to take me back to my dorm.

"I know. I'm in your class..."

I make my way towards Zeke, carefully dodging my drunken friends. My name echoes in my ears and I feel bad for ignoring them but I have to go. Looking down at my watch, I notice how correct I am. It's already 11:30. If we don't go now, I won't be able to get back on campus until the morning.

"Z, I gotta go. It's 11:30 man," I said, pinching my nose as he blew out smoke. I always hated the smell of weed.

"I'm wasted dude. I couldn't even ride a horse right now," he slurred.

Out of nowhere he and his friends burst out laughing like idiots. I groaned in dismay and rummaged through his pockets, ignoring his exclaimation. I turned around to leave without a second glance.

"Hey, Ivy! You can't drive man. You've been drinking and I'm not taking the fall if you crash the car," Z called, sobering up for a moment.

I facepalmed, taking a moment to gather myself. It was hard with all the noise around me. What the fuck am I supposed to do, I mused. How the hell do I get home now? Nobody is sober.

That tickling feeling itches at my neck again and I turn around slowly. Through the opened door, I can see the girl. Marie. My flannel hangs around her like a poncho and she fidgets under my gaze. A thought pops into my head and I stride towards her, bumping people out of the way.

Marie looks like she's about to have a heart attack when I reach her.

"Hey Marie, um. Did you drive here," I asked gently, eyes wide with hope. She looks startled.

"No, I-I rode my bike," she stammered.

I first pumped the air and she almost jumped out of her skin. I couldn't help but laugh at her skittishness.

"Can you drive, Marie?"

She cast her eyes up to me questioningly before nodding. I couldn't help the wide grin that split my face. I tossed my keys toward her and ignored the sound of them dropping the ground as I made my way to my car.

"Good. Take me back to my dorm. STAT."