After class, I wanted to ask Silk if she'd be interested in trying out for the volleyball team. We'd been so focused on coursework since arriving here, and honestly, we hadn't done anything fun. Since neither of us are really into parties, I figured - why not sports? It could be a new kind of adventure.
As I approached Silk's dorm, I saw her chatting with Scarlett. I didn't mind, but I couldn't help wondering what they were talking about. I figured Silk would fill me in anyway.
When I reached them, Silk told me Scarlett had invited us to a football team party happening Friday night. She said Scarlett just wanted to be friends with both of us. Silk turned to me and asked if I wanted to go.
I hesitated. "We could try it out," I said. "Maybe we'll like it." But I was doubtful, and Silk could see it all over my face.
"Niyah?" she asked, her voice laced with concern.
"Yes, Silk?"
"Is it going to be a problem if we go to this party? We don't have to. We can just tell her we've got other plans."
"It's fine," I reassured her. "I just don't trust her yet, and that's okay. My guard's just up for now. This will be our first 'together-friend.'" We both laughed at the phrase.
"Oh, and I wanted to ask - do you want to try out for the volleyball team next month?"
Silk's face lit up with the biggest smile I'd ever seen. Her voice was calm, but her excitement was unmistakable. It was honestly adorable.
Friday arrived, and Scarlett surprised us with outfits for the party. It was sweet of her - me and Silk both thought so. She took us to breakfast, then dinner after classes. We were having a great time. Scarlett was starting to feel like a real friend, even though we'd only spent a few hours together. I was ecstatic. It was like she knew eating was one of my favorite things. I giggled to myself, and Silk gave me a playful punch in response.
Dinner was a blast, and to top it off, Scarlett gifted us Pandora bracelets. She was really going all out.
An hour before the party, which started at 10 p.m., we were getting ready to arrive fashionably late. The venue was a renovated barn about thirty minutes from campus. Luckily, the weather was perfect - not too hot, not too cold.
While Silk and I were getting dressed, Scarlett stepped out for some last-minute errands. When she returned, we were all set to head out.
At the party, we were greeted like celebrities. It felt special - until I realized that's how they greeted everyone. That dulled the moment a bit. I guess I'd hoped we were VIPs or something, even though I didn't know most of the people there.
Scarlett wandered off to chat with one of the football players. Silk and I stuck together, vibing to the music. That's when I noticed a cute guy staring at me. I gave him a playful look - raised my eyebrows, sipped from my straw, and smiled. Silk caught on and giggled with me.
When I turned back around, he was standing right in front of me. Guess he got the message, I thought.
"Hey, how you doing? I couldn't help but notice you glance over at me," he said.
I smiled and replied softly, "Yeah, I noticed you staring pretty hard."
"Only because I saw an angel across the room. I'm Benjamin - but you can call me Benny."
I giggled. "I'm Niyah."
He was athletic, with smooth brown skin and hazel eyes that sent me into orbit. His voice was warm, like a hug. Taller than me, too. Silk noticed how flustered I was and gently helped me calm down. Benny and I exchanged numbers, and then Silk and I slipped away to the bathroom so I could collect myself.
About an hour and a half later, the barn was packed. People spilled outside, and the doors and windows were propped open. There was an upstairs area for anyone who wanted a quieter vibe.
After dancing a few songs with Silk, I told her I wanted to find Benny again. She said that was fine - she was feeling a little tired and planned to chill upstairs for a bit.
She sat alone for a moment until a group of two to four guys came up to keep her company. I didn't think much of it. If she needed anything, I'd be right there - with Benny, who seemed pretty into me at that point.