A New Normal

Prologue

|A/N: This story will follow each episode's storyline (somewhat) with added details/situations. This is told through the eyes and ears of the main character.|

The music is deafening. Does it really have to be so loud? It's pounding in my ears so loud I can't even string together a thought. Yet somehow, I can still hear every drunken conversation swirling around me. Finals, shots, pirates, it's all. blur. I almost laugh, as if the group of drunken frat boys dressed as pirates need any more liquor. One of them stumbles, sloshing his drink all over himself. Figures.

I should have stayed in.

I used to love nights like this-crowded bars, bad music, too many drinks. But lately, I can't shake the feeling that I'm watching everyone else's life through a window, like I'm not really here. Like I don't belong.

I toss back my vodka soda, the burn sliding down mg throat. My judgement's been slipping slowly all night, and gulping it down this fast wasn't my smartest move. I set the empty glass on the table, leaning against my pool stick for support in my dreary state. My head's pounding, and for just one second, I close my eyes. One second where the noise, the lights, the crowd, all of it fades.

Then, of course, my hand slips down the cue, and I almost face plant into the pool table.

My palm smacks against the polished wood, the sting jolting up my arm. Great. Now I've got eyes on me. A few people chuckle and I can feel the heat rushing to my cheeks. Swallowing my embarrassment, I shoot a glare at the couple lounging at the bar. Of course they're laughing.

I should have stayed in.

"Hey, you falling asleep over there?" A deep voice calls out, followed by a chuckle. I don't even have to look to know who it is. My grip tightens around the pool stick. The idea of smacking him with it crosses my mind.

Maybe I should. It could get me kicked out of this place.

I take a deep breath and force a smile. "Me? Fall asleep on your big night? Never," I say, injecting as much enthusiasm as I can manage. I set the pool stick down, pushing myself off the table. My head is throbbing, but I cross over to where he's sitting. "I wouldn't have missed this for the world." I pull my sweater down over my hands, feeling a chill rise up my spine.

He laughs, though I catch the flicker of guilt on his face. "It's just an interview," Sam mumbles, shifting uncomfortably under all the attention. He's never been one to bask in the spotlight. That's always been his brother's thing. Sam's the opposite almost-quieter, gentler, more grounded.

"Sam! Are you kidding me?" Jess squeals beside him, ruffling his shaggy hair. She insisted on dressing up tonight for Halloween, while I definitely hadn't planned for the occasion. They exchange a smile, then a kiss, oblivious to everything else around them.

I glance down at my shoes, pretending to be absorbed in a scuff on the leather. Yes, I'm very happy for Sam. Yes, I love him. But right now? I'd rather be buried in my bed with a tub of ice cream, mourning my academic disaster in peace. My eyes drift across the bar as Sam and Jess chatter away, their voices fading into the background. I bite my lip. feeling more out of place by the second.

I need to get out of here.

Clearing my throat, I grab my jacket off the stool. "You know, I think I'm gonna head home," I say, sliding it over my shoulders.

Jess's face falls. "No, stay!"

I wave them both off, forcing a smile. "You guys stay and have fun. I've got another midterm on Monday, and I really need to study."