“Next!” A guy standing behind a tripod called out. Tish hopped up in front of the plain, blue backdrop and made a funny face as the camera light flashed. “Next!” Tish stood off to the side waiting for her I.D. to print as Alex stood in front of the camera. She went to move her bangs out of her face just as the flash went off. “Next!”
“But I wasn’t ready.” Alex looked at the guy taking the pictures.
“Redo’s are next week if your eyes were closed. If your eyes weren’t closed, tough shit. Next!”
Alex stumbled over to the printing area. Please let my eyes be closed. Please let my eyes be closed. She crossed her fingers while she waited. A small plastic rectangle shot out. Frick. Her eyes were open, and so was her mouth. Her hand was a blur near the edge of her face from where she tried to brush her hair back. Alex groaned aloud.
“Let me see,” Tish leaned in over Alex’s shoulder. “Well, it’s not,” Tish started trying to comfort her roommate, but then thought better of it, “no…no, that’s pretty awful.” Her shoulders shook as she tried to contain her laughter.
The two of them made their way back across campus to finish unpacking. The grounds were unnaturally green for the lack of rain and the amount of heat so far this year. Squirrels skittered up and down trees. Acorns thudded to the ground. Brick buildings lined the sidewalks. Laughter and light-hearted chatter drifted in the breeze.
Alex and Tish walked up the back steps to the Garner building where they would be living this year. The common area had a few worn couches and a T.V. for the residents to share. The hallways smelled faintly of mold, but at least it was cool inside. Alex walked past the shared bathroom and water fountain to her dorm room.
“Oh crap!” Tish said as they walked in. “Forgot to hook up the mini fridge before we left. She scooted the tiny black fridge into the space between the two beds where an outlet marked the center of the far wall.
“Any idea when we get our class schedules?” Alex tossed her half-flattened pillows up to the head of her bed.
“My cousin, Erika, said they start handing them out at five today. We can go pick them up on our way to dinner.” Tish pulled her laptop out of a bright yellow backpack and sat cross-legged on top of her desk with her computer in her lap. “Oh, I hope it’s ok, I told her she could meet us here, and we could all go to the Rec center together to grab dinner.” She looked up at Alex as she opened the laptop and turned it on.
“Uh, yeah, sure that’s fine I guess.” Alex smiled while she plugged in a power strip to the other socket behind the fridge. She placed her lamp on the edge of her desk. “Erika’s a freshman, too?”
“Nope. She’s a junior. Hey, any idea what the Wi-Fi password is?” Tish tucked her hair behind her ears.
“No, sorry.” Alex gathered her light blue shower caddy and a change of clothes. “Hey, I’m gonna go grab a shower before dinner, ok?”
“Sure thing! Oh! You might want to wear some shower shoes or flip-flops.” Tish smiled from her perch on top of her desk and went back to guessing Wi-Fi passwords.
Alex picked up her sad flip-flops and made her way down the hall to the communal bathroom. The door swung open. The bathroom was coated in fluorescent lighting. There were three showers set up opposite from the toilets. The shower on the far right was already running. Steam drifted above the opening. Alex pulled back the thin plastic sheet in front of the middle shower. She stepped into the small dressing area positioned between the outer curtain and the shower. She placed her shower caddy and change of clothes on the bench and pulled the plastic curtain shut behind her. The curtain crinkled as it fell into place.
Alex tossed her flip-flops on the ground and slipped off her flats, placing her feet carefully on the foam as she avoided the damp bathroom floor. She slid her fingers under the bottom of her shirt and slowly lifted it over her head. Her body relished in the cool air as the fabric un-plastered itself from her skin. Alex unhooked her bra and hung it from the hook on the wall. She shimmied out of her shorts and tugged the hair tie from her blonde hair.
She leaned into the shower and turned on the faucet. Alex grabbed her shampoo from the caddy as she stepped into the stream of water and pulled the second plastic curtain closed. The scent of strawberries and cream wafted around her as the steam of the shower fogged the air. Sweat was rinsed away in the warm water. Her hair flowed over her shoulders and down her back as she rinsed out the shampoo. Alex slipped her hand through the gap between the shower wall and the plastic sheet. She grabbed her body wash and began lathering up. Tiny, pearlescent bubbles coated her skin.
Alex paused as she heard someone enter the shower beside her. She could hear a girl giggling from the other side of the wall. A male voice shushed the girl as the water turned on. Alex could hear them kissing in the stall beside her. Oh my gosh! She mouthed silently to herself as she quickly finished rinsing off. Alex wanted to get back to her room before the sounds of kissing progressed any further. She dried off and jerked on a clean pair of shorts. She fastened her bra and pulled her tank top over her head. After she had gathered her things, Alex sprinted back to her dorm.
“Tish! You are not going to believe what just happened! Alex closed the door behind her and put her caddy on the counter next to her sink. She paused a second as she looked at her roommate. Tish was on top of her bunk with a plastic Viking helmet on her head, still trying to guess the Wi-Fi password to the college internet.
“It’s my I-mean-business hat. I was hoping I could get in with sheer intimidation, but the network has no respect for Nordic ferocity, it seems.” Tish slammed her laptop shut. “So, what’s up?”
“I’m pretty sure I just heard someone hooking up in the shower.”
“Shut up!” Tish put her laptop on the bed beside her and slid forward, so her legs were dangling off the edge.
“I’m serious!” Alex towel dried her hair as she spoke, “I could hear them.”
“That’s crazy! I mean we haven’t even been here a full day yet, people, come on.” There was a knock at the entryway. “Come in!” Tish yelled through the door.
“Hello?” A dark haired girl with a nose ring poked her head in the room.
Alex turned her head, “Hey, you must be Erika. I’m Alex.”
The girl smiled as Tish slid off of her bed and landed on her feet. “Ready?” Tish tossed her Viking helmet on the desk and pulled on some shoes.
“I’m ready if you guys are.” Erika opened the door wider and leaned against the door frame.
“Just about.” Alex finished drying her hair and squirted some mouse in her palm. She ruffled her tresses to give them volume. She put on a sheer lip gloss, checked herself in the mirror, then turned to the other girls, “Mmmkay, ready.”
The three of them walked out of the all girl’s dorm and meandered towards the Student Recreation Center. “So, how do you like it so far?” Erika asked as they walked across the lawn.
“It’s definitely been interesting.” Alex giggled, looking at the buildings and the other students that were heading to dinner. It was still hard to believe she was really here. “Ouch!” An acorn fell onto her head as they passed under a tree.
“Oh, yeah, careful. The squirrels throw acorns at you sometimes.” Erika said nonchalantly as they walked up the steps to the Rec center.
Alex looked up at the trees scrupulously as they cleared the final branches overhanging the steps. Inside the Rec Center was music and a small coffee shop where students could buy snacks if they didn’t want to have an actual meal in the cafeteria which was located on the second floor. Alex could see some pool tables and a foosball table in a glass room to the right. Couches and plush chairs were scattered around the room. It was bright and inviting. The smell of coffee greeted them at the door.
“This way, ladies.” Erika guided them up a flight of stairs to the second floor. “You can grab your schedules over there.” She gestured to a row of tables outside of the cafeteria. Each table was labeled with a few letters of the alphabet. “I’m goi
ng to head in and grab us a seat.”
Alex and Tish each got in line behind the table with the first letter of their last name posted. “What’s your name?” The girl working the table said as she prepared to flip through the packet in front of her.
“Landry,” Alex said as she leaned on the wooden table.
The girl rifled through her papers and drew a line through Alex’s name with a highlighter. The girl sitting beside her handed Alex a folder. “This has your schedule, campus map, and a few other important things in it.”
“Thanks,” Alex smiled as she took the folder and stood off to the side waiting for Tish. “Got it?” She took a step forward as her roommate came to join her.
“Yup.” Tish was distractedly flipping through her folder already, “Aha!” She looked up triumphantly, “Found the Wi-Fi password!”
The two of them walked up to the entrance of the cafeteria. “Hello! Can I have your I.D.?” The lady behind the register had a flower tucked behind her ear. The girls each handed her their cards. Alex thought she saw the lady scoff slightly when she saw her student photo, but maybe she was just imagining things. The cafeteria worker swiped the cards through the machine and handed them back with a smile, “Enjoy your meal!”
The entire food section was set up like a buffet. Alex could see a roast beef carving station, a salad bar, a dessert station lined with cakes and pies, and at the end of the center sections were two selections of soup. As she wandered around looking at the salad bar, she saw another girl making stir fry. No wonder the freshman fifteen is such a big deal. Alex carefully filled a bowl with some spinach and a few cucumber slices. She made her way to the soups and poured herself some tomato basil before grabbing a cup of water and wandering into the seating section, looking for Erika.
“Over here!” Erika waved from the far side of the room. Alex walked up and sat her tray on the long table. “Eating healthy, huh?” Erika laughed through her mouthful of mashed potatoes. “Good luck with that.”
“What do you mean?” Alex blew on her soup to help cool it down.
“Most freshies come to college dead set on not gaining the freshman fifteen. By the time the third week rolls around, everyone is stress eating. It’s just part of it.” Erika shrugged her shoulders and took a drink of her soda.
“Found ya!” Tish plopped down next to Alex. Her tray was mounded high with roast beef, sweets, and a slice of pepperoni pizza. “So what’s your schedule like?” Tish took a bite of pizza, and a strand of cheese slowly pulled away from the crust. Alex’s stomach grumbled as she looked back to her own plate.
Alex pulled out her schedule from the folder she had been given, “Chemistry at nine, Biology at ten, then I’ve got World Religions at noon, English 101 at two, and I’m going to wrap up my day with yoga at seven. I’m not really a morning person, so not having class until nine is amazing.” Alex chimed off her classes and did a happy dance.
Tish looked over at the slip of paper in Alex’s hand and struggled to suppress a laugh.
“What?” Alex looked between Tish and Erika, not understanding what was so funny.
“Your yoga is at seven a.m., not seven p.m.” Tish pointed to the physical activity column on Alex’s schedule.
“No!” Alex held the paper closer to her face. Her eyes grew wide as the reality set in. “Who in their right mind even makes a class for seven in the morning? That’s insane!” Erika and Tish laughed as Alex ate her soup, not even tasting it anymore. “How could this even happen?” Alex slouched in her chair. Out of the corner of her eye, Alex caught a glimpse of curly, dark hair. She tilted her head to get a better look.
Erika followed her gaze, “That’s Liam, and trust me, girl, he’s not your type.”
“Why do you say that? —I mean, oh, no, I don’t…” Alex stammered and placed her hands on her lap. Her cheeks tinged pink as she stared at her salad.
“Relax, Freshie. Every girl goes through a bad boy phase. It’s part of life.” Erika took a bite of ice cream and twirled her spoon in the air as she talked, “But Liam Riker, he’s what a daddy’s nightmares are made of.” Erika leaned closer over the table while she continued, “He’s got the hair, those eyes, he has a motorcycle, and last year some people saw him making out with a girl on the hood of a campus security car. You need to try out your training wheels before you jump on that.” She jerked her head in Liam’s direction. “And I’ve got just the thing!” Her voice rose in hushed excitement. “Tonight, over at Marcus, they’re throwing the annual beginning of school party. What do you say? You girls up for your first college party?” Erika raised her eyebrow.
“Sounds awesome!” Tish said as she downed the last of her drink.
Alex’s stomach tossed and turned, but she was determined to come out of her shell some this year. “Sure.” She smiled weakly and sipped on her water. She silently hoped that she wouldn’t regret this.
Chapter Two: Marcus Manor
Tish was stringing beads onto a strand of her hair, “You almost ready?”
“Just about.” Alex brushed some glitter along her cheekbones. “I don’t even know how to dress for a college party.” She frowned at herself in the mirror. She was wearing a light pink tank top and khaki shorts. She had fake pearls dangling from her ears and another on a thin gold chain around her neck.
“Don’t sweat it. Most of them will probably be too drunk to see straight anyway.” Tish straightened her low cut, black tank top. She had on a gray mini skirt and fishnet hose with black and white converse. Alex looked from her roommate back to her own reflection and let out a disgruntled sigh.
“Pre-gaming, anyone?” Erika stumbled into the room in a loose t-shirt and a pair of Soffe shorts. Her face was already flushed with alcohol, and she had a water bottle of clear liquid in her hand.
“Yes, please!” Tish took the bottle from her cousin and took a swig. She wrinkled her nose as she swallowed and shook her head trying to chase the bitter taste of vodka from her mouth. She offered the bottle to Alex.
“No, thanks,” Alex smiled politely. “I don’t drink.” She mentally prepared herself for them to insist on her taking a shot.
“No worries.” Tish shrugged, surprising Alex, and took another drink.
“If you don’t want to drink,” Erika said as she used her reflection in the mirror to remove the mascara smudges from under her eyes, “then just grab a cup and put some water or juice or whatever in it.” She turned around to look at the two younger girls. “That way you won’t feel left out, and people won’t keep offering you drinks.”
“That’s actually really smart…thanks.” Alex felt a surge of relief and sudden gratefulness towards both Tish and Erika. Her nerves settled a little as they headed out the door.
Once they were outside of Garner, Alex could hear music faintly from the other side of campus. Streetlamps scattered along the walkways gave off an orange glow in the haze of the night heat. Tish and Erika took turns swigging out of the bottle as they made their way towards the source of the music.
The front doors of the boys’ dorm were flung open, and on each side of the entry was a shirtless guy with a black bowtie around his neck. Their skin reflected in the street light. “Welcome to Marcus Manor, ladies!” The two guys spoke in unison and gestured them inside.
Erika leaned in and whispered, “They take two of the best looking sophomore guys and cover them in baby oil.” She wiggled her eyebrows as they laughed.
Marcus Manor wasn’t really a manor. The floor was sticky with half-dried, spilled booze. It smelled like alcohol and sweat. The first door on the left was open wide. Inside there were people dancing, and the music drowned out any conversations that may have been going on. There was a line of people waiting to get into another door down the hall. A few girls came out sipping from red cups. Erika danced her way into the room on their left and motioned for them to follow.
Alex grabbed onto the back of Tish’s shirt as they squeezed into the room. Bodies swayed to the beat of the music. The des
ks had been stacked on top of one another to make more room for dancing. Alex noticed the beds were missing. There was a girl dancing on the windowsill, and another was on top of a dresser. Alex recognized the girl on the dresser as the pixie-haired girl she had seen with Liam earlier. She was wearing a bikini bottom, and flower shaped pasties covered her nipples. Alex tapped Tish on the shoulder and gestured for her to look. Tish spotted the girl and gave Alex a look of shock mixed with amusement. The girl with the pasties was on her phone, texting while she danced. A guy came up behind Tish and put his hands on her hips. Tish started grinding on him and flashed an excited smile at Alex. Alex smiled uncertainly and glanced back up at the girl on the dresser. Both of her hands were in the air now, phoneless. Where did she even put it? Alex didn’t want to think about the possibilities of that answer.
Alex felt a pressure around her waist as someone pulled her close. Her body tensed up, and every part of her screamed no. At that moment, a drop of moisture that had condensed on the ceiling dropped onto her shoulder. The fact that the ceiling was dripping plus the random stranger trying to grind his crotch into her butt cheeks was too much for her to handle. She gently pulled away from him and yelled over the music to Tish, “I’m going to go grab some air.” She pointed at the window.
Tish followed her finger and then looked back at her roommate, “Want me to come with you?”
Alex could tell the vodka was starting to kick in, “No, that’s ok. Are you going to be alright?” Tish gave her a thumbs up and winked at her. Alex nodded and wiggled out of the crowd and into the hallway. She shivered in disgust as she wiped the sweat and whatever else was dripping from the ceiling off of her arm. “So gross,” she whispered under her breath as she made her way back outside.
The Campus Jock: A College Bad Boy Romance Page 8