by Amber Nicole
Jase
I quickly move away from the most breathtaking sight I have ever seen. Wow, she’s gorgeous. Penny definitely left that out. Made her seem like some backwoods hillbilly type. I wanted to go talk to her when she caught me staring, but it’s too soon. The plan is for Easton to chat her up in class, befriend her, then introduce her to us. I can’t afford for anything to go wrong. If what Penny has on us goes public it will destroy so many lives. I can’t believe we were so dumb. I mentally berate myself the whole way home, walking fast and not paying attention. I turn the corner to the house, and Ella is sitting on the front step fiddling with her perfectly curled red hair and looking pissy.
“Where the hell have you been? I’ve been waiting here forever. Your dumbass brother wouldn’t let me inside,” she snaps. I pass her and unlock the door.
“I had some shit to do. What are you doing here anyways?” We broke up a few weeks ago. I needed to be single for this assignment, but honestly our relationship had run its course anyways. She storms past, shoving me into the door. Rolling my eyes I walk into MY house, and slam the door. I’m sick of her attitude.
“Answer me Ella! What are you doing here?” She spins and puckers her lips, looking like some botoxed fish.
“Penny said that Kansas girl was coming today, so I figured it would be the absolute last time we could fool around. Well, at least until your assignment is done. Then you’ll be all mine again.” Ha, fat chance of that happening. I was never hers, I was using her to keep an eye on Penny.
She moves into my space, and bats her eyes. She has so much mascara on her lashes that they clump together. I cover my chuckle with a cough. She blinks a few times, and they separate. I don’t know why I ever thought she was sexy. Probably all the alcohol and drugs. Now that I’m sober I can see the fault of my ways.
“So baby, what do you say?” She puts her hand on my chest, and trails her fingers to my waistband.
“If you guys are going to do it. Please leave the foyer. This is a respectable home not a whore house. Thanks,” my twin, Easton, shouts from the other room, making me snicker. Ella backs away and growls. “I really hate your brother.”
“Feeling is mutual, babycakes,” East shouts once more. I turn and open the door.
“I think it's time for you to leave El. You know the deal. We have a job to do, and I really don’t feel like dealing with Penny’s wrath.”
Her face goes red, “You know you’re lucky you're hot, or I wouldn’t waste my time with you,” she says, storming out. She turns at the last second to say more, but I slam the door and lock it for good measure.
“Ahhhh!” she screams. “Whatever, Jase Hawthorne.”
I shake my head and move away from her little tantrum.
“About time you kicked her to the curb,” East says when I enter the living room. He’s watching some show about fairies. I have no clue, but he’s been obsessed with it for a few weeks now. I plop down in the recliner, and he hands me a beer.
“Yeah, even without this assignment it was time. At first she was a cool chick, down for anything, but now she’s clingy, and possessive. No, thank you.” I take a look around, “Where’s Lay?”
“Aww that’s sweet. Do you miss your boyfriend?” He teases. I grab one of the couch pillows and chuck it at his face, shaking my head and taking a sip of my beer. When he calms down, he rolls his eyes, “Went for a run. Said he’d bring me back a smoothie. Honestly, I think he wanted to check the new girl out.”
Yeah more than likely, can’t blame him. I wouldn’t mind checking her out again either. I should have snapped a picture.
“Better be careful or we’ll have to deal with Penny. Have you made any progress on getting the tape back? I really don’t want to hurt an innocent girl.” He pauses his show and sits up glaring at me.
“What the fuck. Since when do you care about some girl?” His mouth pops open and I know I’m busted. “You went and saw her, didn’t you? Are you an idiot? It’s one thing for Lay, since you know he doesn’t have the same face as me.”
“I didn't purposely go out to watch her. But man she’s so gorgeous and sweet. She waved at me for no reason. Like who the hell does that?”
He rolls his eyes at me once more and leans back, resuming his show. “You better pray you didn’t fuck this up. It’s not just your ass on the line here. We’re all on that tape.”
I lean back and groan. I know he’s right, but I still stand by what I said. I don’t want to hurt her.
Seven
Carson
I walk through the door to Jhonson Hall and freeze.
“Ho-lee shirt,” I can’t help but say aloud. A gorgeous common room with leather seating and a cobblestone fireplace stands before me, also that has to be the largest TV I’ve ever seen mounted on the wall. Wow, I can see myself curling up with a book and reading in front of a fire on a Friday night.
There’s a room off to the side with a small study area, a few tables, couches, and a large bay window. I changed my mind. This will be my reading spot.
I knew this place was fancy considering the price of tuition, but wow. I can’t wait to see what my room looks like. I gently shut the door, and move farther down the hall, coming to a double staircase. One side goes to a left quarter, and one goes to the right. I’m not sure what side I’m on, and this place is like a ghost town. I set my bag down and bite my nail contemplating what to do. This is ridiculous. I pick up my bag again, and try the right side first. Once I reach the top, I immediately know I made the right choice.
Room 204 is the first one I come to, and it has my name on a shiny plaque alongside my roommate, ‘Sadie Andrews’. I knock just to be polite, but nobody answers. I guess she’ll be coming at a later time. Reaching into my bag, I grab my key and open the door to my new home for the next two years.
“Wow,” I gasp. I’m not sure where to look first. At the huge sofa, dining table, or the kitchen. I hesitantly step in and shut the door, setting my bag on the couch. This common area is almost the size of my family den. I never expected a college dorm would be so roomy. There are three more doors at random points, and two decent sized bedrooms, and a large bathroom with double sinks, but no shower. Oh that's nice I won't have to share a sink, but how odd there’s no shower. I walk over to the room with my name beside it, and start to unpack. My boxes are already in the closet. I’ll need to write a thank you note to whoever brought them up for me. The first box I open is full of books, so I set it aside. The next is winter clothes, so I leave that in the closet. Finally I reach my box of decorating items. I pull out the tapestry Lee made me, and the small pillows I found on sale. Hanging the cloth on the wall, I make my bed with the new bedding my dad gave me as a going away gift. It’s rose gold, my second favorite color. I figured a pink bedding set may be too childish for college. I grab my suitcase and gently lay it on the desk, taking my scrapbooks out, then fold the blanket I wrapped them in. Placing it on the little chair in the corner by the window, I step back and smile. Things are starting to come together. I then set my scrapbooks on the top shelf of the bookcase behind my desk. I take a step back and glance around. It’s not home, but it’s not half bad. I move to my other suitcase and remove the photo frames I brought. One of me and my girls at the beach I had printed during my girls’ day with Frankie, one of Memphis and me during a sunset, sitting in the back of his pick up truck, and one of me with my parents before Mama got sick. I place the one of Memphis and me on my bookshelf, and the one of my parents next to the bed. My girls sit on the desk and I smile. Yeah, that's much better.
e
Time passes in a blur of decorating and putting things away. Before I know it the sky is starting to darken, and my stomach hates me. All I’ve had today is that amazing french toast and a few gas station snacks. I switch my light off, grab my purse, then make my way back to the main entrance. It’s time I ventured outside and checked out the rest of campus. My dad said they have a good pizza place, and that sounds right up my alley. A large sl
ice of grease and a cold pop is just what I need. I open the doors to Jhonson Hall and start down the concrete pathway. I look left and right and sigh—I have no clue where to go—I’m horrible with directions. My dad always said, “darling if I didn’t put GPS on your phone you would have made your way to China by now.” Sad thing is, he’s right. That’s another reason I came so early. I’ll have this place memorized frontwards and backwards before classes start. After walking in circles, and twenty minutes have passed, I concede and open up my GPS app. Really? I’m only point two miles from this place. This is so embarrassing. I put my headphones in and listen to the soothing voice of my saviour. “Take your next left,” she tells me. I turn a corner and bump into a hard chest. I instantly feel cold, and wet? What? I look down and what seems to be a protein shake is all over my tank top, and short shorts. Ew gross. Before I can react I am being assaulted by firm, callused hands.
“Um, excuse you. I don’t know where you were raised, but my guess would be in a barn if this is how you treat a woman.” I can’t help but snark. I mean come on, he’s touching all my bits, and I’m covered in green sludge.
He instantly freezes, but doesn’t move his hands from my chest. I look up, and his emerald green eyes shine with mirth—he’s clearly trying to hold back his laughter.
“Most women would kill for me to have my hands on them,” he snorts, then finally removes them.
I give him a smile, and a wink. “I’m not like most women, but I am starving, and do not want to go back and change, so just hand over your sweatshirt, and we’ll call it good.” I bat my eyes and he gives me a ‘what?’ look. I sigh and hold out my hand, “I promise to wash it and return it toot sweet,” I say still batting my eyes. I really am hungry. I am about five minutes from turning hangry.
He chuckles loudly and runs a hand through his reddish blond hair. He looks shocked that I made him laugh in the first place, but then sighs, and hands it over. I quickly pull it on, and turn to leave, but a light touch on my elbow stops me.
“Do I even get to know your name?” This time I laugh.
“I’m so sorry, where are my manners? My dad would tan my hide if he was here. Carson, but you may call me Cara. Thank you for the sweatshirt.” I give him a beaming smile, then turn and continue on my way. If I sway my hips a bit, I’ll never tell.
When I reach the pizza place I can’t help but smack myself. I never got his name, but if he’s here early that means he’s in a frat so we’ll probably bump into each other again. I bring the collar of the sweatshirt to my nose and take a sniff of a citrusy, spicy scent. Then again maybe I won't. I’m notorious for stealing guys' sweatshirts. I have way too many of Memphis' and I even managed to snag one of Connor's. What can I say? They’re ridiculously comfortable, and this one feels like butter on my skin. Yeah, unless he tracks me down to get it back, I may just add it to my pile.
I giggle aloud then walk into the pizzeria to get my grease on. Immediately I’m overwhelmed by all the choices. I glance at the open case and pick two slices; a meat lover and a broccoli ricotta. I grab a small booth in the corner and dig in. Oh my god. That is so good. My dad was right about them having amazing pizza.
He never attended college here, he went to the rival school in Dallas, but came to campus for a football game and fell in love. At least that's what he tells me. My mama was a cheerleader and stomped up to him after a game, yelling at him for tackling her boyfriend at the time too hard. He found her feisty and adorable with her honey blonde hair and Louisiana accent. She found him arrogant and just another meatheaded football player.
I take another bite of my pizza and frown. I must have been hungry, it’s all gone. I contemplate getting another piece when a swarm of frat guys walk in. Yeah, it’s time to go. Seems I just missed the busy hour. I throw my trash away and slip out the side door. The night air blows, causing me to shiver and cuddle deeper into the sweatshirt. I open up my phone and follow the directions back to my dorm. It can’t be far to the showers so I can get this gunk off me. But the heaviness from the pizza, and the long day, is making me sleepy. I walk to my dorm and open the door, heading right to the bathroom. I fill up a sink and give myself a good scrub, and brush my teeth. It’s so quiet here. Almost eerily. Hopefully my roommate will arrive tomorrow. I walk into my room and go to close the door, but stop myself. There’s no one here. I grab a long shirt and throw it on, before shuffling to my bed and passing out.
Eight
Jase
Getting lost in this fairy show with East I lose track of time. It’s not my thing, but it’s interesting.
The front door slams shut, and Layton comes storming in sans hoodie, and smoothie.
“Thought you were grabbing me a drink?” East says with a pout, but Lay seems to be in a daze. He’s wearing a goofy grin, and shaking his head. He bites his lip and my eyes immediately catch it.
“Yo, you alright?” I ask. He finally focuses on my face.
“What? Oh yeah, I ran into the new girl, literally, spilled your smoothie all down the front of her, and may have assaulted her, too. I’m not sure it all happened so fast, but dude, she’s gorgeous. Should have known Penny wouldn’t tell us all the details.”
I snort. “Yeah, like Penny would ever say someone else is pretty.”
“True.” He grabs a drink from the fridge and takes a seat next to me, giving me a smile. “So what's the plan, has anyone heard from the boss lady?” Before he gets the last word out, the front door smacks against the wall.
Speak of the devil and she shall arrive. “Really need to take our key back,” Lay mutters.
“Be easier just to change the locks,” I say back under my breath, and the guys nod in agreement.
“Fuck! Pen, we have a doorbell you know. No need to kick the door in,” Lay says in a huff.
“Oh shut your face, and don’t call me Pen. The wind blew it open when I nudged it with my heels.” She flicks her dyed blonde hair out of her face. “Sue me. My hands are full, and I didnt want to mess up my nails.” She gives me a pout that’s more lip filler than real lip, and I look at her arms. She’s holding her phone in one hand and a to-go coffee cup in the other. If you ever needed to know what a basic bitch looked like then she's a prime example. Her heels click on the floor as she comes to stand in front of the TV. “Hey,” East shouts, “I’m watching something.” She ignores him and turns, pushing the button shutting it off.
“You can go back to your fairie porn when I leave.” She scoffs with an eye roll. “So back to where I was, did you see the bitch? I watched her hillbilly daddy drive off in his pick up. I can’t believe she's a legacy. Mother says I have to allow her entry, but I’m not having some backwoods, Jesus loving, hillbilly redneck twat joining my sorority.” As she talks her face gets redder through her bad tan, and she squeezes her coffee cup until her nails are pressing into the plastic. “Do you guys have a plan yet? Shouldn't be too hard since she screams innocent and virgin. You could have her on her knees within days.” Penny snickers.
I cringe at her harsh words, and Layton looks a little pale. I wonder what that’s about. If it wasn’t for the blackmail Penny has on us we would tell her to kiss our asses. Well, me and Lay would. East has been in love with her for years, and follows her every request like a starving puppy.
I hope when this is all said and done she finally comes through, and gives us our tape back. Or this will be all for nothing.
One night of drunken mistakes caught by this bitch, and she's held it over our heads for years. If it wouldn't destroy us, and our family names, I’d say screw it, but unfortunately that’s not an option. I sigh, lean back, and pay attention to whatever scheme she has for us next.
It’s just another day in hell.
Layton
“I really don’t feel comfortable with this plan,” I tell the guys after Penny leaves. East rolls his eyes, but Jase surprises me by nodding his head in agreement.
“We don’t have a choice. Nut up and stop acting like pussies,” East sna
ps before storming from the room. The back door slams and I sigh. “I guess he’s back to smoking again?” I glance over at Jase but he seems in his own mind.
“Maybe we don’t have to destroy her. Just push her to leave? I bet there is a way we could convince her that this isn’t the place for her, without making her suicidal like Penny wants?” I say, and Jase groans.
“This shit was so much easier until I saw her face. Do you believe in love at first sight, man?” he says, surprising me. I snort and shake my head. “When did you meet her?”
He looks down at the ground then runs his hand through his messy blond hair. Shrugging he says, “I didn’t meet her per se, but she waved to me.” He jumps from the couch and runs to the kitchen. I stand as well, and follow at a slower pace.
“After everything that we’ve been through. I just can’t hurt someone innocent. The last time—” He pauses but I know what he was going to say. The last mark wasn’t sweet or innocent. She was the devil in disguise. Made Penny look like a saint in comparison.
“Rika is no longer around man. She graduated. Thank fuck,” J mutters. Yeah, those six months were some of the worst of my life and that’s saying something after that night.