by J. Nichole
Jason: You know that man is crazy. Of course we do.
Laila: Damn. Can I get your notes?
Jason: Yeah. I’ll bring them when I leave campus.
Laila: Thanks.
The music helps me stay awake. I’m bopping and reading, and my eyes aren’t as heavy.
My door cracks open, "Laila!" I hear Monica before I see her. Then she slides through my cracked door. "I've missed you." She hugs me from behind. "How are you feeling?"
Spinning around on my chair I stand up and give Monica a proper hug. “I’ve missed you too, youngin’.” I sit down, “I’m okay. Last week was hard, but now I have to get back in these books.”
Monica glances at my bed and sighs. “I have a lot of work myself. I’ve been slacking a bit.”
I gasp. “Alright girl, don’t have Mr. White coming up here dragging you back to Alabama.”
"He'd have to drag me, literally.” She laughs. "But I'm going to get it together."
“What have you been doing anyway?” She plops down on the floor and leans against my bed.
“Let’s see. I have been doing a lot of extra-curricular activities lately.” She smiles.
“What does that mean?”
“I’ve been thinking about running for student government.” Her smile widens. “So I’ve been socializing with people, volunteering. Random stuff so if I run, people will know me.”
Clapping my hands I scream, “That’s awesome, Monica!”
“Well I haven’t decided yet.” She shrugs. “So keep it between us.”
“If you need a campaign manager I’m your girl.”
"I should get in these books. I can't run with a low GPA." She stands. "But I'll take you up on your offer for a campaign manager."
I laugh. “Alright.” I turn the page of my Econ book. Thank God, the end of the chapter. I glance back at my books on the bed and then look at the clock. It's going to be a long night.
Standing up, I stretch out a bit before grabbing my Geography book. At least this subject is semi-interesting. Before I can settle on the page for my reading assignment my phone dings with a message.
Evan: I hope you are doing okay. Call me when you can.
I click to call and Evan picks up after a couple of rings.
“Laila. How are you?”
“Hey, doing okay. Busy trying to get caught up on all this work.”
“Right. Will you have time for this week’s article?”
“Do I have a choice?”
“Well, if you are extremely overwhelmed I could assign it to someone else. But let me know now. I’d prefer to give you this assignment as it’s a follow-up from your interview with Kim.”
“Oh, I thought I was doing an article on freshman resources.”
“Yeah, that can wait until next week.”
“Okay, so what’s the headline?”
“After Kim’s story was published, three more girls have come forward with allegations.”
“What the hell?” I groan. “Are you serious?”
“Not cool. I know. But I need you to interview each of them and do a joint story.”
"I'm so busy. Three interviews this week may be pushing it."
“I can pass it along.”
“No. I’ll make it work. Somehow.” Grabbing a notebook and pen I ask for the names of the other girls.
“I’ll send you a text with names and contact information. Thanks, Laila.”
“Hey, before you go. Where is Dr. Douglas?”
“I would assume, his house. I don’t think he can leave the area while he is being investigated. But of course he hasn’t been back on campus since he left.”
“I hope this is settled soon.”
Chapter Nine
“Babe, is everything okay?” Chris’ voice is delicate as he leans in front of me.
“Yeah. I’m fine. Why do you ask?” Turning away from my book I give Chris my full attention.
“It just seems that we haven’t been on the same page lately.”
“I guess I’ve been busy.”
“Is it the story? I know a lot has happened with Dr. Douglas.”
Holding back my tears, my voice quivers and I say, "I was close to him. All of these girls coming out about him… it's just."
Chris interrupts me. “He never tried anything with you. Did he?”
"Oh God no! Chris, he was like a father to me. It was hard for me to believe the stories. I had nothing but respect for him."
"What can I do to help ease your mind?" Chris' eyes light up and I already know where his thoughts are, and I don't care at all.
“Food always makes me smile.”
Chris bursts out laughing.
"Not where I was going with that." He grabs my book out of my hand throwing it to the floor. "But I promise to feed you after I make love to you." Chris leans me back on the bed.
“Hmmm… that may work too.” I caress his face, and then he nuzzles it into my neck, nipping at my collarbone. He grabs my hands and places them over my head. I allow my body to relax and follow his lead. He attempts to pull my shirt over my head but it gets stuck between the bed and me. I lean up and pull it off swiftly.
He whispers in my ear, “Thanks.”
I just mumble, "Mmm hmm." His hands begin a gentle assault on my breast. I stretch my neck to try to reach his mouth but he moves, trailing kisses down my stomach. I'm quickly reminded that he is in control. I give up and lay back, enjoying his affection. His kisses make their way back to my lips. Just where I want them.
While we kiss intently Chris removes my shorts, and then my panties. He parts my legs and gently eases inside of me. Our bodies intertwine and in a cadence slower than my thoughts, we grind until it’s unbearable. Before I lose my mind I dig my nails into Chris’ back.
He responds with slower motions, absolutely torturing me. I attempt to grind my hips quicker but he leans onto me, further keeping me from moving. Then he stops thrusting and pulls out and my eyes fly open. “Hey.”
Chris looks down at me with a crooked smile and says, “How bad do you want it?”
My eyebrow arches. As if I have time to tell him. The sensation is leaving.
Wriggling beneath him, I try to reach my hand between my legs but he catches it. I pout my lips. "I thought you were easing my mind. This is torture."
He laughs. Then he slides back in, continuing the slow motions. The sensations return and I’m at the edge of my peak, again. I begin to moan and Chris covers my mouth with his. With all his strength, he thrusts into me, sending me over the edge.
I rub Chris’ chest as he crawls off of me. Chris grabs my face and says, “Sometimes you just have to slow down and enjoy the moment.”
“Touché.”
“You know I love you right?”
I laugh. “I do. And I love you.”
“Next month will be a year since we met.”
I nod my head. “You’re right. I’ll never forget you crawling up my leg.”
“Probably not the best way to approach you. But guess it wasn’t too much of a turn off.”
“Well. Considering it wasn’t my first impression, I let you slide.”
Chris smiles. “Thank God for that.”
“I don’t know if I could have imagined all this back then.”
“Did you expect less?”
“Much less. But you’ve proven me wrong.”
“Ouch, that hurts a tad bit.”
"I don't mean to hurt you, but we have, to be honest. Did you expect us to get serious?"
He nods. “When we met I told you there was something about you.”
I wrap my arm across Chris’ chest and cuddle beside him.
“Do you need to get back to work?” he asks.
Looking over at the clock, I sigh. “I should, but this feels so much better.”
“I could be your pillow while you read.” Chris leans over the bed and grabs my book. He plants himself back into position then hands it to me.
I hesitate and say, “I don’t wa
nt to read.”
“Did that cute face get you out of trouble as a kid?”
I grab the book and scowl at him. “Not so much.”
“Didn’t think so.”
I flip to the next chapter and start reading. Mass Media has to be one of my most interesting classes. While I’m reading I can feel Chris’ eyes on me. I try to ignore him, but his breathing is the only noise echoing from the walls. “You don’t have any work you could be doing?”
He looks at me, then off to the side, and says, “Actually I probably should be working on this thesis paper if I plan to graduate in the spring.”
“Or you could just stick around here for the next three years and wait for me to graduate.”
Chris snickers. “Don’t think pops would like that too much. He would have preferred me to do a masters program in Tennessee while I work for the business.”
“I see.” I lay my book down on the bed. “Do you still want to work for the family business?”
“To be honest, the business is second nature to me, but I wouldn’t mind doing my own thing.”
“You should.” With a big smile, I say, “You don’t ever want to have regrets.”
“You’re right. Maybe we can think of a business that would benefit the both of us.”
“Now that would be perfect, but that’s the part that isn’t as easy.” Opening my book again, I say, “Guess we both better make the best of our education.”
Chris laughs. “Right. On that note, I better get back to the frat house.”
“Next time you should come prepared.” We both get out of the bed and walk out of my room. The living room is empty, but I can hear noise from the other rooms. Chris embraces me in a tight hug before walking out the door.
Instead of lying across my messy bed I grab my book and sit at my desk. Reaching for my phone to crank up Pandora, I see a text from Nicole. She likely sent it while sitting right next door.
Nicole: This weekend we must be at the club. We all could use a little fun.
Jennifer and Monica both respond to the text in agreement. Who am I to be the fun police?
Laila: Sounds like a plan. I’m in. But next time you don’t need to text, you can knock. LOL
“Yo, study team, are we ready for this quiz?” Jason leans over my shoulder. “Danielle, I should be sitting behind you, right?”
Danielle smiles. “Jason, you’re ready. We’ve been studying all week.”
Jason sits back. “Yeah I am.” Then he leans forward again and says, “But it’s always good to double check my answers.” Danielle and I both laugh.
The professor passes out our quizzes and in an anti-trust tone he says, "No cheating, eyes on your paper, no phones." He places a quiz on my desk. "You have five minutes. Don't turn it over until I tell you."
Jason sighs.
The professor stands before the room. “Alright, five minutes, you can begin.” I flip over my quiz and read the first question. I circle the answer and move on to the next question. Danielle’s prep has paid off. Then I get to the last question and I freeze. Shit. I tap my pencil on the desk a few times. I close my eyes, hoping the answer will pop into my head. Nothing. “One minute remaining.”
I open my eyes and look at the last question again. The answer has to be C. I hope the answer is C. I circle C and stand to turn in my quiz. Jason and Danielle are both sitting back, smiling. When all quizzes are in, Danielle looks at me and says, “It was C. You’re good.”
My smile spreads. “Thanks!” The professor begins his lecture and I start scribbling notes.
When the lecture is finally over, students scatter like roaches. Danielle, Jason, and I stay behind and plan our next study session. As we walk out I say, “Danielle, do you have plans this weekend?”
She shrugs. “Not really.”
"How about you join my roommates and me at the club?"
Her eyes light up. “That sounds like fun, but I probably shouldn’t go.”
“Why not?”
“I have too much homework.”
“Just one night. It’ll be fun. I promise.”
She scrunches her nose. “Okay. I’ll go.”
“Yay!”
Danielle laughs and waves as she walks in the opposite direction.
Monica runs into my room, half-dressed, holding a pair of shoes. “I wish you were my size. I need a blouse to wear. Foundation just got all over mine.”
“Oh shit that sucks. You don’t have anything else to wear?”
“I’ll have to change my entire outfit.” Monica pouts while Jennifer walks in behind her going straight for my jewelry sitting on the dresser.
“I need a necklace.” Jennifer places a few necklaces up against her dress. "Ugh, I thought you had one that would have gone perfectly with this." Then she turns and looks at me. "Damn, you're wearing it!"
I laugh as Monica clears her throat. “A necklace is not as important as a blouse.”
Jennifer looks at her and says, “You could probably fit one of your boobs in my shirt.” She laughs. “How about I help you find something else.” Monica follows Jennifer out of my room.
My phone dings with a message.
Danielle: I’m at your door.
I run to the door and open it. When I see Danielle, I stop and stare. “Danielle, aren’t you going to the club?”
She looks down at her outfit. "Of course I am." She flaunts her foot in front of me. Except for her heels, Danielle looks like she is going to class.
Nicole walks up behind me. “Hi.”
I turn to Nicole and say, “Hey Nicole, this is Danielle.”
Nicole says, “Oh yeah. I thought you were going out with us tonight.”
Danielle throws her hands up in confusion. “Is there something wrong with what I’m wearing?”
Nicole and I exchange looks. Then Nicole leads Danielle to her bedroom saying, “Listen, we are going to the club, honey. Not the library,” as she guides her by the hand.
Danielle pleads, "I don't go out much. I knew this was a bad idea."
I yell towards Nicole’s room. “Exactly why you should go out tonight!”
Jennifer comes out of Monica’s room with Monica closely behind her. Jennifer steps aside and waves her hand in front of Monica. “Ta da!”
Monica is dressed in a skintight halter-top, high-wasted red pants and a pair of black peep-toe pumps. "Cute!"
Monica spins around. “Yeah she didn’t do too bad.”
Jennifer says, “Alright we’re ready to go.”
“Well almost. Nicole is getting Danielle ready.”
“I can’t sit down with these pants on so I guess I’ll just stand here and not breathe.” Monica leans on the counter.
Jennifer laughs and opens the refrigerator. She grabs water and sits at the dining table. Eyeing my neck, she says, "Laila, I think you should hand the necklace over."
I walk past Jennifer and Monica and open Nicole’s door. “Are you two ready yet?”
Nicole shakes her head. “Give us one more minute.” Danielle looks at me, terrified as Nicole tugs on the dress in a few spots.
Nicole stands back. “You look hot!” She moves in close and combs her fingers through Danielle’s hair. “Now, we’re ready.”
Danielle walks towards me, half-smiling, or showing discomfort, I can’t tell. “Ugh ready. I guess.” Nicole and I walk out of the room after her.
Jennifer and Monica squeal when they see Danielle. “Hot mama!”
“Alright, now that everyone is situated. Let’s roll, ladies.” I grab my purse, the keys, and open the front door.
We pile into my car with the radio blasting Fancy as we ride to the club.
As always the line is out the door. Monica sighs. "I need to get out of this car. Sitting is making me feel like I'm about to pop."
Jennifer laughs. “Beauty is pain.”
Danielle sighs, “I could sign a model contract right now because this dress is causing lots of pain.” She wriggles. “It’s a bit too tight.�
�
Nicole snaps her head back and says, “It’s not too tight. You’re just used to those baggy jeans.”
“Oh is that what it is?”
I find a parking spot and we get out of the car and make our way to the line. As soon as we get in line Monica leans against the wall and releases a loud sigh.
Nicole laughs. “With you two all out of shape we may not be here long.”
Jennifer says, “I didn’t get all dolled up to just make an appearance.”
Nicole gives Jennifer a smug look. "Chill out. We won't be leaving before you hit the dance floor a few times." Jennifer laughs.
The line moves along but Monica and Danielle are dragging behind. A guy behind us says, “Looks like the two of you could use a drink.” He smiles.
Monica just nods her head and Danielle blushes.
“When we get in, meet me at the bar.”
Danielle nods and Monica says, “I’ll be there.”
Nicole whispers, “Now if these two constipated looking heffas can get a drink I better get two.”
I slap Nicole's arm as we make our way through the door. We're carded and go directly to the bar and wait for Danielle and Monica's drink pimp for the night. While we hold on, Jennifer looks super anxious. "Guess you are ready to hit the floor."
She fidgets and says, "Actually no. I think I'll stick with the bar."
Nicole, Monica, and I look at Jennifer in shock. Nicole says, “What? You love to dance. What’s the difference tonight?”
Jennifer shrugs. “Let’s not make a big deal of it.”
“Okay.” Looking around the bar I see the drink pimp. “There’s your guy.” I nudge Danielle and she makes eye contact.
"I don't drink. But here he comes."
The guy comes up to us and says, "As promised. What are you ladies drinking?"
Danielle opens her mouth to respond but Nicole says, “Long Islands.” Danielle turns to Nicole and shakes her head.
The guy approaches the bar and orders the Long Islands. He passes them back to us and grabs a drink for himself. “Hope you ladies have a good night.” He sips, and then walks away.
Nicole looks at Jennifer and says, “I’m going to hit the floor.” She tugs at Jennifer’s arm. “C’mon.”