by J. Nichole
Jennifer strains her neck towards the dance floor, and then says, “No I’m going to stick around here.”
“This is nuts. We didn’t come to the club to be wallflowers.” Nicole looks at me. “Laila, are you coming?”
I take another sip of my drink before handing it to Monica. “Yeah, let’s go.”
The DJ is playing 2 On and it apparently gives Nicole life. She finds the closest guy and gives him her best moves. I stand nearby and two-step as I shake my head to guys trying to approach me.
The song switches up and we move through the crowd, dancing and laughing. We see a group of guys having a ‘dance off’ and we watch, cheering them on. Nicole leans in and tries to talk over the music. “Where do they practice this shit?”
“Obviously they have too much time on their hands.” I laugh.
Once the guys finish up, a group of girls move in their place and start their battle. The girls are much cuter with their moves but still make me question all these people with choreographed dances.
After a few more songs, my feet are begging for a break. I tap Nicole’s arm and nod towards the bar. She follows.
We find Monica and Danielle, but Jennifer is out of sight. “Where did Jennifer go?”
Daniele looks around, panicked. “We lost her.” Her words are a bit slurred. I look to Monica, who shrugs her shoulders and grabs Danielle to sit her on a barstool.
“Clearly she isn’t a drinker. Had I known, I would have cut her off.” Monica looks around the bar and grabs the bartender’s attention. “Let me get a glass of water.”
As we force the water down Danielle’s throat, Jennifer walks up from behind us. “I hope that’s just water.”
I turn to look at Jennifer and say, “Where did you disappear to?”
“Just had to use the restroom.” She looks at Nicole, who is still swaying to the music. “Have fun out there?”
“Yeah, missed you though.” She points at me. “This one wouldn’t give out any love on the dance floor.”
Jennifer pats my arm. “After Atlanta do you blame her?”
Nicole’s eyes widen. “Right. Almost forgot about the dance scandal with Chris. Guess you couldn’t be a hypocrite, right?”
I nod my head and turn my attention back to Danielle. “Do you need to leave?”
She looks up from the empty glass of water. “Jennifer!” She hops off the bar stool and gives her a big hug.
“Guess that answered your question.” Monica grabs Danielle’s bag and we start walking towards the exit.
We are halfway to the car when I turn around. "Wait, where did she go?"
I turn back towards the club and look at the few groups of people standing outside. Then Nicole shrieks, “Dammit, she’s pissing in the bushes!”
I run towards Danielle and try to save her before anyone else sees. I stand in front of her as a few camera phones come out.
When she finishes she looks up to me and says, “I need tissue.”
“Heffa we are outside and you’re pissing in the bushes. You better shake and get up. Let’s go.” She shakes then pulls her panties up. Standing up before her dress is fully down. Nicole runs over and tugs the dress until she is fully covered.
“I forgot this was my dress.” Nicole looks to me. “Last time you invite any of your friends to the club.”
Chapter Ten
“Laila!”
“Tanya! Why are you screaming?” I move my phone slightly away from my ear.
“I’ll be at homecoming!”
“Are you serious? Your parents agreed to watch Ava?”
“Yes. I’m walking around the mall now, looking for outfits.”
“I don’t think L.U. is ready for both of us.” Looking around campus I remember when we were both here for freshman orientation and how bad the weekend turned out. Tanya was nauseous most of the weekend and couldn’t party.
“They better get ready. You sure your roommates won’t mind me tagging along?”
“Of course not.” After the night with Danielle, they might.
“I’m going to send you pics of the outfits I find. Tell me if I should pass or not.”
“Do that. I’m on my way into a study session. I’ll talk to you later to work out details.”
“Later chick.”
I throw my phone in my purse as I make my way up the stairs to the library. Crossing the lobby, I see Jason walking with his head down. "Jason." He looks up with a sad smile. "What's wrong?"
“Nothing. I’m just so tired.”
“It’s Wednesday. Were you partying last night? I know you weren’t up late studying.”
Jason rolls his eyes. "Why are you hating?" He pops his collar. "I'm quite studious actually. My education is of utmost importance to me."
I cough. “Bullshit.”
“Damn. A brotha can’t get no love from you.” He looks behind him. “Let me be careful before Chris pops out of a corner.” We both laugh.
“Jason, you’re a fool. Let’s go find Danielle.”
Walking past the computer lab, we go to the study rooms, looking for Danielle. We finally find her in the last room. She looks up from her book when we walk through the door.
“Hey guys,” she says in a soft voice. She has been very low-key since the night at the club. After a few pics of her pissing in the bushes were posted on Facebook she vowed to never go to the club again.
Jason sits beside her and I sit across from both of them. Pulling out my economics book, I flip a few pages before Jason speaks up. “I still can’t believe this professor has the nerve to give us an exam during homecoming week.”
Danielle looks at him. “It shouldn’t surprise you. He is one of the lowest rated professors on Rate My Professor.”
I scrunch my nose. “Do you actually use that site when you schedule your classes?”
She nods. “Even if I don’t change professors at least I know what I’m getting into.”
Jason looks at the both of us with a grimace on his face.
“It’s a site with feedback from students.” I look at him, waiting for the light bulb to go off.
“Oh snap.” He nods slowly. “I should use that next semester. I need to stay away from the professors with quizzes every week and exams during homecoming.”
Danielle looks back to her notes. "I have a few areas highlighted that we should probably focus. Then maybe we can break some of the other areas and divide and conquer for info we should drill before the exam."
I sigh. “Okay.”
Danielle smiles. “At least we are starting early. By next week we should be in good shape.”
"Yeah but fuck our weekend plans," Jason says matter-of-factly.
Danielle says, “It’s not like I would have been doing anything.” She looks at me sheepishly.
Nicole is going to hate me. “Maybe not this weekend. But you should come out with us again next weekend.”
Jason’s eyes bulge. “That’s a good idea, Danielle. You need to redeem yourself.” He rubs her back. “Maybe just stick to water this time.” Danielle seems to light up with Jason’s touch.
“I’ll let you know, Laila. Thanks for the invite.”
“How much do we need to study in the next few days?” I grab my pen, and prepare to write down everything I need.
Danielle flips through her book to her bookmarked pages. Jason looks over and says, “Guess you don’t plan on selling that one back.” He flips a few of her pages. “This book is at the end of its life.”
Danielle flips back to her bookmarked page and says, “I don’t sell my books back. Never know when I’ll need them again.”
Jason laughs. “My guess is never. At least that’s what I’m banking on.”
Tapping my pen on my desk I say, “Okay, let’s focus, Jason.”
Danielle begins to rattle off sections for us to review and page references to specific topics. We divvy up sections and make sure Jason understands he really has to know his sections. We study a topic for two hours before
we decide to call it quits for the night.
Jason dashes out of the room and Danielle and I are right behind him. Leaving out of the study room, I bump into Kim. “Hey, Kim.” She looks up and smiles. Her face appears much brighter than the day of my interview with her.
"Hey, Laila. Happy to see you."
“You too. How have you been?”
“To be honest, it may sound cruel but now that the other girls have come out I feel much better.” She looks at Danielle.
“Kim this is Danielle.” I linger and hope that Kim fills in the blank. She doesn’t.
"Nice to meet you, Danielle."
“You as well, Kim.” Danielle observes Kim for a second then looks away.
“I’m glad you are feeling better. Any news on the investigation?”
“Nothing other than they are still investigating.” Kim smirks and hunches her shoulders.
“From what I’ve been told, one of the other girls may have had a witness. I know for sure he is off campus, just not sure where he is or if he plans on coming back.”
“I don’t think he can come back here.” Her shoulders drop and she looks down. “At least I hope L.U. won’t let him back.”
“Right. Well it was nice seeing you. I need to get out of here.”
Kim waves, and Danielle and I continue walking out of the library. Danielle looks back to Kim before she is out of sight. “I read the articles you wrote.”
“Horrible situation. I had the utmost respect for Dr. Douglas.” Opening the door for us to exit I say, “And I never once felt uncomfortable around him.”
“It’s a shame. You just never know what people are capable of.”
In the parking lot we go our separate ways. Although I should go home and cram for this test I dig my phone out of my purse and text Chris.
Laila: Busy?
I open the door to my car and sit. Staring at my phone, I contemplate starting the car and driving home or waiting for Chris’ response. Putting the key in the ignition I crank up the car and listen to the radio. Beyoncé’s Partition comes on and I sing along with the radio. If I don’t hear from Chris by the end of this song I’ll go home.
My phone dings. Perfect timing! I grab my phone and I’m surprised that it’s not Chris.
Josh: Hey Laila. How are you?
Before I can respond another text comes through.
Josh: Can I call you?
I take a long breath before responding.
Laila: Sure.
My phone rings, but I let it ring a few more times before answering. “Hey Josh.”
“Laila. I haven’t talked to you in a while. How are you?”
“I’m good, Josh. How are you?”
“Good. Tanya was telling me how excited she is about coming to L.U.’s homecoming.”
The thought of my best friend being here for homecoming makes a smile spread wide across my face. “I’m excited too. I know we are going to have tons of fun.”
“I’m sure.” There is an awkward pause. I look at my phone to make sure I haven’t been disconnected. Time is still ticking.
“Josh, you still there?”
“Yeah. Sorry. Laila, I haven’t stopped thinking about you but I’ve been trying to keep my distance. Tanya told me about homecoming the other day and I couldn’t resist the urge to talk to you.”
“Josh.”
“Wait. I just want to ask one question.”
I whisper, “Okay.” My phone dings with a message. But I wait to hear what Josh has to say before I look at the message.
“If you were single, would you be interested?”
I laugh. “Josh, I had the hugest crush on you in high school. When Travis got arrested I wish I had a guy like you instead. But…”
“Laila. I get it. I won’t say anything else about it.” Josh’s voice trails off. “I just needed to know. I’ll talk to you later. Be careful at homecoming.”
My heart cringes and I lean back against the headrest. “Later, Josh.”
Looking at my phone, it's just a message from Nicole. I put the car in reverse and back out of my parking spot. As I drive through the parking lot I decided to make a right to the frat house instead of a left to the apartment. There's a parking spot right in front and I pull in, but before I can get out of the car I see a chick leaving out the front door.
I sit and wait for the guy she is with to appear in the doorway. I probably look like a creeper. I pull down the mirror and act like I’m checking my make-up.
The chick turns to the door, leaning in, and I see Sean peek out and give her a kiss on the cheek. Rolling my eyes, I wait for her to get out of the driveway before I hop out of the car.
I check my phone one last time before walking up the path. Nothing. I knock on the door a few times. Before turning to leave, the door opens and Sean appears. "Hey what's up?"
“Hey Sean. Is Chris here?”
“Naw, he’s not here.” With a smug look on his face he says, “You should try calling him.”
“Bye Sean.” As I walk away, my phone dings.
Chris: Just finished a paper. Finished studying?
Instead of texting, I call him. "I am actually walking to my car from your place."
“Oh, trying to surprise me?”
“Tried and failed. Maybe we can catch up tomorrow?”
"I'm almost there if you wait for just a few I can at least steal a kiss."
With my cheeks burning I say, “Sure.” But instead of walking back to encounter Sean again I wait in the car.
Chris is pulling up to the house and he isn’t alone. I stretch my neck to try to see the person in the passenger’s seat. They park behind me and I watch through my rearview mirror as they get out. Who the fuck is that chick?
Chris approaches my door and opens it. “Hey babe. Let’s go.” He turns and waves to the girl. “See you later.”
I give him an inconspicuous look. Standing beside him, I wait for an explanation before moving. Chris looks down at me and says, “Oh sorry.” He looks up to the girl who is a few feet away. “Hey Mary, let me introduce you to my girlfriend.”
The girl turns around and when she gets close she reaches out her hand. “Nice to meet you.”
I shake her hand and say, “Nice to meet you as well.” I linger, as I expect Chris or Mary to give me an explanation. Looking between the two of them, Mary finally smiles.
“Guess Chris never told you he had a cousin on campus?”
My head swings around and I look at Chris with my eyebrows arched. “No, he has never mentioned it.”
Chris places his hand on my back. “Mary just transferred this semester but didn’t really tell me she was coming.” He looks me in the eye. “Sorry I forgot to mention it. I caught up with her around the time your grandmother passed away.”
I nod my head knowingly. That’s the girl Nicole saw in his car. Chris grabs my hand, “Alright Mary talk to you later.”
She laughs. “See you later.”
Chris looks down at me with a smirk. “You didn’t think she was a random chick, did you?”
I blush as I pout my lips. "I'm not going to lie. For a quick second I thought your cousin was a random chick. But I should have known you were better than that."
“You should know you don’t have to worry.” He pulls me into a hug, lifting me off the ground. “Now let’s go inside so you can tell me why you surprised me with a visit.” He places me down and grabs my hand, leading me back up the driveway.
A few guys are sitting in the living room, and Chris nods, acknowledging them, but continues to his room. He nudges my back, scooting me into his room. Without closing the door he sits on the bed and says, "What's on your mind, Laila?"
Turning to look at the door before I sit beside him I say, "I just wanted a kiss." Watching the door, I smile at him shyly. "But it's a bit busy here."
Chris pulls me into him and wraps his arms around me. With his nose nuzzled in my neck he says, “Get your kiss.” He pulls away and stares at me while he
licks his lips.
I laugh and lean over, just giving him a quick peck.
“You can do better than that.” He cocks his head and looks at me.
Looking back at the door, then to him again, I hesitate.
He says, “I kept the door open so we wouldn’t get too wild. Don’t want everyone knowing how hard I put it down.”
My eyes bulge and I hold in my laugh. "Oh okay." Leaning over, I grab his chin and kiss him, sliding my tongue through his slightly open lips. Chris places his hand on my thigh and thrusts his tongue deep into my mouth. My heart begins to beat fast while my clit throbs. Chris' hand creeps up my leg and is resting between my thighs. I close my mouth around his tongue and end our kiss with a couple of pecks on his lips.
My eyes open to find Chris staring at me. "I should have closed the door." His hand slides from between my legs, and he pats my knee before standing. "Let me walk you out." He waits in the door. "Hell, I may need to follow you home." He winks.
“If only I didn’t need to study for this exam.”
“Guess that’s your way of shutting me down?”
I smile and brush past him as I walk out the door. From behind, I can hear Chris mumbling under his breath. We walk past the guys crowding the living room and out the front door.
Chris grabs my car door and helps me in. Leaning into the car, he grabs the back of my head pulling it into him aggressively. He ravishes my mouth hungrily as I moan in response. Fuck studying. I pull away and say, “Get in your car. Let’s go.”
Going forty-five in a thirty-five, and running through yellow lights and stop signs my apartment seems farther and farther away. The music vibrating in the car has my pussy throbbing on beat. I reach over to change the radio to something less passion-filled and my arm rubs against my swollen nipple. Instead of changing the station I push my hand between my legs and begin to rub my clit. The oncoming light turns yellow, but instead of running through, I stop and enjoy a moment of pleasure.
A honking horn shocks me and I push the gas, hoping there will be no delays within these last few blocks. I pull into a parking spot and jump out of the car, leaving my bags and books on the passenger seat.