Tethered (J + P series) (6 page)

Chapter 10

I climbed to the top of the stairs and heard the loud music coming from Jen's room.  She was dancing about and unpacking.

“Hey Jen!  How long have you been back?”  I asked.

She turned and had a huge grin on her face, “Hey, hey my little lady!  Welcome back.  Glad to see you survived.”

“Barely.  Good to be back though. Is Tara back yet?”  I asked.  I didn't really care much for her roommate, she seemed nice but she was always busy with her boyfriend.

“She is, and she's with you-know-who” she said.

Right, boyfriend.  They were boyfriend and girlfriend in high school and they came to college as a couple.  I had heard that many couples from high school did not last long once they were in college.  Maybe it was because the two little fish were now in a tank full of 30,000 other options.  Better options.

“When are you going to dinner?” I asked.

“I don't know, Edward called me and said he wanted to eat with me.  I am not sure if he wants to eat in the dining hall or a local restaurant.  I presume he wants to talk to me about his girlfriend situation.” she said.

“Ooo, what do you think happened between them?  Did he sound upset or OK on the phone?”  I was disappointed she would not be my dinner buddy tonight but I also understood she needed details.

“Not sure.  He seemed OK, but he also sounded like he had some stuff to talk about with me.  It could go either way, though I am hoping the ball lands in my court.” she smiled.

“Better doll-up and look cute so he can't resist you.” I advised.  “Good luck, sweetie!”

“Thanks and welcome back!” she replied.

I headed into my room, put on the CD player and laid in the beanbags under the loft.  I needed to breathe: just stop and breathe. Going back home made me appreciate campus life.  Gabby wasn't back yet.  After a few more songs I grabbed my bags and unpacked.  Going home meant dirty clothes magically became clean clothes.  It was nice to have a full closet again.  One I was unpacked, I headed downstairs to check my mailbox.

I trotted down the stairs and went by the radio station on the way to the mail center.  I heard a band that I knew and was curious who was DJing.  I peeked in and found Jared and Greg. Jared was on the dingy couch completely focused on the textbook in his lap.  He wore jeans that were tattered, Chuck Taylors, and a black concert t-shirt.  He looked amazing.  Greg was sporting his basketball shorts and a tee, looking like he went straight from the court to the DJ booth.  Greg spotted me and said, “Perry, hey kid, how was break?”

Jared peeked up and smiled a crooked smile at me as if to say hi.

“It sucked.  I'm glad to be back.  How 'bout yours?” I asked.

“Awesome:  got to sleep in, home cooked meals, Mom spoiled me.  What more could I ask for?”  I was jealous of how much he enjoyed his home.

“Cool, well, I gotta' go.  See ya'” I said and quickly fled before the conversation got much deeper.  I still felt the butterflies flying about my belly, especially when Jared looked up at me.  I wasn't over him.  I needed to distance myself still.  Darn it.  I only have three weeks before break.  I need to steer clear till then.  Surely the three weeks plus two of break would get me over him.

I dialed the combo to my mailbox as fast as ever, and retrieved the contents.  Nothing exciting, just a magazine and a letter.

I exited the common area and headed for the girls' wing.  When I reached the top of the stairs Mags was exiting her room with Lauren.

“Hey girls!  I was just coming to see if you were going to dinner soon?”  I said.

“Heck yeah, we were headed down to meet Ian and Tim.  Wanna' join us?”  Mags asked.

“I don't want to make you late, but yeah.  I could come look for you in a few minutes.”

“Nah” Mags said. 
“
Ian and Tim can wait a few minutes.
”
 

I threw my mail on my desk and grabbed my dining card. We headed down and found Ian and Tim patiently waiting on Mags and her crew.  Dinner was comfortable.  Even though I missed having Jen's charisma at the table, we all had enough laughs and good stories to entertain throughout the meal.  When I was leaving I noticed Tim whisper something to Mags and she smiled and nodded.  I wondered what he said. 

“See ya' later, I need to hit the books.” I announced and they all said farewell to me.

I would have to remember to knock on Mags' door to hear what Tim had on his mind.

Chapter 11

December

“Come on Perry.  You have to come out with us on Friday.  We need you.”  Now Jen had me laughing.

“No really, me going out without you is like Batman without Robin.  Equally cool but not as dynamic without his sidekick.”  I laughed so hard I folded in half and grabbed my sides to keep from splitting open.  I loved this girl and had missed her.  All of my added studying and her life revolving around Edward made little time for our friendship.

“Alright Batman, one last party before the semester ends.”  She grinned triumphantly and tweaked my nose.  “I still have plans to get you fixed up girlfriend.”

Friday night arrived and the girls were getting ready in Jen's room. I put on a cute clingy shirt.  It hugged all the right curves.  I knew it would be cold out and it was a 10 minute walk to the party, so jeans were a must.

The girls were drinking wine coolers and offered me one.  I had no interest in drinking, but I remembered what my dad had said about blending in.  I took one and decided to just sip on it.  It tasted fruity and bubbly.  We listened to music, sang, danced, made ourselves beautiful for our last party of the semester.  At 9PM we headed to Mason's frat.  I must have become distracted with all the fun I was having with the girls and ended up drinking ¾ of my wine cooler.

“My face feels weird” I said to Jen.  I felt my lips becoming numb and my face was turning numb as well.  The girls teased me for “being a lightweight”.  I hadn't intended on drinking that much and swore to not do it again.  We reached the frat before we turned into popsicles.  Inside was toasty and full of warm bodies dancing to really loud music.  We agreed to not leave without each other and knew that Lauren was exempt from that since she often stayed over with Mason after the parties.  It was good to see Jen out without Edward, but she seemed busy man-hunting for me.  She was tossing out her charm card to attract them, and then would point them in my direction.  I had a few brief conversations with potential guys but nothing exciting.  I didn't care though; it must have been the alcohol making me feel that way.  My easy going personality was amplified with alcohol.  Aerosmith was playing on the speakers and I was swaying my hips and feeling the numbness seep around my body.  I felt some strong hands land on my waist and a tall lean body press against my back.  I looked back and didn't recognize this guy. He had wavy brown hair, and hazel eyes.  He looked pretty attractive at the moment so I decided to let him continue dancing with me.

He was getting thumbs up from a bunch of brothers in the room, so I presumed he must be a pledge or a brother.  The room was beginning to have its own movements and I was feeling a little more tipsy even though I had only drank the one wine cooler.  It didn't matter though; actually nothing mattered to me at that moment.  I felt so content.  My dancing partner turned me and wrapped his arms around my waist to slow dance.  The music had a faster tempo than the tempo we were dancing to.  Again, I didn't care.  He was cute, he was holding me, and then he kissed me.  I mean REALLY kissed me.  No peck – just went in for the kill.  And I liked it.  I liked it so much that we continued to kiss for several songs till Jen came colliding into me and said, “Time to go, break it up lovebirds”.  I told him goodbye and Jen apparently asked for his name and number for me.  I found my way to a couch near the exit where I could lay down and wait for Jen to assemble the gang.

The room was spinning.  I hoped she would find everyone fast.  I really wanted to lie in my bed and sleep off these tipsy after-effects.  In reality it appeared that I was becoming more and more drunk every second.  A frat brother sat on the couch and propped my legs onto his.  All I could think was, “
P
lease don't hit on me.  I already made out with Joe Shmoe over there and I just want to get to my bed.”  Where was Jen anyways?

“Hey, you OK?” the guy asked.

“Umm, I think so, I don't know, maybe.” I slurred.

'Wait here.  Don't move.  I will be right back.” he told me.

Whoopie dee do, glad to have a friend to chat with though.

“K” was all I managed before closing my eyes.  I think I fell asleep; I can't be sure because it felt like I just blinked.  But the guy from the couch was squatting next to my head with two other boys.

“Hey, where do you live?  We are the house's sober patrol and we are going to take you home.” they said.

“Sounds good.  Are we gonna' walk?  It's kinda far.” I managed to say.

“Nope, we'll drive you.”  Each guy got on each of my sides to help me up.  Room spinning fast.  Better with eyes closed.  I let them guide me down a set of stairs.  They sat me in the back of the car and headed toward my dorm.  “Do you think you might puke?” one of the guys asked.

“No, I'm good if I keep my eyes shut.” I suddenly realized that I was alone in a car with two strange boys.  My friends were nowhere around.  Maybe if I behave and keep quiet they will just take me to my dorm.  Jen and the girls will probably freak out from not being able to find me at the party.  “Hey, is there any way to tell my friends I went back to the dorm so they aren't looking for me.”

“They already know.” the passenger said.  They pulled up to the doors closest to my room.  They helped me get my feet on the ground and we approached the doors.  LOCKED.  “Now what?”

“We'll head to the front and go through the building to get to this door.” the driver said.

“You think we can just leave her here for two minutes while we do that?” the passenger asked.

“Yep.  Let's go.”
T
he driver turned toward me and asked me to sit on the grass near the side door to the dorm.  “Be right back sweetie – don't move.”

They were so nice.  I laid back wanting to feel the cold grass on my skin.  I didn't even know how much time had passed or if they intended on leaving me out there as some kind of joke.  Surely someone would find me and help me soon.  I attempted to sit up but failed and found myself laughing at my situation.  Just then the doors opened and one of the boys gently helped me up. Once inside the other boy took my other side.  They pretty much carried me up the four flights of stairs to my dorm floor.  At the top, waiting like a mother hen, was our RA.  She took one look at me and I could see fright on her face.

“Perry, are you OK?  You are as pale as a ghost.” she said.

“Yep, I'm good.” and I meant it. I felt so carefree and relaxed.  I just wanted to lie down and go to sleep.

The boys deposited me into the beanbags on the floor of my room and took off.

Sometime after, I don't know how long, there was a loud banging at my door.  I crawled to the door, opened it and sat in the entrance of it.

“Oh my god, are you OK?  I was worried sick about you.  They told us sober patrol took you home.  You look like hell.” 

“Batman, I want to go to bed.” I told Jen.  She giggled and said “You are sleeping in my room tonight.  I need to keep an eye on you.”

“OK.” and I followed her to her room.

The next morning I was stirred awake by happy Jen sounds.  “Why are you so damn happy in the morning?”  I asked.  “And it's too bright in here.”

“So my dear, what an exciting night you had.  Smoochin' with a brother, getting drunk off one wine cooler, and having sober patrol bring you home, that's quite a night.”

My memory was foggy, I needed more details.  “Huh?”

She repeated herself and gave more details this time.  When she finished my mouth hung open.  She also showed me the kissing guy's name and number.  “Look what I got for you!!!”  Oh
D
ear.  “Jen, please, crumple it and pitch it.  I wasn't myself last night.  I want to meet someone while I am sober.”

“Okay, okay” she said, but I didn't fully believe her.

I rose from the makeshift bed and realized I was in my undies.  I was mortified.  “Did the sober patrol take off my jeans?”

“No sweetie, I did.  You can't sleep in jeans!”  Jen said.  I felt so much better knowing it was her touching my pants and not two random boys trying to score a look at my panties.

“Listen, thanks for watching over me last night.  I am gonna' grab a shower and then we can go eat.”

“Okay” Jen replied.

I felt ashamed of what happened last night.  I needed to wash off my mistakes and get back to business.  No wonder I avoided alcohol
-
stupid wine cooler.  No more drinks for me.

When we got into the dining hall Jen headed straight for a table with Jared and Greg.  Ugh, I could kill her.  She was chatting mostly with Greg and telling him about my amazing adventures last night.  Greg was chuckling and winked at me to make me feel better.  Jared looked pretty annoyed and pissed off.  He kept his head down, focusing on his meal which was pretty much crumbs now.  Occasionally he would peer up at me out of the corner of his eye and shake his head in disgust.   After  a few more bites and him pushing his food around his plate he dropped his fork on his plate, shoved his chair out, nodded at Greg in farewell and left.  He didn't bother saying goodbye to anyone else.  What had pissed him off so badly?  Before break he had seemed genuinely concerned for me and now he was beyond annoyed with me.  He ran so hot and cold, I didn't need to deal with his issues, I was disappointed enough with myself. 

“What's his deal?”  I directed at Greg, hoping he knew some secret about him to enlighten us on the mood change.

Greg shrugged.   If he knew something, he wasn't sharing. 

“Does everyone get that drunk from one wine cooler their first time drinking?  That was crazy.  I had no idea I would get so drunk and out of control.  I actually feel ashamed about it.”  I said.

“Um, no.  Not usually.  Maybe you had a reaction to the alcohol.  That was your first time drinking?” Greg asked.

“Well, I have had communion wine.  Just a sip with no after effects.”

“Hmm, maybe it was something in the wine cooler.  Maybe beer would be different.  Just be careful kiddo, make sure you have one of us with you when you try that.  You know, in case we need to look after you.”  Greg was so nice.  “Are you hung over today?  You know, feel like your tongue is a terry cloth towel, bongo drums playing in your head, feeling foggy?”

“No, not at all.”

Jen piped in, “
T
he funniest was when Perry freaked when she couldn't find her pants this morning.  She totally thought the sober patrol guys took off her jeans last night.  It was like the ultimate prank, and I didn't even mean to prank you.  Just nice.” she smirked and then winked at me.

“Nice to know I can entertain you.”

“What did you think of that guy you were mackin' on last night?” she asked me.

Ugh.  Kissing random guys.  I had not kissed many men in my life.  I never let them get that far.  Usually I turned them down once they showed interest in me.  I want you, but now that I have you, I don't want you.  I needed to figure out why I enjoyed sabotaging my love life.  There were two boys I had kissed prior to last night.  They were innocent kisses, unlike last night.  Maybe the saying about alcohol is true, it's liquid courage.  I let my walls down enough to kiss that guy and relax.   I don't even know if I was a good kisser or not.  We kissed several times so my guess is that I wasn't too bad.  I was just glad I didn't have to see that guy again.

“Umm, no comment.”

“Perry, let's have dinner tonight here in the hall.  Edward, you, and me.  I miss spending time with you.”  Jen said.

I was glad she was allowing me to join her and Edward.  Since break they had been spending a lot more time together and I didn't see her as often as I would've like to.

“Cool, sounds great.”

“Did you hear Tim asked Mags out?” Jen said.

I was not surprised but this was definitely news to me.  It would be a little weird seeing them holding hands.  I wondered if she would drop out of our circle like Jen had the occasion to do.  Oh bother.  I had just realized that I was officially the third wheel.  I was the only one without a boyfriend now.  Great.  My weekends would be full of saying farewell to the dating couples as they would leave to spend time together and venturing to frat parties alone or isolating myself with my books.  Not good.