Unknown Abyss

Four- Zara

Zara, present day:

"Zara! Zara! Zara! Hello?!" Kelly mercilessly calls repeatedly, waking me from my slumber. 

I have been having such weird dreams lately... almost like I am in two worlds. No! Impossible! It must be sleep deprivation plus the books I am reading in my free time.

Never the less I finish the mental monologue,  and get ready for the day.  I have Western European History and Physcology today first thing.

"Are you even still living?!!" Kelly continues to harp while she barges into my room. Damn! Maybe getting this apartment with her was a mistake.

"Alive and kicking... you know... as always!" I say a little annoyed.

Kelly mock gasps in mock offense, "Geez grumpy much? Damn, with that attitude one would think that I had tried baking again!" 

She can barely contain her laughter as I roll my eyes, "Sorry, my sleep has been rocky lately! Time check? And what are you doing up so early? Isn't the point of your evening classes so you can sleep in? What gives?"

"Well, well, well quite the Sherlock aren't you?" Kelly says smiling.

"It would actually be Watson as he is always asking Sherlock what's going on while documenting stuff," I correct.

"Well thanks Mr. (she means Miss) I am always right! And don't you even correct another thing I have said, you know that it is way too early at 6:30am for me to function! And you have not made the coffee... just saying that it would be nice... you know... just recommending for a friend..." She rambles.

"What Kelly!" I finally burst frustrated that she is following me around to the bathroom to brush my teeth and handing me my clothes as I change behind my windows' curtains. I mean a girl could use a break sometimes, and you know... privacy! While I love Kelly, it would so be nice to have some me time after last night's break down I have not gotten any work done. (Both for my tutoring gig or my classes... good thing I always work ahead of my classes when possible!)

"Ugh... fine! Sometimes you are no fun! I just wanted to remind you that since Thursdays are you early days, you can make no plans after work, because girrrrrrrrlllllllllllll we are going shopping!!!" She exclaims, clearly overjoyed.

"I think I already had places to be after work Thursday!  You know, like the library, or anywhere that does not include clothes and money loss. And... Plus have you even asked Xi?" I say trying to dodge the situation.

"Oh get over yourself, you're going! I have to go get to my coffee date. But... I figured since I was up I would reserve the date. Love you!" And with that parting remark, she literally sprints from the house.

Well FML, I am getting Starbucks today because I need to prepare myself for the stresses of shopping, class and the unknown. Thank goodness it was like Tuesday, I mean I have two days to mentally prep for the shopping and three for the party which we will call the get together.

And with these thoughts of wisdom I sprint out the door to my car, and speed off to class.

-------------Thursday----------------

Ugh!!! FML!  I think as I remember that I had agreed to go the Friday night party with Xi and Kelly! I feel like I should get some community service or friend cash for this. I mean, it is totally Kyle's fault, but I am totally okay with binge-watching television and eating pizza to get Kelly over the guy. I must have started to pout as I am getting knowing looks from Xi, who is hiding a chuckle.

Xi playfully says, "Aww, I know you're making the sacrifice of the year..."

I interrupt in a pouty face, "Year? I was thinking more along the lines of millennia!"

Xi actually breaks into a fit of laughter. Hell, it was bad enough I got dragged along, but now I have to actually wear a dress to this shin dig. 

Xi continues, "But this is important to Kelly! That "date" Monday went well, and now she is taking him to the party Friday, and me my guy, and all of us you to make Kel's situation better with you know who and his flavor of the week."

"I know, but this is absolute torture I will have you know!" I emphasize with an eye roll.

After our little exchange, Kelly comes strutting out in a dress that is finally different from the previous ones that made her look like a ghost. While I love Kel's dearly, her dark eyes and hair combo make it really easy for the dark colored outfits to make her look like the girl from Rings. This dress was pale yellow, that made her look like a sunflower in a meadow. It flowed down her small frame, and highlighted her in all the right ways while hiding her few imperfections. She looked glowy, and it would definitely suit her to this affair. Rich people throw the same cheesy college parties, just with a higher standard of dress code and products served.

"So... what do you think? I was going for a Belle from Beauty and the Beast type..." Kelly starts to nervously stammer.

"I think it is amazing! You look warm and not like the girls from iZombie!" I say, as Xi elbows me. 

"Ouch!" I exclaim reactively. 

Xi just shoots me a playful glare as she adds, " I love it! I even think the Emma Watson would be very jealous. Likewise, the pizza guy would be dying to ask you out if you had not aimed for Mr. Rich Accountant Guy."

"Ha ha! He has a name you know," she pauses fishing for her phone to check, "and its Logan Morgan!"

"The fact that you had to verify his name, yet you have the pizza guy on speed dial is f*cked up. Just saying! You might have a better chance if you aim for the one who has like you for years... FYI," says Xi passionately.

Kelly glares at me as I raise my hands in mock surrender and note, "It was not me this time with that remark Kel's! Death glare her!"

Kelly sighs before saying, "Oh whatever! Anyways, Xi has got a man and an outfit! I mean the warm pink dress is beautiful on her! Especially because of her skin and appearance, it is perfect! So... that leaves you Zar-Bar!"

I state clearly, "First don't call me Zar-Bar. Second, since I don't have a date I should not have to go! I mean I do not want to go stag while I am out of my comfort zone, and would rather not go at all! I mean no one ever asks me out, and I am sure as hell glad. I have too much to study for."

Kelly replies humorously, "I know Zar-Bar, we know! It is not like the guys don't notice you! You just come off as unapproachable. However, we are a team, and we will do something to challenge this dating anxiety you have. Because Xi and I will play matchmaker on the spot of the party!"

My jaw literally fell open, but before my protest could leave my mouth, Kels and Xi said in unison, "TIme to dress shop for you!"

Xi continued assessingly, "You have such pretty light brown skin that look great when accented with warm colors..."

Kelly interrupts, sounding thoughtful, "Trick is that you have most reds and pink in its entirety. That leaves yellow, pastels, orange, and neutrals."

I eye-roll, and mutter, "Oh, brother! What have I gotten myself into! This is for real, but I am no Elizabeth Bennet waiting for her Mr. Darcy!"

"Come along, we have got a few for you to try!" they hum much to my disappointment!

Here we go!