On Thin Ice: First to Fall Loses

Chapter 4

POV’s Tate

Eren closed the lid, chucking the container onto Connie’s unmade bed. “He’s convinced that he’s going to learn how to make the best weed brownies known to man. We’ve placed bets on it.”

I grinned. “I can bet you my entire life savings that the best brownies he ever makes will taste about as good as the dirt under my shoes. I’d rather chew on an actual joint than eat one of those.”

Eren moved a stack of clothes off his bed, sitting down. “Honestly, that would probably be the smartest move.” He kicked his legs up onto his bed. “You know, I could probably make the world’s best weed brownies if I wanted to.”

I planted my hands on my hips. “Sure, whatever you say, Master Chef.” I glanced at the alarm clock on Armin’s desk. 7:00 P.M. I sighed. “Alright, I’m gonna head back now. Maybe keep the ER on speed dial in case someone tries to eat those brownies.”

Eren gave me a joking salute. “Yes, Ma’am.”

I waved at him before I slid out the door.

The drive back wasn’t too bad. Even though most students keep a car with them at Evergreen University, thanks to how big the campus is, most of them were either at their dorms by now or studying at the library. Or getting ready to go out.

I smiled as I saw my apartment building come into view. A few minutes later, I was opening the door to my apartment, greeted by the smell of a vanilla chai candle burning in the kitchen, and the lovely sound of Riley rambling on about some aspect of her latest research project. I found her sitting at the kitchen table, hair messily tied up in a ponytail and glasses falling off her nose-bridge as she wildly pointed at her computer screen while Moblit stared at her, looking extremely confused.

Riley was a Marine Biology major, and Moblit was her research partner for her latest project on deep-sea life. She didn’t even notice me until I was standing behind her, glancing at the blown-up image of a blobfish on her computer screen. Her new hyperfixation.

“Ti.” She shouted, jumping up out of her chair and practically leaping into my arms. “Where were you? Sorry, I know you said something before you left, but I was watching this new video explaining how–”

“Riley…” Moblit said softly, his cheeks tinted a light pink.

“Hi, Moblit,” I greeted. The poor guy was here more than his own dorm these past few weeks, constantly poring over research articles and videos with Riley. From what I can tell, I think he’s crushing on her a little, but it’s not up to me to say anything about it… yet.

“Hi, Tate,” He said, rubbing the back of his neck as he glanced back at the future mad scientist beside him.

I reached forward to push her glasses back up. “You know, Riley, you’ve been at this for hours. Have you even had dinner yet?”

Riley opened her mouth to say yes, but paused. “Oh, shoot.” She smiled sheepishly at Moblit. “Why didn’t you say anything? Now that I think of it, I’m starving.”

I suppressed a chuckle as I walked into the kitchen, opening the freezer to find microwavable soup dumplings. I waved the box at her and Moblit. “Are these good?”

Moblit nodded while Riley shouted, “Oh my, yes. Those are my favorites.”

I knew that fact before I had bought them yesterday during my grocery run, but it never hurt to check and make sure that this was what they were in the mood for.

I quietly opened the box, poking a hole in the plastic before putting it in the microwave. “Don’t forget to let it sit in there for a minute once it's done,” I reminded Riley, before walking into the living room.

Lena, who was sitting on the couch watching some reality TV show, looked up at me. She patted the spot next to her, lifting the blanket to make space.

“Hey,” I said, letting out a deep breath.

“Long day?” Lena asked.

I sat down, pulling the blanket over me. “I’ll debrief you once Riley finishes up with Moblit.”

Lena smiled, lying back and kicking her feet up onto the coffee table. Ran a hand through my hair before mindlessly braiding it out of my face.

We watched the show playing on the screen, and it took me a few minutes to get the gist of what was going on. In this show, a bunch of insanely hot people were forced to stay on an island and not hook up with each other. If anyone broke the rules, then money was deducted from the prize. Whoever was on their best behavior for the duration of the show would win the prize money. It was pretty entertaining, but to be honest, if there was that much money on the line, I don’t get why people would be so careless about getting with others. I mean, it can’t be that hard to keep it in your pants for a few weeks.

We made it through the rest of the current episode before the sound of footsteps caught our attention.

Riley jumped into the spot on the couch next to me, laying her head on my lap. “Moblit just left. Thanks for the food, Ti.”

I smiled at the nickname. My full name is Tatianna, and while most people call me Tate, my best friends got into the habit of calling me Ti. I think Riley started it back in high school. “Of course, Riley. How’s your work going?”

Riley yawned, stretching her arms out like a cat. “It’s going great. I seriously think we have this competition in the bag.”

Right, Riley and Moblit were partaking in a competition to get a special research grant. “That’s good.”

Lena turned towards us. “Wait, Tate, what were you gonna debrief us on?”

I fidgeted with the bracelets on my wrist before I told them about my near-death experience earlier. Lena listened quietly while Riley threw in a few shocked remarks here and there. At the mention of Philip’s name, she shot up.

“Oh, my god. Philip is the best, Ti. He’s just a bit uptight, you know?”