After The BreakUp

Chapter seven

"Come on, there's only one party! Just one party won't hurt now that you're in college," she implores. "How are you getting to the store, I hear you ask? I mistook you for not owning a vehicle."

I intended to ride the bus. I add, "And besides, I can't go to a party because I don't even know anyone," and Hardin chuckles once again, letting me know that he will pay just enough attention to make fun of me. I intended to read while talking on Skype with Noah.

"You shouldn't ride the bus on a Saturday, I repeat! They are far too crowded."

"On the way to his house, Hardin may drop you off, right, Hardin? You'll recognize me at the party, too. Just come, would you please?" She makes a theatrical plea while squeezing her palms together.

Should I believe her after only one day of knowing her? I keep thinking about my mother's advice to avoid parties. From our brief conversation, Steph seems like a really kind girl. But a gathering?

I respond, "I don't know, and no, I don't want Hardin to take me to the store."

Hardin smiles amusingly as he turns over across Steph's bed. "Oh no! I was really looking forward to hanging out with you," he says dryly, and I want to fling a book at his chubby skull because of how sarcastic he sounds.

He laughs; his accent is so strong, "Come on, Steph, you know this girl isn't going to show up to the party." His accent is so strong, "you know this chick isn't going to show up at the party," he laughs.

I must admit that I have a sizable amount of curiosity and I'm itching to ask him where he's from. I have a competitive side that wants to disprove that arrogant face of his.

I answer with as charming a smile as I can, "Actually, yeah, I'll come. "It sounds like it could be enjoyable."

Steph squeals before encircling me in a tight hug while Hardin shakes his head in bewilderment.

“Yay! We'll have a blast, she exclaims. And a significant portion of me is almost praying that she will be correct.

When Hardin finally departs, Steph and I can talk about the party, for which I am grateful. He's not helping at all, and I need more information to calm my nerves.

"Which party is this? Is it close enough to walk to?" I ask her while neatly arranging my books on the shelf, trying to seem calm.

Technically speaking, the event is a frat party at one of the major frat homes in the area. She adds additional mascara to her eyelashes while keeping her mouth open wide. "We won't be walking because it is off campus; however, Nate will pick us up."

Even though I know Hardin will be there, I'm glad it won't be him. It almost seems intolerable to ride with him. Why is he being so rude? He ought to be thankful that I don't condemn him for the way that he has mutilated his body with holes and tattoos.

Okay, so maybe I am passing judgment on him a little, but not directly. I try to at least be kind when we disagree. Tattoos and body piercings are not commonplace in my household.My clothes had to be neat and ironed, and I was constantly required to have my hair combed and my eyebrows waxed. It's just how things are.

"Have you heard me?" Steph replies, breaking up my train of thought.

"I'm sorry, what?" I asked. I was unaware that the unpleasant youngster had entered my thoughts.

She continues, "I said let's get ready—you can help me choose my dress." I keep looking around for a hidden camera and someone to leap out and inform me that this whole thing is a joke since the dresses she chooses are so inappropriate. She chuckles at each one as I groan, clearly finding my disgust amusing.

She decides on a black fishnet dress—no, a piece of leftover fabric—that allows her scarlet b*a to peek out. A full black slip is the only thing preventing her from exposing her entire body.

She keeps pulling the fabric up to show more leg and back down to show more cleavage even though the dress barely covers her tops of thighs. She wears shoes with heels that are at least four inches high. Her wild, fiery red hair is pulled back into a bun that hangs loosely around her shoulders, and she has put even more eyeliner on her eyes this time around, lining them in blue and black.

"Does getting a tattoo hurt?" I asked as i took out my favorite maroon outfit.