Chapter 28
Harper
When I was a seniorin college, things were hectic like for every student, trying to make sure I graduated on time, and focusing on their studies. My roommate, Darcy, and I had known each other for the last four years and she recommended that I go out and blow off some steam with her. Initially, I was against it, since I had so much left to do with finals only being a month away.
“Come on, you’ve been stuck in classrooms and this room all year. You deserve to get out and have some fun, even if it's just a couple of hours. Please?” Darcy begged, sitting on my bed, glaring at me while I was typing away on my computer trying to get my notes in order to study.
“I really can’t...” I held up a stack of papers that included my notes for the entire week. “I’ve got to get these typed up and added to my document.”
“You can do that later. It’s just a couple of hours. Live a little.” Her head cocked, and whining ensued.
“Ugh fine. I’ll give you three hours, but that’s it.” I wanted to make it abundantly clear that I wasn’t going to stay out with things that needed to get done. My future depended on acing these finals, and graduating with a 4.0 GPA. No one worked their ass off for four years with straight A’s to end up ruining it in the final weeks. At least, not me.
“Okay, so we are going to a little celebration party. It’s at Matt’s house.”
“You never said a party... not really my thing...”
“Shut up, and get dressed. You’re going.” She walked to my closet and pulled a summer dress, and some heels. “This is perfect.”
Instead of arguing, I slipped it on, and headed out with Darcy.
Some people think of college as the time to party and be stupid, but I was the complete opposite. For the last four years, I had focused on my studies, and never once been to a party. Drinking wasn’t really my thing, and headaches appeared when music was played too loud.
Approaching Matt’s house, I knew I was in for a rude awakening with the speakers blaring, and people outside on the porch drinking from red solo cups. Not my scene. “This is a mistake. I’m going back.”
She grabbed my arm. “Too late to turn back now.”
We entered the front door, and that’s the moment I knew these three hours were going to leave me with a migraine. She tugged on my hand, while we squeezed by people to get to the kitchen.
“Darcy, you made it,” Matt said, looking over at me. “Who is this?”
“This is my roommate Harper.”
“Where have you been hiding?” a guy said, walking into the kitchen behind me. “Never seen you around before.”
“Focusing on my studies... parties aren’t my thing.”
His hand extended to me. “My name’s Keith. It’s nice to meet you.”
Sure, maybe I didn’t want to be here, but that didn’t mean I was going to be rude. “Same.”
After Matt poured us drinks, we went and sat in the living room, where Darcy sat on his lap so Keith could sit next to me.
“So, what are your plans after graduation?”
He was asking me questions like he was interested in actually getting to know me. “Teaching. Not sure where yet.”
Keith surveyed my body. “I could see you as a sexy teacher.”
This was exactly why I never went to parties, or even really dated anyone in college. Everyone was so focused on the booze and getting laid. I was surprised to see how many girls ended up pregnant in college, and from attending this party, I could see why. The girls were all wearing short skirts and rubbing all over the guys. I wasn’t a prude, but wasn’t one to sleep with guys just to get a release. Sex should mean something, and be shared between two people who plan on committing to each other, and not just for one night.
Darcy and Matt were making out, and it was getting intense, which meant they would probably be heading upstairs any moment to find a bedroom. I wasn’t going to stay down here by myself. Hell, I didn’t even want to come in the first place.
“I’m gonna head out. You two need to find a bedroom and I’ve got studying to do.”
“Why don’t you stay here with Keith? We’ll back in a bit. Enjoy yourself.” Her hand flapped at me to stay seated.
“I’ll walk you back, if you want some company,” Keith offered.