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Tia:Fine. Let's go. Where’s the party at?
Excitement for my first party starts to build. I truly want to experience things that were off-limits in high school.
Me:The Kappa house.
Tia:Alright. I'm going to jump in the shower.
Why would she need a shower? Did something happen? Questions buzz through my brain as I continue to walk and wonder what’s going on with Tia. I hope her coach isn’t being too strict on her.
Me:Why? History doesn't require you getting dirty.
Tia:A story for another time. See you in twenty minutes.
Me:Be good, girl.
When I get to the psychology building, Chris is standing there. How does he always look like he’s a Greek god looking down at me? I swear he must be a direct descendant from them. He’s so well put together, even after a few hours of sitting at a desk. There’s not a wrinkle in sight.
“Hi.” He’s frowning at me as I approach him.
“Why are your arms covered up, Jasmine?” His arms cross over his chest, and I gulp. I forgot all about my sweater.
I’m going to be honest because that’s in my nature. It’s sure to get me in trouble now. “The science room was freezing. I’m used to long sleeves, so I put this on.”
“Take it off,” he demands, and I square my shoulders.
“No.” My heart races at the idea of having to show my arms. Yes, the sweater was used for keeping me warm, but now, I’m back in my comfort zone, and I don’t know how to tell him I need my security.
“Jasmine, you need to step out of your bubble. This isn’t a punishment for you. It’s about letting others see your beauty. Scars and all.”
Chris believes that but all it is a constant reminder of something bad in my life that I prefer to forget. Forever. I’m about to say something when I hear Tia.
"Hey, leave her alone." Tia’s loud demand startles me.
My eyes pop wide open, and I step back, shaking my head. "Ah, you must be Jasmine's best friend, Tia. I'm Christopher Groveton, the Dean of Education."
Tia crosses her arms over her stomach and raises an eyebrow. Oh God, this could get ugly. "Your point?"
"Tia, please, this is my step-uncle-in-law." I intertwine my arms with Tia’s and pull us back. "He was just reminding me of the family dinner this weekend."
I hate lying to her. It isn’t in my nature to flat out lie but I don’t want Tia to dig too deep into this.
"Cool. Now let's go, Jazz." Chris’s lip twitches in amusement at Tia as she pulls me along to the building.
"Are you sure you're alright?" Tia asks me with concern. She’s always been more like a sister than a best friend to me. I don’t want to worry her.
"Yeah. He's really overbearing, and my mom thinks it's important that I report to him every other day at least. You know my mom. Helicopter parent galore!"
Tia sits down and scrutinizes me as I giggle and open my laptop to take note. "I've been thinking. Maybe I could afford to move in with you. Uncle Chris keeps stopping by my dorm." I tremble and avert my eyes as I think about him coming into my room today. God, I was turned on, but I was scared too. There are too many emotions I don’t understand going through me.
Tia takes my hand and I look back at her. "You know I offered to begin with."
Rolling my eyes and whining a little, I know she’s right.. "Yes, I know, but mom wanted me to have the whole college experience."
"True, but it’s overrated right? If you want to move in with me, there's plenty of space."
"I'll let you know. Right now, I just want to whine about the whole situation." Nervously, I giggle and try to find the picture I’m looking for. This guy is right up Tia’s list of likes. When I find it, I show her my phone. "This is Jaxon. He's the head of the basketball team. He invited us to the party tonight."
"What do you mean, he invited us?" The way she reacts is not what I’m expecting. It’s as if the roles have been reversed since we started college.
