Tethered (J + P series) (2 page)

Chapter 2

6:50PM, nerves were making my stomach feel unsettled.  I took a quick glance in my dorm room mirror.  I was dressed casual in my jeans and t-shirt, but I put a little mascara on and a smear of lip gloss.  Jen knocked on the door five minutes later to collect me.  She had changed shirts and was grinning ear to ear.  “Let's go pretend to be dumb bimbos and get tutored by some cuties.”

“This better not suck.” was all I could think to say.  I really wanted to tear loose from her, bolt the door, and hide in my room.  Did dating have to be this much work?

She led us through the basement halls, past the laundry room and straight to the lower level guys’ wing.  The boys’ wing smelled different than the girls’.  Sweaty socks, strong spiced deodorant, and pepperoni pizza vs. floral scents, baby powder, and hair spray.  Jen stopped at the fifth door on the left and knocked.  The brown haired one, Ian, peeked out and welcomed us in.  Their room was stark.  The blackout blinds were pulled shut, there were no sheets or blankets on the mattress, 2 empty pizza boxes sat in the corner, and they had no posters on the wall.  “Hey how's it going?” Ian asked.  The blond, Tim, nodded at us in salutation.  I smiled back.  Ian told us to sit on the bed (since dorm rooms did not have much room for extra seats).  We opened our math books and began talking about anything and everything except math.  I was glad Jen was so effervescent; she could carry the whole conversation on her own.  I noticed Ian sneak out at one point, probably to use the bathroom.  Jen struggled conversing with Tim since he was shyer than Ian.

Ian opened the door and behind him were two other guys that I had not seen before.  “Hey, this is Greg and Jared.  They live across the hall from us.”

They looked a lot different from Ian and Tim.  Greg and Jared had shaggier hair, jeans ripped at the knees, and concert t-shirts.   “Hey, wanna' come see our fish?”

“Fish?  Do you have a fish tank or something?”  Jen asked as she rose to her feet.  I found myself following behind her.

Jared and Greg's room looked vastly different from Ian and Tim's.  They had their beds lofted and beneath Greg's side were two ugly upholstered rocking chairs that he probably stole from his grandma's house.  Beneath Jared's side was a TV and stereo system.  They were playing a rare song from one of my favorite bands (I could bet that no one in my hometown even knew about that band, let alone this rare song).  I looked around their room and they had posters of 3 of my other favorite bands.  My heart was beginning to quicken.  I could not believe that I had found two people that liked the same music as me.  Music had always been an important part of my life.  Anytime there was a radio or stereo nearby me, it would be on with me singing the lyrics and dancing.  I decided to try and wow them with some unique facts about the bands they seemed to know.

“Hey did you know the lead singer of Winterstitch was in a car wreck this past spring and they are only going to do acoustic sessions in small venues till he is fully recovered?”  I asked.  They both turned toward me with a look of intrigue.  I wanted them to know I had a common interest.  I was not a superficial fan; I loved music and knew my bands well. 

“No, I hadn't heard that.  I'll have to see if they are doing gigs at any local clubs soon.”  Greg said.  I just smiled; content that I had impressed them with this little tidbit.

Just then, Jen saw a large fish decoration on their loft and ha
d
begun making wise cracks about it.  “So this is the fish you wanted us to see?  Where the heck did you get that, what is it?  A swordfish?  It's HUGE.”  They were laughing with her.  Jen was a charmer. 

“We stole it from the props department from our high school.”  Jared confessed proudly. 

“Naughty boys!  I wish I was a fly on the wall to watch the two of you running around the school with that massive fish.” she teased and turned to head back to Ian and Tim's room.  I found it hard to want to leave this room though.  There was a connection here between these boys and myself.  I couldn't believe it. 

“I'll join you in a minute Jen.”  I lingered with them a few minutes longer and talked about music and college majors.  Jen and I said goodbye to Greg and Jared and teasingly thanked Ian and Tim for the tutoring session.

“Well, what did you think?” she was already prying me for my opinion and we were barely out of earshot.  I shot her a dirty look that said “not yet....”  Once we passed the old and hard working laundry machines I safely said “They were cute.  But I actually really liked their neighbors.  What did you think?”

Jen said “I liked Ian and Tim better.  Wanna' do it again next week?”  Ugh.  I wasn't sure I could keep up with Miss Social Butterfly.

“We'll see.  Thanks for arranging it Jen.   Have a good night.”

I unlocked my door and saw I had the room to myself again.  I stayed up way too late watching videos on MTV and attempting to conquer homework before sleep over took me.

Chapter 3

KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK!  I was startled out of my slumber and looked at the clock.  11:00AM.  “Hold on.” I managed to say before descending the loft.  Mags was at the door, looking perky as though she has been up and busy for several hours.  “Hey Mags, what's up?”

“We were gonna' eat lunch in a half hour, wanna' join us?”

“Sure, I think I can get ready by then.”  I knew I needed to get my act together and start my day.  “I'll come find you after I get cleaned up.”  I shut the door and grabbed some comfortable but cute clothes and my shower caddy.  I dreaded college bathrooms.  I wished my family had enough money to allow me a private room with a private bath.  But no luck.  I worked fast to minimize my time in the shower.  Today was a big day.  Studying till 6PM, pre-party/transform into babes in Mags’ and Lauren's room, 8PM head to the frat for the big party.

As we headed to the dining hall I realized I hadn't picked up my mail from yesterday.  “Hey, I have a package and will meet you inside after I grab it.”  I departed from the group and headed down the stairs.  At the base of the stairs was a room marked “Radio Station” with a sign on the door that read, “Time slots available, call Steve at x35600”.  My brother had worked for this very radio station when he roomed here years ago.  He used to call home and tell me how he scored interviews with all these bands because he worked for the station.  I was so jealous of him at the time.  The funny thing was that only this dorm could hear this station, no one else on campus or in town.  I am pretty sure when he would tell the bands he wanted an interview for the radio station, they had no idea that the most listeners that would hear the interview was limited to the thousand residents that lived in our dorm. Maybe I should call and see about a time slot.

“Hey, thinking about doing a time slot?”

I just about jumped out of my skin.  I smelled a spiced scent just faintly in the air.  It reminded me of my dad getting ready for work when I was young.  He used a similar cologne.  I turned and found myself face to face with Jared.  He was tall and lean with messy brown hair.  He was not a jock, but he was fit. He wore a black t-shirt, worn and ripped jeans, and black Chuck Taylors. 

“Yeah, I think I might call.  It could be a lot of fun; of course I have no experience.” 
Stop talking, you sound like an idiot! 
My self conscious warned.

“Cool.”  was all he said.

“Hey, have you had lunch?  I was getting ready to meet Jen and a few others and you are welcome to join us.”  I offered.

“Thanks but nah, Greg and I ordered a pizza.  See ya'.”  and he turned and headed back toward the guys wing.

“Bye.” I said quietly.  What was that about?!  He didn't say much, but he approached me.  I retrieved my package and headed to lunch trying not to over-think things.

“What's in the box?”  Jen asked.

“It's from home.  There is a card, a little bit of money, a CD from my bro, and a newspaper article.”

“No cookies or candy!?”  Jen was desperate for a little chocolate treasure.

“Sorry Jen.  So what is everyone wearing tonight?” I asked the table. We all chatted about different wardrobe options.  When we opened our closets to each other to mix and match – we had one hell of a collection to choose from.  After discussing the details of the evening's plan I started to get up to leave.  I knew I needed to buckle down this afternoon and get some chapters under my belt before tonight.  I had a quiz, a paper, and a test this upcoming week.   Before leaving, I announced that I would be in hiding till 6PM.  They all giggled.  I was envious of them for having majors that required less studying than mine.  Their homework actually looked fun.  Mine looked like a science and math monster vomited on the page.

I put the stereo on and buried my nose in the books.  At 6PM, I opened my door and the sounds from the other rooms filled the hall.  I brought my outfit and makeup to Mags and Lauren's room and started to get ready.  There were 5 of us girls singing to the radio and getting fancied up.  Mags and I were the only ones that didn't drink.  We told the other girls we would remain sober and be sure they got home safely at the end of the night.  We had one rule in our gang of girls:  Never leave anyone behind. 

The line for the party was huge.  We waited several minutes in the cold October night air till it was our turn to have our names checked off the guest list.  Once inside it was like an old, large house turned into a club.  Black lights, strobe lights, loud music, dancing everywhere, drinking, laughing, and tons of people.  I enjoyed the loud music and began to feel comfortable here in no time at all.  Jen was off charming the pants off some guys, Lauren and Mason were kissing on a couch, Mags had found a classmate to chat with and I leaned against the wall and scanned the scene. 

You could tell who the frat guys were.  The brothers who lived here looked more beefy, like football players.  Mason wasn't on the college team, but he was a footballer in high school.  In the middle of the crowd I saw my Chemistry lab partner, Ben.  I tried to wave but he did not see me.  I would have to mess with him on Monday about seeing him.  Ben was cute, though he wasn't the hottest thing on the planet, but he was also smart and a super nice and funny guy.  He was here with a friend; I would have to ask him later if that was his roommate.

A very drunk guy came up to me and slurred, “Are you out of drink?  You need a drink sweetie?  Why are you not drinkin'?”  Oh boy, this one was beyond ripe.

“I'm good, thanks for checkin'” was all I managed before turning away. 

“You can have some of mine; I'll share with someone as beautiful as you.” Eye-roll.  This drunk was gonna' make me leave my comfortable spot.  Thanks a lot buddy. 

“No, you can finish it; I really need to go to the ladies' room.  Excuse me.” and I walked quickly away from him.  I was in such a hurry to get away from him that I did not notice this couple leaning against the door frame.  I slammed right into them.  “Sorry, I was just...” and I looked from them holding hands together, up to their faces.  I could not believe my eyes.  In front of me stood Jared and some random girl.  My mouth fell open and I knew I had to collect myself fast.  I felt like someone just stomped on my heart.  “Jared.   Sorry.  I, I gotta' go.”  I said and turned and practically ran away from them.  I heard him yell something after me but I didn't want to hear it.  I had just met the guys a few days ago, why did this hurt to see him with this girl?  Ugh.  I hated this feeling.  In the bathroom I splashed cold water on my face and tried to steady my breathing.  I was stuck at this party.  I had volunteered to not get drunk and ensure my friends would safely make it home.  How could I stand to be in the same room with Jared and random girl?  Maybe I could find Ben and chat it up with him.  He would be a good distraction.  With my plan ready, I decided to be brave and head out. 

I looked high and low for Ben.  Unfortunately, there was no sign of him.  I started looking for my friends but they were all still occupied.  I decided to grab a drink, preferably an unopened can of Diet Coke, and join in on the flirt session Jen was having.   With my drink in hand, I scanned the room for Jen but instead saw Random
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irl against the wall with Jared touching her cheek with his hand and leaning in.  I felt jealous of this girl and wanted it to be me that Jared was touching.  He leaned in even closer.  Oh no, please no.  They kissed, and not a peck.  My God I needed to get the hell out of here.  I found Jen and told her I didn't feel well.  She rounded everyone up and we headed back to the dorms.  I felt bad for being the party pooper, but staying any longer would have killed me.  I still didn't understand why I was so affected by what Jared did.  He wasn't my boyfriend and I barely knew him.