Special Delivery
We were laughing so hard, we could barely breathe. Alice, Rose, and Jessica were hoisting me above their shoulders, carrying me quickly down the hall. No one else was around; it was after 1am on a school night but we had all done well on exams today and we celebrated after dinner at a nearby bar that didn't check ID.
"No, stop! Guys!" I yelled through my laughter. As I was jostled by their clumsy movements I tried to brush my hair from my face with the one hand that wasn't holding onto a shoulder. By the time I could see around my curtain of hair, we were screeching to a stop in front of a closed door. But they didn't put me down. I held my breath. They wouldn't really do this. Would they?
I was about to tease them about the bumpy ride and suggest a last drink in my room before bed when Alice's tiny fist shot out to pound on the door. My smile dissolved and I began, uncomfortably, to realize they weren't kidding.
I struggled to get down, but they held me hard in their collective grip.
"OK, this was funny, but put me down now. Let's go," I said in a loud, panicky whisper, hoping that no one was home to hear me on the other side of the door.
"Not a chance, Bel," said Jessica. "This is going to be too funny."
"Seriously? You think this is funny? " I fumed, as I wriggled against them. "Come on! We're going to get in trouble waking up an RA, and it doesn't seem like anyone's home anyway."
Just then, the door in front of us began to swing open. The girls didn't wait for an invitation; they barged ahead into the mostly dark room and dumped me on the first bed. As I tried to get my bearings, they dashed back out the door.
"You're welcome, Eddie!" yelled Rose. "How's that for a special delivery?"
A light flicked on. Now that I could see, I rolled to plant my feet on the floor, and planned to dash for the door. But as soon as I rose, he was there, blocking my way.
Edward, with sleep-mussed hair in a torn concert t-shirt and plaid pajama pants, stood staring at me. At least he resembled the Edward I knew. But different somehow. Ah, no glasses. I was used to seeing him in thick, dark frames in class. But now, without that barrier, I could see his eyes. They were so many colors; I couldn't begin to count them all. Fern, forest, honey, amber, chocolate – but his expression took my focus from cataloging hues. He looked pained.
I looked behind him to find that the door was already closed. Beyond it, I heard muffled giggling. I was willing to bet if I tried the handle it wouldn't open. Those bitches were making sure I didn't get out.