Changes 26
I thought we'd get a point of view of someone we haven't seen in the story yet. Since it's been a while since an update. Thank you for all the kind words to this story. It truly mean alot and keeps me pushing this story out. Melissa when I read your words about having a test and early shift for your retail job that morning but pushing back studying to read my store. I wanted to say thank you. That is my life exactly. So thank you. That means alot coming from a fellow retail worker since I know there are so many other things you can do. I'm posting right now when I know full well I will have to be up in a few hours for resets. #retaillife. Lol
Hope you all enjoy this chapter. Halloween is finally here. It's a longer chapter. Thank you all for being patient with me.
Sean's POV
Really.
Like Really, the one damn time he decides to be late, IN HIS ENTIRE LIFE, is tonight. What the fuck? I groan loudly because I'm beyond irritated. Romeo is never late, and he chooses tonight. TONIGHT OF ALL NIGHTS! He knows how I feel about Halloween.
I bet he is doing this shit on purpose. I hope his hair is green for a fucking week.
He has me standing here waiting for him with …, I know he is fucking playing me with their names too. It's probably his inside joke with Cinderella. Cinderella thinks she cute by giving me those fake names. I'm not buying it.
Farkle and Smackle, yeah right.
I will never call them that. So they can laugh at my expense. I know they are lying.
I heard Cinderella and Snow, call them the geniuses. That is what I will call them until they slip up and say their real names. Smackle and Farkle… If I wasn't so mad I'd laugh right now just thinking they could fool me with those names.
I must admit the geniuses, do have on pretty bad as costumes. Peter Parker and Michelle I like it, I like their Halloween spirit.
I look down at my watch it was 10:05.
10:05!
Five minutes after 10.
He really can never, ever say anything about me being late ever again. I wipe out my phone to call him. I could be missing my Veronica, or Betty right now.
"Don't you dare, call me again." I hear that late traitor call out from behind me. I turn around to see him trying to catch his breath with Cinderella pressed against his hip. She smiles at me and takes in small breathes, see the running helped her. A week ago she'd be breathing harder. Cinderella's smile widens trying to soften the mood.
No way! I'm mad Cinderella.
"Don't call you," I start then scuff at him still trying to process him uttering those words to me. I notice him rolling his eyes. "Oh I'm going to call you." I stammer and still press the button for good measure. He hits the ignore like I know he did the last four times, "You are late, asshole." I stress the words out for emphasis. He continues to roll his eyes though.
"Testy language, today." Cinderella teases. The language was tame for what I was thinking about calling him.
"Isn't being late something you are used too." Josh throws back at me. "This isn't something you should be ranting and raving about since you are always late."
"Ranting and Raving." I put my hands on my hips to collect my thoughts. "You know, what tonight is. You know, how important tonight is to me." I point at my chest and reality starts to kick in. Snow and Huckleberry weren't behind them. Just... great! We'd still have to wait for them too. He wouldn't leave without his niece. "I'm going to leave in like one minute we are already 5 minutes late," I look at my watch.
"It's not like they pick the costumes right now," Josh said while running his hand through his green hair. I really hope that shit doesn't come out tonight with the way he is talking.
"Where is Snow and Huckleberry." I ask while turning my attention to my watch.
"I'm here." She shouts from behind. I turn my head to see she has Huckleberry's hand linked with hers. They both try to put up this innocent smile. I'm not buying it. "Don't say it like you were the whole time."
"Wasn't I?" Snow teases with a smile. I smile back against my better judgment but she was so cute doing it.
"Don't give me that Snow." I tell her reminding myself don't fall prey to her being cute. "We have to get going."
I start to walk and then I hear her say, "Wait." Really loudly mind you. What are we waiting for we are already late? I turn to look at them all. "The geniuses and I have been waiting."
"We're sorry and thank you for waiting so very patiently, but I was thinking." She better not be suggesting something different.
"Not now Riles," Cinderella stated. She could probably see the uneasiness rising in my eyes. Cause I know it was, I could feel it myself. I don't like changes to plans so late in the game. Tonight, I'm going to the best Halloween party ever. Plans were already changed when they both showed up late and I waited for them. I usually don't wait for anyone.
We have to get there in about 10 minutes or the night is ruined.
I've done some research. Everyone that has won since I've gone to the party has come in around 10 to 10:25. I'm pretty sure of the time. That is when I remember seeing their costumes. I didn't get heavily liquored up till after they choose other costumes.
I picked two Archie get-ups. That's like two costumes. Double down for the win. I have on the tan khakis and the polka dot button down with the blue cable knit sweater with the letter R on the front. Just like the dream sequence. I also put the letterman jacket on that he always wears. I'm fucking Archie!
"Are we going to go now?" The boy genius finally mumbles.
"Yeah we are going," I tell him while starting to lead the way to the Kappa house.
"When would be a good time peaches?" I hear Snow try to whisper. What were they talking about?
Why couldn't everyone make this simple? Just be on time. Have the time of your life at the sickest party of the year. Easy, right? No, definitely not for this crowd. Nothing is ever easy.
Shit, curiosity was getting to me. I wanted to know what Snow wanted to ask so bad. Damnit!
"What are you trying to ask Snow?" I finally ask her still keeping my eye on the prize and walking down the street to the Kappa House.
"I was wondering if we could go to the Gamma Gamma Nu party first?"
First? Did she really just ask that? I hear Josh chuckle from behind me. I wanted to snarl at him. "You can't be serious, Snow?" I stop and ask her. "I'm all about more parties," I realized I stop moving we need to get there on time. I start to walk again faster, we have to make up some time because of these two lovebirds. I hear her heels clicking the pavement fast now behind me trying to keep up and probably work her defense in on why the Gamma Gamma Nu party should come first.
Her mother was a lawyer so Snow knew how to lay out a case. I'm not going to let her lay it out on me. I'm just as determined as her. "The more parties the better but they definitely aren't coming first. We can go after."
Who am I to deny a sorority house party full of hot girls? No sane man would do that.
"The Gamma Gamma Nu house is literally right there." Snow proclaims. She is probably pointing to the house now. I hear the commotion from the house on the sidewalk. A weaker version of me would have cracked and walked in.
"After," I say without looking at the house.
"Fine," Snow calls out from behind. I notice the hint of annoyance. I should be annoyed. The day they decide to show up late is like the most important day of the year.
I turn the corner only a few more houses to the Kappa house. There it was. This year it seems they have even set the theme outside. Eerie Halloween lights are draped out on the front stoop and fake cobwebs are on the doors and windows. The little things, I tell you. The little things. I smile and look back at all of them.
"It's getting real." I smile and look between all of them. It was 10:23. We made it before my deadline.
"We need to establish rules," Josh said from behind. I groan no time for that.
"Don't be a killjoy tonight," I grumble starting to make my way down the walkway.
"Don't drink anything that Sean or I haven't given you." Josh declares ignoring me. "Wait don't' drink anything that I haven't given you." He smirks after his own remarks, like it was funny or something.
"I resent that," I tell him.
"You are tense tonight? Are you wondering if your Betty is here?" Josh continued to tease. I have no time to banter with him. I'm ready for Betty, Veronica, or both. My eyebrow raises and a small smirk comes across my lips just thinking about it. That smirk grows wider when I realize, we have made it. Right in time too as I look at my watch.
I start to ascend up the front porch. It was like they were watching us from the inside. The door swings open quickly.
One frat brother comes out in a toga. Typical and easy costume. He shouldn't even be in the brotherhood to such an awesome frat with this costume. I take a sharp intake of breath when I see the next fraternity brother come out. Jughead!
I had to give it to him his costume was good. He was about the details too. They look at us. Like they weren't going to let us in. They do this lame shit every year. The guy in the toga steps aside though to make a path.
"Cool costumes. I'm feeling Harley Quinn and Joker." He stated. Never had they ever talked about my costume. He better not win tonight. I turn to look back at Josh who just smirks at me wider. The little shit.
"Go in already," Snow says motioning to the door. They have the nerve to rush me now after being late. I do what is told but I take my time to walk in. Again, the details, I need them to see those details of my costume as I walk in.
The room is dark strobe lights are flashing while neon orange lights are around the walls. Fake cobwebs are around the walls and stairwell frame just like outside. Pictures of the past winners were hung up against the wall. I was going to end up on that wall.
"Prepare to have the nights of your lives," I tell them loudly over the Halloween music. I see the punch bowl of the orange jungle juice that is a house favorite. I grab some cups and start to fill them up. "Drink Responsibly," I warn while handing out. I'm too quick for Uncle Josh who tried to grab it out of their hands. I pour him a full glass to loosen him up.
"Is this orange soda?" The genius girl asked me peering down at the drink.
"Yeah," I tell her quickly. "Drink up."
They lift their cups and drink up before Josh can say anything. I wink at him too and let him know drink up too and whisper let them live. One cup wasn't going to kill them. He shakes his head and takes a sip.
"That is some strong orange soda," Snow said while wiping her lips.
"It wasn't orange soda," Josh said through pressed lips. "Again only drink what I gave you."
"I'd like some more for further study of what it is," The girl genius said. I think I am going to like her a lot.
"Maybe after a little dancing," Josh offered up. "Which I'm going to do right now?" He said while slipping his hand into Maya's and taking her too the dance floor.
"Don't wander off too far. Like upstairs to one of the bedrooms." I joke and warn him like he had been doing all night too me. He lifts his hand up from behind and flips me off. I laugh loudly at him while Snow laughs and blushes since seeing the not so nice side of Uncle Josh I see sometimes.
"We will be here till the name who costume won then we can go to the sorority house. It's on the same road as you just saw." I tell Snow who smiles. "You and Huck better stay in eye site too." I wink at her. My eyes shift to the upstairs and I shake my head no at her. That just causes her cheeks to flush a deeper shade of red.
"We will be dancing too," Snow said while taking Huck's hand.
"Us too," The geniuses said before following off behind them.
I glance around the room to see if any costumes stood out this year. Nothing to me. All I know is one of them better not win tonight over me. Now the second priority of the night. It's usually always the first. The girls. I see a hot red head as black widow that has peeked my attention. I sip on my jungle juice before starting to walk over.
I stop in my tracks and groan when I see a Captain America guy slide up behind her and put his arm around her. Just great. I look around the room again. The dance floor was more coupled up instead of a group of girls that I could usually make my way into and give my charm.
My eyes shift over to the beer pong table. They are playing with more jungle juice. My favorite game and my favorite drink. Too tempting to pass up. I start making my way closer to the table. Archie's fantasy was coming to life. Betty and Veronica were over at the table. Veronica was leaning forward gripping the table taunting one of the guys that was playing.
Damn, did she looks hot. Our eyes lock for one intense moment. I take a deep breath and lick my lips before walking towards her. I thought I felt the urge to sing Sugar, but not yet. She smirked at me while I walked towards her.
One thing I could tell she was dangerous. I was intrigued.
Maya POV
I run my hands through his green hair and smile from the groan that escapes his lips. It felt good dancing with him to the music.
"Do you think he'd really lose it if we won?" I asked Josh with a mischievous smile, teasing him about his roomie. Josh rolls his eyes and signs. He confirmed it with before even saying it which makes me laugh harder. He'd lose his mind indeed.
He leans closer to me so our foreheads touch before speaking in a low tone. "I might have to sneak into your room all next week, I wouldn't have anywhere to stay." I shudder at the thought of that. He kisses my forehead and my heart felt like it had leapt into my throat.
"I wouldn't mind that." I manage to get out coyly. I see his eyes darken at just the suggestion.
"You might hear a little tap at your window tonight then." He said while running his hand up and down my lower back. I might have to tell Sean to put up a bigger fuss just so it can happen. I smile just thinking about it.
"What time do they pick the winner?" I ask him again. I need to know when we will see the drama ensue.
"Midnight," Josh said quickly. He has probably heard the time from Sean about a million times. He was more than a little wound up by this party. Being a few minutes late almost sent him over the deep end. "What?" he asked me with a cute smile curved on his lips.
"Just thinking about how worked up your roomie was about us being late. If we did win he might be on a whole different level. You might have to sneak in my room for a month"
"Hey roomie," He joked with me.
"Again,… I don't mind that." I prompted him again. He bits his bottom lip out of frustration. It had been too much temptation for him. He usually does that when it gets too real the thoughts. I run my hand through the hairs on the nape of his neck again. A small smile curves his lip again now enjoying the feeling.
"You are trying to get me in trouble Juliet with Daddio." He quipped. He hadn't used that nickname on me in a long time. I liked it though.
"I wouldn't want you stranded. I'd be worried about you." I tease him. I feel someone bump into me from behind. I tilt my head to see Smackle with Farkle both with another couple of the jungle juice in my hand.
"I have deduced that this juice may have a trace of orange soda. This is going to be my 4th cup to figure this out," Smackle giggles, "Maybe some fruit punch. I taste that and….."
"And a whole lot of liquor. How have you already had three cups? Didn't we just get here." Josh said while taking the cup out of her hand. "No more for you for a while, just water."
"We have been here for about an hour. You too have been canoodling on the dance floor all day." Smackle said while waving her hands around the two of us. I smile and hadn't realized that we had. She turns her attention back to Josh, "I'm fine it is all for the sake of science." Smackle links her arm with Farkle and smiles. Farkle shakes his head and smiles too. It didn't seem like he partaken in this science experiment, or he might be taking it better. I can't decide yet, but what I do know he was seeing two sides of Isadora tonight. I think he likes both sides of her by the way he is smiling at her. She was definitely enjoying the college experience.
"Well lots of H20 for you, in the sake of science," Josh told her which makes me smirk. She wasn't drunk but a good buzz was starting to set in. Josh looks around the room for Sean. He was probably looking for him to end things early. I could see it in his eyes. Things were just starting it couldn't end this early.
"I think I should finish this for her, in the sake of science." I tease while taking the cup out of his hand to distract him for looking for Sean. I see his eyes burning through me now with desire. Making my knees weak.
"What science test are you doing?" Josh asked putting his hand on my hip pulling me closer to his body. He was showing me two could play this game and he was winning. At least he wasn't thinking about leaving anymore.
I didn't even notice him take the cup out of my hand till I saw it pressed against his lips taking a sip. I smile at him since he has loosened up a little.
"Chemistry," I said while pressing my body even close to him.
"I think we ace that," He said while giving me a scorching kiss on the lips.
"Me too," I said breathlessly against his lips. "Maybe we need to study physics too for the sake of science," I said against his lips. I feel his chuckle against my lips and he plants a soft kiss on my lips then cheek. I put my head against his chest and smile. "You're playing with fire tonight, Hart."
"I almost did it," I hear Sean bellow from behind me. I turn to look at him expecting him to be talking to Josh but I realize he was talking to me. His eyes were locked down on me expected me to understand with that little information. He shrugs his shoulders and continues, "I felt the urge, but it couldn't come out."
"What?" I ask him quizzically. The further information he was giving me just made things more confusing.
"I found this banging Veronica here and I almost sang it," Sean said again. Now catching up with his crypt conversation.
He almost sang sugar to a girl. Oh wow. Where is this Veronica?
"Really?" I ask him.
"Really," He said firmly.
"I don't like you two are speaking your own language," Josh said rubbing small circles on my hip bone. I smile and pat his chest.
"Well, where is she?" I ask him, not explaining the hidden language to Josh yet. That doesn't go unnoticed by Josh either who just shakes his head and I can't help but keep the smile off my face.
"It's like she disappeared into thin air," Sean sighs. "We were playing beer pong. With the jungle juice." He winks and smiles at me. Josh mouths its his fave and I laugh. "She is a hell of a player a true match. The urge to sing it got stronger." Now it is Josh's turn to laugh a little. He was starting to catch on and realize we must be talking about a girl he could really like. "It was my turn. I make it of course and I turn to celebrate and she was gone just like that. In the middle of the game and all."
"Maybe she is apart of the judges panel for the costumes," I offer up to him. "She might have wanted a closer look at your costume for assessment before voting. She will be right back. She wouldn't want Betty to get her claws into you." I said while looking over my shoulder to the Betty at the ping pong table.
"Betty is taken by Jughead of course," Sean said bitterly. I look back at the table and indeed she was. They were locked up in a pretty heated kiss.
"We have 5 minutes to the costumes are picked so maybe you are right," Sean said.
"Then it's to the Gamma Gamma Nu party," Riley said from behind. She snuck up behind us so smoothly. I hadn't seen her really since we stepped into the party.
"They better have beer pong there," Were the last remarks Sean said before he started to walk over to the other side of the room quickly. Maybe he saw his Veronica again. Who knows what him.
"I don't think he really wants to go to that party," Lucas said while pulling Riley closer to his body.
"He does. He is just putting on since it wasn't his idea." Josh said with a laugh.
"Alright, It's the time you all have been waiting for." One of the fraternity brothers calls out from their makeshift DJ booth. It seemed like Sean just reappeared out of thin air. Smiles and all.
"This is the year," Sean said triumphantly. I look up at Josh who just shakes his head at me. He's trying not to think of the possibility of us winning and what it could do to his roommate.
"First I wanted to say we have some pretty awesome costumes this year," The fraternity brother starts, "There's an Archie out there rivaling our frat brother Jughead."
"They mentioned me in the speech," Sean said before fisting pumping in the air. I laugh because even if he isn't picked hopefully that will make the highlight for the party.
"But we picked two bad ass villains this year," The frat brother said. Sean looks at us both, "I swear if you two win," He said through closed teeth. "I might rat you out and say you don't even go here Cinderella." He said quickly. "You're not a narc." I tease him and he nods his head in agreeance. "I'll be pissed." He hisses.
"Let's give it up for The Joker and Harley Quinn." The frat brother said. I look up at Josh with an I told you so face. He shakes his head back at me. He looks at his roomie who's jaw is dropped and just looking at us in disbelief.
We start to walk forward and I can hear Sean say unbelievable to Riles and Huckleberry which just makes me smiles.
"Are you going to be forced to stay at Founders Hall with us tonight?" I ask him before walking up.
"Yup, definitely think so. Like I said we might be roomies for a while," He said while kissing me on the cheek. We take a picture for the wall. We take one more that we get to keep. They give us the original Halloween movie before we head back.
"You are on the wall before me," Sean said to Josh shaking his head, "Snow we need to go to the sorority house like now."
Riley couldn't hold back the excitement with that statement. She waved her arms excited like she was going to fly right off the ground to the ceiling. I smile at my friend then look back at Sean. He looked pissed.
"I need the comfort of hot sorority girls especially since there is no Veronica around anymore." Sean declared.
"Oh, come on Sean you still have one more year to get it," I tease.
"Cinderella not tonight," Sean said before looking around to see if the whole crowd was with us. Then he starts making his way to the door.
"Congrats, your costumes are pretty good," Lucas said with a smile. Sean stops and shots him a look, "What they are?"
"I almost went all mean girls and yelled you don't even go here when you got your pictures taken." Sean points at me. I smirk just thinking about him going all Damien. He rolls his eyes and shakes his head then turns his attention to Josh now, "Plus I had to help out poor Romeo. There should be a costume design prize." Sean grumbled before opening the front door.
"They definitely should. I will make you one," Riley offered.
"It doesn't work that way Snow," Sean said bitterly. "You are staying with them tonight," Sean said to Josh before heading down the front porch.
I turn and smiles at Josh since Sean has already joked it. Josh shakes his head.
"It's just a picture and a Halloween movie," Josh said.
"See ungrateful even for his prize," Sean remarks while he continues to walk. I took Josh's arm to tell him to let it go. Let him have his moment of anger. He will forget it as soon as he gets into the Gamma Gamma Nu house with all the sorority girls.
Riley's POV
We were finally here. The Gamma Gamma Nu house. Unlike the Kappa house, the outside was adorned with Pink and Purple. My favorite colors.
"Do they realize it's Halloween?" Sean remarked like looking at the outside. I will ignore it, he was in a foul mood. Still mad about not winning.
They realized, it was Halloween. They have a pink skeleton sitting on the stoop. I so want to take a selfie with. I look at Maya who instinctively ran over with me to take the selfie.
"Stop being a grouch," Maya tells Sean after looking to see if the selfie was ok. She nods her head for approval of the picture.
"I'm not a grouch, Remember we have about an hour and a half in here before we have to head back and make it to the dorm room. That is for you too Romeo," Sean said before knocking on the door. Uncle Josh shakes his head and ignores his roomie.
"You know you can't pledge yet right?" Lucas teased against my ear. "Send me that pic?" Was the next thing he said. I pull my phone out and hit send. I feel his phone vibrate against my hip. I feel him pull back so he can reach in his pocket for his phone.
He pulls me back snugly against his body. Lucas opens his phone and my message is up as a reminder. He clicks it open and saves the picture as the screen saver to his phone. I smile. A message from Zay his friend back from Texas pops up. He smirks knowing it can be anything with him.
He opens up the message to see him and a few of his friends dressed up for Halloween. Zay is dressed up as Michael Jackson thriller and his girlfriend Vanessa is dressed as his date in the thriller movie was. While I can see Asher and Dylan are dressed as zombies to help with the effect. The text simply states miss ya hope you are having fun for Halloween.
He extends his arm to up so he can take a selfie with the two of us. He sends a text back stating he missed him too and was having a great time.
"Send me that pic?" I whisper to him now. He smiles and hits send. I see he is still messing with his phone. "Is that picture your new screensaver?" I ask him. A small smile curves his lips. "Something else," He said.
I feel my phone vibrate now. I look at him. Before reaching for my phone. I open it to see a Facebook alert. I open up the app to see I was tagged in the picture and it was his new profile picture. He also is requesting to change his relationship status to in a relationship with me. I know it's silly but my heart swells from it. I hit yes to it right away.
"Still making everything official." He whispers against my ear before kissing my cheek.
"You are the one that wanted to come but you are in your world over there," Sean calls back at us leaning against the doorframe.
I look up at him smile. I'm confused on when the door even opened. How long had he been waiting? I take Lucas' hand and lead him up the stairs.
"Don't let me catch you upstairs in another world again," Sean said trying to play firm. "Did I sound like Cor?" He asked Josh with a nudge.
"So much like him," Josh said with a wink.
"I'm sure Beth is here tonight. She is always able to spice up a party. I'll be back before it's time. I'm going upstairs." Sean said with a laugh before going upstairs to the houses bedrooms.
"We will leave you," Uncle Josh yells up the stairs after him while Sean just waves goodbye. "I hope he knows I'm not kidding."
"He knows," Maya said with a laugh. "Just let him have his time. Like we are going to let everyone else have their time." Maya takes his hand and starts to lead him away. "Everyone back up front in an hour."
"We should have just come here and saved him the heartache," I say taking in the room. The music was lighter upbeat Halloween music not eerie. They had pink cobwebs for direction. This is the Halloween party he should have been raving about.
Lucas laughs against my ear and wraps his arms around my waist, "Remember you can't pledge yet."
"They gave me an early admittance already years ago," I tell him snuggling into his embrace.
"I'm still envious of that night," Lucas said with a laugh.
"It's not as good as this one," I say while running my hand up and down his arm.
"Riley good to see you here," Stacy said from behind. She was wearing a snow white costume. My mouth flies open in surprise and I turn to look at Lucas who chuckles from my response. "I know childish but every year I go as a princess. Snow White is one of my faves."
"Not childish at all," I tell her quickly. "In fact, I do the same thing usually and my Uncle's friend calls me Snow."
"That is crazy," Stacy said with a smile. "Great nickname she is one of my favorite princesses. You have your options of fun tonight. Dancing in the Nu room. That is where all our important decisions are made. Beer pong is being played in the next room. Truth or drink which I'm trying to stay away from right now is going on over there." Stacy said while pointing on over her shoulder. Looks like more drinking is going on than any revealing of the truth. "You should definitely check the upstairs out."
Upstairs…. Uncle Josh has stated more than once that no one goes upstairs.
"Sounds like fun," I tell her with a smile.
"I'm glad you could make it. I hope you have fun tonight. My prince charming is waiting." Stacy said while tilting her head over to a guy leaning against the door frame. "See you soon."
"Yup," I said while turning to look at Lucas. He smiles, one of those toe-curling ones that knot up my stomach kind. I blush and smile back at him. He was making it hard not to say yes to going upstairs.
"What do you want to do?" He asked me while lacing our fingers together and pulling me closer to him. It was hard to think let alone answer him when he did that. My free hand moves up his arm and traces the outline of his tattoo.
"Explore the house," I finally said.
"Are you trying to find out the ins and outs of the potential place you might be staying?" He asked me while giving me a quick kiss on the lips.
"Maybe, I might have to sneak out to see a certain cowboy," I tease back and I hear him fight back a groan after that comment. I push off of him and start to head towards the kitchen. He follows quickly behind me. I see they have a purple punch here. The party is so much better, purple makes everything better.
I look at the upstairs. I wonder what could be going on up there. I look around the party there are a few Gamma Gamma Nu's down here. You'd think there would be more since it was there party. I see a few walk down the stairs they smile and wave at me before they tap the shoulders to a few girls and then they head upstairs.
I take a small sip of the purple punch. Maybe we should go see. We are already breaking the rules tonight. I turn to Lucas who's eyes were still on me. His look made me feel like I was on fire. I remind myself we are only going upstairs to see what is going on.
"Where are we going to explore?" Lucas asked me walking closer to me.
I couldn't speak when he started to walk towards me. My heart was rattling against my chest so fast right now. I tilt my head towards the stairs. I see his eyes darken with the mere suggestion.
"You want to go upstairs," He said with a raised eyebrow. His voice cracks a little at from me suggesting it. I smile since it soften things to see he would be a little nervous about this too. I see he's looking over my shoulder probably for my Uncle Josh since he is probably worried he will a t like my dad would if he were here to see us.
"Yes, we are exploring the house," I say with a coy smile finding my voice. I lean closer to him and take in his woodsy cologne. "Same rules that we had at your parents."
He laughs remembering no doors closed and their feet must remain on the ground. He didn't do too good with that promise if I remember. "You actually have to do it this time."
"I will sweetheart better make this quick before your Uncle Josh starts looking for us," Lucas said before taking my hand and making a mad dash up the stairs. There was no heading back now.
Josh POV
"What is with everyone breaking the rules today?" Sean asked with his hands on his hips. He wasn't one to enforce the rules. Usually, I'm the one that enforces the rules. He was right, almost everything they had planned for today has gone against his rules.
We didn't stay at the Kappa House all night.
We were late. I'm going to hear that until graduation day I'm sure of it. Maybe even longer who knows. Knowing him.
This rule that was being broken right now.
This should have been the unbreakable rule. I could feel myself getting angrier by the second. It wasn't one of his childish ridiculous rules for the party. It was there rule for them to all meet up here at 1:30 so they could make it back to Founders Hall by 2 am.
The only people missing were Riley and Lucas. My stomach drops just thinking about the implications.
I can just hear Cor now if he knew what was going on. I'd never be able to live this one down to my big brother.
"They will be here in a minute." Maya tries to sooth the whole situation over again. She was feverishly texting Riley right now. She wasn't trying to show any concern but I can tell she was concerned too.
I should have insisted we stay as a group. Shouldn't have let Sean give them drinks. Be the responsible one like I usually am. But I listened to my roomie for once.
"What time is it?" I ask Maya. She looks at her phone then back at me. She bites her bottom lip. She didn't want to say anything because it was getting that late. I reach for her phone and she gives me a puppy dog face before handing it to me.
Shit. 1:45. We won't make it in time.
"They aren't going to make it back. Marcus is the warden tonight in Founder Hall." Sean said matter of factly while crossing his arms across his chest.
"Who is Marcus?" I try not to snap back at him but I can feel it coming wondering where the heck where they.
"The toughest RA and night watch tonight. Nobody is getting in there that isn't supposed to be there. If they aren't in by two their id's won't let them in. He will have to buzz them in. Give them the 3rd degree and he will call Moms and Pops. Since they are high schoolers. No Texas for anyone." Sean said while shaking his head.
Where were they?
We had searched the whole downstairs. The whole downstairs. They were there so that only meant… god, I will kill huckleberry if they are upstairs. That was truly the unbreakable rule.
I hear heels clicking from behind us. I turn and Riley is running from the side of the building. My heartbeat starts to slow down a little. Then I saw Huckleberry and it kicked my heart rate back up in anger mode.
"We are here," She yells.
I feel Maya's hand wrap around my arm. Letting me know to stay put. She probably saw the flash of anger in my eyes when I saw Huckleberry come running up behind Riley. I run my hand up and down hers to let her know I'm ok.
"Late again, Snow or should I start calling you Sleeping Beauty." Sean laughs at his own joke.
"Do you know what goes on in the attic?" Riley asked quickly ignoring what he said just eager to share what she knew.
I step forward to clarify the whole them breaking the most forbidden rule going upstairs. Riley was like a cat she steps in front of me placing a hand on my chest. While she still looks at Sean and eagerly explains, "We were exploring." She turns to look me directly in the eyes, "No closed doors or bedrooms just looking at the house. One of the sorority sisters told us the real party goes on in the attic." Riley turns back to Sean and points up to the attic. His eyes are transfixed now too it.
From where we are standing you can see lights flashing with multi colors almost like a disco ball. There was something going on up there. How didn't they notice it before?
"Snow, you better spill," Sean said quickly. His voice was full of agitation that he could possibly not know about the greatest party on campus. Surely the biggest party animal should know about these things. If Riley is indeed right I won't bruise his ego tonight. I definitely will do it later.
"They have a smoke machine up there filing the atmosphere, an ouija board off to the side I couldn't do that. Sean, that's all you and Maya." Riley said quickly shaking her head just thinking about it. "A big cauldron up there with more of the purple drink I believe it tastes better up there and it's better than the orange drink." Sean cuts her off with a laugh. He wouldn't believe that because it was his favorite drink. Riley ignores him and continues, "Horror movies playing on a projector. Halloween-."
"Enough," Sean said heading back towards the house.
"Where are you going?" I ask him irritated we had only 10 minutes.
"We aren't going to make it already. They are going to have to sleep at our place," Sean said quickly.
Everyone in our little apartment. I see the Twinkle in Maya's eyes. I was not going to make it in my place with her there all night.
"We can make it," I yell back at him. He was ignoring me. He kept walking towards the house.
"Unless you have a magic carpet I think not," Sean said. "I need to see this for myself." He also said firmly. He wasn't going to leave now. I knew it for sure.
Shit, they were all going to be staying at our place.
I close my eyes trying to think clearly. We needed to get back. We needed to go now. They couldn't all stay at our apartment. I open my eyes and everyone was heading up the front. Maya leans against the railing smiling at me. That image was going to stay ingrained in my head, "Come on Romeo," She called before turning around so I could get a view of her walking up the rest of the stairs from behind. I groan but hurry up behind them.
When I get upstairs Riley is leading Sean up the stairs with Lucas close behind. They get to the top level.
"Where is the way to the attic?" Sean asked since it seemed they were at the top level.
Riley walks all the way down the hall. The door was off to the side to the right.
"How did you guys decide to come up here?" I ask looking Lucas squarely in the eyes. He grabs at the back of his neck nervously and hadn't answer.
"We will get those answers later," Maya said while grabbing my arm. I wanted those answers now.
Sean twists the door knob but it was locked. He knocks on the door, "Snow if this is a game I'm telling ya."
"Password," Someone casually said from the other side.
Excitement hit both Sean and Maya's eyes just by being asked for a password.
"Hocus Pocus," Riley said quickly and smiles back at all of us with the thumbs up. The door slowly opens and reveals just what Riley was telling us.
"What the fuck.." Sean muttered before walking in. He turns to look at Riley, "how did you find this?"
"We should have gone here first," Riley told him proudly.
"I'll see about this," Sean said while walking into the party.
Everyone followed him and entered in. We should go my body was screaming. Maya's fingers intertwined with mine and lead me over the threshold.
We should go. I kept reminding myself but the words never came out.
Her petite hands crept up my sides sending a tingling sensation through my body.
We should have run back to the dorm room. I tried to remind myself against all thoughts of leaving or regret started to slip away when I felt her hands grip my shoulders and that smile creeps across her face. I knew she was having a great time at the party. That is all I wanted for tonight. If she slept at my place temptation would be too real. I didn't know if I could handle it.
I feel her soft lips against my neck and I groan. Pulling me out of my thoughts. She was tempting me right now before we even got to my apartment. I try to regain focus and pull away from temptation but I start to notice everyone had splintered off into their own groups again. Splintering in their own groups before caused them to miss the deadline and have them all coming over to Sean and my place.
"Quit it," My voice comes out throaty with need. She doesn't stop good I really didn't want her to either. That is the temptation talking, I needed to be stronger.
"Ouija board, movie, dancing, or this famous punch?" She whispered against my ear before her lips returned to their torture to my neck. I couldn't think of anything after the way her lips felt against my hot skin.
I didn't say anything so she lead us to what she wanted to do. That is what we had done most of the night and I was fine with that. I grabbed some of the purple drink to cool down for a second. It was pretty damn good.
When we sit down at the Ouija board. I see that was her choice. Shit, hopefully we aren't haunted tonight by things that go bump in the night. We ended up staying for almost an hour before we headed out.
Sean bitched and moaned about not knowing about this party before. Now I wonder if he will go here first or the Kappa party. He still had one more year to get his damn picture on the wall. We walk past Founders hall. Marcus was in action right now with one of the high school students since their key visitor key pass wouldn't work. Threatening to call their parents too.
Riley looks at me with puppy dog eyes. I wasn't going to rat her out. I said that years ago to her and meant that. I didn't need Shawn or Cor after me tonight once they found out what really happened. They had already gotten the report that the girls were in bed sleep. That was how I was going to keep this story.
We head back to my apartment because this is what he had to do. I was going to try to make this as easy as possible.
Sean opens the door to our apartment, "Nobody is sleeping in my room." He teased while heading to his room.
"Nobody would want to sleep in that death trap," I tell him. The couch folds out into a bed. Guys, you will be sleeping there. Ladies, you can sleep in my room. I'll sleep on the recliner."
Sean walks out of his room with some extra blankets and pillows. He has a couple of t-shirts and gym shorts too. I smile even though he was acting like he wasn't going to help he did.
"My room is decent if people need to change and use my bathroom. The door closes in about 30 minutes for the night though." Sean remarks.
"Us ladies are boldly going where no other girl has gone before," Maya remarks.
"Plenty of women have been in there Cinderella," Sean said with a wink.
They close the door before I can protest about them going in there. I thought they'd choose my room and not his.
What is it decent for him? "Looks like your first date night with Cinderella," Sean said like he read my mind.
"We are going to change quickly," Lucas said pointing to my room. He takes a t-shirt and gym short Sean had. Farkle does the same. It gives me time to pull out the couch and put he covers and sheets and Sean had brought out. Lucas and Farkle are back out and they sit on the bed and turn the tv on to TBS and Halloween is playing. It makes me smile since we just won that movie.
"This movie sucks," Sean said bitterly. Which makes me laugh since I know he has watched it a million times. It just sucks because tonight. The girls were still in his room. I look over questioningly.
"The shit is decent man I swear," Sean grumbled. "It's just girls being girls. Go get that green crap out of your hair." He said while wrestling his hands through my hair. I shrug him off and smile before walking into my room.
I can feel the effects of staying out late and drinking because I'm tired. If it wasn't because of this green dye. I'd probably just fall asleep on my bed. But the girls would be staying in my bed tonight. There would be no intermingling in here tonight. That might be the only good thing that they were here. He wouldn't have to worry about Lucas sneaking into Riley's room and them sharing a small twin bed all night.
I go to my bathroom and cut on the shower. I shampoo my hair and see the green rinse coming down. After a few minutes. I step out and hang a towel low on my waist. I use a spare towel to clear the mirror of the fog. I see a little bit of the green is left on the tips of my hair. I curse silently. It should come out with one more rinse. I hear a shriek and a few laughs from the living room. The girls must be out and they are all watching Halloween with the boys.
I open the door to the bathroom that lead back to my room. Damn, just what I wanted but didn't want. She looked startled too seeing me come out in just my towel. I should have brought my clothes with me but I wasn't thinking no one is usually in here.
Damn, she looked incredible. Her smooth toned legs were all on display wearing those damn running shorts that I thought I buried deep in my dresser drawers. I was hoping I wouldn't see them for a long time.
"Sean's shorts were too big for us. I remember I left two running shorts in his room the other day. I remember the last pair I had were in here," Maya stammered quickly explaining why she was in my room by my dresser. She taunted me with those shorts before but seeing them in person was even harder. It kept all my willpower just to stand in this doorway and not take any steps further in my room. The situation of what was going on was very real now.
She had one of my NYU shirts tied up in the back to hang closer to her body. She let her hair out of the big tails. Her long blonde hair was resting against her back and the tips were swirled with the red and blue just above her bottom in those barely their shorts. I look away and close your damn eyes, Matthew. Before I get aroused and pitch a tent.
"Bye," Maya stammered before rushing out of my room. I am thankful she had the strength to do that for the both of us. I need another shower.. a cold one this time.