Chapter 2

Amanda looked at the empty room with the high twin beds on each wall. She had a book bag and only one box. "Hey, don't get scared now. Pick a bed." Kim pushed her through the door. Amanda sat her things down. They were roommates at Hudson University. Ms. Donnelly helped Amanda get some academic scholarships and Amanda had to use her savings for the first semester, but she did it. Now she needed to come up with a plan to get more money for the second semester.

Kim's mom and dad helped set up the room and said goodbye. "Your mom hates me Kim." Kim sat on Amanda's bed, "Well too bad, because I love you." Amanda smiled, "I'm going to need money and my job isn't cutting it." Kim shook her head, "No gambling Amanda. Remember what Detective Benson said." Kim had threatened and kept her straight the entire summer. Amanda rolled her eyes, "So you know her by name now. I need some money. Is Detective Benson gonna send me to school?"

Kim and Amanda both had serious majors. Kim was pre law and Amanda was business finance. They spent a lot of time studying. Amanda always found school easy but she was drowning. Her job at the diner was taking up so much time, for so little cash. She had promised Kim no gambling. She also didn't want to run into Detective Benson. So she tried the straight way first. "Dr. Stone, I wanted to ask you about the tutoring position. My grades are great. I was really hoping to earn a spot. I'm working and going to school, but I need some more help."

He looked at Amanda up and down and she felt really uncomfortable. "Please call me Peter." He moved closer to Amanda and put his hand on her arm. She heard the door open and it was Dr. Carmichael. Amanda knew her, she was Kim's hardest professor. "Amanda, come and see me in my office tomorrow and bring the tutoring application." Amanda didn't feel right, but smiled at both of them when they kissed and left together.

She walked into her room and heard Kim moaning and saw some guys ass. "Fuck! Your roommate!" Amanda rolled her eyes, "Geez Kim! Thanks, a text would have been nice." Amanda sighed, "Text me you're done." Amanda went for a walk and thought about her life and wished she was Kim. She got a text, "Come back." The guy met her at the door, "I'm Nick. Sorry about how we met." He left, "He's cute!" Kim sat beside Amanda, "I'm sorry. Hey we need to find you someone. Dominick is dog meat. You need to date. Get out there and try again."

Kim was Amanda's best friend and she didn't even know this secret. "Kim, I don't think I want to date." Kim asked, "What do you mean? Like ever?" Amanda sighed, "When Dominick and I had sex it really wasn't a connection. Kim, don't flip out, but I don't like guys like you." Kim shook her head, "Ok! Why were you scared to tell me?" Amanda shrugged, "I love you, but I didn't want you to think I was gonna jump your bones or something." Kim winked, "I wouldn't mind, you're cute as fuck." They both laughed. "Amanda, do you have your eye on someone? And shit girl if it isn't me, it better be a good one."

Amanda smiled and shook her head, no way was she admitting that an older brunette detective was on her mind. "Not really." That got her thinking. "I asked Dr. Stone for help getting into the tutoring program. The pay is nice, way better than the diner." Kim jumped, "That's awesome!" Amanda shook her head agreeing, but also told her what happened and how she was uncomfortable. "They are dating, so I've heard, but he's a man, Amanda. If you feel uncomfortable, I'll go with you."

The next day they went to his office. "Hi Dr. Stone. I brought my application. This is my friend Kim, she's pre law." He smiled and took the application, "This looks good. Are you interested as well Kim? She smiled, "No sir." Amanda felt ok, maybe she read him wrong. "If you take a seat, I will sign off on this and you can take it to the administration office." Amanda smiled at Kim, "I have it. Thanks for coming." Kim looked at her, "Are you sure you're ok?" Amanda said, "Yeah, don't be late, see at the dorm."

Amanda looked at him reading and clicking his pen, "Dr. Stone, I really…" he stopped her. "I told you it's Peter. He got up and shut the door. Amanda felt that wrong feeling. She was so dumb, she knew better. She stood up. "Dr. Stone, I think we should open the door." He came up behind her and pushed her face down on his desk. "Stay still and don't you scream." His voice was chilling. She felt his hands all over her body. Then he felt her ass and ran his hands in the inside of her thigh. "How bad do you need this job?" Amanda started to cry. She did need the job, but not like this. "Fuck you asshole!" She pushed up and pushed him into the bookshelf and ran.

She tried the straight way, and was done. Doing the right thing never worked for Amanda. She took money out of the bank and went to the gambling club. She had one more idea before gambling. She walked to the door, "8765." The man opened the door and Amanda walked in. She searched the room, "Clare!" Clare was a 16 year old waitress working in the underground clubs. She went to Amanda's school and they recognized each other one night. They were both underage. "I need your help. I need an ID that says I'm 21."

Clare agreed to help her. "Carlos, my friend needs an ID." Carlos was a tall, mean looking Hispanic man. He had tons of tattoos. "You got money." Amanda shook her head and handed him the cash. He counted it, "Ok. I just need a picture and 30 minutes." Clare sat down, "What's the plan? Haven't seen you in a while." Amanda scoffed, "Trying to stay clean and out of trouble. A bar near campus is hiring, but I'm not 21. The pay isn't good, but the tips and my charming personality is great. I've got the job, but need an ID. Told the owner I would bring it back."

While Amanda waited she saw guys gathered around the TV. "Clare what's up over there?" Clare looked, "Oh, something new. Placing bets on sports. It's really bringing in the money." Carlos came back, "Here you go kid." Amanda left with a plan to get big money and fast. She knew it was all wrong, but she needed to try. She walked in the bar, which was very busy. "Amanda, you got that ID for me." Amanda held it up, "Come on back."

He took it, made a copy, and put it in the file. Amanda asked, "I see you have a TV and play sports." Michael shook his head, "Yeah, so." Amanda bit her lip, "Ever thought about taking bets on the side." Michael looked at her, "That's illegal Amanda." Amanda sighed, "I know, I'm sorry." Michael asked, "I'm short, can you start now." Amanda smiled, "Yeah absolutely!" She took off her jacket, "If you try your little stunt…" Amanda braced herself for the lecture, "I get half and if you get caught. I know nothing." She smiled and went to work.