Chapter Three Part 2

Late

The sun peeked through the shades of the window, warming and waking me. I smiled, as I felt Seth’s arm pull me closer to him. I nuzzled my head into his shoulder, surprised at how relaxed I was feeling.

“Good morning,” I murmured, eyes squeezed shut blocking out the light.

“A little closer to afternoon,” he grinned, cooing into my ear.

I bolted upright in the bed.

“What! Damnit! Shit Shit Shit!” I yelled as I stood and started wriggling into my clothes.

“What’s wrong Erica,” Seth asked me, confusion written all over his face. “It’s Saturday.”

“I know that! Fresh Fest! I was supposed to be there at 11 and it it’s already 30 after! Damnit,” I shouted again, jumping into my jeans. I slipped my shoes on and hurried out the front door.

I could hear Seth rustling behind me, putting on the pair of pajama pants that were crumpled at the foot of the bed. What the hell had I been thinking? I knew what I had to do today but still . . .

I jumped in my car and slammed the door, cranking it before I was even in all the way. As I pulled out of the drive I could see Seth running out the door and down the walk.

“Call me when you are done!” I heard him shout, his words carried on the wind.

I drove as quickly as I could back to the house. I had to change clothes so I could make it before Mackenzie got too upset. I fumbled with my keys in the lock, finally made it in, and ran up the stairs. The house wasn’t empty as I had expected it to be, and I could hear voices coming from Kenya’s room as I hustled to get to my own. She and Sicily were arguing. Again.

I slowed, trying to creep past without being heard.

“Why are you still mad?” I heard one of them shout.

“Because you left me there with that fool Kenya!” She sighed. “Look, that’s not even what I am here for, I’m not coming back to get you again, so lets go now or you can stay.”

I heard Kenya groan and say “Fine.” Just as I was making it past the door, it swung open, and Sicily almost ran me over.

She plastered a smile on her face. “Hey Erica, Kenzie was looking for you,” she said, her forced smile wearing on her lips.

“Oh um, tell her I will be there in a few ok, and tell her I am very sorry, please.”

She nodded at me still smiling, “Will do.”

Kenya spat from behind her, not pretending to mask their argument, “I thought you said you were ready?”

Sicily didn’t respond, just rolled her eyes and walked off.

I pulled in behind the University Center at five minutes after 12, and already there were crowds of freshman everywhere. Lines stretched from booths from every direction, and it took me another 5 minutes to weave my way through them and reach the booth Mackenzie and I were sharing. By the time I made it, I could see loads of giggling freshman girls lurking in front of D’Angelo, as he smiled and signed pictures of himself.

“Hi,” I waved to D as I slid next to my friend.

“You’re late,” she whispered, nudging me. “And since you didn’t come home last night, I hope it was for a good reason.”

I blushed, and looked down. I was embarrassed, because I knew it was for a VERY good reason.