Sebastian 'Bash' Walker is a partying Good-Time bloke who landed a full ride scholarship from out of The Bush of the outback in Australia to Magnolia Falls University. Magnolia Falls is located in Cajun Country, Louisiana USA where the food is hot...
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Stepping into my Friday morning class of Sports Communications I find myself torn. My brain was playing catch up to all the realizations this week was bringing.
The most important thing is I'm not a murderer. Well, I have killed someone, but that was different. I'm not Foxy's murderer. This bittersweet realization has taken an incredible amount of weight from my shoulders. The hatred I felt towards myself has eased.
Unfortunately, I couldn't celebrate. For one, Aspen is here and although I'm not the murderer her sister is still dead. The crime was still committed and she's still living it.
Although I'm not the murderer I still sleep like shit knowing the murderer is someone inside the Frat House. And that someone is trying to blame everything on me.
With my mind running through what I remember that night in April, I take my seat near the back of the class and remove my laptop from my black backpack.
Subconsciously playing with the metal hoop in my nostril, I go over the details again and again. Everything from who stopped and chatted to the drinks I had.
How had I been so hammered? My tolerance, back then at least, would put a giant elephant to shame. Alcoholism helps with that.
"I had a beer, maybe two before..." I say aloud, watching the students file in and find their seats.
This class was longer and my only one for the day. After four hours I can return to trying to figure out what happened that night with all the missing puzzle pieces inside my mind.
My eyes focus on a girl with light blonde hair piled up onto her head with oversized glasses on her face. She shuffles in slowly wearing a worn oversized Def Leppard shirt and tight bike shorts.
Wait, is that Aspen?
She flops into an open seat in the center of the room and drags the sunglasses from her face.
Shiiit, I can't help but giggle to myself cause she looks like Hell.
"Went a little too hard last night, eh?" I whisper to her, she turns slowly seeing me then groaning.
Aspen gathers her things then takes the desk beside me and flops down dramatically, "I don't even know, Bash. My roommate is insane."
Oh...
Okay, I'm jealous as fuck she's partying with this roommate of hers. But I refrain from being a douche and making a comment on it.
Instead, since the tables have seemed to turn I don't miss the opportunity to fuck with her, "What did you drink? You've got the mixed drink vibe going."
She moans and slouches in her chair messaging her temple. "Stop. I can't even think about it without wanting to gag."
"Defo something with orange juice. You reckon you'll be able to drink O.J. again?" I ponder aloud.
At the mention of orange juice, she visibly goes pale. So I chuckle and back off before she hurls all over her desk.
"You know McDonald's cures all hangovers. It's science."
She eyes me and cocks a brow, "I still don't have a car. Which reminds me." She narrows her eyes at me, "Did you steal a pair of my panties?"
A couple of students turn to give me a look and I feel my face heat and my heart drop, "What the fuck? What are you talking about?"
She studies me a second then lets out a long breath, "I was hoping you did. It wouldn't be as fucking creepy."
"What are you going on about?" My stomach sinks further.
"The creep probably took them then." She rubs her face just as the Professor steps inside with a coffee and a bag slung over her shoulder.
Fucking hell.
This is serious.
"Aspen... This isn't good." Understatement of the bloody decade but I'm trying not to panic for her sake, "The guy is targeting you."
"Okay." She shrugs.
"Sorry I'm late, everyone." The professor says, addressing the class.
"What did O'Neil say?" I ask her quickly. My anxiety has filled my rushing veins in an instant.
"He says I should leave town." She shrugs again.
"He's right-"
"Bash, I don't want to hear it. I've got a fucking migraine."
This girl is either a fucking idiot or incredibly brave. Or perhaps a mix of both.
The professor begins class and I keep quiet throughout the lecture, but I can't concentrate on anything she's saying because one of the boys I know is targeting her.
Maybe tomorrow at The Falls would bring whoever it was out of the shadows.
As long as I keep my distance I'll bet the fucker will make a move at least or show some sort of interest in Aspen.
If I can keep my distance far enough to watch who comes around to Aspen, I'll be able to narrow down who the killer is.
🌙
I close my laptop and the class gathers their things as the Professor seems to be in a hurry to leave. "You're still planning on going to The Falls tomorrow?"
"Yup." Aspen stands and slings her backpack over one shoulder. "Are you dipping out?"
"Defo not. I've got to be sure you stay out of trouble. Is Giselle still available to give you a ride?"
Her eyes flash with mischief at my question, "Why? Are you offering one?" She smiles a cheeky smile and I ignore the inappropriate shit going on below my waist.
"No- I mean, I can give you one if you need, but I've got some shit I have to do before." Meaning, I still need to pick up her Volkswagen parts from my mechanic I ordered a few days ago.
"No, it's fine. I'm meeting with Giselle at the sorority for a bathing suit haul, whatever the fuck that means."
I don't have a clue what it means either.
We follow slowly behind the filtering students towards the door and I'm finding myself wanting to find a reason to do something with her after class.
We step out into the hallway and she adjusts the strap on her shoulder, "I've got to go, I've got another class before it's actually the weekend."
"Oh, yeah? Okay then." I stuff my hands into my pockets and she gives me a wave. "I'll see you tomorrow."
"See ya'." I say, bummed out she's got class and she isn't ditching this time.
Fuck, I'm starting to like this girl...
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