Hollingwood University

Chapter 25

"Cookie?"

"Biscuit,"

"Suspenders?"

"Braces,"

"Tube top?"

"Boob tube,"

"Ha ha," it was early the next morning, and I was still in bed with the somewhat impeccable Ethan Patterson. And what were we doing in this early morning? I was learning some British vocab, and a lot of it made me laugh.

"Slingshot,"

"Catapult," I was snuggled into his side, my head lay on his chest so I could hear his heart beat. His fingers were twisting through loose strands of my hair and lightly massaged my scalp. I had never felt so wonderful before.

"This is weird," I said.

"What's weird?" he asked.

"This, us. I never had any clue that I'd actually be in bed with the Ethan Patterson," I replied.

"Feeling lucky then?" he asked.

"Not exactly, more like honored. I was cohered into bed with one of the most respected, yet at the same time, not respected, members of the Riot Club," I replied. I thought he'd be a bit insulted, but instead, he chuckled.

"Well, since we're being honest. I thought it would be impossible to get you into bed," he said.

"Why's that?" I asked.

"A beautiful woman with a fiery demeanor, and could possibly throw me into the Thames river; you do the math," he replied. It was my turn to laugh.

"Oh come on, you know I would never throw you into the river," I said.

"You can promise that?" he asked. A thought struck me, and I couldn't reply. "Luce? You alright?" Ethan asked, seeing the concerned expression upon my face.

"I love you," I blurted. Ethan sat up and propped himself on his elbow.

"What was that?"

"You've said it a few times now and I've never responded properly, but I'm doing that now. I love you," I said. He smiled and stroked my cheek.

"I love you too, and nobody's gonna change that," he replied. I leaned up and gave him a kiss, then sighed happily.

"I got one more for you," I said.

"Yeah? What is it?" he asked as he lay back down.

"You ready? This is a good one," I said.

"Lay it on me," he replied.

"Dick?"

"Dick,"

—-

Tonight, we had the private party coming in. Sami was excited, I was in a semi-ecstatic mood. We were in the back room, changing into our god awful uniforms.

"I still can't believe he's making us wear these," I said as I did up my tie.

"Hey, at least he let you wear your converse," she replied, then slipping on her black flats.

"You didn't want to?" I asked.

"I just opted for a more preppy look," she replied. "Nice hair cut by the way," she said, referring to my bangs.

"Thanks," I pulled my elastic off my wrist and started gathering my hair for a ponytail, but then noticed the dark bruise that I had forming on neck. Panic set in, and my mind flew straight to the other night. Ethan did this to me.