Wheat Golden Love

Chapter 11

Midterms begin today. I've probably spent more time studying this last week than I have my entire life. But, I've never had an entire future depending on whether I pass or fail either. When I say my grades have slipped...if I don't make A's on these exams I can kiss college goodbye.

My alarm went off but out of habit I hit the snooze a few too many times. I'm late getting out the door with wet hair. I throw on joggers, a sweatshirt, and a hat. No time to worry about how I look this morning.

I walk in the classroom with only 30 seconds to spare. Mrs. Hendrix is already passing out the exams. "Miss Miller. Welcome. I was beginning to think you weren't coming today."

I don't reply. I just find my seat beside Justice and keep my head down. "Are you ready for this?" Justice leans in and whispers. "I guess we'll find out." I shrug my shoulders and begin the test.

I meet up with Sam for lunch at the cafeteria where Lincoln and Tanner are waiting at the doors for us. "Hey babe," Lincoln voices wrapping his arm around my waste kissing my cheek. His face is lit up like he's won the best prize at the fair. I smile at him and lean into his side. "How do you think you fared on your exams this morning?"

"I think I did well, but I'm a terrible judge. I always think I do great and then end up with a C or D." I worry my lip. "I studied and I did my best. That's all I can do. It's over with now."

He squeezes my hand and agrees.

We sit down with Pete and the other football guys. They're scarfing down spaghetti and talking about where the party is tomorrow. "It's Thirsty Thursday tomorrow, man. Who's got the party deets?" Reagan calls across the group.

"Some local has a house on Bowen. That's all I've heard. It's across from some church. That's where everyone's going." Someone I can't see throws out down the table.

"We want to go?" Lincoln turns to ask me.

"I don't know if I'm in the mood for a party, but I don't want to be stuck in my room either." Sam shoots a look at me. "Pearl. Miller. What do you mean you're not in the mood for a party?" She laughs and gapes at Tanner. "When has she ever not been in the mood for a party?"

"Hmm. That is a very good question, Sam." He chews on the inside of his cheek and looks at me curiously. "What is wrong with you?"

I laugh quietly while picking at my lunch. "Y'all, stop! I'm just tired from all the studying."

"I bet it's been an adjustment for you." Sam thinks she's hilarious.

"Fine. I'll go, so y'all can stop freaking out."

Lincoln squeezes my leg. "Baby, we don't have to go. You know that. We can stay in and watch a movie." I give him a small smile. "It's fine. We can go."

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I knew Forest was going to be at the party is the main reason I didn't want to go. I'm trying to naturally avoid him, but that's obviously causing concern and actually looking unnatural, so..

To the party I go.

I need to do laundry, so I just grabbed the jeans hanging on my desk chair. They're tight and fit my curves perfectly and have the perfect wide leg for my cowgirl boots. I pull out a fitted pink crop top from my dresser and throw the cozy tan and white plaid shacket on that's hanging in my closet. My hair is naturally wavy but I want it out of my face tonight. I wrap it in a claw clip, dab some mascara on my lashes, and gloss my lips before meeting Lincoln in the parking lot.

"Damn babe. You are way too hot for me." I smile real big at the compliment and shut the door. I notice he's already done an alcohol run with a fifth of whiskey, Coke, and 12 pack of beer in the floorboard.