The Freshman

Chapter Nine - Sorority Ball, Part 1

Emily's POV

The morning after my sorority sleepover, I headed to Professor Vasquez's office to update him on my progress. "Good morning, Professor Vasquez," I said.

"Hmm? Oh, yes, good morning," Professor Vasquez said.

I noticed the empty wastepaper basket in the corner of the room and wondered whether the professor's letter to his daughter went out with the trash. "Everything okay? You're looking a little down."

"What? This is how I always look."

"Guess I can't argue with that..."

"Now, do you have an update on the task I set you, or did you just come here to irritate me?"

"Well, I'm on the final challenge... I just have to find an upperclassman to take me to the sorority ball this evening."

"And what do you want from me? Boy advice?"

"No, I... well, it's a bit awkward. Becca and Madison said that I have to bring James. They were... very adamant about it."

"Really? I have to say, I didn't see this twist coming. Maybe I should hire Becca and Madison as story consultants for my novel..."

"Professor!"

"Sorry, sorry. Regarding James... well, how do you feel about him? Is there... something there?"

"I'd say there's definitely something between us."

"Interesting..."

Just then, the door opened, and James walked in. He stopped short when he saw Vasquez and I staring at him. "Uh... everything okay in here?" James asked.

"Good morning, James. Do you have a nice suit in your closet?"

"Yes?"

"Good. You're taking Emily to the sorority ball at Kappa Phi Sigma house tonight."

"What?!"

"That's your reaction?" I asked.

"Sorry, I didn't mean... I was just caught off-guard, that's all. I'd be happy to accompany you to this... sorority ball."

"You would? Uh, I mean... thank you. I look forward to it. You can pick me up from my dorm at six."

"Great. I will see you then."

******

Back at the suite, I found Zack and Tyler in their usual spot in front of the TV, gaming controllers clutched in their hands. "Careful, Emily. Kaitlyn's in full-on prep mode," Zack said.

"Uh oh. Is it bad?" I asked.

"She's asked our opinion on, like, thirty different dresses!" Tyler exclaimed.

"And yes, they were all totally gorgeous, but I'm trying to focus on kicking Tyler's ass," Zack said.

"Oh you're kicking my ass? The score suggests otherwise, my friend." Suddenly, Kaitlyn strode out of her room and snapped her fingers at Tyler and Zack, glaring. "What? What did we do wrong?"

"Could you use your words please?"

"Up!" Kaitlyn exclaimed.

Kaitlyn hauled Zack and Tyler off the couch and started flipping over cushions. "Looking for something?" I asked.

"I lost my sparkly eyeshadow palette... bad enough that I can't seem to find the right dress, now my face is a total disaster, too..."

"Let me see, you look gorgeous. I'm kind of starting to wish YOU were my date."