The Sophomore

Chapter Nineteen - It's the End of the World as We Know It

Emily's POV

Zack and I sat down on the stairs after giving Abbie one more hug. She continued up to Kaitlyn's room, and the two of us looked out over the raging party. "What a night. So much for kicking off the quarter on a high note," Zack said.

"I guess Abbie and Tyler aren't about to rekindle anything after that argument," I said.

"I'm pretty sure we have Sebastian to thank for that. Another strike against him to add to, you know, embezzling from the school, blackmail, sabotaging Chris's presidency, and generally being a pain."

"He's Tyler's friend, though."

We both turned when the front door opened. Tyler shivered as he came back in, then spotted the two of us and joined us by the steps. "I looked for Sebastian, but I couldn't find him. His car is still parked down the street, though... He must have gone for a walk to clear his head," Tyler said. "He was really upset."

"I get that, but you shouldn't have brought him here uninvited. No offense, but this isn't your house, and I'd prefer it if you had at least asked us first."

"Especially considering that we don't exactly have a sparkling history with Sebastian," Zack said.

"I don't know how to prove to you that he's turned a new leaf!" Tyler exclaimed. "I know he can get aggressive, but he really didn't come here looking for a fight. He was excited for this party!"

"With his history of manipulating and undermining us... I just find that hard to believe."

Tyler sighed and leaned against the wall. "Maybe I should just go home."

"Wait, you're leaving already?" I asked.

"I'm not feeling very festive... and I'm sure Abbie doesn't want me here."

"Tyler... I know Abbie's staying here, but we're not taking sides. You're our friend too, and we want you here."

Zack stood up and slung an arm around Tyler's shoulders. "C'mon, stick around and forget about your sorrows for a night! It'll be just like when we were in the suite!" Zack exclaimed.

"All right, all right. I can at least try," Tyler said.

We were interrupted when the doorbell rang. I stood as Zack opened the door. Madison skipped in, followed by her sorority sisters. She took something out of her purse. "Hi, everyone! Glad you could make it," I said.

"Hi, Emily! I brought temporary tattoos to celebrate!" Madison exclaimed.

She rolled up her sleeve and revealed a colorful, glittery butterfly on her wrist. "That's so cute, Madison!"

"I call it tacky, but to each their own," Claire said.

Chelsea and Claire followed Madison and I into the living room. "Thanks for the invite, Emily. Your outfit looks amazing, and so does the house!" Madison exclaimed.

"Wow, Emily, I wouldn't have guessed you could afford an outfit that nice. Good on you," Chelsea said.

"You do look good. I might actually be proud to be seen at this party," Claire said.

"Uh, thanks! I think..." I said.

"How was your break? How is Gerald doing?" Madison asked.

"Gerald's doing great! I let him out to run around my room the other day, and couldn't coax him out from under my bed for a half hour."

"Did you guys know that lobsters taste with their leg hair and chew with their stomachs?"

"No, I did not know that. I didn't ever want to know that," Chelsea said.