We fell in love in October

Chapter 16: The St. Patrick's Day Roast

March arrived in Massachusetts with a playful chill, and the buzz around campus was tinged with the anticipation of St. Patrick's Day. It was a holiday that seemed to sneak up on everyone, barely making a ripple compared to the fanfare of Halloween or Christmas. For August and May, it was just another day, but their friend Jenna was determined to make it a big deal.

It all started during their art history class. Jenna strode into the room wearing an assortment of St. Patrick's Day garb—a green headband adorned with glittering shamrocks, a cheap bead necklace in matching colors, and a t-shirt that boldly proclaimed "Kiss Me, I'm Irish." She looked like a walking party favor, and as she took her seat next to August and May, they exchanged bemused glances.

Jenna, clearly excited, glanced at August and May. "Hey, guys! Why aren't you dressed up for St. Patrick's Day? It's only a few days away!"

August raised an eyebrow, stifling a smirk. "Girl, nobody gives a fuck about St. Patrick's Day. You don't see people going all out like they do for Christmas or Halloween. It's barely even a holiday. There's nothing to celebrate."

May chuckled, adding her own flair to the conversation. "Seriously, Jenna. Nobody gives a shit about the Irish. You look ridiculous with those clovers stapled to your head."

Jenna's face flushed with a mix of embarrassment and indignation. "Come on, it's fun! It's a chance to celebrate Irish culture and history."

August grinned, leaning in. "Oh, right. Because nothing says 'celebrate' like a green headband and some cheap beads. Next, you'll be telling us you've got a pot of gold hidden somewhere."

May joined in, teasingly. "Yeah, and don't forget to wear all green or else you'll get pinched. Like that's a real threat. Girl, just stop with the St. Patrick's Day hype."

Jenna tried to defend her enthusiasm. "It's not just about wearing green! It's about having a good time with friends and enjoying a bit of festive spirit."

August rolled her eyes, playfully. "Oh, sure. Because nothing screams 'festive spirit' like a holiday that's basically just an excuse to drink too much and eat questionable food."

May snorted, adding, "Exactly. You should be out there celebrating something worthwhile. St. Patrick's Day is like the placeholder of holidays. It's just... there."

Despite Jenna's attempts to deflect their jabs, August and May were relentless. Throughout the class, they kept throwing in snide comments, their laughter echoing softly as they poked fun at Jenna's festive enthusiasm.

Later in the cafeteria, Jenna was sitting with her lunch, still wearing her St. Patrick's Day gear. August and May slid into the seats across from her, ready for round two.

"So, Jenna, got any big plans for your St. Patrick's Day extravaganza?" August teased, her tone dripping with mock excitement.

Jenna sighed, shaking her head but smiling despite herself. "You two are impossible. It's just a fun day, okay? I don't need to justify it to you."

May grinned. "We know, we know. But it's hard not to roast you when you're making it so easy. Look at you, practically radiating green."

August chimed in, "Seriously, Jenna. It's like you're trying to start a trend, but all you're doing is proving that nobody cares about St. Patrick's Day."

Jenna laughed, rolling her eyes. "Alright, alright. You guys win. I'll accept that you don't get it, and I'll just enjoy my holiday in peace."

As they continued to joke and tease, Jenna took it all in stride, laughing along with them despite their relentless ribbing. It became a running joke among their group, the St. Patrick's Day roast that would be remembered long after the holiday had passed. Jenna's commitment to her favorite holiday had inadvertently become a source of amusement for her friends, and though they gave her a hard time, it was all in good fun.

By the end of the week, when St. Patrick's Day finally arrived, August and May had managed to turn their friendly banter into a full-blown tradition. Jenna, ever the good sport, embraced the jokes and played along, her laughter mingling with theirs.

In the end, it wasn't about the holiday itself—it was about the camaraderie and the shared moments of humor that made their friendship unique. St. Patrick's Day came and went, but the memories of their playful teasing and Jenna's unflagging enthusiasm became a cherished part of their friendship.