DO OVER 100

CHAPTER 3

CRYSTLAS POV

I couldn't help but glance over at Mackenzie for the tenth time this morning . My friend had been zoning out all day , barely paying attention during our group project meeting . Normally , Mackenzie was the most focused of the group, always scribbling down notes , asking questions , and coming up with ideas. She was usually the brains of our two woman operation . Today, though, it was like her mind was a million miles away.

I furrowed my brow, watching as Mackenzie absentmindedly tapping her pen against her note book in front of her, eyes glazed over. She hadn't even written a single word down. What's gotten into her? I wondered . I considered asking her , but something held me back . Maybe it was just one of those off days , and Mackenzie didn't want to talk about it .

The professor's voice droned on , but Mackenzie still didn't seem to snap out of it, and I sighed inwardly. I'd never seen her so distant . Whatever was going on, it must be big.

When the bell finally rang , signaling the end of class, I nudged Mackenzie gently."Hey , you okay?" You've been really out of it today."She blinked as if coming out of a trance and turned to me with a small smile."Yeah, sorry about that. Just....thinking about alot of stuff." I frowned but  didn't push further. If she wanted to talk , she would ."Well , whatever it is , I'm here if you need to vent."

Mackenzie nodded appreciatively as we began gathering our things . As we stepped out of the classroom and onto the busy hallway, I turned to my friend with a mischievous grin. "By the way , that was pretty brave , standing up to Daniel like that." Mackenzie's eyes widened in surprise , and I laughed at the sight. "Don't act like you forgot! You practically stared him down in front of everyone ." I had been impressed , truthfully.

Daniel was intimidating , and not just because of his wealth or status . He had that aura of power that made people shrink in his presence .But Mackenzie faced him head-on , rejecting his money and his ego without flinching . It felt good seeing someone finally take him and his ego down a peg, especially if that someone was my girl for life . 

Mackenzie shrugged modestly ."He deserved it ." "He always deserves it ," I agreed with a laugh ."Honestly , it was nice seeing someone put him in his place for once ." As we made our way to the cafeteria for lunch, I couldn't shake the nagging feeling that Mackenzie's distraction had something to do with more than just the incident with Daniel. I glanced over at her again, noticing the slight furrow in her brow, as if she was still somewhere far away. But then again , she decided not to pry . Whatever it was , I'd find out soon enough.

Once we sat down with our trays of food, the familiar buzz  of Mackenzie's phone pulled both our attention. Mackenzie glanced at it and sighed, putting the phone face down on the table . I raised an eyebrow, "Let me guess, Chen?" Mackenzie nodded , but didn't offer much else. I rolled my eyes ."Ugh, I swear , I don't even know what you see in that guy . He's a jerk." Mackenzie look up , showing an expression that clearly meant she slightly agreed. "He's not that bad," she said with a doubtful expression.

I crossed my arms , raising both eyebrows in disbelief . "Not bad? You know he's only into himself right? Like , he spends more time taking selfies than you do . And the way he talks to you sometimes, It's just ....I don't like it , MC. You can do way better ." Mackenzie didn't respond , I could tell that she was mulling over her words . I wasn't trying  to be harsh, but the truth was , I have never trusted Chen. Something about him just rubbbed me the wrong way . The way he seemed so disinterested in Mackenzie's life but expected her to drop everything for him, the way he made sly comments about how she looked or acted, the way the stared at other girls when they where clearly together-it all just bothered me.

"Just think about it ,"I added gently. "You deserve someone who actually cares about you, not just about how you make him look." Before Mackenzie could respond , my eyes lit up as a new thought crossed my mind. "Speaking of , there's this huge summer party on Saturday , and I really , really  need you to come with me . Please ,MC, I need a plus one !"

Mackenzie tilted her head , her expression dubious . "Wait , what party?" I bit my lip , knowing  I'd have to ease into this carefully. "So....it's being hosted by .....Daniel Bright." Mackenzie groaned obviously recalling her initial encounter with Daniel. I held my hands in mock defence , "I know , I know !  But. listen , its going to be huge . Half the school is going , and it's the party of the summer . Plus , I heard there's going to be a pool, a DJ, and unlimited food and drinks . And you know , even if I don't trust him, the guy throws a killer party ." 

"You would anything for a party," Mackenzie said with a mocking remark. "Please MC I'm begging you here , you can't leave me alone right."  Mackenzie still looked skeptical , but I wasn't going to give up easily . "Come on , we'll have fun! I promise . Besides it's been ages since we've done something wild together, and this is the perfect opportunity ." After a few moments of back-and-forth , my persistence finally paid off. "Alright , fine," Mackenzie relented with a laugh. "I'll go . But only for you."

"Yes!" I practically jumped out of my seat in excitement . "Okay, we're going shopping after class. We need outfits , and I've already got a few places in mind . Later that afternoon, the two of us hit the town , and I took charge , determined to find the perfect outfits for the party. I dragged Mackenzie into store after store, scanning racks of clothing with the sharp eye of a seasoned fashionista .

"Ooh, try this," I said , tossing a sleek , form fitting dress over to Mackenzie , followed by a pair of strappy heels . "Trust me , you're going to look amazing." After a whirlwind of shopping , we finally emerged victorious . I had settled on a fiery red crop top paired with high-waisted black shorts and ankle boots, while Mackenzie reluctantly agreed to a daring black mini dress that hugged her curves in all the right places . We took a few mirror selfies , showing off our new looks, with me striking playful poses and Mackenzie giving a soft smile.

I couldn't help but beam at our success."We look like absolute hot girls , " I declared . "Daniel won't know what hit him." We laughed together as we strolled back to our dorm, our shopping bags swinging in rhythm. I felt a sense of excitement bubbling up . This party could be a fresh start for both of us . For Mackenzie , it might be a chance to break away from Chen and start making choices that were all her own . 

Whatever was going on with Mackenzie today , I was confident that , together , we could face anything .