The Textbook Proposal

Strictly Business [Edited]

Jenipher's POV:

"What! You want me to WHAT!" I whisper yelled in response to my crazy roommate's request. I stared at her but she didn't even flinch at the sound of my voice. Unfortunately, she was used to me losing it at times. If the truth was told I think that she likes getting me riled up. Sighing, I looked at her and all thoughts of trying to study were forgotten. I dropped my highlighter in the crease of my textbook and closed it.

This was going to be a long discussion. Keiko just continued to stare at me while she sat perched on my bed. As usual Keiko made herself comfortable on my bed. She even took her shoes off and draped my purple blanket over her. Before she came in the door I had been sitting at my desk contemplating if I had bitten off more than I could chew. Psychology was seriously kicking my butt.

I was trying and I mean trying to concentrate but I was having a hard time. And Lauryn's snoring wasn't helping either. Boy, could that girl make some noise and the noises that she was making could wake the dead. I resisted the urge to throw something at her several times. It was finals week and I was distracted. I rolled my eyes wondering why I was the only one cramming while Lauryn slept. I mean we both have the same final in the morning.

As for Keiko well she's lucky that she didn't have a single final scheduled until 4. As for Lauryn and I we were in the same Psychology 102 class. The professor is the type that doesn't give study guides or second chances. So you have to rely on notes. Lets just say that I prayed that I will do good tomorrow. One B is all that I ask for. I'm not being too greedy. I was already stressing out and now Keiko was asking me to do something stupid.

I'll admit that I'm easily agitated which she knows but here comes Keiko interrupting my precious study time. Asking me to practically sign away my life. I stared at her well more like glared at her. Trying to decipher if I really heard what I think I heard.

I think my best friend is a little nuts. I have known her for a long time but how come I didn't notice how certifiable she was? Then again at times her brand of craziness was exciting. LOL. Keiko and I have been roommates since freshman year. She was the type that loved to joke around so at times it was hard for me to take her seriously.

She continued to stare at me as she made herself even more comfortable on my bed. Her gaze was a little unnerving especially since she always told me that she could often read me like an open book. Trying to distract myself I stared at the floor. Her disgarded 3' heels laid there. How the girl wore heels everywhere I'll never know. Then again with her petite figure I'm sure its not that hard. Hearing her clear her throat I stared into her dark almost black almond shaped eyes. She pushed a wayward strand of long inky black hair behind her ear and fingered the strand.

There was determination in her gaze. Yeah, she was serious. I looked at her wide eyed. She only played with her hair when she was serious. I squinted at her and bit down on the back of my pen. It was a nervous habit I had developed since I was always stressed about school work. Pens took the blunt end of my nervous energy. It was better than hitting someone or snapping at someone because they worked my nerves. I had issues and this is how I dealt with them. Chewing pens, swimming, and making lists. I was a planner. I can't help it.

"Come on what harm will it cause?" I looked at her and rolled my eyes. This chick was delusional. What she was asking me  to do was crazy. Heck it was illegal. I could go to jail. Or wind up stuck with a man that could be the spawn of Satan. But the crazy thing about it was that I was actually considering it. I mean I'm young. Slightly attractive and extremely intelligent.

Besides my academic and swimming scholarships weren't paying enough for my basic needs. I would get a job but I'm double majoring so I don't have the time. Money is kind of tight and if it wasn't for cups of Ramen and pizza I'd never eat. New Yorkers love their pizza. With a diet like mine its no wonder that I gained more than the freshman 15.

I've been in college for more than three years and I'm feeling the financial crunch. There's no way I'm letting my grandma take out a second mortgage on her house to help fund my education. She worked too hard to buy a home and I wont let her lose it. As for taking out a loan well I've never had a job so I don't have any credit to speak of. There's no one else that I can ask for the money.

So Keiko's plan was beginning to look more appealing. Besides I'm single. I have no romantic life to speak of. I don't have a boyfriend or even a potential one. Not because I wasn't asked but because I have goals. Things that I wish to accomplish before I settle down with the right man. I also want to make enough money so I'll be able to take care of my grandmother for a change.

Before I could stop myself I answered, "I'll do it!" I waited for feelings of dread or regret to come upon me but they didn't. Keiko's face brightened and her mouth widened  forming a toothy grin. She looked like the Chesire Cat. That look on her face made me a little nervous. Biting the back of my pen as I tried to keep myself from doing something even more stupid. Desperate times definitely call for desperate measures. 

On second thought maybe I shouldn't have been so hasty with my decision? The sound of Keiko's voice brought me out of my wayward thoughs. "Then be at this address tomorrow and wear something pretty!" She said after writing something down on a sticky note. Too late for second guessing. Smiling I shook my head in response. I didn't trust myself to say anything right now.

Keiko smiled and handed me a piece of paper. The address and time was written on it in her handwriting. It was the directions to city hall. She smiled even harder if that was even remotely possible, slipped on her heels, and stood up. She winked at me before walking out of our dorm room.  As usual without even saying where she was going. I sat there stunned and a little uneasy. Staring unseeingly at the paper in my right hand. How the heck did she know I'd say yes?

Then again I've seldom said no to any of her harebrained schemes since we've met. Maybe I'm a sucker or too much of a good friend? I'd like to believe the latter. I stared at the paper my pen forgotten. If I didn't know how to decipher her handwriting I'd swear it was calligraphy. I smiled hesitantly and tried not to show my anxiety. What have I gotten myself into?

___________________________________________________________________________________

Comment and Vote.