Losing Charley

Chapter 4

I take a few minutes to look at myself in the mirror. What the hell am I going to wear? In my closet I find white jean shorts, a hot pink crocheted vest top, and a pair of wedge sandals. I want to look cute, but don't want it to look like I took hours to look good. I pull my hair up into a messy bun, touch up my makeup, and apply Aruba Coconut lotion to my legs and arms. I take one last look in the mirror on the back of the door, and I'm ready to go.

When I open the door, I don't see Crystal, but I hear her down the hall. Crystal and the three guys, Lucas, Jordan, and Nick, are in Caroline's room.

"Hey, Charley. We're going to chill in Caroline's room for a while," Crystal says as she pokes her head out of the doorway.

"Okay."

"Come on in. We're just drinkin' a little bit before we go."

Walking into Caroline's room I see a cooler with God knows what in it. I'm afraid to even ask what is in it.

"Want some PJ?" Caroline asks in her strong Southern accent.

"What's in it?"

"Ya know, a little bit of everything, and those strawberries will knock you on your ass after while!"

"So, are we trying to get fucked up tonight?" I say sarcastically.

"We totally are! You want some or not?" What do I do? I mean, I use to be that girl that loved to have a good time, and now I'm afraid to have one drink because of what happened. I can't drink this; I have no clue what's in it. If it was an unopened can or bottle then maybe, but not this.

"Nah, I'm good."

After hanging out in Caroline's room for about thirty minutes, we all head off campus to the Soccer House. As Caroline and I walk side by side down the highway, I can see the effects the PJ is having on everyone.

Caroline looks at me and says, "I just love you. We are going to have so much fun tonight!"

The closer we get to the house, the louder the music gets. I can hear the bass thumping and know we are going to have a good time. I was nervous at first but now I can't wait to dance and let loose a little bit and then I have a thought, a very good thought...Joe! I wonder if he will be here tonight. I haven't been able to get him outta my head. I'd love to see if his moves are as hot as he is.

We walk inside and this house looks like the furniture was picked up off the side of the road. Can you say thrift shop? There are people everywhere. As we make our way to the kitchen, Crystal, Lucas, Caroline and I bump into about a hundred people. Lucas informs us that since we are with him, nobody will touch our stuff. Well, I guess I'm super glad that my roommate is sleeping with Mr. Big Man on Campus. Caroline begins to sing, "Red Solo cup, I fill you up, Let's have a party, Let's have a party; I love you, red Solo cup, I lift you up, proceed to party, proceed to party." I really hope she isn't a music major, but I do know what her ringtone is going to be on my phone.

Crystal and Lucas go on about their business while Caroline and I mingle. I recognize a few faces, but no one really stands out. That is until I look across the living room, and I see him. I try to act like I don't see him, but I think it's damn near impossible to miss someone that damn fine. I notice that Georgia, Tori, Jenny, Anna, and Cassie have arrived, and I can tell they have all had one too many. They run over to Caroline and me talking way too loud and acting too excited. We all claim the spot we're standing in and just talk about random shit.

The next thing I know, I hear Caroline shout. "Ohmygod, y'all! Do you see that wonderful specimen of a man over there?" She nonchalantly points across the room. Let's not be obvious or anything!