Losing Charley

Chapter 15 Part 2

We've been back on campus for two weeks now and I can't believe it's time for final exams.

"Y'all, can you believe that exams start this Thursday?" I comment to Georgia, Tori, Anna, and Caroline.

"I know. I don't know what I'm going to do without y'all for a month!" Georgia exclaims.

"I couldn't care less about exams. I'm just ready for Study Day!" Caroline squeals. Why the hell is she so excited about Study Day? You study all damn day! "It's only the biggest party day of the year at Southern. Y'all thought Homecoming was epic. Y'all ain't seen nothing yet!"

"Explain," Tori states.

"Well, undoubtedly on Wednesday at noon the campus goes to quiet hours to study for exams. No class, practice, or anything. Pretty much people put off studying until Thursday afternoon and spend Wednesday partying like it's 1999 or something!"

We all look at each other and know that it's legit because somehow Caroline always is in the know.

Anna speaks up, "So, if Hank's isn't open, where does everyone go?"

Caroline gets up and walks over to her wall and points to the number 88 sticker on the wall. "That's easy, Whiskey River!"

"What's that got to do with racing?" Anna asks. Georgia, Caroline, Tori and I look at each other like she has got to be kidding.

"Anna, hunny, bless your heart," I speak compassionately. "Dale Jr. owns Whiskey River."

"Aw, I don't know anything about racing."

"We know," we all say in unison.

"All right, so now that we know where we are going and what goes on, what are we going to wear?" I ask.

"Since it's Whiskey River, should we go country?" Anna asks.

Caroline, Georgia, and I look at each other and smile. It's time to pull out the hot, sexy country girl attire. There is no shopping necessary for this event because we have it covered! We spend the next two hours picking out wardrobes for an event that is two days away, but we can't help it. It's something to look forward to. Hayden and Sarah come over for the fun, and fun is exactly what it is when Hayden tries to pick out an outfit. She is trying stuff on, trying to talk country, and acting like she's riding a horse. We are all laughing so hard we can't tell her to stop. That girl isn't right! We make decisions on our wardrobe and call it a night.

The two days of class go by slowly, partially due to our anxiety of going out in the big city Wednesday night. On Wednesday morning, I wake up and go to practice. Coach gives us the speech about being responsible and remembering that we represent Southern and the team. We promise to call if we need her. Dr. Deal gives us the final lesson in Biology lecture before reminding us that our exam is Friday morning at eight. I don't have Freshman Seminar, so I am free until exams actually start.

As I walk out of Biology, Joe is waiting for me. "Wanna go grab a bite to eat?"

"Sure." We make our way to the café and go through the line. None of the Kluft girls are around, so I sit with Joe and a couple of lacrosse players. It is funny to be on this side of things. Typically, Joe is always hanging with my friends. It's nice to see him with the guys. We finish, and I make my way back to Kluft to begin to prepare for the evening activities.

As I walk up the steps, Caroline, Tori, and the rest of the hallmates are in the hall discussing who is drinking what, who's going home with whom, and what time we are leaving in the Love Machine.