Tεrribly Pεrfεct

Chapter 13: On the Lookout

What a fail.

I thought, referencing the test I had just so amazingly bombed. Being the smart college student I am, I stayed up all night thinking about my personal problems rather then thinking of math problems.

"Flunked?" I heard a voice ring, coming to my side. In unison we both sighed, knowing full well we needed to get our priorities straight pronto.

"How'd you know?" I asked her, turning to hand Jess my test.

"I can see it on your face," She pointed, "You're walking around like you just ate a stale brownie."

Mmm, good one.

I slumped down on the bench outside of our apartment, reaching into my purse to spike my serotonin levels. I plucked out a tiny granola bar, hoping it'd give me a bit more energy to begin plotting my next move.

"How did you do?" I spoke through mouthfuls, watching her stand still.

"Who cares," She breathed, "I just want to forget about it and go do something fun."

She was right, we had been severely stressed lately, dealing with all the drama and bull these past couple days. Was it too much to ask for a day of fun and freedom? I felt lately like I had been more locked up in my own thoughts then I was back home.

"We can go to the barbecue," Jess beamed, shooting pleased glances through her narrowed eyes.

I plowed my head into my hands, shaking them back and forth as I thought it over. What if going to this caused more harm then it should? We all knew that school functions were filled with people from our school...and right now, I really didn't think the risk was worth a few cooked ribs.

"And if I see Jesse?" I asked, leaning back.

She flung a hand in the air, obviously shooting down my question, "You'll be fine. You said it was just a dream, so forget about it. You guys didn't fuck, so there's nothing to worry about."

"True," I interrupted, "It was just a messed up dream."

Jess coughed, "Sure - right."

We both laughed, knowing full well where this was going.

"And if you happen to see him or Ryan tonight, just act chill and for once Mandie...don't worry so much."

I could't help it, it had to be genetic. The fact that I worried about everything was a trait I brought up from childhood, it'd be like asking me to only eat one chip out of the bag! Who does that?!

"Let's go get changed and head down to the beach," She changed the subject, "I hear the water is still warm until sunset."

"I highly doubt that, but I'll still wear one!"

An hour later and we we're dressed and ready to go, apparently I didn't have much of a choice in the matter regardless.

"Cute suit," Stephanie hopped through my door and into my bathroom, "Looks a little skimpy for a barbecue though."

I rolled my eyes, "I'm not taking off my clothes, Steph. It's just for the look, I'm not even wearing the bottoms!"

She tilted her head to the side, confused as to my intention.

"I'm only wearing the top under my tank as a bra, get it?" I told her, point blank.

Immediately the light bulb went off and a small 'O' formation spread across her lips, "Gotcha!"

"Ready to go girls?" Hannah shouted from the hall as we all gathered.

The barbecue we were going to tonight was hosted by a couple of the sorority's here, so we already planned on possibly leaving early if it ended up being a dupe and going to a bar. I eyed the bag that had our spare clothes just in case we left and grabbed it by the handles to haul it down to our car.