Go Gators...I Guess?

Chapter 5

"I swear he's only friend. Maybe not even that. I didn't think I'd see him as much as I have." I try to explain to her that I do not have a secret boyfriend behind her back.

"Well, he needs to be more than your friend. He's gorgeous, Maisy."

"Yeah..he is pretty hot."

I look at the clock. It's almost four. "How about we get our nails done for tonight?" I suggest.

"Sounds good."

We head out to the nearest nail spa in Gainesviile. I decide to just go simple with French tips, like always... Lorraine got some hot pink color on her nails with a random design. She always does something cute. Whenever we return to our dorm, it's seven at night.

"Hurry and take a shower. Actually let me go first so I can get ready and do your...", she looks me up and down, "everything."

Lorraine rushed into the shower and I still haven't received any 'Happy Birthday' messages from anyone. I'm sure my phone is working...maybe people have forgotten. Oh well. I guess that's what happens when you graduate early and loose touch with all your old classmates. It's not going to ruin my night though.

I hop in the shower, wash my hair, body, etc. My hair ireaches just below my shoulders. My hair color is naturally brown but I added blonde highlights upon Lorraine's request. I made sure to shave my legs. My face was scrubbed so my skin would be smooth. I hoped out in my toweland ask Lorraine what I need to do.

"Go blowdry your hair, thoroughly this time, too."

She was putting on her mascara. Her black mini dress is cute on her and her curves fill the dress like it should. Her light borwn hair was curled into a half-up-half-down fashion. How she was so good at cosmetology is a riddle to me. Lorraine is a natural makeup guru. My hair is thoroughly dry. "Lorraine, I'm done!"

"Okay, come in the bathroom abd let me curl your hair."

She began to curl my hair. "I'm nervous, Lor."

"Why? There's nothing to be worried about. Trust me." At that moment she let the last section of my hair loose. I looked in the mirror and my hair looked like Paul Mitchell himself did it. Perfect waves everywhere. "I'm in shock. How do you do it?"

"it's all in the curling iron." She blew the tip of the curling iron like it was a smoking gun. I had to hug her.

"Go get dressed. It's already 8;30, Maisy."

I quickly changed and strapped on my shoes as we walked out the door. I applied some glitter dust to my chest area just because tonight is a special night. I am turning eighteen. Lorraine and I leave our dorm, arm in arm, and head for The Grog House.

The place is packed. Surely these people aren't all here for me. I instantly get a million butterflies in my stomach as we walk through the doors.

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MAISY!" everyone in the small, crowded room screamed. As if on cue, my phone is buzzing uncontrollably. I look to see all the 'Happy Birthday" messages apearring on my phone. I'm so confused. "I did that on purpose." Lorraine explained to me as she gestured at my vibrating phone. I smile. She's so creative...and fairly sneaky. I hug her for what feels like the hundreth time tonight. "Thank you for everything." I whiisper in her ear making her smile.

The whole beginning of the night, I was being dragged around the bar meeting all my party guests. And yes, it turns out all these people were indded her for me. Lorraine had rented out The Grog House earlier just for my birthday. I knew most of the, or my, guests. Some were Lorraine's friends, others were friends of friends. The more the merrier, right?

I finally spot Tucker in the corner of the dimly lit bar. "Tuck!" I stand on my tip toes and wave to catch his attention. He nods in my direction and walks my way.

"Happy Birthday! How's it feel to be the big one-eight?

"Pretty great, if I must say."

Tucker and I make small talk about the party and how good Lorraine is at planning events.

"I meant to ask you how your chemistry exam went? Wait, don't tell me..you made a big, fat A+, didnt you?"

"Oh shoot. I haven't even checked Tucker! I haven't looked at any of my emials. What am I doing?" I am completely appalled at myself for not even thinking about my grades. I hurridly open my student Gator accounton my phone. I have a single email from my chemistry professor. It read:

Maisy Underwood,

I'm pleased to report your grades. Hard work pays off and you are the perfect example of that. I know you're going places.

Exam: 98.6

Final Average: 98.0

Professor Tidwell

I'm so happy right now, I want to cry. I look up at Tucker. He's still waiting on my response.

"I made a 98 overall, baby!" I practically scream. He laughed at my excitement.

"Well...let's celebrate!" He exclaims.

Tucker pulls me over to the bar. He hands me a shot glass filled with a golden liquid. "Tuck, I don't know if I want this."

"Maisy, let loose. You passed yet another semester with a 4.0 and it's your eighteenth birthday." He slides the glass towards me, tempting me with a boyish grin. I smirk at him and take the small glass out of his grasp.

Staring at the glass I sigh, "Here goes nothing."