Socially Awkward

III.

The only thing that is wrong with college is the fraternities. They all run around doing dumb things to recruit members. I can't even imagine the hazing rituals.

I heard a horror story about a guy who had to walk around with potting soil in his book bag for two weeks. I cannot imagine the bill from the chiropractor or the years of back pain soon to come.

Then the sororities. What a joke. If I wanted to join a sowing circle I surely as hell wouldn't want to do it on campus on the false pretenses of being in a sorority.

Those girls are mass murderers in the making.

Join groups? Ha! The only groups I join are the ones on the internet to discuss my favorite shows.

"Are your parents coming up for Friends and Family day?"

I stare at McKenzie absentmindedly for a few moments then inhale. "No. Are yours?" I divert the subject.

"Yeah. I'm going home with them. My boss finally agreed to let me off work for those few days."

"Cool. I'll drop by and say hi." I smirk for effect.

A few days without McKenzie. I must be dreaming!

"My parents flew in this morning. They're at a hotel up the road." Berlin informs us.

"Maybe we should meet up." McKenzie suggests.

I almost spit my food out. "Do what."

"All the hope just drained from her body." McKenzie laughs.

"You saw it too. I know she can't wait to get away from us." Berlin agrees.

Everyone at the table laughs at my expense managing to gain the attention of the people in the café.

I probably could have prevented this earlier by avoiding them and dropping off the face of the earth, but it didn't work out that way. In fact, subconsciously, I may like this little group we have going on here.

"I have to help my family with some stuff." Bryan groans.

"So why does the rich boy work in the circus?" Alex teases.

"My family owns it. One of the performers got sick so I was filling in." Bryan replies simply and shrugs his shoulders.

"Owns?" Berlin nearly chokes on her food.

"Yes. So they won't be here for Friends and Family day either." he concludes coldly.

"Damn." Berlin obviously gets the message.

"In the meanwhile, we should go do something. I'll be gone tonight." Alex proposes.

"But what about classes?" I question him

Alex shrugs nonchalantly. "My teachers are going to look past it."

"Why would they do that?" Bryan sounds doubtful.

Alex goes into full cocky mode, smirk and all. "I know people in high places. I'd be surprised if I ever failed a class."

McKenzie frowns. "That's cheating."

He rolls his eyes. "I'd never use my powers that way, but if you ever get into a bind..." He gestures with his hands for us to finish the rest.

"I might have to take you up on that." I joke and give Alex a thumbs up.

"So stargazing you say?" McKenzie brings my hair-brained idea back up.

"Um... yeah." I grumble.