After (a rewrite)

Chapter Four

I stare at the person, the stuck up guy from yesterday. He stares back, a bored expression on his face, and looks back into his phone. Then I remember I’m in a towel.

“Um, where’s Steph?” I ask, clutching the towel around me tighter. No response. “Hey, pal, did you hear me? Where’s Steph?”

He mumbles a vague “dunno”, not even looking up from his phone screen.

“Right, right,” I say. “Do you mind if you …” I tilt my head towards the door, hoping he gets the cue. “Can you, like, go out for a minute? I need to change.” Can this dude get anymore thickheaded?

“Don’t flatter yourself, it’s not like I’m going to look at you.” He scoffs, rolling over and covering his eyes. The fuck? This day already had a crappy start, and there’s no way in HELL I’m changing in front of some random guy, even if he covered his eyes.

“Hey, asshole,” I say, my temper getting the best of me. “This is my dorm, which I’ve paid for. I decide who stays and who leaves, so get the fuck out of here.”

He huffs, before rolling off the bed and getting out of the room. Jerk. I quickly pull on a pair of shorts and a shirt, and comb my hair. Then, there’s a sharp knock on the door.

“Come in!”

Steph enters, along with the jerk guy. “Sorry I’m late,” She says apologetically. “I got an awful hangover last night so I just crashed at Nate’s place. Hope you weren’t up waiting for me,”

“No, it’s cool. I was exhausted yesterday, didn’t stay up long.” I assure her.

She grins. “Oh yeah! I totally forgot to tell you that Hardin was popping in today!”

I glare at jerk guy, Hardin. “Your boyfriend’s a jerk,” I say without thinking (alright, alright, I may have assumed stuff. The guy was loitering around in Steph’s room after all). Steph and jerk guy exchange a look, and burst out laughing like I said the funniest thing ever.

“We’re not dating!” She says, and turns to jerk guy - Hardin - with a mock scowl. “What the hell did you say to her?” She turns back to me. “He has, like, a unique way of talking.” Paraphrased: rude. Hardin shrugs and looks back into his phone. What was with this guy and his phone?

“So anyways, there’s party tonight and you should totally come with us,”

I snort, and clear my throat. “Parties aren’t exactly … my thing. Plus I have to go get some stuff for my room.”

“Come on, you’re in college! Time for new experiences and stuff, yeah?” She pleads. “Wait, how are you getting to the store anyway? You don’t have a car,”

“I’ll take the bus? Besides, I won’t know anyone at the party,” I add, lamely.

“Nobody takes the bus on saturday, it’s wayy too crowded. Hardin could drop you on the way back.” She says.

“No thanks,” I say a bit too quickly. “I’ll just go on monday.”

“Damn, I was so looking forward to drive you,” Hardin says, tone dripping with sarcasm. I roll my eyes. Is he British? He’s rude and has that sort of accent. Probably British.

“Fine. But you’ll know me at the party!” Steph exclaims. It’s sweet how much she wants me to come along, considering she’s only known me for a day. The idea is appealing, except it’s a party. And my mom would kill me if she ever found out.

“Leave it, Steph. Frigid girls aren’t interested in parties. It’s beneath them.” Hardin says.

“Actually,” I say with a sickly sweet smile. “I’d love to come to the party. College is a time to experiment after all.”

Steph whoops. “We’ll have so much fun!” (I doubt it)

Hardin shakes his head in disbelief.