Starlight

TWO

"If I have to read one more word about soil, I'm going to scream." Jade groaned into her textbook. It was week three of classes, and week three of soil. Her professor spent the first week differentiating between soil and dirt, which made Jade question her choice in Environmental Science as a major. Her dedication to the environment is the only thing that has kept her going so far. She was in an introduction class, so this was to be expected, but that didn't make it any better. Jade fixed her headphones before diving back into her soil study assignment. She was suddenly hit in the head with a small item, which made her look at where it came from. Natalia was laughing as she held a pill bottle in her hand, ready to throw a second ibuprofen at Jade.

"You look like you need this, I know my head would be aching if I had to stare at dirt all day." They had been sitting in the library for six hours now, focused on their own work rather than talking. The two girls had quickly become best friends after the first time meeting. Veronica was rarely ever in their dorm room, thank god, because Natalia's roommate kept their room as messy as you could imagine. Just going in the room makes Jade's skin crawl, she doesn't know how Natalia does it.

"How many times do I need to tell you Natalia, it's soil not dirt." Jade groaned after hearing herself. "I sound like such a nerd. I need to get out of this library ASAP." Natalia agreed, pulling up a list of events going on at the school today.

"We could go to a gaming club meeting, drama club, or go to a soccer game." The girls spoke at the same time, agreeing that the soccer game was the best option. It was a warm, sunny day, so soccer seems like the best option. The two friends packed up their stuff, finally leaving the library. Jade took a deep breath of the fresh, outside air for the first time since this morning. The girls chatted as the walked to the field, happy to speak at a normal level, rather than the whispering they were doing before. They took a quick detour by Jade's dorm to change and grab a blanket to sit on at the field.

"Please God, don't let Veronica be in this room, I don't think I can deal with her today." Jade said a quick prayer to herself before unlocking her door. She felt blessed after walking in her room and seeing it empty. She grabbed some clothes for herself, allowing Nat to pick out her own outfit. While Natalia was about half a foot taller than Jade, they were a very similar shape, Jade's pants were just a little short on her. Jade changed from her sweatpants, which she doesn't typically wear but the library is cold, into a pair of striped paper bag shorts. She threw an oversized jean jacket over her shoulders, which was left bare due to her white tube top. Nat changed into some bike shorts, the only shorts in the closet that were long enough, and a thin off the shoulder sweater. Natalia was envious of Jade's fashion taste, the girl looked fabulous everywhere she went, even in her sweatpants she still looked chic. Jade was fixing her bangs, making sure the blonde hairs were placed perfectly. She fluffed out her short hair, making the waves more prominent.

"Jade, you look fantastic, but we're going to miss the game at the rate you are moving." Jade rolled her eyes at her friend, but grabbed the picnic blanket from under her bed, signaling that she was ready to go. They quickly walked the rest of the way to the soccer field, since they were already running behind. They set up their blanket next to a friendly looking girl with straight dark hair. They introduced themselves to her, receiving a soft smile back.
"I'm Brooklyn, but you can call me Brooke!" They talked throughout the entire game, mostly paying attention to each other rather than the soccer game. They occasionally looked at the field when they heard cheering. Brooke suddenly gasped, looking straight at the field. "That is the hottest man I've ever seen." Jade and Natalia followed her eyes to see who she was talking about. Jade honestly wasn't sure which of the guys she was talking about, since apparently Willow Park had some secret genetic lab for hot soccer players. From where she was sitting, she could tell every single one of the soccer players was attractive in some way. Jade started to ask Brooke which specific guy she meant, when the crowd erupted into cheers. The clock had just ran out, meaning Willow Park University had won.

"Do you know what this means?" Brooke was basically jumping up and down with joy. Jade and Natalia made eye contact before saying no, which earned a scoff from Brooke. "This means the boys are throwing a party! They just beat their rivals, the Eagles! And we HAVE to go!!"

"When do you think it will be? I have a huge assignment due at the end of next week." Jade was nervous after hearing the word party. She needed to focus on school, not parties, and definitely not boys.

"From what I've heard, they always throw their biggest parties on Saturdays, which is pretty sweet of them! It will probably be this Saturday!"

"Ugh of course it will be." Natalia groaned. "The one time I have to go home, the biggest party of the year is being thrown. Stupid sisters with their stupid birthdays."

"Aww, that sucks Natalia! I'm sure Jade and I will still have plenty of fun!" Brooke smiled, trying to make the best of the situation. Jade started to argue, but the look she got from both of the other girls made her stop. Jade was going to this party whether she wanted to or not, but luckily she had a new friend who was going with her.