Sweetheart Single

05 | Invitation Grams

"Yes, I just walked in and there they were." I repeat for what feels like the tenth time. Still, I can't believe it! "Just there. Going at it."

I spent the last three days explaining to Nikki what I walked in on... Tasha and her brother, Jake. What I did not explain was how it made me feel. Maybe because I'm not sure how to explain it to myself!

"Damn, sorry I wasn't there to see it. I mean, not see it see it, but see the shame." Nikki laughs, clutching her side.

We're sitting in the coffee shop before afternoon class and I'm finishing up my third refill. Too much caffeine is still not enough caffeine. The limit does not exist.

"I don't know if there was any shame. He didn't seem very ashamed if you ask me," I say, mumbling into my to-go cup.

"Ah, that's Jake. Nothing gets to him. Like he never cares about anything." Nikki shrugs.

"Tasha either." I nod, incensed. "But he wasn't even wearing a shirt!"

"It's just a shirt, or just not a shirt. I still can't believe you left the party without saying bye to me," Nikki says, spitting out her tongue.

"Can't you? You were practically buried in Chloe's face." I quip. "And I'd hardly call it a party. You're lucky I went at all."

"Wait, you're right," Nikki says, her wheels turning. Oh no.

"Why are you looking like that? All excited about something?" I cringe.

"Well, if that was hardly a party –Your words, not mine." Nikki holds up her hands in defense to my eye roll. "Then that means you still owe me a party. And I'll find us a good one."

"As long as it's a daytime party. And on campus," I smirk. "And preferably in the library..."

"So, a study group party?" Nikki raises her eyebrow.

"Exactly."

"Elle! Honestly, you need to get out more. Away from all the books and school stuff." Nikki rolls her eyes.

"Yea, yea, Nikki." I nod absentmindedly. "Daytime. Campus. Final offer. Take it or leave it."

I flip open my notebook and start headlining pages with today's date. I just like being prepared. I just like distracting my mind from Jake. I haven't seen him since the incident. That's what I'm calling it from now on, because that's what it was!

It's Friday now –the end of the week and the end of January. I know Nikki is bound to drag me off to some house party if I don't fake having other plans. So, that's exactly what I do. I make up plans.

I tell her all about how I'm having a study group session with the kids from my art history class. We're examining expressionism and romanticism in early period paintings. It's enough to disinterest Nikki at least. Really, I plan on curling up with a hot chocolate and poring over upcoming subjects in my lessons. Thrilling.

Of course, if Shawn were to ask me about my plans...

"Hey, look at this."

Nikki stops in front of the SAC bulletin board as we walk to our last class of the week. She holds up a bright magenta flyer with white, scripty writing.

"What's that?" I ask, shoving my notebook back into my shoulder bag. "Another party?"

"It's for the Valentine's dance thrown by the school. The Sweetheart Single," she says, smiling interestedly. Her eyes devour every inch of the flyer.

"Sweetheart Single? HA!" I laugh. "Very original."

"Yea. Laugh now," Nikki says. "But you're going. My resolution, remember?"