"How about this one?" I look over to Dan to see him holding up a skimpy police officer costume obviously created for girls.
"Yeah, really brings out your inner-woman," I shake my head and continue looking through the clothes at some store I don't even know the name of. The outfits are strange and I would question the stores existence but in college, there are some interesting people. I come across a Badger jersey when the idea comes to me.
"Dan!" I run over to him, full of excitement. "I have the perfect plan; you see," I reach him and he drops what he is holding, showing that his full attention is on me. "I have these old footballer jerseys in my closet because why not, ya know, and we should go as them."
"You mean soccer players?" He smirks, knowing that I would never call them 'soccer players'.
"Oh, piss off. Anyway, it would be cheaper and easy," I respond.
"Yeah sure, Niall, what else would we need to complete the look?"
"Erm, white shorts, white socks, sneakers? I think those would suffice."
"Alrighty then," Dan finishes the conversation and leads me out of the bizarre store.
I glance down at my phone before putting it into the pocket of my white shorts.
"8:12," I nearly whispered to Dan. He nods, starting up towards the door of Sigma Pi. I could already hear the blasting music from a block away and now I am standing in front of the illuminated fraternity, full of wild college student.
"You comin?" Dan shouted, turning around and motioning me to him. I hadn't realized that I was in a daze, blankly watching Dan approach the house. I hurry after him and enter the party.
First things first, I need to get myself a water cup. That way people will think I already have a drink and they won't pester me that they can "hook me up". I need to maintain my record of staying sober. I travel through the all too familiar house and arrive in the recognizable kitchen. I reach for an empty red cup and wash it out first, just in case. I fill it with cold water, taking a sip once it's reached it's full capacity. I look around to see a friendly face when I come across the back of Becca's head. I should know what that looks like after the many days of sitting behind her in Health Psych. The short-haired blonde is talking to some people that I don't recall, however. I decide to head over anyway.
"Hey Niall," she says with a smile when she sees me, "have you seen Stacey yet? She's here somewhere."
"No, I haven't," is my response. I haven't seen nor talked to her since our little walk the other day. She's with her ex anyway. Trying to ignore that thought, I turn my attention back on Becca who is looking at the floor and fidgeting with her cup. Wow, why is this so awkward?
"Well, I'm gonna-" I start.
"Ok, yeah," Becca nervously laughs. I nod to her and turn towards the so called "living room" where I see Mike, Stacey's friend. He is speaking to a handful of people and I don't want to be rude and interrupt, so I chill within earshot.
"... no, you shoulda seen this guy... so outta place I mean come on..." The group nods and laughs in agreeance. "Then Stace and I went to his dorm last weekend for the game and his roommate is creepy as fuck man. Very good face though."
Mike and Stacey came to my dorm last weekend...? Then it hits me: I'm 'the guy' and 'you shoulda seen me'. Ok well I need to get out of this area before he can see me.
I push through the sea of people and wander towards the hallway with the empty bedroom where I found the journal.
"OH MY GOD! Niall!" Someone shouts from across the room. I whip my head around to find the source of the voice, Stacey, with whom I assume is her ex boyfriend trailing behind her.
