Nineteen

Chapter Ninety

Mac leaves to go get dressed to pick me up later. I finally take the time to look at my phone. It's five in the evening, and I can't believe I've spent the whole day doing absolutely nothing. I also see a text from Link asking if I decided to go to the party. I cringe as I reply and tell him that Mac is picking me up later.
I'm still in my towel, and I decide to dry my hair first, before examining my wardrobe.
After my hair is dry, I decide to take the plunge.
I immediately pull out a pair of cutoff jean shorts, the fringes longer than the shirts themselves. I'm slightly uncomfortable wearing them, so I put on a pair of spandex underneath. You can't see them, but you never know.
I then slip on a t-shirt, because Mac said he'll lend me his football jersey when he gets here.
My makeup is caked on, and I draw the U sign on my cheek in green and orange makeup. I slip on a choker and my white skater vans. Overall, I would wear most of this stuff alone, but together I look like I'm ready for a keg party.
For a moment I forgot all about the brown eyes that hold me back. All at once, the momentum is knocked from me, and I, sitting cross legged in the floor, debating on going or not.
I look at myself in the mirror. My face still bruised and visible, even under the foundation and concealer. My mascara threatens to run as I let a tear slip out.
Don't let him bring you down, once again, I tell myself. You can have fun tonight.
I attempt to hold my head higher in the mirror, but fail miserably.
I jump at the sound of someone knocking at my door.
When I open it, I'm surprised to see Mac already.
He's in yellow board shorts, Nike socks, a black beach shirt unbuttoned, with a fanny pack, a silver necklace, and a backwards sports visor. He's the stereotypical frat boy.
"I hurried so we could leave and get something to eat first," he says.
He looks me up and down and then hands me his jersey. "You look great," he says with a smile. I walk to the closet to change out of my shirt.
The jersey is huge on me. I look at myself I'm the mirror when I step out, and Mac's eyes get wide.
"Here, you should tie it up," he grabs a rubber band from my desk and ties the side up, revealing half of my stomach.
"Damn, now we are officially a frat couple," he says as he places his hands on his hips and looks at me.
I laugh as I look at him. His eyes are shining with excitement, and I imagine mine are doing the same.
I wonder what Collin is doing? Will he be there?
I mentally smack myself for wondering such a thing, especially when I have a great time in store.
"Let's go," Mac says as he places his hand on my back. I grab my purse and keys.

When deciding on a place to eat, Mac says it's my choice, but I don't want to go in anywhere dressed this way. We decide on a drive through barely off of campus.
I scarf down my sandwich and fries, and Mac claims I've been starving myself, which is half of the truth because it's not on purpose. He says it as a joke, and I try to play along.

"Did you see the woman at the drive through window? She thought you were hot," I tell him as he zip through a backroad.
"Can you blame her? Look at me," he says as he smacks his Fanny pack. I bust out in laugher and he does the same.
"You're not allowed to leave with some guy tonight, you're my sorority girlfriend," he jokes. My smile dismisses at the thought of Collin not wanting me to leave with him, even if I wouldn't want to go.
When we pull into the driveway if the familiar house, I begin to panic.
I should have stayed home, where I could hide from the world.
"Hey, are you okay?" Mac asks as he unbuckles and leans across the arm rest.
"Yeah, just nervous," I give a small smile. He thinks I'm nervous to be in a group, and half of it is, but the other half he doesn't know about.
"We don't have to go in, I can take you back," he offers. I wave my cast in the air, rejecting the proposal.
I slightly open the door, and he does the same. It's almost dark outside now, but still bright enough to see where to walk. He walks around the car and takes my hand to lead me in.
With every step my heart picks up. I'm convinced everyone can hear it, and it's threatening to deafen me. My chest is starting to become tight.
Through the loads of cars, I spot Clark's in the front. Sitting in the grass is the black truck. Oh my.
I kind of stumble and misstep, almost taking myself to the ground. I'm thankful for such a strong grip my frat boyfriend has on me.
People are crowded on the porch, all dressed in different attire. Mostly inappropriate, but what else is expected?