Finding Amity

Chapter 17

I picked an outfit, a denim skirt and a tight grey v-neck (and an oversized UCLA varsity jacket that he lended to me and insisted I wear to cover some skin), then headed for the bathroom.

Cooper and I were more like good friends than siblings, but his protective brother instinct still reared its ugly head. When he found out that the bathrooms aren't gendered and the only thing separating my naked body from passers-by is a flimsy plastic sheet, he insisted on standing against the sinks and guarding my shower cubicle.

"Hey, can I ask you a question?" He asked while I was washing my hair.

"Shoot."

"I won't get mad at your answer, I just want to know." He informed. "Do you have a fake ID?"

I stopped what I was doing, trying to figure out what he was saying. Did he think I was going out clubbing or something on the weekends?

"No." I answered. "Why?"

"I just, I heard from a friend that this school had a whole fake ID scandal. Apparently everyone had one and it was a real issue. I wanted to make sure you weren't getting caught up in any of that mess."

I washed the conditioner out of my hair and reached my hand out for my bathrobe which Cooper held. He handed it to me and I wrapped it around myself before opening the curtain.

"I'm not dumb enough to waste my money on a fake ID when there are plenty of parties every weekend and I can get free drinks there."

"So you drink?" He asked.

I bundled up my clothes and picked up my shower caddy, heading back to the dorm room with Cooper close behind.

"I have had a few drinks here and there." I downplayed. "Nothing dangerous."

"Are you drinking tonight?" He pestered.

"Nope." I replied.

We made it back to my room and I closed the door and motioned for Cooper to turn around. I dried off and pulled on the outfit, adding my black sneakers.

"Cooper approved?" I asked sarcastically. He nodded.

The girls met us outside, Hadiya in a denim jacket, a burgundy turtleneck, a tan hijab, and black jeans, Birdie in a sage green cocktail dress. Both wearing ridiculously glamorous make up. I looked hilariously underdressed compared to them.

We all squished into Pippa's small car and headed to the party, Birdie flirting with Cooper the whole way. I internally chuckled at how oblivious he was being.

When we arrived, I realised where we were immediately. This is where Pippa picked up her things on Wednesday. The party was at Isaac's house.

Pippa spotted the daggers I was glaring into her, but ignored me. I couldn't help but feel this whole group invitation was a way to get me in the same room with Isaac and then she might be able to figure out what happened between us.

Who am I kidding? She knew Hadiya and Birdie wanted to go to a party, and she knew they would never be able to turn down her invitation. That was her plan all along.

I waited for the others to hop out of the backseat before turning to Pippa.

"Isaac's house?!" I demanded. She just grinned cheekily. "I'm trying to avoid him!"

"I know, and it's annoying. Without you, I either have to hang out with him and Cruise just staring at each other, or Marley and Danny making out. Get over this whole thing, then start being my party buddy again. Please?"

Cooper opened my door and reached out a hand to help me up. I placed my hand in his, hissed "NO!" at Pippa, then stepped out of the car onto the grass lawn.