The Academy of Underachievers: Year One

by Alex Dafney

  I give her a puzzled look but quickly surrender at the hopeful smile on her face. As the light turns on in the bathroom, I’m surprised to find a brightly colored room decorated with coral and teal accents. Angie pulls a white stool from under the vanity, pointing to it for me to have a seat.

  I gingerly lower to the chair, giving her a hesitant smile in the mirror as she scrutinizes my high ponytail.

  Lifting her eyes, she meets mine in the reflection, giving me a bright smile. “I have a crazy idea. Do you trust me?”

  My first instinct is hell, no, but she has been overly kind to me since last night, seeming to be trying to make amends. I shrug a shoulder, placing my jacket to the counter. “Have at it.”

  She clasps her hands in front of her, practically bouncing with excitement.

  Before long, there are twenty bottles of hair products lining the counter, an array of curling irons, straighteners, and things I don’t even know what to do with plugged in and heating, and a pile of hairpins.

  Angie stands behind me, pulling the rubber band from my hair and letting it fan around my shoulders. “I love this color. The pink was a little much, but now that you’ve added the purple highlights, it’s gorgeous.”

  I thank her as she rakes her fingers through my hair, separating the strands and clipping them with the pins. “I wasn’t sure if I was going to keep it this color, but it’s grown on me,” I tell her honestly.

  The shock of being attacked, then having my hair completely transformed wore off quickly, and I had decided to ask Mistress Penelope to make me a slime mask to add the purple, and I have to admit, I love it.

  A short time later, I stare at my reflection, utterly surprised at what Angie has accomplished in such a short window.

  My hair rests in a messy bun on the top of my head, strands of intricate braids woven throughout, and perfect curled tendrils framing my face.

  “Wow, Angie! This is amazing!” I turn side to side, admiring the fancy updo.

  “Time to get dressed. Everyone is meeting soon.”

  Rising from the stool, I follow her into her bedroom area, stopping as she moves toward a huge chifforobe. Pulling the two doors open to reveal a wide selection of clothing hanging, she looks back to me, scrutinizing me quickly before flipping through the items inside. “I think a dress paired with that jacket of yours will look outstanding.”

  She pulls a red, strapless dress from inside that looks more like a scrap of fabric than a dress, holding it out to me. Taking it in my hand, self-consciousness tugs at me. This isn’t something I would typically wear out to a bar.

  “Jet is going to flip when he sees you in this.” Angie pushes me back toward the bathroom, pulling the door closed once I’m inside. “Hurry up! We still have to do your makeup!”

  I let out a sigh as I shrug out of my jeans and t-shirt, slipping the dress on. My nose wrinkles at the revealing clothing, but damn if I don’t look sexy. “Okay.” My voice comes out nervous, but I’m determined to step out of my comfort zone.

  Angie swings the door inward, letting out a low whistle as her eyes trail me. “Damn! Where have you been hiding that figure all this time?”

  My cheeks burn with a blush, and she snickers.

  “Sit down. We don’t have much time.”

  I sit slowly in the same stool I recently vacated, allowing her to do her worst.

  Chapter Nineteen

  We step out of Angie’s room, her pulling the door closed behind us before starting down the long hallway. Passing the steps, I move toward Jet’s place, eager to see the look on his face when he sees me in this dress and full smoky eye makeup.

  “Where are you going?”

  I pause, looking back to Angie, who hovers at the staircase. “I’m going to see if Jet is ready to leave.”

  She flips a hand toward me, quickly making the distance between us and looping her arm through mine. “He said he would meet us there.”

  Once again, that feeling as if something isn’t quite right passes through me.

  “We need to get moving! The entire school is at the tavern waiting for you.”

  I allow her to guide me toward the stairs, looking over my shoulder with uncertainty toward Jet’s room.

  “Don’t worry about him. He texted me earlier and said he’d be a little late.”

  My lip dips down at her remark. Why would he text her, and not me, his girlfriend?

  “Everyone is so excited about our big win today! I’ve had a ton of people ask how they can participate next year.”

  That nagging feeling in the pit of my stomach grows with every step we make. I stop suddenly, interrupting whatever Angie is saying. “I’m going to wait on Jet. I’ll catch up with you.”

  She turns to face me, a broad smile planted on her face. “Sure. I’ll wait with you.” Her eye twitches ever so slightly, letting me know she’s annoyed, but frankly, I don’t care.

  Shaking my head at her, I draw my brows together. “There’s no reason for you to wait with me. Go and enjoy yourself. We’ll be along soon.”

  That fake smile on her face begins to break, letting her genuine form slip through for the briefest second. “My only task is to get you to the bar. Please, don’t make this hard on me.”

  I give her a quizzical look as she sighs heavily.

  “Jet has some big romantic gesture planned. Alright? You’ve ruined your surprise, so can we go now?”

  I’m not entirely convinced, but if Jet does have something planned, it would explain why he didn’t just let me know he’s running late.

  “Fine.” I clip out as I stride by her, eager to find my missing boyfriend.

  “Finally.”

  I roll my eyes as we step through the grand doors, hurrying down the steps in the crisp night air.

  “Briar!”

  As we step onto the curb, I look in the direction my name is coming from, finding Colton and Lana waiting next to his car.

  “We’ve been waiting on you forever! Let’s go!”

  I jog the best I can in the four-inch heels Angie insisted I wear for the night, slowing as I reach them. “Sorry. Angie had to make me presentable.”

  Lana glares as Angie steps up to my side, giving her a sickeningly sweet smile.

  “You look nice tonight, Lana.”

  Lana doesn’t take the bait, merely scoffing and pulling the car door open to slip inside. I open the rear door, sliding along the seat so Angie can get in.

  Colton starts the car, pulling away from the curb.

  “Did you two clean up my room after your little temper tantrum?”

  Colton throws his head back laughing as Lana smacks him in the arm with the back of her hand. She turns, looking at me through the seats, a naughty smile on her face. “Kind of.”

  I huff, sitting back in the seat and folding my arms over my chest as I stare out the window, watching as the trees pass us by. This night is sure turning to shit with every passing second.

  “Where’s Jet? He sent me a weird message, then didn’t respond to mine.”

  My eyes dart to the rearview mirror, where Colton glances at me in the reflection. “I haven’t talked to him, and what message?”

  Colton’s brows draw together tightly. “Uh, something about the witch and the wardrobe. I figured he was talking about that book. You know, what’s it called?” He snaps his fingers together, trying to find the words he’s looking for.

  “The Chronicles of Narnia?” Angie asks with a bored tone.

  “Yeah! That’s it. Is he reading that book or something? It seemed like a crazy thing to say.”

  I shake my head, not knowing what’s going on with him. Looking out of the corner of my eye, I scrutinize Angie. Ever since she’s come back into the picture, I don’t know what is going on.

  “He sent me a message telling me to get Briar.” Lana shrugs like it’s no big deal.

  Pulling the black clutch onto my lap, I slip my hand inside, unlocking my phone to make sure I haven’t missed anything from Jet. A sigh e
scapes me when I find zero notifications. “Well, he seemed to contact everyone other than me.”

  Colton’s eyes catch mine in the mirror, giving me a concerned look to match the unease that I feel. “Maybe we should turn back and check on him.”

  I nod in agreement, wanting nothing more than to make sure he’s alright.

  “No. He’s fine. I told you he’s speaking with his dad about their plans for the coming weeks.” Angie’s tone is short and no-nonsense, further increasing my paranoid mind.

  “She’s right, Colton. He’ll meet us there as planned.” Instead of arguing with the Angie, I’ll just slip out of the bar unnoticed and find Jet myself.

  A few minutes later, we pull into the packed parking lot of the bar that borders the school, the music and voices already drifting to us as we push the doors open.

  “Wow! I think the entire student body is here!” Lana says with amazement as she glances around the lot.

  Everyone except the one person I want to be with tonight, I think to myself as I trail behind the others.

  Angie glances back to me, pausing until I reach her side, looping her arm through mine once again. “We’re supposed to be celebrating. Get the look of gloom and doom off your pretty face.”

  I give her a fake smile as we slip inside. Instantly a roar of cheers travels through the large room, the entire student body rising to their feet and clapping loudly. I join in, planting a bright smile on my face as I glance around, trying to figure out who we’re applauding.

  Angie grips my hand, holding it high in the air. “To Briar!”

  The crowd begins to chant my name as she pulls me toward the bar.

  “What are you having?”

  I shrug as I’m damn near attacked with claps on the backs, hugs, congratulations, fist bumps, and high fives.

  “Enough!” Angie yells as she maneuvers through the crowd that has formed around me. “Back off. Her boyfriend will end us all if even a hair is misplaced on her pretty little head.”

  Laughter ensues as people begin to back away, going back to whatever they were doing before we arrived.

  Angie pushes a stemmed glass into my hand. I give the dark red drink a suspicious look.

  “Witches Brew.”

  I glance over as she sips the same drink, licking her lips before giving an exaggerated sigh. “It’s basically a cherry martini.” She clinks the side of her glass to mine. “Drink up.”

  Out of politeness, I lift the glass to my lips, taking a small sip as she does the same. Pulling the glass away, I give an appreciative nod as I swirl the contents. “Not bad.”

  Angie gives me a coy smile, jutting her head toward the dance floor. “I want to dance!” She grips my hand, attempting to drag me with her, but I plant my feet firmly, not budging.

  When she looks back to me, I extend one finger from the glass I hold, pointing toward the restrooms. “I’ll join you in a moment.”

  She nods, releasing my wrist and slipping into the crowd. Once I can’t see her any longer, I frantically look for Colton and Lana. When I can’t spot them, I look for any familiar face so I can get the hell out of here.

  Ben bellows loudly from the bar, pounding his fist against the wooden surface as he hysterically laughs. Moving through the sea of people, I make my way to him as fast as possible.

  “Ben!” I yell over the noise.

  He glances around him, seeming to be three sheets to the wind already. Calling his name again, I lift both my hands over my head, waving them around. He spots me, raising his hand and forming his fingers into the shape of a gun, giving me a wink.

  I sigh heavily, not having the time nor patience for this shit.

  He rises from his stool, stumbling toward me as he pushes people around to make a path. “Briar!” Swinging his burly arms around me, he lifts me from the ground, my drink sloshing onto the floor.

  “Put me down!” I smack his back repeatedly until he lowers me, chuckling as he takes in the scowl on my face.

  “I need your keys.”

  He lets out a drunken scoff before belching loudly. My nose wrinkling up in disgust.

  “Hell no. You are not leaving yet. The party is just getting started.”

  Knowing I have to keep my wits about me, I give him the best smile I can manage. “I’m coming right back. I have to get Jet from the Academy.”

  This seems to be enough to reason with the big, dumb, jock as he pats his jean pockets, pulling a set of keys from the left one.

  He extends his hand to me, dropping the set in my palm. “Hurry back. You promised you’d do shots with me.”

  I nod, spinning on my heels and making my way toward the exit. As I step out of the bar, I let out a sigh of relief, hitting the button on the keys to find the borrowed vehicle.

  A large truck headlights flash, and I make a beeline in that direction, nervous energy coursing through me. Stepping up on the side rail, I jerk the door open, scrambling inside the massive truck and shoving the keys in the ignition.

  My phone beeps with an incoming message, and I quickly retrieve it, finding a message from Jet.

  Hey babe. Sorry, this is taking so long. I was hoping to surprise you later tonight when I informed you I’d be splitting the break between my family and yours. It’s taken some convincing on my side, but dad has seen my reasoning. Enjoy yourself tonight. I’ll be there in about an hour. I love you.

  My lip quirks up as I reread the message several times. Looking up, I pull my bottom lip in my mouth as I stare at the door of the bar. I was so quick to jump to conclusions about Angie’s motives.

  Turning the key, I shut the car off. Sliding back to the ground, I stash the set of keys in my clutch as I walk back toward the bar. My mood has changed drastically with the simple text message, and I’m now ready to have a few drinks with friends and unwind.

  An hour later, I’m sandwiched between Ben and Brad Pitte on the tiny stage of the bar, each with their arms around my shoulders as we belt out an eighties power ballad.

  As the song comes to an end, we take a bow together, laughing as we exit the stage and hand off our microphones to the next group.

  Lana and Colton meet me in the middle of the dance floor, Lana gripping my hand and tugging as Colton passes me a new glass. I toss back the deep red drink, my head already swaying, but enjoying the carefree atmosphere of the night.

  We stop in the middle of the floor, both of us dancing wildly to the butchered notes of the newest karaoke victims. As I spin, I catch Jet standing off to the side, his hands shoved in his pockets and a half-grin on his face as he watches me.

  I abandon Lana, charging toward him and launching myself into his embrace.

  “Hey, babe.”

  I pull back slightly, giving him a scrutinizing look to his slurred words.

  He chuckles lightly, letting me slide back to the floor before him before pushing his dark hair away from his eyes. “Dad and I had a few drinks too.” He shrugs, giving me an apologetic smile.

  Pressing up on my tiptoes, I lock my arms around his neck, my empty glass dangling between my fingers. “I missed you.”

  He growls before his lips meet mine hard. Nipping his bottom lip with my teeth causes his grip around me to tighten, pulling me flush against his chest.

  He breaks the kiss first, resting his forehead against mine. “I’d love to get out of here, but I need to make an appearance, at least.”

  I chuckle at the whine in his voice, lowering to my standard height.

  Jet takes an appreciative glance of my outfit, holding my hand above my head and spinning me slowly so he can get the full effect.

  As I face him, his eyes are darkened with longing.

  “Fuck the appearance.”

  I laugh as he tries to pull us toward the exit, instantly pulling back. “Jet!” I whine.

  He stops, turning back to me and lowering his face toward mine. His lips brush my ear, causing goosebumps to spread down my body. “Half an hour, we’re out of here. Alone.”

 
As he pulls back, I nod quickly. Full of anticipation and longing of my own. Lifting my empty glass, I spin the stem through my fingers. “I need a drink.”

  He nods, starting to pull me behind him toward the bar. Someone stops him before we make it two feet, and I continue without him, blowing him a kiss over my shoulder.

  Squeezing between two people who sit in the stools, I prop my elbows on the top of the bar, waiting to be served. The bartender quickly places the same martini I’ve been drinking all night in front of me, starting to move away. “I need a dark lager too!”

  He nods once, reaching into a tub full of ice and grabbing an amber bottle. Placing it next to my cocktail, he scurries away to handle the next customer.

  Turning from the bar, I make my way through the crowd to where I last saw Jet, glancing around when I can’t spot him.

  Ben and Chasity, a fellow freshman, are grinding on one another on the dance floor, and I start toward them.

  “Hey!”

  They both look over to me, halting their dirty dancing moves.

  “Have either of you seen Jet?”

  Ben points over to the far wall, all of our eyes moving that way. My lips hike up into a broad smile, slowly fading as I take in the scene playing before me.

  Jet leans back against the wall, that half crooked grin on his face as Angie steps in front of him, his hands moving to her waist. His face lowers toward hers, her head tilting to the side, allowing me to see their lips lock in a passionate kiss.

  My mouth falls open, all the air in the room seeming to be sucked out all at once.

  Angie’s hand trails up his chest, gripping his dark hair and holding him to her.

  The alcohol in my stomach begins to protest against me. I shove the drinks in my hand toward Ben and Chasity, my eyes moving back to Jet and Angie one last time.

  Jet pulls back, his eyes becoming wide as he pushes her away from him, looking around frantically. His dark eyes lock on mine, already moving toward me as I spin on my heels, shoving people out of my way to get outside.

  A hand lands on my wrist, and I instantly go into fight mode, swinging my other arm around to connect with anyone and everyone.