Love 101: Box Set (Love 101 #1-4)

by J. Nichole

  Nicole makes eye contact with her new friend then looks back to me. “Works for me.” She links arms with Tanya and says, “I’ll take care of her. Don’t worry.”

  I walk away, laughing. On my way back to Monica I spot Jennifer in a corner with a few other girls. Jennifer whispers, “She’s cool.”

  My eyebrows arch, “What does that mean?”

  Jennifer shakes her head. “What’s up?”

  “I’m about to take Monica back to the apartment. Tanya and Nicole are sticking around. I’ll pick you guys up later.”

  “Okay.” She looks at the other girls. “Maybe I should leave too?”

  One girl shakes her head. “No, we should all stay.”

  Before Jennifer can decide what she needs to do I turn and walk away.

  My heels are just about ruined and pieces of grass are stuck to my skirt. A nice warm shower will be welcomed. Monica is standing exactly where I left her, with less enthusiasm. “Alright let’s go.”

  We trek blindly back through the path, but we don’t enter into light as we exit. We stand in the place where a bus should be parked, ready to take us back to the car, but there is nothing.

  Monica groans. “You have to be kidding me. Could this night get any worse?” Pacing, Monica looks through the darkness, as if a bus will appear.

  “Alright, who can we call?”

  “Should we walk back in and find someone who can call the bus back?”

  Looking back towards the path, I hunch my shoulders. “I think our chances of finding someone are slim to none.” I pull my phone from my purse. “Maybe Chris will answer his phone.”

  Monica smiles. “Your knight, always coming to save us.”

  “Let’s not speak too soon.” I click Chris’ name on my phone. “Still ringing.”

  Monica stands beside me. “Leave a message?”

  I hang up. “I’ll send a text instead.”

  Laila: Hey babe. Stuck at this party. Call me if you can.

  Monica looks at me as she massages her shoulders. “I need a boo on reserve. One who can be my knight when I need him.”

  I laugh. “He could come in handy right about now.” The leaves behind us rattle. We both turn around and see a few guys walking out of the dark path.

  Monica whispers, “Do you think we should ask them for a ride?”

  I slap Monica's arm. "And where do you think they are hiding their car? Clearly, it's not out here." My phone vibrates and I answer before even looking at the screen. "Hello."

  “Babe, you stuck? Where are you?”

  "Yes, this damn bus dropped us off in the woods, and we want to leave but can't find the bus or anyone who knows how to get us out of here."

  Chris chuckles. “Y’all went to that weak ass Invite Only party?”

  “Hey, don’t judge us. Can you get us?”

  “Yeah. It’ll take a minute though. I have to get back to my car.”

  “Alright, guess we’ll just sit around and wait.”

  “I’ll call you when I get close.”

  Monica stares at the guys standing around looking just as lost. “Might as well make friends.”

  “Right. We need as many friends as possible come next semester.”

  “Yup, more friends equal more votes.” She saunters her wide hips over to the guys and waves. I follow closely behind her. “Trying to get out of here too?”

  They look up as if they didn’t see us standing around. “How the hell do we get to the bus?” He squints his already small beady eyes. “I thought it dropped us off right here.”

  “We haven’t seen it. We asked someone to come pick us up.” Monica looks at me before she proceeds. “What year are y’all?”

  The other guy awakens from his haze. “Juniors.” He rubs his hands across his short hair. “Think your ride will mind dropping us back off at the parking lot?”

  Monica shrugs her shoulders. “You’ll have to ask her.” Pointing her finger in my direction.

  Before he has a chance to ask I respond, “If he has enough room I’m sure he won’t mind.”

  The trees rustle again and more people appear from the dark path. A girl wobbles from side to side while another girl holds her around the waist. When they are near us the girl plops herself on the ground and looks up and slurs, “Hey.” She leans over then pukes and we all jump back to avoid being hit by the remnants of her stomach.

  My phone dings with a message.

  Chris: Just got to my car. Be there in about 15.

  I nod my head towards Monica and we walk away from the drunk girl on the ground. The guys yell at us, "Hey! Don't forget about us."

  “I still would like to know who is throwing this party.” Monica looks back at the dark path and smirks. “And why the hell did they choose this far off building in the middle of the woods?”

  My phone rings as I see car lights coming up the street. “Hey.”

  “I’m pulling up now. Where are you?”

  “I see your lights. We are standing in the open space to the right.”

  “Alright.” Chris pulls up in front of us but before I can climb in the car the guys are standing behind me.

  I open the door and lean in to say, “Do you mind giving these dudes a ride back to the parking lot?”

  Chris shifts in his seat then looks past me. “No. Get in.”

  As we climb in the car Chris shakes his head. “I can’t believe these dance troupes have y’all stranded out here.”

  My head snaps around. “Dance troupes?”

  Monica squeals. “Now it all makes sense. Jennifer’s dancing ass is probably trying to be in a dance troupe. Dragging us to this whack ass party because she had to be here.”

  Chapter Thirteen

  After a weekend with Tanya we are all sad to see her leave Sunday evening. Tanya is packed and ready to get back to Ava, but on her way out the door she promises she will be back soon.

  In front of her car, we embrace and laugh at how we are both shedding a few tears. "Aw, we are so emotional." Tanya pulls away and wipes her face. "I better get out of here before you start your ugly cry."

  On my way back up the stairs I stop when I hear someone yell my name. Turning around, I expect to see Tanya but instead I see Courtney standing near her car. The same car that passed me a couple of days ago.

  “What do you want, Courtney?” I shift my stance to look up to the apartment. Of course I didn’t bring my cell phone down with me. If she tries anything crazy I need to be able to run up the stairs.

  “Just thought you should know I’m back, and I plan on getting Chris to fall back in love with me.”

  The smirk on my face should tell it all, but I confirm what I’m thinking and say, “Welcome back and good luck with that.” As I turn to walk away, I mumble, “Crazy bitch.”

  Courtney yells at me, "He didn't think I was a crazy bitch when I saw him yesterday."

  Without missing a step, I continue to the apartment. After all Chris' mother did to get Courtney out of L.U., and after Courtney proved she was crazy by stalking him and me if he decides to get back with her, then more power to the both of them.

  Monica looks up from her books and her mouth drops. “Are you that sad that Tanya is leaving?” She shakes her head. “I wish I had a best friend like that from back home.” I plop down on the couch while Monica continues her monologue. “Chicks from my high school were always hating on me being younger than them.” She finally stops talking and looks at me with her brows scrunched. “That’s not it?”

  I shake my head at her and let out a long sigh. “No. Courtney just stopped me outside.”

  “What the…” Monica leaps out of her seat and runs to the window. “Where’s that heffa at?”

  “I don’t even know. I walked away from her before she could say too much. Or do anything too crazy.”

  Monica sits beside me, leaving little space between us. She hasn’t lost her freshman fifteen yet. Fortunately for her the weight landed in all the right places. Her tits were already
overly plump, but now her hips are especially curvy. “I can’t afford to whip her ass.” She looks me squarely in the eyes and says, “I wouldn’t be able to run for student government then.” She laughs.

  I straighten my back and clear my throat. “As your campaign manager I will ensure you have no part in any confrontations that will cost you your chances at student government.” Wrapping my arm around her neck, I continue, “Trust that.”

  Monica jokes about how many different ways she will harm Courtney if given the opportunity to whoop her ass anonymously. There once was a time when I too would be thrilled at the chance to whoop her ass, but if she thinks she has a chance with Chris she is a special kind of crazy. Almost sympathetically crazy, the kind that makes you want to help her. Almost.

  “Are you going to run for sure?”

  Monica bites her lip and hunches her shoulders. “I think I will run. I’ll have to decide before the semester is over.”

  Nicole walks through the door, loud talking on her phone. Monica and I both stare at her until she realizes she’s nearly yelling. She looks at us and pulls the phone away from her ear. “This dude is trying my life.”

  Nicole’s dramatics continue, with her flailing her arms around. Instead of taking the conversation into her room, she stands in the kitchen, rummaging through the refrigerator.

  Monica groans as she stands to grab her books from the table. “I’ll be in my room.”

  I start towards my room when Nicole says, “Wait. I’m getting off the phone.” She grabs a Sprite and bag of chips and walks into the living room. “We need to plan Jennifer’s party.”

  Monica pops her head out of her room. “What party?”

  “For making the dance troupe of course!” She curls her pointer finger towards us, summoning us to join her.

  I plop back down on the couch beside her. “We don’t even know for sure that she made it.”

  Nicole rolls her eyes. “Word on the street is she’s in, and it should be official in a couple of weeks.” She pulls her phone out of her purse. “I think I have a few friends who can make sure we have adult beverages.” She taps a few things on her phone. “We should probably have a few snacks to keep people from getting too tipsy.” She looks at Monica and says, “You can be over snacks.”

  Monica nods her head and says, “I got you. Chips and salsa on deck.”

  Nicole cuts her eyes at Monica. "I'm sure you'll come up with a bit more." She taps her phone a few more times then looks to me. "And you can be in charge of the guest list."

  I’m thankful that my task is pretty simple. I already have a few people I can add to the list. “Got it.”

  Nicole taps her phone a few times then looks up. “I just sent you my list. We have to sneak around and figure out who Jennifer would want to be there.”

  Monica and I exchange glances. “Do you think she has anyone outside of us and her new dance troupe chicks?” Monica says in a whisper.

  Nicole stares into space and then taps her chin. “Maybe. But that’s Laila’s job to figure out.”

  I frown as my job just went from simple to complex in a matter of seconds. Jennifer's no-bullshit attitude leaves little to be desired. I can only pray a few other people on campus find her overly critical nature to be a positive attribute.

  Nicole claps her hands. “Alright, I’m excited.” She stands and walks towards her bedroom. Monica and I shake our heads, and we both head towards our rooms.

  Before I close my door Monica shouts, “I’ll send you my list in a few.” I laugh and close my door behind me.

  Before I can start my invite list I have to put the Courtney situation to rest.

  Laila: Courtney made an appearance today.

  My phone rings, and before I can speak, Chris yells, “What the hell?”

  “Yeah, I walked Tanya to her car, and Courtney appeared before I made it back in the apartment.”

  “Are you okay? What’d she say?”

  “I’m fine. She told me she’s getting you back.” I laugh again at the thought.

  “Hmm.”

  Hmm? That’s all he has to say? Hmm…

  “I should call my mom.”

  “I think we can handle it, Chris. We shouldn’t bring your mom into this mess.”

  “I just don’t want things to escalate like they did last year. Nobody has time to worry about what she plans on doing.”

  “I agree 100%, but let’s just see what happens.” I’m always up for a challenge. If Courtney thinks she can get Chris back, game on.

  “I don’t like her popping up at your apartment. She knows where you live,” Chris says.

  “And she claims she saw you yesterday. Maybe she followed you here.”

  “I haven’t seen her since that night in my apartment.”

  "Well, now we know she's here. I'm sure she'll approach you eventually. How else could she get you back?"

  “You aren’t worried are you?”

  I can hear Chris smiling.

  “I only have room for one crazy girl in my life.” Chris laughs.

  I groan. “Says the one at the center of the craziness.”

  “What are you doing for the rest of the day? I could use some personal time.”

  “I have a party invite list to create. And I should probably do some work. But I’m pretty sure I can squeeze in some time for you.”

  “I like how you just breeze past the party details.”

  “To celebrate Jennifer making the dance troupe.”

  “Hope I make the invite list. When can I come over?”

  "Whenever." I look down at my clothes. I should change out of my outfit from last night. After the party, I crashed. Last night's party made up for Friday, and we stayed until it let out. Mingled in the parking lot, and went to McDonald's afterward.

  My hair is a tangled mess on top of my head and my mascara is smeared across my eyes.

  “Alright, I’ll see you in a few.”

  I start the shower as I hang up the phone. Stripping out of my clothes I have a flashback to the dorms. I'm happy I have a hot and clean shower to step into instead of the cold, germ infested confinement we had in the dorms.

  The hot water runs over my body as I lather up the soap. My body is aching. I was dancing like I was Jennifer last night, or at least I stayed on the dance floor as long as she did. Must’ve been all the liquor I had.

  The door creaks open as I rub my soap over my legs. “What’s up?”

  Nobody responds, so I push the shower curtain to the side and peep out. Chris is pulling his shirt over his head. "Damn you got here quick."

  “Amazing how fast I can drive when I’m motivated.” I stare at him as he drops his pants. “I heard you running the shower as you hung up.” His eyes are full of lust and the smirk on his face gives away all his intentions.

  “Glad I’m still in here. Guess you are joining me?”

  He doesn’t answer as he walks towards me and climbs in the shower.

  He takes my place under the streaming water and takes my mouth without hesitation. As his manhood grows against my thigh, my nipples brush against his chest. Our tongues dance as his hands find their way between my legs.

  He stops kissing me and turns me around to face the back of the shower. Grabbing my towel, he rubs my back, and moans escape me as the aches from last night are starting to ease. His cleansing and massaging continues until he has graced every inch of my body.

  I grab my soap and start to caress his body, but he grabs my hand and whispers, “We won’t have long before the water turns cold.” He turns me back towards the back of the shower. Placing my hands on the shower wall and spreading my legs. He thrusts into me, hard and fast, then gentle and slow.

  It doesn’t take long before my body responds. My legs start to shake. Chris reaches around and massages my clit, and he whispers, “So wet.”

  He kisses down my spine and I lose control screaming, “Oh God!” Chris thrusts one last time, hard and fast.

  I turn around, moving
him from under the stream of water. He stands beside me nibbling on my ear. “I’ll take your crazy any day of the week.”

  We climb out of the shower and towel each other dry. "Did you drive from the frat house here that quick?"

  "No, I was on this side of town." He kisses my forehead. "But even if I weren't I still would have made it here before you stepped out of that shower."

  “Now who is the crazy one?” We both laugh.

  “I couldn’t think about it much earlier cause I had sex on the mind. But what’s up with this party y’all are throwing?”

  “It’ll be in a few weeks when Jennifer is officially in the dance troupe.”

  “Around Thanksgiving?”

  “I forgot all about Thanksgiving.” I cock my head to the side. “Should be before Thanksgiving.”

  “Good, I don’t feel bad for telling you to push that off your agenda for today so we can lounge around watching movies all day.” He smiles. “You have time to get your list together another day.”

  “And you don’t have grad work to do?”

  “It can wait.” He grabs my hand and pulls me into the room. We sit on the bed and he switches on the television.

  As he channel surfs, I lie back on the pillow. “What’s your favorite movie?”

  Without hesitation he answers, “Scarface. Classic.”

  Ironically, that was Travis' favorite movie too. Chris is nothing like my ex-boyfriend. The choice is more relevant to Travis' lifestyle than Chris'. I glance at Chris and smile. Glad I dodged the bullet on that one. I’ll have to apologize to my parents for not trusting their instinct to stay away from the bad boy.

  Chris looks back to me and says, “Yours?”

  With a sheepish grin I say, “Love and Basketball.”

  “Looking for an ending like Monica and Quincy?”

  “Minus the breakup.” I arch my brow at him. “I would love an ending like Monica and Quincy.”

  Chris leans over and kisses me. “Me too.”

  Chapter Fourteen

  Walking through the journalism building, I typically avoid walking past Professor Douglas’ office. The investigation has unveiled a side of him I could never have imagined. A side of him I’m glad I never encountered. Women from over the years have come forward with their stories, and all of them vary from awkward to damn near sadistic.