by Mary Smith
“You’re not worn out from last night?”
“I’m never tired of you, Dart Terrance.” I pressed my lips hard against his.
“Would you two please get a room?” Dash groaned.
“I’m leaving, Dash, calm down.” I patted his shoulder as I followed Garnet out the door.
I could tell by the way she walked across the street that she was upset about something.
“You could have told them thank you.” I informed her, slamming the front door.
“I have a massive headache, and you practically dragged me over there, when I didn’t want to go.” Garnet raised her voice to me.
“Well, excuse me for trying to make you feel welcome.” I used the same tone as she had with me.
“I’m still hung over. I’m fucking going to bed.” She headed toward the stairs.
“Stop using that language.”
Garnet, my baby sister, turned to me, narrowing her light brown eyes. Her face was stone, almost scary. “I don’t think you got the fucking memo, but Mom’s dead, and I sure as hell don’t need another one. I don’t want your pity, or your fucking welcome wagon. I’ve been doing just fine without you for the last three years.”
I couldn’t say a single word. My heart broke at her words, and I watched her run away from me.
Chapter 5 – Dart
“One more, Dash. Come on.” I pushed him to do one more bench-press.
Dash grunted as he pushed up on the heavyweights with all his might. I spotted him until he dropped it into the holder. He sat up, breathing hard, sweat rolling down the sides of his face.
“Good job, brother.” I slapped his back.
“Thanks,” he panted. “You want to go another round?”
I shook my head. “My arms are already burning. We’ve been here for a while now.”
He nodded. “Let’s head home. I need to shower anyway.” He wiped his brow with the bottom of his shirt.
“Me too,” I picked up our bags and checked my phone. I had several missed calls and texts from Daisy. “Shit,” I exhaled.
“What now? Was the sorority girl unable to decide on which nail color to wear this month?” Dash fake gasped.
“Enough,” I told him. “I guess Daisy and Garnet got into an argument. I need to go check in on her.”
Dash took a deep breath. “Of course,” he mumbled.
I ignored his attitude and headed off to the car. I sent Daisy a text telling her I needed to clean up, and then I would be over.
The plan was get home and take a quick shower before calling Daisy to come over. However, when I walked into my bedroom she was already laying on my bed.
“Daisy,” I kneeled beside her on the floor. “Are you okay?”
Her golden brown eyes were puffy, and I could tell she had been crying a lot.
“Oh, Daisy,” I wrapped my arms around her. “It’ll be okay.”
“I don’t think so.” Her voice cracked.
“Hey,” I pulled back. “How about we jump on the bike and go for a ride? Just you and me.”
Daisy nodded, wiping the tears from her eyes.
I took a quick shower and when I was ready I grabbed the keys, yelled to Dash that we were taking the bike, and headed to the garage. When Dash bought the bike, I automatically got Daisy and I matching helmets. Sure, it was girly, but I knew she’d like it. Dash originally said he’d never let me ride the bike, but I knew that wouldn’t last long, especially when he gave me a key.
Once Daisy got settled behind me, I started the bike. I decided to take the scenic route instead of going down the four-lane Route 60. I turned left onto Hal Greer Boulevard, toward Route 10. Daisy tightened her arms around me as I went into each curve. I drove up through the backside of Barboursville Park.
Of all the parks in the area, this was my favorite, because it was large, nicely laid out, and clean. It was out of the way, but I didn’t care. It was well worth it. I headed toward the pond, which had a great running track around it. I parked and Daisy hopped off the bike.
I watched her shake out her blond hair, and my heart jumped. Even after three years, she was still as gorgeous as the first day I saw her. I took her hand and we began walking the track. I waited for her to speak first.
Almost halfway through the first lap, she began telling me what Garnet had said. I held her hand and let her continue. The tears came even harder when she told me what Garnet said about her mom. I guided her over to an empty bench and held her.
I was there with Daisy went Mrs. Bowlings died and I know how hard it was on her and Garnet. Daisy continued to sob on my shoulder, and I rubbed her back.
“What am I going to do? How can I get through to her?”
“Daisy, you need to let her work through whatever she’s feeling. You see what I am going through with Dash.”
She nodded, wiping her face of her tears.
“Support her, that’s what you need to do.”
“I want her to tell me what’s happening, but she’s taken on this tough girl image, and I want my sister back.” Daisy huffed in frustration, pushing her hands through her long blonde hair.
“I know it’s hard, but you need to see things from her view, too. She’s young and needs to work through it.” I squeezed her hand. “Just support her.”
Daisy nodded. “I guess you’re right, but I promised Dad to watch out for her.”
“And you will. She needs to find herself, and work out her own emotions.”
“She doesn’t need me.” Daisy sniffed.
“You’re wrong, Daisy.” I told her firmly. “Right now, she’ll need you more than anything, and you need to be there. Just like you were there for me when I needed you the most.” I smiled at her.
She gave me a small grin back. “I know you’re right, but it’s hard to be patient.”
I cupped her face. “You’re more patient than you think. You put up with Dash almost every day.” I winked at her causing her to giggle.
“Thank you, Dart. I love you.”
“I love you, Daisy.”
Chapter 6 – Dash
The first day of classes has officially arrived. I would admit that I’m excited for this year to start. More importantly, I will be excited to see it end. I always know the fall semester is the hardest; with football, classes, partying, and girls, my schedule is full.
Since I lived so close to campus, I walked to class. I strolled down Sixth Avenue, admiring the lush green trees. It was only a matter of time before they turned to beautiful autumn colors. I don’t know if it was because football would be going full force, or if it was just all that pretty color, but I loved fall.
As I crossed Fifth Avenue, trying to dodge the oncoming traffic, I thought about my first time on campus. Dad had helped us unpack and mom put away our things. She cried the entire time. It was hard to think they had died not too long after that, and my world changed again. I don’t think I’ve ever relied on anyone since except Dart. In fact, I know I hadn’t. He was my rock.
The courtyard in the center of campus was bustling with students going to class. The bright green leaves of the trees shaded me as I made my way through the crowd. Even with all the talking and laughter, I could hear the water rushing of the memorial fountain next to the student center.
Once I reached the third floor of Harris Hall, my eyes caught the back of Garnet’s fire red hair and petite body. From her profile, I could see the panic in her eyes.
“Are you lost?” I leaned in close to her ear, catching the hint of rose petals.
Garnet jumped. “No,” she barked.
“I think you’re lying.” I called her out on her bluff.
She huffed loudly. “Fine, I just got out of class, and I’m not sure where Smith Hall is, and the Wi-Fi sucks in this building for the map to come up on my phone.”
“I could help you, but you were rude to me yesterday.”
Her mouth dropped. “Excuse me; you were being a jerk to me.”
“I was simply telling th
e truth.”
Garnet crossed her arms, popping her hip out.
“Did I say anything that wasn’t true? Nope. If it came across rude, it’s probably because I toted you up to your bedroom instead of getting laid in mine.” I informed her.
“Ugh, fine,” she growled. “Thank you so much, great Dash Terrance, for carrying my fat ass up all those stairs. Thank you for making sure I was safely tucked away in my bed. I’m ever so sorry that you couldn’t get your dick sucked by some ho-bag. Will you ever forgive me?” She dramatically placed the back of her hand on her for head, as if she was about to faint.
“See, was that apology so hard.” I teased her. “And yes, you are forgiven.”
Garnet dropped her hand, narrowing her glare at me. “It’s not a real apology.”
I gasped. “No? It seemed so genuine.”
I could tell she was trying to hold back the smile. “Dash, would you please direct me to Smith Hall before I’m late? Please.”
“Go out the Third Avenue side of the building, turn left, it’s the large building before the art gallery.”
She jumped up and kissed my cheek. “Thanks, Dash,” and raced down the stairs.
I chuckled, shaking my head. She definitely wasn’t like Daisy, and I liked that about her. I was thankful that I only had three classes today; it gave me plenty of time to get home and get ready for the afternoon practice.
The sun was blazing on the field, and I felt myself roasting under my shoulder pads. Coach continued to run the same routes until we had it perfect.
“My legs are burning.” Dart stood next to me, as I chugged water down.
“Yours? Mine are about to fall off.” I didn’t dare sit on the bench; I wasn’t sure I’d be able to get back up.
“Want to lift weights when were done?”
“Fuck, no.”
“Figured.” He slapped my helmet and jogged onto the field to practice his place. I was glad Dart was finally getting his chance this season. I knew how much talent he had, and he was going to be great for the team.
I wish my parents could have seen us play together at the college level. When I scored my first touchdown, I almost cried when I realized my parents weren’t there, but Dart was cheering for me. However, I pushed through that pain and it made me even more determined to succeed.
When the sun began to set, practice ended. After I showered and changed, Dart told me he and Daisy were going out to dinner. I jumped on my bike and headed back to our house.
All I thought about was a cold beer and my bed, as I pulled into the driveway. Instead, I saw a large box by our front door. I locked my bike in the garage, and walked up to the package. The label read Garnet Bowling. I picked up the box, which was heavier than it looked, and went across the street.
“What are you doing here?” Garnett asked as she opened the door.
“This was delivered to our house by mistake.” I nodded down to the box in my hand.
“My books!” She happily clapped. “Put them on the dining room table.” She stepped out of the way.
I barely sat it on the table when Garnet began to tear away the clear packaging tape.
“You are certainly excited about some books.” I chuckled.
“If I wasn’t dancing, or at dance practice, I’d have my nose in a book. I was upset Dad didn’t have this box in the truck.” She ripped open the flaps, revealing bubble wrap covered books.
“Wow, you must really love them.”
Garnet nodded. “A lot of these were my Mom’s books.”
I heard the sadness in her voice, but I didn’t say anything. I knew what those possessions meant to her, because I had a few of my parent’s things and I wouldn’t part with them for anything.
“But this one,” she said more proudly, unwrapping the book. “Is all mine.” It had a ratty cover, and I couldn’t quite tell who the author was, until I saw the spine.
“Edgar Allan Poe,” I said aloud.
“Don’t you dare tease me about it.” She raised her voice at me. “He’s my favorite author, and you don’t even begin to understand how much he means to me.”
“I wasn’t planning on making fun of you.”
She looked at me for a second. “Thanks.”
I gave her a tight smile before telling her I had to leave.
“Hey, Dash,” she caught me right before I walked out of the dining room. “Thanks for today. I mean that, thank you.”
For the first time since I’d met her a couple days ago, I saw the vulnerability in her face instead of the stone cold stare. I could have been a dick and made fun of her about it, but I wasn’t.
“You’re welcome.” I said as I left her in the dining room with her box.
When I strolled into my house, I planned to go straight to bed, but something stopped me when I reached my bedroom.
My room was large but was never as tidy as Dart’s. He was a clean freak. I had two laundry baskets: one for dirty and one for clean clothes. I hardly hung anything up except the suits that I was required to wear on game day.
On the other side of the room was my desk, which was already covered in textbooks, and a large bookcase sat in the other corner. One of my father’s hobbies was carpentry, and he built this case when I was a teenager. He’d done it because he was tired of seeing all my books on the floor.
My love of reading was a secret from almost everyone. Obviously, Dart knew the truth, but everyone else assumed I was English Literature major, because it was an easy subject. If only they knew the truth, it was harder than they thought.
I looked at the titles of my books. The majority of them were Edgar Allan Poe. The first time I read him I was a freshman in high school. I enrolled in an elective class and thought it would help me meet girls. Sadly, it didn’t but I was introduced to reading and Mr. Poe.
I never looked back.
Chapter 7 – Garnet
I had never been so thankful for Friday to come. My first week in college was pure hell. However, I did it; I made it through.
I threw my bag in the corner and flopped on my bed, pulling off my boots. My feet were aching, but I loved those hot pink peep toed boots.
“Good, your home,” Daisy was in my doorway. “What time are you going to be at the sorority house?”
I sat up on my elbows. We haven’t really talked since I blew up at her last weekend. It was mainly small questions and short answers; I was fine with that, because I don’t regret what I said. Daisy needed to hear it.
“What are you talking about, Daisy?”
“Tonight is the sorority rush. You need to be there by eight.”
I shook my head, setting up fully on my bed. “I’m not going to rush anything, unless it’s a shot of vodka.”
“But-” She looked like I had punched her in the face. “How are you going to meet people? You need to start making connections for your future and you should start now.”
I rolled my eyes and stood up. I was much shorter than Daisy, but I crossed my arms, and stared her down. “I will meet people and make connections the old-fashioned way, by talking to people.”
“The sorority will look great on your resume.”
“Stop. Just stop talking. I’m not you. I don’t need to dye my hair blonde and learn how to play beer pong to gain friends. So, why don’t you put on your string pearls, and your boyfriend’s letter jacket, and leave me the fuck alone.”
The tears were pooling in her eyes, and my heart broke a little, but I wasn’t her, and I didn’t need her bossing me around and telling me what to do and how to live my life.
“Fine,” she turned and walked away from me.
I slammed the door and felt a little shitty. I rubbed my temples and sat on the edge of the bed. I needed a drink, badly.
My phone alerted me with a text from a girl I’d talked to in my English class. She sent me the address of the party she had been telling me about.
Perfect.
~~
The party was loud and everyone was cro
wded into the tiny apartment. I didn’t even know how much I’d already drunk, but my vision was blurry. I had to quit drinking; I knew it, if I was going to make it home tonight. I really wanted to, too, but none of these guys looked like they had the goods that I wanted right now.
Only one guy had caught my eye. Dash Terrance. He was standing with a couple of others, and I was surprised to see that no girls were around him. I had heard about his reputation from Daisy since she and Dart started dating. Yet, I hadn’t seen him with anyone in the week I’ve been here.
I stumbled toward him, trying not to bump into anyone, but that wasn’t working out so well. I practically slammed into him when I was within reach of him.
“Garnet, what the hell are you doing here?”
“I have friends,” I proudly announced to him.
“Good for you.” He looked at me confused.
“Okay, I’m going to need to get sex,” I slurred.
Dash smirked. “Do you mean a drink?”
“Nope, sex.” I shook my head, which caused me to lose my balance.
He grabbed my arm, steadying me. “I’ll take you home.” Dash told his friends he’d see them later, and he took my hand. I was too numb to understand that his fingers were intertwined with mine. I could barely get my legs to walk.
“What’s that smell?” I took a deep breath when we were out on the sidewalk.
“Fresh air?”
“No,” I leaned into him. “It’s you.”
“Well, I did shower today, and I put on clean clothes.”
“You smell good.”
“I do love when a drunk girl tells me that,” he rolled his eyes.
He was still holding my hand when he asked how I got to the party.
“I told you already; I have friends. I don’t need Daisy to help me.”
Dash pinched the bridge of his nose. “Great, you’re one of those types.”
“What type?”
“The kind you never shuts up.”
“I’m not a slut.” I jerked my hand away from his, and lost my balance. I don’t know what happened, but I was giggling looking up to Dash from the ground.
