Broken

Chapter Forty-One: Jordan

It was Saturday, the day of the party. Today I was going to end all of this bullshit (excuse my French). Overnight I couldn't sleep. There was too much about to go down and I was buzzing with excitement. But first things first. In fear of my life, I was on my way to Karen's house. I called earlier that morning, spoke to her mother, yata, yata. Long story short: she hates me but loves Karen. We agreed this was the last time we were seeing each other. Ever. Fair trade for both of us.

Louis let me borrow one of his nicer shirts. Well, let me rephrase. I stole one of his nicer shirts, he caught me, but Katrina let me go. She was dressed in a romper she made last night. Louis really liked it. I did too, but it's not like I could tell her. I couldn't tell Katrina anything anymore without her hating me.

I knocked on the door. The back door. That was one of our agreements. Her mom didn't want the neighbors to get suspicious.

"I got it!"

I stepped back as soon as Karen opened the door. She looked beautiful. She wore a red dress with white spots all over. Her lips were bright red and her hair was combed back with a bandana. She kind of looked like Minnie Mouse, but still pretty.

"You look nice."

"Thanks. I, um, really like your shirt. Creme is a good, um, color on you."

"Thanks."

Karen and I didn't say much on the way there. There was nothing to talk about, I mean I essentially dumped her. And this was essentially forced statutory rape. It wasn't until we were closer to the party she started talking.

"Why don't you want to see me anymore?"

"You're too young."

"I'm not a kid."

"But still young. You're still a high schooler. I'm a graduated adult."

"But you're, um, twenty one."

"Yeah."

"It's only five years."

"Karen, five years is too long. And I have to take care of Katrina and the baby when we go home."

She stopped. "You're leaving me."

"I have to. I can't stay here."

"Well, um, Katrina seems just fine staying right here."

"She'll thank me later. She's carrying my kid, I don't care who she's slept with, Karen, I can't leave her here."

"I'm sure Louis wouldn't--"

"He has his hands full already. He doesn't need another mouth to feed." I continued walking. It took a second for her to catch up. We finally got to the frat house. It was a typical two-story brick house with the name carved right above the door. I'm sure one of them was a kappa, or something.

"Just have fun tonight, okay?" I smiled as much as I could, but we both knew I didn't mean it.

Karen walked ahead of me and met Renee-Leah by the door. She was wearing a romper, too!

"Ren, what are you wearing?" Karen gasped.

"It's something Katrina made for me. Honey, this is the best thing since sliced bread, and I'm telling you that Katrina is a genius! When I went to check on Beverly she was wearing it and I wanted one. I actually got the idea from Beverly, but I'm sure he got it from her. She could probably make you one, too. I just gave her one of my old dresses and she did on the spot for a few bucks."

"I wish I thought of that."

"You still look fine, honey, loosen up. Hey, Jordan!" She came over and gave me a hug. I grinned.

"Alright, have y'all seen Nancy and Tim? I want to spend all my time with her before she leaves."

"I haven't heard from her."

I shook my head.

"Ugh! These people! Where's the music! Honey these legs are here for a party, not a funeral!" She whipped around her blonde curls in a tight ponytail and ran towards the jukebox.

There weren't many people but we were ten minutes early. The football team wasn't even there yet. It was almost six. It was going to be a long night.