F•R•I•E•N•D•S

E•I•G•H•T

If the constant flaring of his nostrils or the way he clenched and unclenched his jaw didn't show me he was angry, then the unnecessary gripping of the steering wheel sure did.

Everly, not one for confrontation, simply sits unmoving beside me in the backseat; neither of us wanting to ride shot gun.

Once back on campus Ben parks my car and silently accompanies us to our room. As soon as the door shuts, his mouth opens.

"Are you freaking insane? You could have gotten yourself in big trouble back there," he starts.

Walking over to my bed I roll my eyes, not in a mood to be scolded.

"Calm down Ben, I had everything under control," I sigh, lying down on my back.

"Sure as hell didn't look like it. Well, whatever happened back there won't happen again," he states sure of himself.

After making himself clear he heads over to the door, one sturdy foot in front of the other.

"Whatever. At least I get to blow off steam at the party tonight," I smile despite the situation.

His feet cease their movement and his eyes are on me again.

"Party? What party?"

Me and my big mouth.

"It's just a little get together over at one of the frat houses. Nothing's going to happen, I swear," I'm sitting upright now, desperation practically dripping off my voice.

"No way am I letting you go anywhere after what happened at the mall."

"But you won't even-"

"No buts, it's final," he says authoritatively.

"You're not even my dad!" I'm ticked off by his commands.

"You're right, I'm not. But I am your bodyguard and it's my job to keep you safe."

And with that, Benson Clarke walks out the door with the final say.
Everly who's been sitting on her bed with book in hand, watching our interaction with curious eyes speaks up for the first time since we got back.

"I'm sorry Kennedy, I know how much you wanted to go to that party," she says almost sympathetically.

I face her, pulling on a wicked grin before heading over to the front door where we dropped our bags.
Holding up mine with grin still intact, I speak.

"Who says we're not going?"

***

If you ever tried to baptize a cat, then you'd know how I felt. If you ever tried to pet a dog while he's eating, then you'd understand what I had to go through.

Beside me, Everly stumbles in her three inch heels, having never worn any. I literally had to fight to put them on her; especially makeup. What girl doesn't jump at the chance to wear Huda Beauty eyeshadow palettes and Fenty Beauty foundation?

Don't get me wrong, everyone has their preferences but with me being the 'girly girl' that I am, I thoroughly enjoy it.

We were currently walking to the most coveted frat house on campus.
It's windows were glass, frame made of sparkling stone. The house itself was two stories high and took up a considerable amount of space.

The hip-hop music blasting from the inside of the mansion can be heard from blocks away.

Soft blades of grass tickle the sides of my feet through the yellow designer heels I'm wearing.
The dress stops by the middle of my thigh and hugs my curves warmly. My makeup is kept natural and my bleached curls hang about my shoulders.