Hello lovely readers!!! Hope all of you guys are well and safe. These are tough times indeed but I do hope everyone is okay. 💖💖💖

Here's another chapter for you guys.

Do lemme know what you guys think.

May God bless you and your families always and forever. 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

Please stay safe beautiful people.

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AJ's POV

"What do you mean?" I frowned at her. I couldn't hide the fact that I was bummed out by her dissapointing tone.

"I mean he's so....so I don't know, bookish?" Willow said, thinking out loud.

"What's wrong with that?" I prodded like a child. Maybe I wanted her to like him too. Willow was my close friend so I wanted her to approve him with a big smile on her face.

What the fuck was wrong with me?!!

We're not even together! We're barely even friends and now I want all of my friends' approval? What am I doing? I'll probably take him to see my parents in two weeks. I can imagine myself dragging a poor, clueless Eli into my parents' study and begging them to anoint him as Son-in-law.

"Willow, stop being so bitchy. AJ can like whoever she wants to like. He's a smart guy who's really good in his studies. Isn't that a good thing? And look! He can make her blush! Who else in this God forsaken university has managed to do that?!" Noah spoke as he held my wrist.

"Yup and he's nice to everyone. That's very important." Cora stressed out, smiling at me. My mood lifted as I heard them talk. Willow remained skeptical but eventually she said she will be glad for my sake. 

I sighed you myself. If only Eli heard this ridiculous conversation.

As the minutes ticked by, I told them about the cupcakes as well. They thought it was funny. Willow said it was creative but it was also the last thing anyone would do.
Proceeding to say that that's why she enjoys being my close friend.  I didn't tell them about the notes of course. It was simply too embarrassing to even bring the words out.

I made a mental note to tell Cora though. I don't usually keep things from her.

Cora and Noah laughed and asked me to bake them cupcakes too.

~~~~~~~~~

After our lengthy conversation in the cafe, we all went back to our rooms and I had a peaceful nap up until six thirty in the evening. Yes, I love long naps.

"AJ!!! I won't tell you again! Get up and go shower already!!"

"Yeah, yeah." I grumpily stomped my way into the bathroom.

Fifteen minutes later I was already out. Cora had taken her shower before me so she was busy doing her make up. Did I mention that she was super good at it?  Well she was. Cora always wanted to be a professional beautician but her parents advised her against it.

They were not bad people. They were just the type of parents who wanted her to do something 'more secure.' Although Cora respected her parents' wishes, Mr and Mrs Charles did not fail to see her interest. When Cora was only sixteen, they allowed and even paid for her to attend an eight month beautician course. Now, she was an expert in makeup and hair.

Willow was good with fashion of course. I am aware that I'm not into these things but I like the way I dress myself. I am comfortable with wearing my type of clothes and my kind of makeup. Cora often grumbles when I don't go to her but when that happens, I pretend like she doesn't exist.

That is not possible at this particular moment because she was standing in front of my face.

"I can do your hair you know."

"It's fine, I got it. I'm just gonna straighten it so no worries." She gave me a dissapointed look. I only shrugged at her.

"At least let me do your eyes AJ! You know how I love to do smokey eyes. Its will go great with your outfit." She was almost pleading with those puppy eyes. I pierced my lip and stared at her. She wasn't going to give up so AJ was forced to lift up her white flag. Yes ladies and gentlemen, even the AJ has to give in once in a while.

"Are you thinking and referring to yourself in the third person again?" She raised her brow.

"Yes I am and fine. You can do my eyes." She squealed and made me to sit still on the bed once I was done with my hair.

"Hold still!!!"

"Isn't that too much?! You're taking too much time!"

"For once just shut up and relax AJ! I know what I'm doing," Cora scolded me.

"Errghhh!!"

"Girl, don't you growl at me." Even with my eyes closed, I could feel her giving me that mama attitude.

About twenty minutes later, she was done. She also took this rare opportunity to fix my overall makeup.
Shaking my head at her, I walked up to the mirror. My eyes widened in astonishment as I gazed at my reflection. Unlike all the other times, Cora decided to do a bold look on me. I looked different yet I was still me. She managed to artistically bring out my personality through her makeup.

It was a good different.

I didn't actually think this type of makeup and color would suit me but it did. The smokey eye shadow around my amber eyes was done with detail. It looked brown from a distance but as I observed my face more closely, I could see around four different colors. Other than that, Cora's blood red lipstick was my new favorite color.

My best friend was a very talented person and she could shine through any crowd. How I wish she would see how awesome she actually was and not focus on her plus size body that she looks down upon. The worst part was that she gets bullied for being a little fat. Some low lives even tease her for her frizzy hair. Hair which I admire.

Cora wasn't the type to talk back and so she would just ignore them. It was getting worse because they take advantage of that.

People take advantage of gullibility.

I hate the fact that she doesn't fight back. She always tells me that it isn't worth it but if you don't stand up for yourself, who will?

Noah was right. We won't be with her forever.

Realizing where I stood, I snapped out of my thoughts. I did not want to ruin our mood and so I put a smile on my face.

"I....I...whoa," I stuttered and laughed. "I love it." I said to her smug self. She was proud of her work as she should be.

"Finally! I knew you'd like it but I was waiting for you to say something!! You look hot AJ. Maybe you'll sleep with a handsome stranger. Or should I say a cute nerd." She winked at me. I rolled my eyes and began to wear my shoes.

Just then I received a whatsapp message.

"It's Willow, she's waiting at the entrance of our block." I said to Cora. Cora looked amazing with her light make up and the white short dress. It was sleeveless, with a V-neck and it stopped right above her knees. It was a soft material and it looked amazing on her brown skin. She had all the right curves and she was definitely going to turn a lot of heads in her direction. Her hair shined with those sexy curls and she had that sparkle in her eyes.

Haven't seen that in some time. I frowned at the thought.

"Hey Cora?"

"Just a sec. Where is that purse?" she grumbled. Digging into her cupboard she finally found it. "Yes AJ?" She turned to me.

"How's this university life treating you?" I asked seriously and I remained serious even when she chuckled.

After she sobered up, she stared at me. "AJ why the sudden question?"

"I was just wondering that's all. So answer me."

"It's going great you weirdo. I'm doing fine."

"And if there was anything that's not fine, you would tell me right?" I asked stoically.

"Okay first off, Willow is waiting so we should leave. Get up. Secondly, I dunno what has gotten into you, but I'm enjoying my life. I'm not in any danger AJ. I'm not some lost puppy!" She shook my shoulders as we left our room.

Once she closed the door, I swiftly turned her around. "But, if anything does happen, anything bad in the slightest, you will tell me right?" She placed her hands on her hips and stared back at me. "I will oh great AJ. I will. You happy now? Let's go."

Before I could say anything, she walked ahead of me. I've known her for a long time. Too long. She was trying too hard so that means something was wrong. I don't know what but it's there. I can sense it. It's infuriating that I can't force it out of her. Maybe I was mistaken but she's not completely, wholeheartedly happy.

"Hey!! Come on!!" She broke me out of my thoughts.

~~~~~~~

"Looking good AJ!!!" Willow squealed. Noah whistled the moment I came out. I faked a shy wave and cat walked towards them. Thank God there was no one around.

"Lookin' beautiful Cora." He winked at her making her to push his shoulder.

"Prepared to get drunk ladies?" Noah turned up the music as he sped out of the boring blocks that we called our dorms.

~~~~~~~~

"There it is!!! Oh gosh! Now that's a party!!" Willow was getting on my ear drums and they were not happy.

All four of us stared at the huge double story house before us. The numerous lights made the house to really stand out among the rest. Music was blasting and people flooded the entire area. Oh look, there was also a pool.

Willow clapped her hands together and got out of the car. I was surprised that we even found a parking spot. The moment we walked into the front gate, I could feel the raw excitement radiating off of Willow. She was skipping happily next to me.

"Oh, Ohh!! There he is!!" She squealed again. I rolled my eyes before turning to her.

"What Willow? If you didn't spot a gigantic fountain made of ice-cream, you have no excuse for the destruction of my eardrums." She made a face at me and turned my head to the left.

"You see that guy near the barbeque stand? The tall one. Talking to the shirtless guy." She pointed at a random dude.

"The one wearing the grey t-shirt?" I asked her.

"Yeap, the super hot one," she chirped. "He's Rylen. This is his party."

"Ahh," I muttered and observed our host as Willow and Noah chatted with a few people.

Willow was right. He was tall and also well built. I could see the tattoos that covered his left arm and there were some peaking out of his T-shirt neckline. He turned around to greet a group of students. His demeanor was quite rugged and he only managed a tight smile when the group greeted him. He kept on a hard exterior for some reason. He was very, very familiar. I slightly nodded in understanding.

I knew who he was.

I understood the brooding style, the ink, the piercing, the hard look. Everything.

He was the alpha.

The alpha of the queen bees.

The leader of the sorority sisters.

He was their sorority mother.

I smiled at my joke and followed my group.

Noah and Willow walked into the house like they owned the place while Cora and I followed in suit. There were humans everywhere. Literally everywhere. My antisocial personality was ready to abandon my physical form. I needed a drink.

I turned around to inform Cora but she was no longer standing beside me.

Did she just abandon my introvert ass?

Grumbling to myself, I walked over to the food corner. All types of junk food were stretched across a large rectangle table. There were two punch bowls at both ends of the table. Both were filled with alcohol. Exactly what I needed.

Using the punch ladle, I filled up my yellow paper cup with the drink and proceeded to take a huge gulp. The raspberry flavour exploded in my mouth while the alcohol left a burning trail along my throat.

Not bad.

I filled up my cup again and then decided to explore the house. It was a double story, corner house with a lot of land. Hence the mega sized pool. I didn't want to venture too deep so I decided against walking up the stairs.
As I roamed around the first floor which was a difficult thing to do might I add, due to the countless amount of humans, I took note of how's big the living room space was. I also came across four rooms and I haven't even covered the other half.

Just how big is this house? These guys were definitely loaded.

Or at least their parents were.

After half an hour I got tired of my mini adventure. So tired that I did not bother to explore the outside. Boy, was I a lazy person tonight. My feet carried me towards the very comfortable looking couch in the living room. I didn't want to go there because it was where the majority of the youths were but when my whole body demanded that I rest, I ignored my surroundings and walked quickly towards the living room.

But not before filling up my cup again.

"Oh this feels so good. My butt definitely approves," my sighed and snuggled deeper into the plush sofa. Just as I was about to take a sip of my drink, I heard soft laughter.

I opened my eyes and then looked towards the source. Let me tell you, I was beyond grateful for the dim lights and the loud music and the crowd and basically the whole atmosphere, excluding my blushing self.

Eli was laughing at me. Or rather at what I had said earlier.

Me and my big mouth.

"It's okay, don't mind me. Just go back to relaxing." He smiled widely.

"Um...y..you heard. Great." I stuttered and stared at my drink. He laughed again and proceeded to sit beside me. I turned towards the side and made a face of disbelief.

He was here. Finally!!

"I'm really glad you came AJ. I didn't know what to do all this while." Okay AJ. You need to go back to being a badass. Play it cool. Don't spill the fucking drink.

I took a huge gulp of my punch and relaxed my back. "What were you doing? I'm sure you'd be enjoying the party whether or not I attend."

"I would have been okay with the party but I can't say that I would have enjoyed it. I'm not into these things and I'm bad at socializing. I'm really glad you came." He told me earnestly.

Marry me Eli.

I will say I do I swear!

"Erhmm," clearing my throat, I looked away for a second. Man, this guy! "So what were you doing before you saw me here?"

"Walking aimlessly outside," he let out a nervous chuckle. Was he lying?

"Eli, if you don't really enjoy parties why did you decide on attending this one?"

"Um, just cause. I mean I should at least come for a few throughout the supposedly best years of my life," he quoted with his hands. "Plus, you're here now so it's all good." I stared at him skeptically. He was always alone. Eli never socialized much. I mean I never saw him chilling at campus or anywhere around the area. It was always him and his books and I only ever get to see him near his lecture hall or in it. He didn't even bring a friend along and he got invited by the queen bees? Not to be judgemental or anything but it was just.....

Odd.

"You here with a friend?" Just to make sure.

"Nah, just me. As usual." He looked at his lap.

Now I know he was hiding something but then again who cares. Everybody has secrets and everybody has stuff they don't wanna share. Who am I to dig in? I don't care and I didn't think about any of it.

"You want some chips? I wanna go get some." His eyes brightened up at what I said. Am I the cause of that? I sure hope so.

"Yeah I do. Wait, let me come with you. There's a variety of snacks." Eli and I strode over to the long table filled with snacks. Instead of thinking too much, I grabbed one bag of potato chips and hugged it to my chest.

"Hey pour that on the plate. You can't have the whole packet!" Some cactus airhead whined next to me. This guy was also drunk as hell. Fortunately for me, I was a little drunk too. I held the bag of chips closer to me.

"Oh, yeah? Why don't you grow up and take one of the other bag of chips. In case you're blind, there's a whole lot over there!"

"Stop being a jerk." Came his lame, weird reply. The girl next him, who I think was his girlfriend, was trying to pull him away from the table.

"Come on Leo, enough with the chips already," she said sternly. This girl was beautiful. Her hair was dyed a deep shade of red and her dark skin was so smooth and flawless. She had a great, fit body too.

"Why do I have to look like a potato?" My drunk self mumbled to her. Oops.

She raised a brow at me and looked towards the bag of chips in my arms. "Maybe that's why." She bit back and rolled her eyes at me.

Rude much.

I wanted to say something bad to her but I had more pressing issues. I noticed her guy trying to snatch my chips away. Thinking fast, I slapped his hand, stuck my tongue out at him and walked away like a kid who won a medal. I vaguely heard the two of them throw a few childish insults at me but I was too content with life at the moment. I had a huge bag of chips in one hand, a cup alcohol in my other hand and a very attractive person to look at.

Eli was busy getting a bowl from the lower cabinets in the kitchen.

"Shall we get a little bit of everything?" He turned to me. I looked at his beautiful brown eyes and simply nodded. His voice was so calming, I could just agree with anything he said. Even if he said Elton John was a pregnant chinese gangster.

Once he got the snacks, I followed him to the couch again. Just then I thought about something. He really knew his way around the kitchen. He didn't look for the bowl or his glass. He just knew where they were.

Maybe he's come here before.

"How's the chips?"

"Heavenly," I sighed. "The punch is really good too." I giggled. Either the alcohol content was extremely high or they mixed a few types of alcoholic drinks into the punch because I know it would usually take a while for me to get this tipsy. Proud to admit that I have high tolerance for alcohol. But not right now. Why?!

"Yeah, I can see you like it." He eyed my glass.

"And why are you not drinking anything goody goody? You're not even eating." He proceeded to take my cup and finished my drink in one gulp.

"Happy?"

"That was a nasty move." I sulked while I stared at my empty cup. He chuckled without a care and pulled me up.

"Let's go see the outside."

"You want to swim?" I asked him as we walked through the side door. It was quite a chilly night but since I was walking with my crush I felt as if I had a radiator for a stomach.

"No but we can just walk around-"

"And jump into the pool," I giggled again. "Do you know all my friends abandoned me? They do this all the time which is why I usually flash them the red card if it's anything to do with parties. Don't you just hate it when people do this?! I mean they didn't have to separate the second we stepped in right? They could have waited a while you know. Hey the pool is really nice. Can I push you in and take a photo?" I'll rambled on and on. Why do I have to be such an annoying talkative drunk?!

Eli looked at me oddly and then smiled. So fucking cute.

"You cannot push me in AJ. Why do-"

"I'm really glad they separated themselves from me tonight though. Really glad." I blurted. AJ, time for you to shut that hole in your face.

Change topic.

Change topic.

Talk about movies!

About nature!

About that random fat guy who was about to lose his pants!

Anything!!

"They've given me the privacy I so badly wanted." Shut. Up. Already.

Eli looked at me curiously. "Why are you glad? You wanted to be alone?"

With you!!

"At least I get to talk to someone worth talking to." I couldn't wipe the grin that was plastered on my face as I said this.

Real smooth. Now stop.

Turning to gauge his reaction, I caught a light blush on his cheeks. Then he suddenly stopped walking and turned his body towards me. His brown eyes stared into my amber ones. He was really looking at me. Studying my face, my hair, my makeup, my clothes, all of me. From top to bottom.

"Y..you like talking to me?" His tone was laced with disbelief.

"Why wouldn't I? You're so easy to talk to and many people these days simple aren't." I shrugged and stared back at him while I played with my fingers. I've never felt this nervous.

"But you're AJ." He said quietly.

"So? What do you mean?" I furrowed my eyebrows andlooked at him.

"You're the girl. You're cool, strong, confident, super hot! I....I mean pretty, gorgeous, I mean-"

"I know what you mean. Thanks." I smiled widely.

He thought I was pretty??!!!

"Why would you like talking to someone as boring and plain as me?" He looked downwards.

"Because your plain personality makes up for all the chaos and crap I'm constantly surrounded by." Came my simple reply. It shocked him nevertheless. "Don't always put yourself down Eli. Remember what you said when I told you I was boring?" I lightly punched his shoulder.

Wasn't that such a guy thing to do? What the hell AJ?! You just unknowingly friend zoned him.

"I didn't mean to hit your shoulder. It's just....that's me." I blew out a breath. Fortunately, Eli thought it was funny. He laughed and took a small step towards me.

Emergency!! Emergency!!!

I sucked in a deep breath as he looked into my eyes.

"Oh look!! The two idiots I hate the most!!"

I am going to kill her. I don't give a fuck about going to jail. I will tear her into pieces.

Eli and I immediately stepped back and I glared at Elizabeth Pierce. One of the queen bees had his arm draped over her shoulders.

"What do you want?" I asked her icily.

"Hmm, what if I told you I want you to simply cease to exist? Both of you. I mean what are the two of you nerds doing in a party like this?"

"And what are you doing in this university Elizabeth? How did you even get in?" I was genuinely curious.

"I always get what I want AJ." She gritted out and glared at Eli. I understand why she hates me but what did Eli ever do to her?

"Where is he?" She ignored me and diverted her attention to Eli. The queen bee next to her winked at me. I rolled my eyes at him when he stepped closer to me.

"And who might you be? How did I miss a hot piece like you?" He eyed me from head to shoes. His look wasn't at all like the one Eli gave me. This guy just grossed me out.

"Go away." I muttered and stood closer to Eli.

"Where the fuck is he?!"

"I don't know Lizzie. I really don't. Maybe he's in the game room with the rest of the guys. Why are you always asking me? You are hanging out with one of his buddies." Eli pointed at the queen bee. "Please just ask him." Eli was having trouble keeping the redhead out of his face. Come on. She didn't have to stand so close.

"He said he doesn't know. Why don't you walk away?" It was more of a statement from me.

"She's hot," the queen bee slurred focusing on me. This made Lizzie even more furious.

"I'll do whatever the fuck I want!! Why don't-"

"Let's go AJ," Eli grabbed my hand and walked us the other way before I could do anything.

"Yeah!! Run away nerds! You know AJ, you're exactly like that fat ass Cora. Just had fun with her and her stupid face!"

That's it.

"AJ wait!! It's not worth it! She's just trying to get to you." I briefly gave Eli an apologetic look and marched over to Lizzie with pure rage.

"Oh look who's grown-"

"Shut up!" I stepped right in front of her,  bringing my face closer to hers while I pointed a my forefinger at her. She visibly paled but I didn't care. I didn't care that people were starting to watch. I didn't care that Eli was right behind me and I certainly didn't care about Lizzie trying to move away. She should have known better.

"Listen here you spoilt, ungrateful brat. You can throw all your shit on me and insult me all you want. I can take it and I have been putting up with your pathetic self because I never run away. However, take this as my first and final warning. If you ever do anything in anyway to hurt my best friend again, I will see to it that you're expelled from this place with one hell of a report. And that report will make sure you don't easily get into any other university or even a basic educational institution you hear me? Don't mess with me and don't ever go near Cora again. I mean it this time Lizzie. Go flaunt your plastic crown to some other student." She took a big step back back as I ended. She looked nervous but I only glared at her and walked away.

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