! BAD GIRLS ! BAD GIRLS !

( a sex and the city fic )

COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY CAMPUS
new york, new york
10:20am

as an educator, i always had a soft spot for campus life. it had a certain charm and energy that i couldn't resist. today, i would acting as a guest lecturer for emmett's environmental science class.

as i walked through the campus to his classroom, i found myself on the columbia university campus, walking through the leafy pathways towards the main university square.

students hurried around me, heads buried in textbooks, coffees in hand, and stressed expressions etched on their faces. i couldn't help but feel deja vu as i thought back to when i was a student at columbia.

i arrived at the classroom, taking a moment to observe the students sitting in their seats. they all looked eager and excited to hear from a guest lecturer.

i took a deep breath and entered the room, trying to exude confidence and authority. the students looked up and turned their attention to me, their faces curious and expectant. i immediately went over to emmett who was seated at his desk.

"hi, em." i said with a smile.

emmett looked up from some papers on his desk, a smile spreading across his face when he saw me. " jamie, hi. you made it." he said as he got up.

i chuckled and shrugged. "of course i did. what kind of person would i be if i ditched you at short notice?"

emmett laughed too. "i know you wouldn't do that but i was a little worried." he said. "the students are very eager to hear your experience after college."

"well, i hope i don't disappoint them." i said, glancing over the students who were sitting at their desks watching us.

"you'll do great, i'm sure of it." emmett said with a reassuring smile. he gestured towards the front of the classroom. "you're welcome to go up and start whenever you're ready."

i took one final deep breath, mentally preparing myself for the lecture. i walked to the front of the room and stood in front of the desks.

the students went silent as i began. "good morning, everyone. thanks for having me as your guest lecturer today. i'm here to talk to you about my experience and journey after college..."

i started into my lecture, sharing my experiences since graduating from columbia. i talked about the ups and downs of finding a job, balancing work life with personal life, and the importance of pursuing passions and dreams. i could see the students paying close attention, making notes and asking questions.

as i continued my story, i began to feel more confident and relaxed. i could feel emmett's eyes on me from the back of the room, watching my every move. it gave me a little kick of motivation, knowing he was there supporting me.

the students seemed engaged and interested in what i had to say, asking questions and even sharing their own experiences as well. before i knew it, the hour-long lecture had flown by.

i let out a deep breath, "so before i head out does anyone have any questions?" i asked.

a few hands shot up around the room, and i nodded to a student in the back row, signaling for them to go first.

the student i pointed to stood up and asked, "how did you handle the stress and pressure of finding a job after college? i'm about to graduate in a few months and im petrified that i won't find a job. what if no one wants to hire me?"

i smiled empathetically, understanding the student's fears. "that's a great question," i said. "and a very relatable one too. it's natural to feel stressed and worried about your future after college. but let me tell you something...the truth is, not everyone lands their dream job right after graduation. i certainly didn't. i had to hustle and work hard to get where i am today." i said to the student. "it's okay if you don't have a specific plan yet. take it one step at a time, focus on your strengths and passions and things will fall into place. also, believe me when i say counselors and paid internships will be your best friends."

the student looked relieved at my words, nodding in agreement. then another student raised their hand. i gestured for them to speak. "how'd you juggle a social life while taking on what you did?" the student said referring to my college life.

i chuckled, "ah the age-old struggle of balancing work and play." i said, looking at emmett who tried to hide a smile. "it's definitely not easy, and trust me, there were times when i felt like there were not enough hours in the day. but you have to find ways to make it work. you have to prioritize and schedule your time."

"what about now? is it hard to juggle a married life, social life and a work life?" another student asked.

the question took me by surprise, and i felt a twinge of embarrassment as the students looked at me expectantly. it was a little uncomfortable being reminded of my own single status, but i quickly composed myself.

"well, i'm not actually married." i said with a sheepish smile. "i'm a single woman, so i can't really speak to juggling a married life...but as for a social and work aspect, it's the same thing. prioritize and schedules."

the students nodded, seemingly understanding my response. then another student spoke up. "so how do you find a good partner?" he asked with a smirk.

i chuckled at the student's boldness. "oh, boy.." i said, taking a moment to think of an answer. "finding a good partner takes time and patience. it's not something you can force. you have to let things happen naturally, and i guess when the right person comes along, you'll just know."

"so you've found your person?" another student asked.

i paused, my eyes briefly locking with emmett's from the back of the classroom. it was brief, but i felt a flutter in my chest. i smiled and looked back at the students. "no, not yet, and that's okay. i'm in no rush." i said.

the students nodded, seemingly satisfied with my answer. then, as if on cue, emmett spoke up from the back of the room. "and that's our cue, guys. class is over."

the students began to pack up their books and bags, clearly sad that the lecture was ending. i took a moment to gather my own things, feeling both a sense of accomplishment and exhaustion.

as the room began to clear, emmett approached me. "you did great up there." he said, a smile on his face. "they loved you. you've still got a way with words."

i chuckled, feeling a mix of gratitude and a bit of nostalgia. "thank you, emmett. it was honestly a blast to share with them. i'm glad they seemed engaged."

"you definitely got their attention." emmett said, looking down at me with his intense gaze. "i was actually surprised they didn't ask you more about your college years."

"yeah, well, they seemed more interested in my love life than my academic career." i said with a wry smile.

emmett laughed, "well, that's college students for you. they're always more interested in the juicy stuff than the mundane details of life after school."

i smiled, shaking my head. "yeah, i guess i should've expected it. they're young and naive, they think there's only sunshine and rainbows after college."

emmett shrugged, a hint of playfulness in his eyes. "well, maybe you just made them too enamored with your charming personality."

"oh, shush." i said, playfully smacking his arm. he laughed, clearly enjoying our banter.

we continued to talk, the conversation naturally flowing between us. there was something comfortable and familiar about being around emmett again, like picking up right where we left off all those years ago.

as we spoke, i caught myself stealing glances at him. he looked different, but in a good way. his boyish charm had transformed into a ruggedly handsome man.

he noticed me looking at him and raised an eyebrow, a smirk on his lips. "what?" he asked in a teasing tone.

i shook my head, embarrassed that he caught me staring. "nothing, you just look...different. i'm just trying to figure out what it is."

"different, as in good or bad?" he asked, his expression showing mock offense.

i laughed, rolling my eyes. "good, of course. you look...grown up." i said, gesturing to his body. "like a proper man, not a college kid anymore."

emmett chuckled, clearly enjoying the compliments. "i could say the same thing about you." he said, his eyes roaming over my figure.

i felt my cheeks blush at his words, feeling a bit self-conscious under his gaze. but i quickly shook it off, reminding myself that we were just old friends. "oh, c'mon, i look like a mess." i said, looking down at myself.

emmett shook his head, his expression turning serious. "that's not true, you look beautiful." he said with sincerity, his eyes scanning my face.

i was taken aback by the sudden intensity in his voice, feeling like there was more behind his words than just a platonic compliment.

but before i could respond, emmett cleared his throat and changed the subject. "anyway, i'm starved. do you want to grab some lunch with me?"

i nodded with a smile on my face, "lead the way." i said before my phone started to ring. as emmett packed up his things, i answered. "hello?" i said.

carrie's panicked voice was on the other end, making it hard to understand her. i frowned, her words coming out in a rushed, breathless manner. "carrie, slow down. i can't understand a word you're saying. what's going on?"

"i told aidan!" she replied.

"told aidan what?" i asked her.

carrie's words came out in a flurry, her voice filled with panic and desperation. "i told aidan about the whole big thing...."

the blood drained from my face as I realized what she was talking about. "how'd he take it?"

"not good...he stomped off! i'm so stupid...stupid, stupid, stupid!" she cried out before she literally started sobbing.

i felt my heart sink. "okay, okay calm down. you're not stupid, carrie." i assured her, trying to keep my own emotions under control.

i looked up at emmett, who had finished packing up and was now looking at me with concern. i gave him a weak smile.

"do the girls know?" i asked.

"no, i'm asking everyone to meet me at my place. i can't stand to be alone a second longer." she said whilst sniffling. "you'll be here, right?"

i looked up at emmett, he stood with his bag slung over his shoulder, he had a soft smile on his face. "i don't know..." i breathed out to carrie. part of me knew i should be there for my friend, but another part of me wanted to hang out with the boy in front of me.

"please.." carrie begged, her voice so desperate and weak that it sent a sharp pain through my heart.

i sighed, knowing that i couldn't say no to her. "i'll be there." i said, looking up at emmett who was still waiting for my response.

his smile faded a bit as he clearly understood the situation. "everything okay?" he asked as i hung up, his voice full of concern.

"not really, no." i said truthfully,. "my friend just got broken up with and is on the verge of a breakdown."

emmett's eyebrows furrowed in sympathy. "that's rough, i'm sorry to hear that..." he said. he paused, clearly contemplating something. "do you...wanna cancel lunch?" he asked, his eyes searching mine for an answer.

"i'm sorry, i have to...but i want a rain check, yeah?" i said as i rubbed his arm.

emmett nodded, understandingly. "of course, go be with your friend. and take your time, i'm not going anywhere." he said with a small smile.

"you promise?" i teased.

emmett chuckled, his expression turning playful. "i promise. i'm going to hold you to that rain check, though."

i chuckled. "i think i'm fine with those terms."

he smiled at me again, his eyes lingering on my face for a moment longer than necessary. "see ya later, jamie."

"bye emmett! and thanks for having me as a guest... i really enjoyed it." i said honestly.

emmett laughed at my formality, but i could tell he appreciated it. "it was my pleasure, jamie. anytime you want to come back, let me know." he said, gesturing towards the class.

i smiled at his words, feeling a sense of nostalgia and warmth. "will do." i said before turning and exiting the class.

CARRIE'S APARTMENT
new york, new york
1:15pm

miranda, charlotte and samantha were already there when i came. carrie had tissues surrounding her as she blew into them.

i entered the room, closing the door behind me. the atmosphere was thick with tension and sadness. carrie's eyes were red and puffy from crying and the girls looked exhausted. they were sitting in a circle on carrie's couch, their expressions a mixture of sadness and concern. a bottle of wine and glasses was on the coffee table.

"hey honey." i said to carrie as i sat down on the couch next to charlotte.

carrie looked up at me with swollen eyes, forcing a pitiful smile. "you came..." she said in a small voice, her words catching in her throat.

i nodded, patting her knee gently. "of course i did." i said. i grabbed a glass and poured myself some wine, feeling like i was going to need it. "how are you holding up?"

"not great..." she mumbled, before burying her head into her hands. the girls and i watched her in silence, feeling a mix of pain and helplessness. it was clear that she was heartbroken and in a lot of pain.  

"what happened, exactly?" i asked gently.

"well today aidan and i were going on a date and i wouldn't let him touch me...and i had to tell him. so i did, i told him that i'd been cheating on him with big for a while now." she sniffled loudly before continuing, "and that really ticked him off. he left for a walk, two hours ago."

"i can't believe you even cheated." charlotte muttered.

"what's crazy is, i ended things with big!" carrie said.

"but it still happened." charlotte said.

"i know, i know. i'm an idiot." carrie said, tears streaming down her face.

miranda reached over and handed her a tissue.

i rubbed carrie's back, trying to give her some comfort.

"you're not an idiot." miranda said firmly. "but you made a mistake and now you have to deal with the consequences."

"hey, it's not like she's doing something that men haven't been doing forever." samantha countered.

"oh, shut up, samantha." i snapped jokingly at her.

"what? it's true!" samantha protested, but before we could say anything carrie cut in.

"that's all irrelevant. what matters is that i hurt aidan. and i don't think he's going to forgive me."  

"he won't." charlotte said harshly. "not anytime soon, at least."

"alright who pissed in your cereal?" snapped carrie.

"are you kidding me?" charlotte said, her voice filled with disbelief. "you just told us you cheated on your boyfriend with a taken man. you're lucky i'm not slapping you right now."

"woah, woah, woah let's relax." i interjected, trying to diffuse the tension. we didn't need a fight right now.

"charlotte's just looking out for you, car." miranda said as she shot charlotte a pointed look.

charlotte rolled her eyes, but thankfully backed off. "i know. i'm just angry."

we all remained silent for a moment, the only sound being carrie's soft crying. i looked around at my friends, feeling a mixture of sadness and compassion. we've been through a lot together, but this felt like a new level...but hey, we were all together.

"i need a vacation after this." carrie said.

"you and me both." i said with a scoff.

we all sat together in silence, lost in our own thoughts. i looked at carrie, who was a pitiful sight. her makeup was smeared, her hair was messy, and her eyes were red and swollen from crying. i couldn't help but feel a pang of pity for her. she had messed up, that was clear. but she was still our friend.

"oh! news!" carrie perked up.

the girls all raised their eyebrows at her, looking at her with a mix of surprise and curiosity.

"what news?" samantha asked.

"i got invited to los angeles to talk about optioning my column to make a movie!" carrie said, her voice still shaky.

"wait, what?" i said, turning to her in shock.

carrie shrugged, a small smile on her face. "yeah, i don't know how it happened but they got in touch with me a few days ago and wanted to talk about making a movie with my column."

"are you serious?" char asked, looking stunned. we all were.

"i wanna take you girls with me...a girls trip!" carrie said with a small and forced smile.

the girls and i exchanged looks, all of us looking dumbfounded. a movie. based on carrie's columns. it was hard to believe.

"wait, but that's huge!" i said, finally finding my voice.

"i know, right?!" carrie said, clearly trying to mask her sadness with excitement.

but we could all see through her facade. she was clearly still distraught over aidan, and trying to cover it up with the excitement of this movie deal.

"well consider my bags packed." samantha said as she rubbed carrie's shoulder.

"yeah, same here." miranda agreed.

charlotte was the only one who wasn't jumping on board. she shot carrie a look that was a mix of frustration and pity. but then she sighed and relented. "alright, fine. you all roped me in."

"woo hoo!!" carrie exclaimed, jumping up from the couch. "girls trip!!"

we all let out a mix of chuckles and groans at her enthusiasm, but deep down we were all a bit excited. a girls trip to LA? count me in.

~~

housekeeping notes!

hi my lovelies- hope you're enjoying this book so far- los angeles will be exciting!

how do we feel about emmett?? he's a cutie pie 🥰

pughdts - tabs i've updated bad girls...gonna need an update of single. especially because i've been obsessed with him as of lately

wanted to let you all know that i've (finally) gotten on an uploading schedule. every friday there will be a new chapter...hopefully more often than that but expect a new chapter once a week on friday's.

i have a jacob elordi fic out now! the first two chapters are out! and i have a cooper koch fic! hope to see you all there 😘

smooches - trix