Jillian Dodd - Hate Me

“Much better,” Dallas says, chilling.

While I'm up, I look at the map of exits curiously, and text Cam.

Me: The party gods are bowing down to your greatness. But a question. We came out in Hawthorne. Any chance there's one I missed that would go to my dorm?

Cam: The founders lived in the Hawthorne and Pennington dorms. They have a long history of fraternization. To answer your question, of course. You know the part at the end where you made the sharp right?

Me: Yes.

Cam: Go left through a door. You'll end up in the basement laundry room.

Me: Awesomeness. You're like our spiritual party guide.

Cam: You never know what you’ll find there :) Have fun.

I start to sit on my beanbag, but Aiden grabs my waist and pulls me down on top of him instead.

“We need to plan a killer party here,” Dallas says.

“I don't know,” Riley counters. “I think we should keep it our little secret.”

Aiden says, “I think we should have some parties, but not huge. Maybe twenty or so people, like at the dorm.”

Dallas gazes at the twinkle lights like they hold the answers to the mysteries of the universe.

“Where do you think all this stuff comes from,” Maggie wonders, staring up at the lights too.

“Yeah,” Logan agrees. “How did all this stuff get here?”

“House elves,” I say very seriously, and everyone cracks up. “What? I'm serious.” Aiden is chuckling in my ear. “So, Aiden, do you have a better explanation?”

He shakes his head as Logan says, “My guess is alumni.”

Dallas passes Logan a joint. “Clearly, you are only half baked. House elves for the win. And I hope they brought food.”

Dallas and I jump up. He starts pulling chips and popcorn out of the cabinets.

When I open one of the fridges, I find a triple layer chocolate cake. The same kind Aiden brought me as a peace offering. It's even got candles in it.

I pull it out carefully and set it on the counter. “Um, guys, I think this proves that there are indeed house elves. It’s a birthday cake for Aiden.”

“How do you know it's for Aiden,” Logan, the smart ass, asks.

“Maybe because it says Happy Birthday, Aiden on top?”

Everyone jumps up to see the cake.

Dallas squints his bloodshot eyes at the cake and then looks at me and says seriously, “House elves.”

Maggie lights the candles.

We sing “Happy Birthday ” to Aiden, chow down on cake, and throw ourselves back on the beanbags.

I want to show her.

8am

“Uh, guys, it’s, like, morning.”

Logan is the first to wake up, stretching his arms above his head.

“Logan, don’t you have wrestling workouts this morning?”

He jumps up quickly. “Shit. What time is it?”

“A little after eight.”

“Fuck, why did I eat all that cake?” He's freaking out. “How do I get out of here?”

I lead him to the door that will take him to the woods not far from his dorm. I'm not sure his popping out of a hidden door in the basement on a day most kids do their laundry is a good idea.

“Get Maggie up. She’s supposed to sing in the choir this morning.”

I walk by Riley, messing up his hair, but he just rolls over and snuggles back into the beanbag.

I give the bottom of his shoe a little kick. “Rise and shine, lover boy. Ariela’s going to be wondering where you are.”

He sits up and appears startled to find himself still here.

“Where's my phone?”

“I don’t know. Your pocket?”

He shoves his hands into his pockets and comes up empty.

I look on the bar counter.

“Jacket,” he says, running over to check it.

As soon he stands up, I see it buried in the beanbag. “Here it is.”

He swipes it out of my hand. “Whew. Thank goodness. She’s not up yet.”

I raise my eyebrows at him and smile. “You, my friend, are whipped.” He kinda smiles and hangs his head. “And I love that you are.”

“Me too.” He looks over at the rug. “Do you think Aiden will mind if we miss his birthday dinner?”

“It’s your anniversary. He’ll understand.”

“Speaking of that. I forgot to ask you. What'd you think of the freaking Eiffel Tower?”

“It’s amazing. He asked me to go to Winter Formal at the top of it. At sunset.”

“Top of the Eiffel Tower, Sunset. That's the theme.”

“One of the very first times I tutored him, he said he’s going to ask me to marry him at the top of the Eiffel Tower at sunset.”

“What'd you say to that?”

“I said I don’t even like you. Why would I marry you?”

Riley laughs. “That’s funny. Do you think I take good care of Ariela? Like, Logan did the big gesture. Aiden took you dirt. I want to make her feel like that. I don't want to just tell her I love her. I want to show her.”

“She loved the way you asked her out and to Homecoming. I think tonight will be special. There are some votive candles in the cabinet. Light a bunch. Turn on just the twinkle lights. Be as sincere as I know you feel. She'll love it.”

Riley pulls me into a hug. “Thanks, baby.”

“That’s the first time you've called me baby in forever.”

“I don't want to piss off her or Aiden.”

“It doesn't sound right when you call me Kiki. Do you call her anything?”

“Yeah. I call her Kitty. Not very original, but it fits her. She reminds me of an adorable little kitten.”

“And you want to pet her?” I ask with a laugh.

“Ha! Exactly.”

“I swear, I can almost smell the croissants baking from down here.”

“Should we let them sleep?”

“Naw, let's all go get breakfast.”

At breakfast, Annie texts me.

Annie: Are you in your room? I need to talk to you.

Me: I’m at breakfast. Come over.

Annie: Can I meet you in your room?

Me: Sure. Is everything okay?

Annie: Everything is wonderful. (Jake and I did it!!!!!)

I read it twice, just to be sure, then message Jake.

Me: Jake!!!?!!!!!!?!!!!!?!!!!! WHAT???!!! THE??!!!! FUCK??!!!!

Jake: I take it you talked to Annie?

Me: I can’t believe you would do that!

Jake: Me?! Oh no. She attacked me!!!

Me: Seriously?

Jake: Yes. It was awesome. I’m going to ask her to Winter Formal. DO NOT TELL HER. I want it to be a surprise. And we need to brainstorm. Come up with something good.

When I get to my room, Katie is there, fresh from a shower.

“Annie’s on her way over. Her and Jake did it last night!”

“So did me and Bryce.”

“Oh my gosh! How was it?”

“Good. I really like him.”

“Wait! Does that mean he asked you to go out with him?”

She gives me a big grin, holds up her hand, and shows me a pretty silver heart ring. “He gave me this, too.”

“That’s so sweet of him.”

“I know. I’m so happy. He didn’t ask me to Winter Formal yet, but now I know he will. My mission for today is to find a dress. I’m heading to the mall.”

Annie walks into our room, beaming. Her arm is wrapped through Maggie’s. I don’t think I’ve ever seen her look happier.

“Ohmigosh, Annie!” Katie says, hugging her. “How do you feel?”

“Amazing. Last night was seriously the best night of my life. I’d been almost dreading having sex with Ace. All the talk about when we’d do it was sucking the romance out of it.”

“Are you sore?” Katie asks. “I was sore after my first time.”

“Not really. It was a little uncomfortable, like, for a quick second, but he was just so sweet.”