Hot For Teacher(92)

We could hear the music thumping through the door and once Chris turned the handle we couldn’t believe how live it was inside.

Colorful strobe lights filled the air, swirling all over the dimly lit room. Girls were dancing to the techno beat on top of tables, bodies were pressed up against the wall, and it definitely looked like a great time.

I tapped one of the jocks on the shoulder and asked where the drinks were. “They’re over there,” he shouted as he pointed to a table near the DJ booth. “But if you really wanna party, come back and see me. My name’s Fred.”

“Thanks.”

As soon as Chris and I filled our red plastic cups up, I felt a vibration in my pocket.

Blondie: I’m here, where r u?

Me: Next to the DJ booth.

Blondie: K. Coming 2 u.

If I played my cards right, she’d be coming for me.

***

Zeke

I wasn’t ready to go inside yet so I decided to take a stroll around the campus grounds. It was only nine o’clock and a few people were already passed out on the lawn.

I didn’t drink often, but being half Irish, I could definitely hold my liquor.

Huge brick buildings surrounded me as I walked further down the stone path. It was refreshing at first to be out here, but then it became downright lonely.

I turned around and headed back down the path until I saw huge Greek letters on the front of the party building.

I went inside and saw Zach and his new girlfriend of the month laughing in front of the DJ booth.

Four huge kegs were on the table beside them with a huge stack of plastic cups. I walked over and poured myself a drink. The liquid came out fast and cold and the froth quickly rose to the top. I quickly chugged it back and poured another cup.

“Slow down there, tiger,” I heard behind me.

I turned around to see a girl with a pink Mohawk, fish net stockings, and a black dress. “I’ll be fine,” I responded.

“My name is Amanda, what’s yours?”

“Zeke, nice to meet you, Amanda.”

“You, too. You’re not from around here, are you?” she yelled into my ear.

“Nope,” I said pouring my third cup. “Would you like a cup?”

“Sure, I hope I can catch up to you.”

I poured her a cup and handed it to her, then refilled mine for the fourth time. The music seemed to get louder and louder and I felt myself starting to loosen up a bit.

Amanda and I hung out around the keg for most of the night. After my tenth cup, I excused myself to try and find the bathroom.

After I finished, I came back out and bumped into a girl on the way out the door. “Sorry,” I slurred.

“It’s ok…” She was unable to finish her sentence once she saw my face.

“Max? What are you doing here?”

“I could ask you the same thing.”

“I needed…needed.”

“Zeke, are you okay?”

“I…don’t…know.”

She put my arm over her shoulder and helped me outside. She led me to a bench behind the frat house. “Max, I’m fine, really. Just let me go. You don’t have to babysit me, I’m sure your perfect man is inside waiting for you.”

“Zeke, stop. No one is inside waiting for me.”

“Then why are you here?”

“My sister told me about the party. I needed to relax anyway.”

“Oh, you two friends again?” I slurred.

“Kinda.”

“Oh, well that’s nice. Can I go back inside now?”

“No, I think you’ve had quite enough.” She helped me off the bench and down a small path to a black car.

I ripped myself from her grasp. “I don’t want to leave!”

“Zeke, have you eaten anything today?”

“No.”

“Then come with me. I promise once you’ve eaten I’ll bring you back.”

“Whatever,” I mumbled as I slid inside the passenger seat of her car.

We pulled up to Jake and Charli’s and went through the drive-thru. She ordered us a few burgers, fries, and a couple of sodas. She insisted on paying for everything, and then pulled into an empty slot so we could eat.

I was still feeling dizzy and devoured two burgers. “See? I knew you were hungry, Zeke.”

I tried not to say much to her because I was trying to hold back as much emotion as I could. “Thanks for the meal.”

“You’re welcome. Are you ready to go back now?”

I was starting to sober up and told her that I didn’t want to go back. So she said she’d take us to her place, which wasn’t far from the burger joint.

“I’m only taking you here because I will be able to keep an eye on you. I’m sure your mother wouldn’t be too thrilled about you being drunk right now.”