After leaving my dorm room, I head through the hallway over to Janice’s room. I still can’t believe it is the night of the Greek Gala. I had not been planning to go, but somewhere along the way, I changed my mind. If I was going to be a part of Abby’s sorority, that meant that I had to be a part of everything, including attending events. Besides, I had never really been to a Gala and I was a bit excited. Abby however, was very nervous and for good reason. Charls frat brothers were still not very accepting of her relationship with him. It was amazing how loyal they were to Brad even though he was not here. Then again, I’m sure he lied to them about what happened with him and Abby, so why should I be surprised.
When I reach Janice’s room, I rap on the door gently.
“Is it okay to come in?” I call.
There is a long pause before she finally says, “Come in.”
I then push the door open and enter.
Janice is staring down at her cell phone, a quiet expression on her face. She appears to be reading something, and I can’t help but wonder what it is.
“What’s going on?” I ask.
Janice doesn’t seem to hear me at first. She still continues staring at her cell phone screen in silence, almost trance-like.
“Janice!” I call again, and she finally looks up and stashes the phone in her pocket.
“Oh hey, sorry.” She tries to force a smile. “You ready to go?”
I frown. “Yes, but not until you tell me what’s going on.”
Janice shrugs. “I don’t know what you mean.”
“Janice, I know something is wrong. I saw the look on your face. Obviously something is bothering you, so what happened?”
“Nothing. Really.”
I stare at her curiously and notice that her eyes are a little watery. My eyes widen.
“It’s Greg isn’t it? Did he say something to you?”
Janice looks toward the ground. “No, I still haven’t heard from him.”
I move closer. “Then what is it?”
“He’s going to the Gala, okay?” Janice says, throwing me an irritated glance. “And he’s bringing a…a date.” Janice’s face softens and she looks crestfallen. “I heard it from Kimberly. He’s going with a girl from Alpha Beta Phi. I can see why Abby hates them so much.”
I swallow. “I’m so sorry, I didn’t know.”
Janice shakes her head. “It’s fine. I’m the one being stupid. I sent him this stupid message asking him about it and begging him to call me. I probably sounded so pathetic. No wonder I haven’t heard from him.” She exhales deeply. “It’s just, this doesn’t sound like him. He has been so different lately. I wish he would just talk to me.” Janice turns away from me and I can tell it is taking everything in her not to tear up.
“Hey,” I say placing a hand on her arm. “I know it doesn’t feel like it now, but things are going to get better.”
Janice scoffs. “It certainly doesn’t feel like it. I just…I just miss him so much.”
“I know, but you are going to get through this. I’ll help you. Both Abby and I will. We are your friends and we are here for you.”
Janice smiles slightly. “Thanks, it’s nice to hear that.” She then sighs again. “Ah! What’s wrong with me? I’m acting like a total basket case. I need to get over this.”
I smile. “Hey, it isn’t easy. I know how you feel about him.”
Janice nods. “The crazy thing is, I actually thought he was the one.” She then shakes her head. “But enough of that. We have a Gala to attend.”
I want to say more, but I realize continually talking about Greg, probably wasn’t going to help Janice get over him. So instead, I just nod my head and leave Janice’s room for the staircase.
Michael and Charls are conversing with each other in the front lobby. My heart begins to beat faster when I see Michael looking quiet handsome in his tux. “Off you go Lizzie,” I tell myself and then I descend the staircase.
Michael looks up as I reach the bottom stair. “Lizzie, you look beautiful,” he says with a smile.
I feel myself blush. “Thank you. You look great too.”
Charls grins. “Well I will leave you two. Abby is already heading out toward the car.” He then walks out the front doors.
As soon as he is gone, Michael pulls me into his warm arms.
“You really do look great tonight,” he says, and again, I feel myself beaming.
“You’re just saying that.”
“True, I am biased, but still. I would not lie about a woman looking as great as you.”
“Flattery looks good on you,” I whisper and we both laugh.
“So shall I escort you to the car?” he asks with a grin, and then he offers his hand to me.
I smile and slip my fingers into his. “I would be honored if you did.”
(Short chapter today, but there will be a longer one on Friday/Saturday! 🙂 )
-Evanglina
The Lives of Lizzie & Abby 