2 – Madison

You can be popular based on a few things in life. In Los Angeles it’s either of the two; you’re famous or you’re wealthy. Unfortunately for me, I’m both. Of course, I recognize my privilege. I have it easy. I’m a young, white passing male with more money sitting in my trust fund than the combined student body is worth. Any art I make or short films I create take the short cut straight to curators and producers. I can buy anything I want. Well not everything. I can’t buy the thing I want most and struggle to get it. Affection. Love.

My parents do love me, they always tell me. But their love language is a hundred-dollar bill. They are both so occupied with their careers to give attention to me. I sometimes feel like the result of a collaboration rather than their child. Don’t get me wrong, I love them, so immensely. I am so eager to please them. My mother tends to give more attention to my creative achievements than my father. We share that creative brain. Although my father is a kind and hardworking man, he is exhaustingly busy. I share him with everyone else needing brain surgery and I would be happy to never see him again if it means him helping others. At home, it is usually just me and our hired help, both parents off fulfilling their dreams and helping the world. If it wasn’t for my best friend, Elias, I would feel tragically alone.

Elias is not particularly wealthy enough to make people’s heads turns in the hall. No. Elias Rossi is what you’d describe as tall, dark and handsome. And on top of that, add an obnoxiously high IQ and dimples that should be illegal. He leaves girls and guys trembling in his wake. Including me. I wish I liked literally anyone else besides him. I remember the day clearly when I awoke to the reality of crushing on my best friend.

It was the summer between 8th and 9th grade and we were lounging at my house by the pool. We both had just returned from trips with our parents. Greece for me and Maui for him. My tanned skin darkened to a deep bronze to where I resembled more closely to my mom. I was sitting in a lounge chair reading Romeo and Juliet, our assigned summer reading for the upcoming English class. I didn’t read many books but the romantic in me appreciated Shakespeare and I would reread lines to find any hidden meanings.

Elias arrived and stood at the edge of the pool, shucking off his sandals and putting his bag on a lounger across the way from me. I peered up over my book and watched, seemingly in slow motion, as Elias peeled off his white t-shirt revealing what I can only describe as dripping hot caramel in male form. Something happened to his body between seeing him in gym class 2 months ago and his brief stint in Maui. He had lines along his torso that weren’t there before. I couldn’t pry my eyes away from him until he dove directly into the pool. I watched as he swam underwater across the pool and popped up at the edge nearest to me.

“Hey there, Madison, how was Greece? Or should I say, Aloha, I had a blast in Maui.” Elias flipped his deep brown hair out of his eyes. I could see water droplets clinging to his long, dark eyelashes. I felt this foreign feeling in my gut looking at him.

I swallowed, “Greece was gorgeous, and I did a lot of painting along the seaside.”

He smiled at me, resting his head on his crossed arms at the edge of the pool. “I’d love to see some time,” he replied. “I learned how to surf in Maui, we should hit up the beach tomorrow, I can teach you.”

A surfing body, of course. That explained Elias’ transformation into a full-grown male overnight. I don’t know if I could survive him teaching me how to surf, but I replied against my better judgement, “Let’s do it.”

I’ve never been with anyone or cared to be. I know Elias dates around, despite gender, which should make it easier for me to reveal my crush, but I can’t jeopardize my friendship with him over something so meaningless. It’s all physical. At least that’s what I’m trying to convince myself it is. He is four inches taller than my six feet, has thick glossy hair always styled to perfection and is built like a roman marble statue. Though he doesn’t like to brag about it, he loves the gym, like an obsessive amount. Ever since his dad passed, I think it’s the only place where he can zone out and be present. He’s always thinking five steps ahead.

We are going our separate ways soon enough. Though I’ll miss him deeply, I’m sure once I land in New York at a liberal arts college, I’ll be surrounded by like minds and find another man who makes my insides flutter the way Elias does.

The party technically already started at 6pm but people don’t usually start showing up until at least an hour later. At this point, I am so hands-off with this party. My parents know the deal and hire caterers, security, bartenders, a DJ and party organizers, then make sure they aren’t at home for a few days. I usually wander down from my bedroom a few hours in, say hi to a few people then will meet up with Elias after he’s hooked up with someone. I can hear the music booming through the walls of the mansion even though my bedroom is in the east wing, opposite side of the party gathering.

I can’t be bothered to head down to the west family room yet, besides, Elias said he wasn’t arriving until after 9. So, until then, I’m refining this short film I shot through Senior Year. I used it in my application to NYU. Though, my admittance was guaranteed because of my last name, I still want to prove my passion and skill. Just because most of the world knows my mom as a talented film maker and storyteller, I feel the need to justify myself.

I like film and photography because the attention isn’t on me for a change. I’ve always wanted so deeply to have a quiet life. But I feel like wherever I go, I’m being looked at and critiqued for what I’m doing. Especially in Los Angeles. Elias and I might have differences in terms of talents and interests, but we agree on one thing, we do not belong in California. I am looking forward to working at my mom’s production company as a PA. Only a few times have I visited sets when they’ve filmed but now, I’ll be immersed in the hustle. Hustle of the job but also in New York City. Where I can walk down the street along billions of other people and be ignored. I can’t wait.

I stroll to my bedroom window and check to see my classmates milling about the pool in the backyard. The sun is just about set. I can feel the music rumbling and lights from the DJ booth reflecting the still water. Already past nine and no one dove in, I think this is a new record. I’m scanning the crowd, for no one in particular. I recognize most of the people from my school, some lower classman and even a few that graduated years prior. Finally, my gaze lands on a tall figure sticking out of the crowd, with dark chocolate hair and a sensual smile. Elias has each of the head cheerleaders locked in his arms. He’s greeting everyone as he escorts them through the crowd. I can see his eyes skimming the party quickly.

As if he senses me, he looks up at my bedroom. I know he can’t see me from where he’s standing, but he knows where to look. I exhale and turn away from the window and wander into my closet. Elias was wearing a black shiny button up shirt, with the top three buttons undone, revealing just the top of his chiseled pecs and a subtle line hinting at rows of ab muscles.

I might need to take a cold shower before I leave this room.

I settle on a jade green short sleeved Henley and black linen shorts. The fabrics are lightweight and drape nicely along my frame. I might not be as sculpted as Elias, but my swimmer’s body is something I enjoy taking care of. Even if it’s selfishly to hopefully catch the eye of my best friend. Green is Elias’ favorite color.

I enter through a hallway that connects the east wing to the west wing’s kitchen, where the party is being held. I doubt my entrance will cause any commotion but the best I can ease into the party without too much attention, the better.

3 – Elias

After picking up Deena, I headed over to Caroline’s house so the three of us can get to the party. I told Madison I’d be there by 9pm and it’s already past that. I’m getting irritated. He’s the only person I care to hold my word to and the fact that these girls are wasting my time, is making them more unattractive by the minute. I’d rather be laughing with my best friend than sandwich in between stuck-up cheerleaders.

Deena isn’t even talking to me; she’s just taking selfies in the backseat. I feel like a taxi driver. I pull up to Caroline’s house, laying on the horn. She skips outside and slides into the back seat with Deena. What the hell?

“Do neither of you want to sit next to me?” I say to them looking in the rear-view mirror.

They glare at me and then snicker. I’m so over this city.

The entrance to the gated community is swarmed with cars, but luckily for me, Madison gave me a resident placard ages ago, so we fly through the side entrance and up to the mansion.

“Holy Crap!” Deena exclaims from the back seat. “Madison lives there? He’s rich rich, yeah?”

“No shit, Deena. Do you even know who his parents are, what are you dull?” Caroline flicks her hand over toward Deena’s direction who looks about to claw Caroline’s eyes out. I hit the brakes hard, and they topple around in the back seat.

“We’re here, get out.”

I exit my car and open the back door for the two of them to leave, letting them lock arms with me as we arrive. I’m prepared to ditch them promptly after our entrance. We head through the gardens at the side of the estate. There is a maze of hedges and various rose bushes to navigate before coming upon the pool in the backyard. Nearly the entire student body is here. A roar erupts when I enter the area as I flash a smile, scanning the crowd. I really want to find Madison, but I don’t see him.

My eyes flick up to his bedroom, he might still be getting ready. I know he tends to hide away when there are large crowds. I slide out of the girls’ grasp and wander in the kitchen. Nick from the football team gives me a high five greeting. Ever since we made out in the shadows during prom, he’s been obsessed with me. I can’t blame him, I’m basically a god. But he’s not the guy I’m looking for. The one I’m searching for has soft eyes and golden-brown hair.

“Elias! Get over here!” I turn to the direction my name gets called. It’s the track team. Jenny and the rest of the crew is surrounding the massive island in the kitchen. They have a shot glass in each hand, eyes eager to get wasted. Looking around, I can tell the party is already half drunk, I need to catch up. I walk over to the island, the crowd parting as I approach.

“Jenny, darling, you summoned me.” I smirk to her and the others.

“Here, take shots with us.” She hands me to glasses. I sniff the clear liquid and recognize the smell of tequila. Tequila makes me horny. I slide over a lime wedge and nod to the group. We count down from three and all take our tequila shots, the liquid warming and setting my insides on fire. I pucker the lime in my mouth and let the zing of citrus cut the alcohol.

The music seems to be getting louder and I move over to the bar, grabbing whatever the bartender is making. Bodies are like sardines in the large living room. The couches have been pushed against the walls and adolescent bodies are draped over. Some snuggling close, others in midst of dramatic conversations and some are fast asleep.

The drink tastes fruity, like passion fruit. I can’t tell exactly but this might be a Vodka drink and I know better than to mix my liquors but it’s a celebration. Besides, I’m at Madison’s house so this is probably the only place I’d feel comfortable getting blasted.

Speaking of, where is that beautiful man of mine? Not that he’s mine, like to keep. But like mine as in, my friend. My gorgeous, gorgeous friend.

I feel a tug at my arm and turn to be face to face with Scarlett Hughes. I roll my eyes as I look down on her. She’s wearing a form-fitting deep red dress that barely covers her ass. A deep V plumets down her chest revealing slivers of her breasts. I’m blaming it on the tequila on how turned on I am about her appearance.

“Scarlett, my leech, how are we doing this evening?” I glare down at her, caressing her body with my gaze.

“Eliasss,” Scarlett drawls, “I came over to say congratulations and best of luck at Harvard.” Her eyes glaze at as she looks up at me with her icy blond hair curled and cascading down her back.

“How many drinks have you had tonight?” I ask brushing a blond curl off her shoulder, my finger slipping under her spaghetti strap. I can see her fighting a shiver.

“I can’t remember,” she says with her eyebrows raised, “you need to catch up.” She smirks to me taking another sip of her drink.

“Amen to that,” I say, clinking my glass with hers and finishing off the rest of my drink. When I look back down at her, I catch Scarlett staring at my throat like she wants to bite into it.

“I’m going to get another drink, then do you want to go chat somewhere, private.” I flick my gaze over to a hallway. Scarlett nods and I place my hand on her lower back, guiding her to the bar.

4 – Madison

The party is getting out of hand, it’s not even midnight yet. I snake my way through the kitchen, trying to find the non-alcoholic drinks. I never drink at these events. Someone needs to be sober enough to the call the cops when it’s time for it to end.

I still haven’t seen Elias and he’s the only one I can tolerate at this point. I grab myself a sparkling water and try to head out of the kitchen until Gwen from my photography class stops in front of me.

“Hey! Madison, this party is awesome!” She blinks up at me. I try to avoid Gwen. I think she has a crush on me, and I’d hate to break it to her that I’m not attracted to her gender. I suppose it’s my own fault, I’ve never made it publicly known. Although you’d think me choosing to be on the swim team surrounded by men in speedos would be a hint. But I suppose I’m friendly to everyone. I realized my friendliness can be mistaking for flirtation when Gwen asked me to dance with her at prom.

“Thanks Gwen,” I shift a bit on my feet, “Well, have a great time, bye.” I slide past her and try not to look back at her face. I feel guilty already for not wanting to converse. I just don’t have it in me tonight. I wish I could just have a quiet evening, reading or watching movies with Elias. While he criticizes the acting or the production, saying I can do better than that.

I push through and head through the hallway. I should check the side rooms to make sure people aren’t starting to spread into other areas of the house. Although people tend to mill about some of the guest rooms on the main floor off the kitchen, there’s rooms like my dad’s study and storage rooms that should be kept off limits. Most of the guests are in the kitchen, living room and outside by the pool. I heard a splash a few minutes ago so I can only imagine the hysteria happening out there. Past the kitchen archway, the crowd dissipates. I check the storage room and the door is thankfully locked, but I notice the door to my dad’s study is cracked open.

“Hey, you can’t be in here,” I say as I walk in and see the back of my best friend looking up at the rows of books. I enter and close the door behind me.

“I’ve been looking for you, looks like you caught me first” Elias responds not looking away from the bookshelf. I can see him looking a photo, but I can’t tell what it is.

“You’re the only exception who is allowed in here, you know that.”

“I know, I had to shoo Scarlett off my tail so I could get some peace and quiet.”

“Scarlett? Don’t tell me you-?”

“Unfortunately, I did. She’s wearing this tantalizing dress. I blame it on the tequila shots with the track team. It was quick but then she kept hanging around me.”

I swallow my jealousy. Not at Elias sleeping with someone else, but jealous of Scarlett that she got to be intimate with Elias. “You tired of the party too?” I say moving closer to him.

He chuckles and turns toward me. I see as he turns, he was looking at a picture of me from the trip my family took to Greece the summer before nineth grade. I’m standing at a dock, shirtless smiling with the incredible Greek villas behind me. He is smiling lazily and batting his eyes as he slowly spins to me.

He pauses as he looks at me, his gaze taking me in from head to toe. I suddenly feel exposed to him, like he’s undressing me. He reaches my feet and comes back up to my eyes, running his tongue along his lower lip.

“Madison, my Maddy, you know how much I love that color on you.” Elias says, taking a step towards me. I breath in deeply at his nickname for me. He rarely calls me Maddy, but it always sends a shiver down my back when he does. He is in front of me now and reaches up to touch the collar of my shirt. “You are exquisite.”

I can’t help but feel the blush flare on my face. “Thanks Eli, so are you, as always.” I smile up at my best friend.

He reaches up to my neck, caressing the edge of my jaw with this thumb before hooking his hand around the back of my head. He’s running his fingers along the bottom edge of my hair, looking down at me with a heat. I’ve seen the way he looks at people he’s attracted to, but this is different. This look is filled with longing and desire. We’ve never been this close; I could move an inch and be flush with his chest.

“I’ve wanted.” He stops himself before closing his eyes, then opening again and continuing, “You are the only person I care about here; I don’t want to be with anyone else.”

I swallow, “I feel the same way towards you Eli.”

“Tell me what you want.” He demands.

I start to panic a bit. Elias seems to sense this and starts lazily running circles along my neck with his thumb, his hand still firmly set behind my head.

“Maddy, I know what I want, what I crave, but…I…I don’t want to do anything unless it’s mutual. So again, tell me what you want.”

I lift my hand and mirror his actions, running my fingers around his neck. He’s so warm, I can feel the heat radiating off his skin.

“I want you.”

Elias leaves no time and crashes his mouth against mine. I breath in sharply as his plush lips explore. I slip my tongue against the seam of his mouth, and he parts for me, leaning towards me, so my back hits the door. He presses his hips into me, and I can feel his arousal. My eyes almost fly open at the length of him, but Elias reaches his other hand in my hair tearing my mouth away from his. He snakes his mouth down to my neck sucking and kissing.

“I’ve wanted this for so long. You drive me crazy Maddy.” He slips a hand under the neckline of my shirt, pulling the fabric aside as he trails hot kisses down my neck. His other hand finds my back, pulling me closer.

“Eli…” I moan as he leaves little bites along my collarbone until he gets to the center of my throat, sucking.

“Do you want me Maddy?” He grabs my hair with his left hand and pulls back so he can trace my throat with his tongue.

I grunt out a response that resembles something between a moan and a beg. My bones are starting to melt. I feel heat building inside me. My own length firming against his and I need to taste him again. He meets my mouth with his again with lustful force. Our tongues pulse around each other and I realize suddenly, I can still taste alcohol in his mouth. The realization hits me like cold water to the face and I pull away.

“Maddy, why…” Elias looks at me, his lips swollen and pink, and sees my worried expression, “What’s wrong?”

“You’re drunk Elias.”

“So what? I’ve been drunk around you before.”

“We’ve never done this before when you were.” I say motioning between us. He steps toward me again and I step away, hitting my back to the wall again.

“Nothing changes for me. Drunk, sober, nothing changes the way I feel towards you. How much I’ve wanted you. You are the only one.” Elias looks like I’ve broken his heart.

“I want to know it’s real. Without alcohol. This is serious for me. You know I’ve never been with anyone else.” I pause, finding my courage. “Now you know why. The way you make me feel is incomparable and a part of me thinks maybe this isn’t best, the timing isn’t right. We are about to leave each other.”

“I’ll never leave you Maddy, never. You are mine. I’ll always be there for you.” I nearly melt at the words, mine.

“Can we just cool off for a bit? Maybe we can head to my room, I’ll get you some water.”

Elias relaxes and nods, agreeing to my suggestion. He runs his hand through his hair. I completely ruined the styled waves he arrived at the party with. Even Scarlett didn’t undo him the way I just did. Pride rises in my chest knowing that.

“There’s a door right here. A hallway opens to the east wing, and you know how to get to my room from the other end. I’ll meet you there in a few minutes.” I cross the room and open a door that is hidden behind a bookshelf.

“Okay,” Elias nods, walking slowly toward me. He runs his hand through my hair and tucking it behind my ears. He leans down and kisses the edge of my mouth softly. He turns and goes through the door, closing it after him.

Is this real life? Did I just make out with my best friend? I feel like I’m dreaming. I don’t even remember returning to the party and grabbing two water bottles. I push past the crowd and make my way back to my dad’s study, locking it behind me. I stop in the study for a moment. I can feel the tense air swirling around. It really happened. I look at myself in the mirror on the wall beside the bookshelf and can see redness along the side of my neck, my lips slightly swollen. I touch them, not believing it’s real. I need to get to Elias. I can’t believe I stopped us.

I head down the hall that opens to the second living room. The stairs are toward the back of the house that leads up to my room. Hopefully Elias made his way up here alright and didn’t get lost. I know he’s drunk but not entirely sure how much he drank. He seemed like he could speak clearly but I wouldn’t have known he was drunk unless I tasted it for myself.

I step into my room and lock the door behind me. No one made it to this side of the house, but I don’t want to take any chances. I step into my room not seeing Elias anywhere yet.

“Elias, are you in here?” I call out softly. I hear what I think is a grunt and walk down to the alcove my bed is in. I slow as I approach taking in the sight before me.

Elias is laying along my bed with his hands tucked behind his head as if he’s waiting for me. I step over the trail of his clothes and take in the cascade of muscles along his body. They ripple from his shoulders down to his abs. His Adonis muscles pointing to the star of the show, his sizable erection firmly pointing up towards his face. This is something dreams are made of, literally I’ve dreamt of this moment countless times. What wasn’t in the dream was Elias fast asleep lying naked on my bed. He looks like he’s in a deep dream state, his face soft and long eyelashes fluttering. He’s such a large and dominating presence and yet in my bed, above the amber satin bed sheets, he seems so gentle.

I pull my comforter up over him, covering his body and tucking him in. He shuffles slightly and his eyes crack open a little looking at me. He moves his hands to pull the blanket up closer to him and I think I hear him mutter, “Goodnight, my beautiful boy.”

I head over to the bathroom and wash my face with cold water and strip off my clothes, leaving on my boxer shorts. I slide in my bed on the other side and turn towards him. Elias fell back asleep. His face soft and mouth slightly parted. I doze off just like this, with the best view in the house.

I dreamt of everything that happened at the party and everything else that I wish would’ve happened. In my dream, Eli was awake when I walked in, and he seduced me. We made love in my bed, tangled in my sheets, all night long. We woke up and did it again. I dreamt of him kissing my entire body. Sucking and kissing and licking everywhere.

I open my eyes, the sunlight glaring at me to wake up. I breath and stretch my arms, not sure what I’m going to say to Elias just yet. I turn towards him and see nothing. He’s not there. I get up and check the floor, worried he fell over in a drunken state. But nothing, he’s gone.

I paw around my bed looking for my phone. Did I make up the whole thing? Did we kiss in my father’s study?

I run into my bathroom again looking in the mirror, I have light maroon bruising along my collarbone. Evidence of Elias’ wicked mouth. I walk back out to the room and look around for my shorts. I find them just outside my closet and my phone thankfully in the back pocket with 2 new notifications.

Elias: Hey, not sure how I made it in your bed but thanks for taking care of me :)

Elias: sorry to run, my mom wanted to meet for breakfast. Talk later.

I drop my phone. I am not sure what’s worse, last night not happening or having the best kiss of my life except Elias can’t remember any of it. This is why I wanted him sober. The crushing feeling I’m experiencing right now is suffocating. I know he wouldn’t lie about it. He once told me, he’s the only person he’ never lied to and I took his word. He cannot remember what happened. I change into my swimsuit and head down to the pool, silently praying that the cleaning crew already came.

The backyard is immaculate. There is no evidence that any raucous high schoolers were here. No evidence that anyone may have hooked up in the pool. No evidence of the countless shots taken by the track team. No evidence of some sophomore puking in the guest bathroom. No evidence of the famous DJ booth in the center of the family room. Or the Michelin star catering spread. Or the red solo cups littering the kitchen island. No evidence that I kissed my best friend.

I dive in the water and swim. I keep swimming for nearly two hours until my arms feel like lead, and I am tired enough to fall asleep on a pool lounger, letting time heal my heart.

5 – Elias

Four Months Later

The hum of my economics professor lecturing about bull and bear markets is music to my ears. These past two months of college are answers to my calling. I settle into my vintage wooden seat in the lecture hall and type detailed notes on my computer, even though I’m well versed in this level of economics and already hold the top spot in the class. I am mostly taking notes to fact check the professor’s lecture, he looks to be in his seventies, and I am hesitant to believe he's cultured in recent economic times.

Besides me is Phoebe, a business admin major, who is desperately trying to get into my jeans. I really need to be more selective with who I make out with at parties. I was overcome with adrenaline the first month here and attended countless gatherings, immersing myself in Harvard culture. During that time, I charmed and witted my way into different student groups including Future Leaders of America (FLA), the Debate Guild and even attended a swim practice for whatever reason. I met Phoebe at the FLA introductory meeting.

Phoebe is attractive, though I don’t want to commit to anything two months into school and she reeks of relationship. A notification appears in the top right corner of my laptop from Scarlett Hughes. 1 missed call. Unlike other people, I take my academics seriously with my phone on silent. But what could Scarlett possibly want. I haven’t seen her since graduation day. She’s probably calling to ask if I can give her a reference to transfer to Harvard. Please, in her dreams.

Lecture ends and I narrowly avoid Phoebe from following me to my apartment. I walk the tree lined street to the historic brick building where my 1-bedroom apartment sits on the third floor. I turn my phone on and see three more missed calls from Scarlett. This is strange and I’m starting to get a sinking feeling. It’s no longer an accidental call, she needs to tell me something.

I chuck off my coat and set my bag in the front hallway closet. Sitting in my couch gazing at the windows that overlook Harvard’s campus, I return Scarlett’s call.

“Ugh finally you pick up!” Scarlett says, answering on the second ring.

“Hello, Scarlett. What did I ever do to deserve your angst?” I lean back on the couch. Her shrill voice pulling me back to adolescent days in Los Angeles, driving my car through the winding hill roads with my best friend in the passenger seat.

“Now is not the time to insult me, Elias. I’m calling to tell you that I’m pregnant.” She says suddenly. I am confused to why I would even care.

“Uh, Congratulations I suppose. Although I’m not sure that news is what you were hoping considering you’re a freshman in college.”

“You are unbelievable. You know that, right?”

“Scarlett, I may be a genius, but I cannot read your mind, what are you trying to tell me, why are you calling me?”

“You are the father, you knocked me up. I’m pregnant with your kid!” She shouts on the other end of the call.

“No that’s impossible, we never even slept together.” My reply makes her cackle. I think she’s losing her mind.

“Elias, you are a fucking idiot. I know you are a slow thinker but take your time, think back to Madison’s party after graduation. We took too many drinks together and both made the mistake of sleeping with each other.” I ignore her insults because I’m trying hard to remember what happened. I really drank way too much that night. All the mixture of cocktails and shots temporarily erased the events of that night. I remember waking up naked in Madison’s bed which was strange, but I didn’t question it. I figured he put me there after I drank too much. But now as I’m replaying the events, I see Scarlett in her red dress.

“Red dress.”

“Yes, there you go, I was wearing a red dress. Which you pushed up to my waist and fucked me from behind in the powder room.”

“That sounds like a guess for an erotic Clue game. Sorry but we sixty-nined in the dining hall.” I chuckle at my own joke.

“Oh my god, can you be serious, please? Thanks for not wearing a condom by the way.” She snarks.

I go silent for a beat. Trying to recall the events that night. I can feal my heart racing at the realization. It’s not the fact that I hooked up with Scarlett or that she may be pregnant with my child. It’s the memory coming back of my hands gripping Madison’s hair while I licked his throat and sucked the skin at his collarbone that has my pulse rising. I remember the taste of his tongue. I went to his room and took my clothes of, prepared to hook up with my best friend before falling asleep.

“Fuck.” I exclaim grabbing my bag and leaving my apartment.

“Yeah, tell me about it.” She scoffs.

“What’s your address?”

“Why should I tell you?”

“Scarlett, I’m heading over to the admissions office, I’m transferring to Columbia and moving in with you, tell me your address.” I demand.

“The hell you are not!”

“Then enlighten me why you are calling me in the first place. What did you want the outcome of this conversation to be? Did you expect me to just take the news that you are caring my child and for me to continue staying here in Harvard, knowing that?”

“I…no I wasn’t. You don’t have to transfer to Columbia. I just wanted you to know.”

“Well, I know and now I’m moving to fucking Manhattan to help raise my kid. Make some space for me in your closet.” I hang up before she answers and am halfway to the admissions building. A part of me doesn’t believe Scarlett, that I’m the one that got her pregnant but I’m not one to question her anyway. If I’m not the father, I’ll come back to Harvard, or hell maybe I’ll move to Europe. Clearly crossing the country isn’t far enough to escape from the dramatics.

And secretly, maybe a part of me is not against moving to Manhattan. Because Madison lives there, and I haven’t seen him since the summer. We each took some trips with our families and didn’t spend a lot of time hanging out like we normally do. Now that I remember the passionate kiss we shared, we have some unfinished business to address.

The above is an excerpt from a rough draft of an upcoming release by Anjelica Rose called Maroon. Note that any content my change once published.

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