Fated Marks

The meeting with the school counselor went well. All I had to do was forge a few Id’s and redo a few transcripts. After a ton of hacking I managed to get financial aid as well. Technically I cheated the federal government out of money but with all the illegal things I’ve done the past few years what’s one more?

I managed to get a job at a coffee shop close to campus. It was part time but every little bit helped. I started taking a few social science courses and one on the mythology of soulmarks. It was a pretty corny subject but it was an easy A and maybe I’d figure out why I of all people ended up with seven soulmarks.

My housing situation was still pretty crappy, on the plus side I figured out at what times the apartment next door was open for business and I fixed it so my class schedule and work schedule got me out of the apartment during said times.

It was working out pretty well. Finally after three months of working every possible shift they’d give me and living off instant ramen I had money saved up. One of the girls from the coffee shop had a falling out with her roommate after she started sleeping with her boyfriend. Not sure on who was cheated on and who he was cheating with but I got my own room and cheap rent close to campus so I didn’t ask. Not only that but the convenience store downstairs was looking for a part time cashier so extra cash.

“Hales, I made cookies.” Tess said.

“Be right there.” I said. Tess, my new roommate s actually pretty great. She’s taken me under her wing. She makes sure I eat something that wasn’t made in a microwave at least once a day and in exchange I make sure she doesn’t drunk dial her ex and try to apologize to her ex-best friend for something she didn’t do.

I put my computer down and went to the kitchen.

“So the computer isn’t physically attached to you.” She said sarcastically.

“No it’s more of a symbiotic relationship. I do homework and it gets charged.” I retorted.

“You need to get out more.” She said.

“I do go out.” I said.

“Going to school, work or the library don’t count.” Tess said.

“I go out on a morning run every day.” I said.

“A five block radius that ends here or at work? You’re in a rut, you’re too young to be in a rut.” Tess argued.

“I am not in a rut, I have a routine totally different.” I said.

“Dude, it’s Saturday and you’re working on an essay that hasn’t even been assigned yet.” She said.

“But it will be.” I said.

“Come on I know you have the day off and so do I lets go out. See the sights hell lets go clubbing.” Tess said.

“I don’t know…” I said.

“I got you a fake ID…” She said.

“What?” I said not liking where this was going.

“Come on neither of us are twenty one and I decided that there may come a day where you may have to bail me out of a drunk tank or pick me up at a club and it’d be easier if you had a good ID.” She said pulling it out of her wallet and sliding it over to me.

“How did you even get a picture of me?” I asked looking over at the good quality of the ID. I needed to get her guy’s number.

“I flirted with the guy that makes student Id’s at the campus book store but that’s not the point. Come on Hales, be my wing girl. Please.” She said with a pout.

“Are there more cookies?” I said.

“Are you going to come with me tonight?” She countered.

“I’ve never been clubbing and I don’t have anything to wear.” I said.

“There’s a first time for everything and I have the perfect outfit for you.” She said.

“Okay, I guess I could give it a try.” I said begrudgingly.

“Let’s go get ready!” She said pulling me out of my chair.

“It’s barely three in the afternoon.” I said.

“You’ve been wearing the same sweats for two days and I need to see what color palate will go well with your complexion. Need something to bring out those eyes.” She said.

“I think I still have contacts.” I said.

“Our first girls night!” Tess exclaimed.

A Few Hours Later-

We were on the dance floor when “I Like It” by Enrique Iglesias came on.

“I freaking love this song!” I yelled.

“I love this song too!” Tess exclaimed. “Let’s take a shot.” She shouted.

“Fuck it,” I said.

“Barkeep two shots.” Tess ordered.

“Sure.” He said.

“Hello ladies.” A guy wearing a black v-neck and jeans said coming up to us.

“Hi.” Tess said.

“Can I buy you two a drink?” he asked.

I gave Tess a shrug. “Sure, we’ll take two mojitos.” She said giving him a flirty smile. She was so into him.

“Barkeep, can you bring these two ladies their mojitos.” He said putting a bill on the bar.

“Consider it done.” The barkeeper said putting two drinks in front of us.

“So what are you two doing here all alone?” He asked.

“It’s girls night.” I said.

“Oh, so you’re here all alone? That’s a shame.” He said.

“Well not a complete shame, I was just telling Tess I was going to take a break from dancing, my feet are killing me and it’s no fun to do that alone.” I said giving him a chance.

“Well if you’ll have me, I’m just getting started.” He said giving Tess a look.

“That’d be great, you sure you’re okay alone?” Tess asked.

“Are you kidding, the music’s great, I have a drink. Go dance.” I said.

“Okay.” She said pulling him to the dance floor.

I was about to take a sip when a woman with long red hair bumped into me making me spill my drink.

“Oh I’m so sorry.” She said.

“It’s okay, it wasn’t that great anyway.” I said honestly. It was my first time drinking and whatever the hell was in that thing smelled strong. I started drying off my top and she couldn’t take my eyes off my chest. I’ll admit this top was a bit more low cut than I was used to but it was one of the more conservative options Tess had given me.

“At least your top won’t stain.” she said giving me a smile.

“That’s something.” I said.

“I’m Natalie Rushman.” She introduced.

“I’m Ha-“ I started but Jess came running back.

“Hales my lucky charm!” Tess said running to hug me.

“Oh, wow you’re a hugger.” I said.

“Liam, wants to get out of here.” Tess said.

“That’s good?” I asked. “Wait who the hell is Liam?”

“That’s amazing,” Tess said ignoring my last question. “He lives a few blocks away and he is cut if you know what I mean. Can you make it back to the apartment?”

“I think I’ll manage.” I said.

“Thank you, thank you, thank you. You’re the best.” She said kissing my cheek.

“Just remember to put a sock on it.” I called out.

“I will!” She said running to meet Liam at the door.

“Can I get the tab?” I asked.

“It’s already been paid for.” The bartender said.

“By who?” I said confused.

“Don’t know some redhead.” The bartender said.

“Huh, Well if you see her tell her I said thanks.” I said getting up. I walked out of the club and called a taxi. I got home and got out of my clothes and into some comfy sweats.

I took all the make up off my face and loaded up Netflix. I knocked out after thirty minutes.

The Next Morning-

I woke up and went on my morning run. I got back showered and started on breakfast and a load of laundry. I was taking the French toast out of the oven when Tess walked in.

“Morning.” I said.

“Morning my beautiful roomie.” She said hugging me.

“Someone had a good morning.” I said.

“The best morning and night.” She said with a grin.

“I can see that. I made breakfast and coffee.” I said serving her a cup.

“I’m so happy you moved in.” She said.

“Same here.” I said.

“So did you meet anyone?” She said giving me a look.

“No one really. Talked to the bartender when he wasn’t serving someone. It was kind of a one sided conversation though.” I said.

“I’m sorry.” She said.

“Don’t be, you were right it’s good to get out of my comfort zone. I got out of my rut and I’m ready to see what’s out there, maybe not at a club but I’m sure there’s more to see.” I said.

“That’s good cause Liam asked me out and he has a roommate…” Tess started.

“Eh, Double dating, I don’t know.” I said.

“Come on, just think of it as friends hanging out.” She said.

“Fine, Not a date just a hang out and not today, I have laundry to do.” I said.

“Can I…” She started.

“Put in your clothes with mine? Sure just make sure not to put colors with the whites again.” I said.

“It was one time.” She said.

“Pink is not my color Tess.” I said.

“It makes you look younger.” Tess said.

‘If only you knew Tess’ I thought.

“I don’t think that’s really necessary.” I said.

“It’s true you do have a baby face.” She said. “I’m gonna shower.”

“Kay.” I said.

So this is what laying down roots is like… Don’t think I’m ever going to get used to this.