Dare

You turn Natalie's question over in your head. Dare seems like a bad idea, given what Kayla and Rainie have just had to do, but if you choose truth, the events of this morning might somehow get out. You think you'd prefer whatever ridiculous humiliation Natalie can cook up over having her and Kayla find out that you ate Rainie's ass that morning. She's less vindictive than the others, anyway.

"Dare," you say, pretending like your decision was one based on bravery.

"Well now I just look like a coward," Natalie scoffs. "Thanks, Hayley."

You laugh. "Sorry, Natalie. Sometimes you just have to take a leap of faith."

She sits back in her chair, stroking her chin. "Alright," she says. "I'm working on it. How about you call Lucas over and tell him to join in?" She's grinning from ear to ear.

Rainie slaps the table. "I never even thought of that!" she says. "Awesome idea!"

"And you have to tell him to come over for truth or dare," Kayla says. "Don't just tell him he should come over."

Lucas is a guy you've had your eye on for what seems like months. You've barely spoken to him-- here and there are different parties or in classes you have together, but never really for any serious amount. You only managed to get his phone number after you learned that an old friend of yours had been his study partner in first year. You texted once or twice, but the conversation was fleeting and shallow, so you pretty much gave up on the whole idea.

On the one hand, this dare would be horribly embarrassing. All of a sudden you feel childish. You're a grown woman sitting in her living room drunk and high on a Thursday, playing truth or dare? You could have spent the day studying, or working. Anything. What if he says no? What if he thinks less of you? Well, he barely even knows you. How could he think less of you than he already does (which is to say, not at all)?

But then there was the possibility. What if he didn't say no? What if he says yes? This could be your opportunity. You might be able to spend time with him, talk to him. Not to mention what you might be able to dare him to do.

Your hand hovers over your cell phone, shaking slightly.