Envy

It's still a couple of days before things begin returning to some sense of normalcy and you're finally able to resume classes. To your surprise not only did a mysterious bottle of antibiotics with half the label torn off appear on your nightstand but it seems your professors already received and accepted word of your illness. You suppose you shouldn't question how easily things are accomplished here yet you can't help remaining somewhat skeptical regarding it all. Nevertheless, it seems like you'll be stuck in your current situation for a bit longer as it appears the lot is still claiming they're unable to locate your vehicle. You suppose you wouldn't care so much were it not for the clashing tempers that seemed to be rising in the house and growing progressively more volatile. If only there was some way you could ease everyone's increasing tension.

"That's it!" Kaleb announces suddenly, momentarily cutting off the current bickering taking place between Ash and Aden. "You know how you were just saying you don't know what you're doing this weekend?"

"No..." You answer the man perplexedly, surprised to be suddenly addressed by him from across the room.

"Well," Kaleb continues, ignoring your contradiction to his initial inquiry. "You should accompany me to one of this weekend's parties. I hear Zeta Kappa Phi is throwing quite the rager Saturday."

"A party?" You can't help feeling somewhat exhilarated at the prospect of not only being asked to your first party since enrolling but also by someone so attractive.

"She doesn't want to go with you ." Ash interrupts bluntly, quickly turning his attention to your conversation.

"I-"

"Honestly, Kaleb." Aden unintentionally cuts you off to chastise the older man. "Have you nothing better to do than asking out freshman?"

"She's not just any freshman." Kaleb retorts defensively before turning his warm, almost puppy dog-like gaze back to you. "She's our guest . And she's bored, it's not like either of you have made any effort to entertain her..."

"Shut up Kaleb!"

You wince visibly as the man is loudly chastised into silence before you softly clear your throat.

"Actually, I'd love to go."

"Miss Ford-"

"Really." It's your turn to interject as you turn your attention to the older man. "A party sounds lovely."

"Wonderful!" Kaleb grins attractively before swiftly appearing at your side with this phone already out. "Let's meet down here at 8... No, 8:30.... What are you wearing? Should we coordinate? And who's car to take... Just kidding, obviously!"

An authentic smile tugs at the corner of your lips as you observe the man's genuine excitement. It's not hard to see why the two younger, more stoic men would clash so easily with such an outgoing personality. It's honestly a bit overwhelming even for you, however, you're willing to see if there's more to it than meets the eye. He's at least putting forth some type of effort and this will be your first party as a college student. Additionally, once it dawns on the man that the majority of your clothes are stuck in limbo with your car he immediately offers to take you shopping. Despite your many protests, you're all but **** out for an impromptu shopping trip. Several hours and stores later you're already fashionably late for said party.

It's no surprise everyone seems to know Kaleb and are quick to greet him. However, you are surprised to find a majority of eyes land on you upon your arrival. Blushing lightly, you try to ignore the unexpected and unwanted attention. It seems everyone is quite curious to learn your identity, though thankfully Kaleb shrugs off all of their inquires playfully. At some point Kaleb hands you a drink and you're escorted further inside the venue. Your date lazily places an arm around your shoulder to help guide you and keep the rest of the group from jostling into you. You're pleasantly surprised how considerate and chivalrous he's currently behaving. As you make your way through the crowd you look up just in time to lock eyes with an intense viridescent stare from across the room. Your blush returns when you're met with the wholly disapproving look Ash sends your way before stalking off and disappearing into the throng.

Feeling bad, you shrug Kaleb's arm off and reassure him you'll be back shortly. It's hard to tell if he's heard more or less cares as he's currently surrounded by a gaggle of giggling groupies all hanging off his every word. Shaking your head in mild disbelief, you set off in the direction you saw Ash head towards. After slipping past the crowd you find yourself standing at the foot of a set of stairs. Forcing your way around the people strewn about the area you're finally upstairs and entering a short hallway. There are only a few doors but you feel yourself instantly drawn to one and step towards it.

"Ash?"

You immediately regret having gone to look for the surly man when your eyes once again lock with his before moving to slowly travel down his broad form and take in the sight before you. A wave of embarrassment quickly floods you as you see the woman knelt before him still bobbing her head rhythmically despite the sudden intrusion. Your jaw drops slack momentarily before you quickly regain your composure and slam the door shut. A series of emotions course through you as you stumble back down the stairs and try to find Kaleb. Though you have no rational explanation for it, you're suddenly no longer in the mood to party.