Red

“The sisters have spoken,” said Natalie. She holds up a single marble. “Red.”

“What?” you cry, “This isn’t fair! I shouldn’t have to leave school just because I hurt one girl’s feelings! I said I was sorry!”

Natalie responds, “You didn’t just hurt one girl’s feelings. You spurned all of us when you decided to reject our proposal to become our stud. ‘Hell hath no fury’, John.”

Natalie snaps her fingers and two men, one of whom is Carl, the friend who introduced you to Julie, grab your arms. Natalie states, “Your school records will be ‘misplaced’. The tuition you paid will go into the sorority accounts. You will leave the campus immediately. If you ever set foot on this campus, call here, or even attempt to write or send an email here, more **** measures will be taken.”

“This isn’t fair! I said I was sorry!” you scream.

Carl hisses in your ear, “Shut up! Just be happy you’re leaving with your tongue in your mouth!”

Natalie adds, “Of course, you will never speak of this to anyone. If you do - and believe me, we will find out if you do - you will look back on this punishment with fond memories.” She gestures to the two men holding you and they escort you out of the building.

The door closes behind you and the two guys let you go. You can see your car parked out front, already loaded up with your things.

Carl says, “Hey, they let you keep your stuff! The vote must have been pretty close.”

You turn on him, “Why the fuck didn’t you tell me what Julie was doing?”

“Rules, my man. Those are the rules. No talking about the deals.”

“Why did you even introduce us in the first place?” you say as you start to get into your car.

“Because I thought you were smart,” he replies, “You could have had sex with a different fucking girl every day and not have to worry about cheating or buying flowers or doing any of the other ‘boyfriend’ stuff. You blew it, man. Blew it big time. I’m kind of pissed at you too. I was the one who introduced you to Julie and now I’m in some hot water because of it.”

You start the engine. “You’ll excuse me if I don’t cry over it.” You slam your door shut.

Carl knocks on your window. You roll it down and he says, “Seriously, take my advice. When they said don’t talk about it, don’t. You’ll have a lot happier life.”

You take one last look back as you drive away, cursing yourself and what might have been.