copyright: i own and control these characters and the world they’re stuck in.
sex/subtext: subtext? of course.
violence: a smidge, yes.
feedback: can be directed to me at red_hope@yahoo.com
webpage: http://www.redhope.net
started: August 28, 2003 – Thursday
Series 3: Putting the Puzzle Together Series Number: 19 Story Number: 57
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Maryland State Trooper #1153 The Test Trial Ứber by Red Hope |
Part IX
Katia stretched her legs out under the desk until her feet almost touched the desk in front of her. She bit back a yawn and looked to her left.
Erin corked an eyebrow at her roommate when she saw Katia looking at her. “Pay attention,” she whispered.
Katia grumbled but looked back at the Professor down on the ground floor of the auditorium. “I like this class,” she commented.
“That’s because you already know everything,” quietly joked Erin. She returned to her note taking on what the Professor was lecturing about. “This is the last class and we’re free.”
“Thank god,” muttered Katia. She focused on her note taking again. “You know, I don’t know everything about the Chesapeake Bay.”
“Okay so you missed out on the oysters, big deal,” teased Erin. “It's still a good class.”
“It is,” agreed Katia. She sighed some but continued with her notes. “What time is the party tonight?”
“I think its starts around eight,” quietly replied Erin.
The Professor suddenly stopped and looked at both Katia and Erin. “Ahem… as I was saying, the puddle ducks are not much different than prostitutes. They’ll sleep with anything and have their nest anywhere.”
Katia giggled and looked at Erin.
Erin shook her head. “Sometimes I wonder about this professor.”
“Some sick jokes, I’ll agree,” muttered Katia. She licked her lips but continued writing. “Mike is coming too?”
“Yeah,” answered Erin. She then looked at her watch. “Five minutes.”
“Six by my watch.”
“Well it doesn’t matter because we go by that clock.” Erin pointed, with her pencil, at the clock at the bottom of the auditorium.
“Argh that’s seven minutes,” whined Katia.
“We’ll make it,” teased Erin. “Maybe.”
Katia chuckled but remained quiet for the rest of the seven minutes. At the end of the lecture, they both jumped out of their seats and hurried across campus to their dorm.
“Hello, ladies,” greeted Sara. She strolled up to their sides, a cigarette in her right hand.
“Get that away from me,” ordered Erin.
Sara smirked and took a drag on her cigarette. “Come on, baby… kiss me.”
Erin rolled her eyes and walked faster.
Katia snickered and came closer to Sara’s side. “You’re gonna lose Erin over your cigarettes.”
“Well at least I can put my lips on these,” almost yelled Sara.
Erin glanced back and threw a dirty look at Sara.
Sara just grinned and lifted her cigarette back up to her lips. “So how was class?” she muttered between her cigarette.
“Well we learned that puddle ducks are prostitutes.”
Sara laughed as she blew the smoke out between her lips. “And what are mute swans? Rapists?”
“Probably are to Dr. Manson.”
Sara shook her head and threw her cigarette butt on the ground. She stepped on it as she passed by it.
“You know, that’s called littering,” announced Katia.
“So fine me,” joked Sara.
Katia smirked and said, “I’ll let Ashley know.”
Erin slowed down and rejoined the group now that Sara finished her cigarette. “Have you heard from her?”
“Not really,” answered Katia. “She’s been busy and so have I.”
“Well I guess you’ll see her this weekend.”
“Actually no.” Katia sighed and looked at Erin. “She’s has to report for duty.”
“She’s in the service?” cut in Sara.
Katia nodded her head. “Yeah, in the reserves so she said she’s leaving Saturday morning. I think she’s working late tonight and that’s why she can’t go tonight.”
“That bites,” complained Sara.
“Yeah it does,” agreed Katia. “And not like I could do much anyway. Saturday and Sunday I’m in charge of the computer lab.”
Sara shook her head. “Sorry for your luck.”
“Don’t worry, we’ll have a good time tonight,” reminded Erin.
“Oh, wait.” Katia laughed and her grin appeared as she looked to Erin. “You see that guy in the bay class?”
“You mean the class we were just in?” inquired Erin.
“Yyyyeah.” Katia went up the steps of the dorm with her friends. “He’s one row ahead and like… three maybe five seats to the left.”
Erin thought about it and tried to recall the person that sat there. “Oh wait, you mean Bobby!” She grabbed the door and opened it for her friends.
Katia went in first but called, “He’s got that crew cut, blond hair.”
“Yup, that’s Bobby.” Erin came in after Sara stepped into the dorm.
“Bobby? You mean Calvert County Bobby?” piped in Sara.
“That’s him,” confirmed Erin.
“You know him, Sara?” Katia had pushed open the door to the stairwell.
“Yeah he’s in my biology group. He’s a cool guy.” Sara grinned then asked, “You interested in him, Katia?”
“He is cute,” mentioned Erin aloud.
Sara looked behind and gave Erin a mean look.
Erin chuckled and continued up the stairs with her friends.
“Yeah I like him,” stated Katia. “I haven’t met him though.”
Sara quickly moved and wrapped her arm around Katia’s waist. “Not to worry, babe. I’ll hook you up with him.” She grabbed the door to the hallway.
Erin rolled her eyes and stepped around them and went into the hall.
“You know him that well?” Katia raised an eyebrow at her gay friend.
“Me and Bobby?” Sara grinned and walked through the doorway with Katia still in her left arm. “We’re close, real close.” She winked. “Not too worry, Katia. And know what else?”
“I’m afraid to ask,” joked Katia.
Sara smirked and tugged Katia in closer. “He’s coming to the party tonight.”
“Is he?” Erin stopped and turned around. “He’ll be there?”
“Yup,” replied Sara. “He and I were talkin’ in class and we got on that topic.”
“Perfect,” whispered Erin. She grinned at Katia.
Katia began to smile but more shy than anything.
“See?” Sara squeezed her friend’s side. “Erin and I will get it all set up for you. Not to worry, Katia. By the end of the party, you’ll be wrapped tight in his arms.”
Katia laughed and rolled her eyes. She moved out of her friend’s embrace when they came to the bedroom. “What about you, Erin? You know we haven’t done any hunting in awhile.”
Erin chuckled as she entered the bedroom. She tossed her books onto her desk. “Yeah I know. I’m not quite interested in a relationship,” she quietly admitted.
“Uh huh.” Katia raised an eyebrow at Erin then glanced at Sara.
“What?” asked the confused lesbian. “Did I miss something here?”
Katia shook her head at her friend. “No you sure didn’t, did you?”
“Ha, ha Katia. You’re always the smartass,” teased Sara.
Katia smirked and sat down at her desk. “Personally, I think I’m gonna get a nap before the party. I only had a couple of hours of sleep last night.”
“Well Sara and I will exit then.” Erin shifted to Sara’s side. “We’ll be back around seven, alright?”
“Sounds good, wake me if I ain’t up.” Katia yawned and bent forward to untie her shoes.
“See yah, Katia.” Erin left her room and dragged Sara out.
“Sleep well, Katia,” called Sara as she closed the door.
“Bye!” hollered Katia through the closed door. She stared at the door for the second then shook her head. “Those two are quite a pair,” she muttered. She then climbed into her bed, not caring about the fact she was still in her regular clothes. She pulled her pillow in, curled up, and began to fall asleep.
Part X
“Katia!” squealed Shanarah. “Its so good too see you, girl.” She jumped forward and hugged her friend.
“Hey, Shanarah.” Katia tightly hugged her friend back after just getting into Haley and Shanarah’s small house. “Sorry I haven’t been around.”
“It’s a’right, girl.” Shanarah warmly smiled. “I know you’ve been busy with this new friend of yours.”
“Oh god, you heard too?”
The African-American smirked and folded her arms over her chest. “Honey, I know all. Let me tell you.”
“Actually don’t,” joked Katia. She then stepped aside when Sara, Erin, and Mike came into the house.
“Girls!” greeted Shanarah. She then smirked and looked at Mike. “All four of you.”
“Oh funny, Shanarah.” Mike rolled his eyes. “And here we were barring gifts for the party. I don’t mind taking them back.”
“Oh no, honey bring them in ‘ere.” Shanarah smiled when Mike held up a case of Yuengling and case of Magic Hat #9. “Now Mike, you shouldn’t have.”
“He didn't,” cut in Erin, “he isn’t old enough yet.”
Shanarah chuckled and smiled at Erin. “I imagine it was you, huh?”
“I’m the only twenty-one year old in this group,” reminded Erin. She stepped forward and hugged her friend. “Where’s Haley?”
“Oh she’s around. She’s been going around saying hi to everybody.”
“A lot of people here?” cut in Katia.
“Yeah there are already.” Shanarah then looked at Mike. “Follow me, honey. I’ll show you where you can put those.”
“Lead the way.” Mike stepped around his friends and followed Shanarah threw the various rooms.
“A lot of people already,” commented Sara.
Erin grinned. “Let’s mingle.” She took both of her friend’s hands and dragged them into the living room where there were around a dozen people.
“Personally I just want a beer,” complained Sara.
“I’ll get yah one.” Erin released her friends and headed to the large table across the room that had all the drinks.
“Katia?”
Katia turned to the feminie voice that called her. She instantly smiled. “Beth, how are yah?”
“I’m good and you?” Beth approached her friend. She was a little taller than Katia and had long almost bleach blond hair. Her cheeks were chubby and her lips big.
“Pretty good.” Katia then realized Beth hadn’t met Sara. “Oh, I’m sorry. Beth, this is my closest friend, Sara Miller.”
Beth turned to Sara and arched an eyebrow at her. “I’ve heard of you.”
“I’m sure it’s all good,” joked Sara but her eyes were cold. She already didn’t like this girl.
“Hmmmm.” Beth lifted her plastic cup full of beer and took a brief drink. As she lowered it again, she said, “I heard you’re close with Erin too.”
“She is,” cut in a deep voice.
Beth quickly turned and found Erin had emerged at her side. “Erin! Its great to see you.”
“Hi, Beth.” Erin handed Sara a drink and held the other one out to Katia.
Katia was about to take it but then refused it when she realized it was beer so Erin just kept it.
“I haven’t seen you in so long, Erin.” Beth kept her back ridged and her face was stuck with a fake smile.
“Yeah it’s been nice.” Erin kept a straight face then suddenly grinned.
Beth uneasily laughed. “You’re always funny, Erin.”
Erin huffed then took a sip of her beer. She then sucked in her breath when she saw Beth’s best friend join them. “Valerie,” she greeted.
“Evening, Erin.” Valerie then looked at Katia and Sara. “Hey Katia and Sara.”
Sara just nodded and took a step closer to Erin.
“Hey Valerie.” Katia tried to keep a friendly front with Valerie. She hated Valerie more than she needed to but she could never seem to control it.
“Come on, Beth. There’s a few guys I want you to meet,” whispered Valerie. She was already walking off.
“Right behind you.” Beth quickly hurried off behind her best friend.
“I hate her,” growled Erin.
“Just let it go,” soothed Sara. She rubbed Erin’s back some with her free hand.
“Mmmm.” Erin’s shoulders began to relax. She took another long drink from her beer.
“Where’s Mikie?” quietly wondered Katia.
“Right here.” Mike came up behind Katia and wrapped his arms around her shoulders. “Miss me, honey?” He kissed her cheek.
“Mike!” growled Katia. She rubbed her cheek where his bristly goatee prickled her face.
“Oh just relaxed.” Mike tightened his arms, which made Katia lean into him.
Sara snickered.
“Girls!” Haley strolled up to the group and threw open her arms.
Erin instantly had a smile and she pulled Haley in for a hug. “Thank you for the invite.”
“Anytime.” Haley separated from the hug and went to Sara next. “Glad you made it, Sara.”
Sara chuckled and hugged her friend. “I wouldn’t miss it, Hale.”
Haley gave a tight squeeze then faced Mike and Katia. “Now don’t you two look like the cutest couple.”
Mike rolled his eyes. “As if.” He released Katia from his cocoon hug.
Katia sighed yet she was grinning. “How are yah, Haley?”
“Wonderful, sweets.” Haley brought Katia into a warm hug. She lowered her head and whispered, “I heard about you and this cop.”
Katia groaned and dropped her face into Haley’s soft neck. “Not you too,” she muttered.
“Not too worry, cutie,” uttered Haley. “You and I need to catch up later. Alright?”
“Seriously?” teased Katia.
Haley pulled back and her brilliant smile broaden. “I’m so serious.” She winked and flung back her curly blond hair as she looked at Mike. “And Mike.”
Mike smiled and he came over to give his friend a big hug.
Haley laughed and squeezed him back just as tightly. “How’s the love life?” she asked after pulling back.
“It sucks,” complained Mike. “Can’t you tell?”
“Yeah if you’re hanging on Katia,” joked Haley.
“Hey!”
Mike snickered at Katia’s response. “No, I just need to find the right man. You know though, I do need some action soon.”
“Oh my, you got some sugar in your tank,” teased Haley. She laughed and shook her head. “I’ll keep my eyes peeled, honey.”
“Please do, Haley. You’re the only one that can pick ‘em.”
“That’s why they call me the Goddess of Love.” Haley winked and started to walk off. She looked back at Katia and pointed at her. “Catch up with my later, babe.”
“I will,” promised Katia.
Haley winked then disappeared in the crowd of growing people.
“She is one cool girl,” commented Sara. She then raised her beer to take a drink.
“Definitely,” agreed Erin. She then looked at Katia. “You don’t want anything to drink?”
“No… not in the mood.” Katia shrugged.
“Well I think I am,” spoked up Mike. “I’ll be back.” He strolled off to the other side of the room where the long table was located.
“So just how much have you been telling people?” inquired Katia. She shifted closer to her two friends.
“Tell people what?” Sara raised an eyebrow.
Katia rolled her eyes. “About Ashley.”
“You mean… Ashley and you?” corrected Erin. A huge smirk creased her lips.
Katia rolled her eyes at her roommate. “You know, even if I was that way… Ashley wouldn’t be with me anyway.”
“What?” choked Sara. She laughed at Katia’s serious expression. “No way. That cop has it for you, Katia.”
“Even I can tell without meeting her.” Erin grinned at Katia’s annoyed look. She held up her drink to Katia and said, “Here’s to Katia figuring at her deepest, darkest secret.”
“Oh please.” Katia shook her head and walked off.
Sara snickered and looked at her friend. “You’re gonna piss her off, Er.”
Erin grinned and lowered her plastic cup after taking a long drink. “She’ll thank me later. Its good for her to have reminders… it keeps her thinking.”
“The girl hardly sleeps as is.”
“Yeah even I have noticed how tired she is.” Mike rejoined the two girls. He was about to add more but the sudden interruption of loud music cut him short. “Guess the party is really getting started.”
Sara was bobbing her head some. “Good song.”
“Hey.” Erin jabbed Sara in the side. “Isn’t that him?” She directed at the front door with a nod.
Sara looked over and saw Bobby from Calvert Count enter the apartment house. “Yup, that’s him.”
“Go cut him off at the pasture,” joked Erin.
“You got it, sugar.” Sara grimaced when she got a smack to her side. She quickly walked off to catch Bobby before anybody else did.
“So what’s going on with you and Sara?” inquired Mike.
Erin peered up at her gay friend. “What makes you think anything is going on, Mikie?”
The young man dramatically rolled his eyes. “Please I know there’s a little somethin’ somethin’ going on between you two.” He suddenly grinned. “I don’t care how gay Sara is… she does not hang on people like she does with you.”
Erin had her cup up to her lips and she grinned into the cup before she took a drink.
“Come on, Erin.” Mike narrowed his eyes at her. “Tell me.”
“Mike, I can’t tell you before I tell Katia.”
“So there is something going on!” Mike laughed and came even closer to Erin. “Is she good?” he whispered.
“Yeah….”
Mike’s eyes widened and he was about to squeal until Erin said, “She’s a good friend.” Instantly Mike glared again and growled, “Erin Mathews.”
Erin pointed a finger at Mike. “I don’t kiss and tell… if I kissed her.”
Mike just shook his head and looked across the room at Sara talking to Bobby.
“She’s in my bay class right?”
“Yeah,” answered Sara at the end of her drink. She then leaned to her right some and peered through the doorway into another room. “There’s Katia now.”
Bobby took a step back and rested his eyes on a short blond. He liked the sky blue button up top that Katia wore along with her black slacks and a set of dress boots. Slowly a grin creased in his expression. “Single huh?”
Sara licked her lips and her stomach turned for some bad reason. “Yeah… she is. I’ll introduce her to you.”
Bobby nodded. “I would love it.”
Sara stepped around her friend and led him into the next room where Katia was talking to some young man.
“Hey, Katia,” cut in Sara.
Katia fell short on her words and turned to Sara. Her smile broke when she saw Bobby beside Sara.
“Katia?”
Katia blinked and looked at Sara. “Oh sorry.”
“Hey Katia, I’ll catch you later.”
Katia turned back to her friend, Jeff, when he grabbed her shoulder. “Good talking to you, Jeff. I’ll see later.”
“Take it easy.” Jeff released her shoulder and walked off with a smile.
Katia returned her focus to Sara and Bobby.
“Katia, I thought you’d like to meet Bobby.”
Bobby stepped up to Katia and held out his hand. “Nice to finally meet you.” He noted how Katia was changing into a slight shade of red.
Katia uneasily laughed but briskly shook his hand. “Finally huh?”
Bobby grinned as he stepped back beside Sara. “I’ve seen you in class and Sara talks a bit about you.”
“Oh… I see.” Katia exchanged a grin with Sara.
“So uh…” Sara smiled at the pair. “I’m going to go see what Erin is doing. You two should… get to know each other.”
“Yeah, I think we will,” agreed Bobby.
“Thanks, Sara.”
Sara flash an evil grin at Katia then strolled off.
“So uh… how you like the bay class?”
Bobby softly laughed at Katia’s question. He could tell Katia was desperate for a topic. “Yeah its fine… but I think it’s my least favourite class.”
“Yeah it’s definitely… different.” Katia nodded her head a few times, she stared down at her feet then looked up. “I hear you’re from Calvert County.”
“Yeah I am. Where are you from?” Bobby folded his large, muscular arms over his chest.
“Further north in Chestertown.”
“I’ve heard of that town. I think Washington College is up there.”
Katia nodded her head. “I leave near there.”
Bobby dropped his head to one side. “You didn’t go to Washington College?”
“Noooo way.” Katia laughed and shook her head. “First its too close to home and second its way to prep for me.”
Bobby grinned at her words. “Yeah I heard its pretty prep.”
“I mean if I’d gotten into writing, like I thought about, then I’d gone there.”
“They do have an excellent lit department,” agreed Bobby. He then straightened up to his full height. “I need a drink.”
“I’ll come with you,” persisted Katia. She slowly walked along side Bobby to the other room. As she passed her group of friends, she saw them all giving her grins and she tried to ignore them.
Bobby grabbed a bottle of Coors from the ice chest cooler. He then stepped aside while twisting the cap off. “So you’re into English?”
“Not really,” replied Katia. “I’m still working on that major idea.”
Bobby chuckled then took a drink from the bottle.
“How about you?” Katia folded her arms and took a step to her right. She leaned against the wall some but her eyes never left Bobby.
“Look at them,” cooed Mike. “They’re getting along well already.”
Sara took the last drink of her beer then crushed the cup. “They sure are.”
“Oh are you jealous?” teased Erin. She reached over and squeezed her friend’s arm.
“Hardly.” Sara grinned.
“I think I’m going to go over there and meet him,” decided Erin aloud.
“Good… Sara and I will go talk to the music deejay.” Mike grabbed Sara’s arm and hauled her off.
Erin smirked as she watched Sara get towed off. She then turned back to Bobby and her roommate’s direction. She headed for the food and beverages table first.
Out of the corner of her eye, Katia saw her roommate coming towards her.
Erin finished filling up her cup with more beer from the metal keg. She handed off her spot at the keg to the next person. She then neared Katia and Bobby through the crowd of people near the table.
“Hey, Erin,” greeted Katia.
Bobby looked from Katia to the taller, curly dark-blond beside him.
“Hi.” Erin smiled at Katia then up at Bobby. “Hi, I’m Erin Mathews… I’m Katia’s roommate.” She held out her free hand.
“I’m Bobby Fluehr.”
Erin took the much larger hang and gave a good shake.
“I’ve seen you as well in class.”
“Yeah, we’re in that bay class together,” agreed Erin. She smiled at him. “We’re always the pair talking behind you.”
Bobby laughed and glanced at Katia before looking at Erin again. “Well I hardly hear your voice but I do hear Katia’s plenty.”
Katia closed her eyes some as a blush crept up her neck once more.
“Yeah Katia is a little gabby… I’ll say that.” Erin smirked at her friend’s embarrassed expression.
“I like that,” admitted Bobby. He smiled over at Katia.
Katia shyly smiled at him but when he looked away, she glared at Erin.
Erin’s smirk only grew but as she returned her attention to Bobby, she smiled. “So do you work out, Bobby?” She stepped forward and with her free hand, she grasped Bobby’s right forearm.
“Weight lifting.” Bobby tensed his arm muscle up.
“I can see,” agree Erin. She squeezed the rock solid arm. “Very nice.” She removed her hand and her smile switched into a devilish grin. “Katia has a thing for those types.”
Katia groaned from her spot against the wall.
“Hmmm.” Bobby said nothing else but his hungry grin said plenty.
“Well… I’ll let you to keep talking.” Erin looked at her roommate. “If you need us, we’ll be around, Katia but I don’t think you will.”
“Thanks, Erin.” Katia sighed after her friend walked off.
“Nice to meet you, Bobby,” called Erin.
Bobby gave a faint wave. “You too, Erin.” He then smiled back at Katia. “Nice roommate.” He shifted closer to Katia and lifted his left hand. He pressed it against the wall near Katia.
Katia smiled at him then she dropped her head against the wall. “She’s a great friend.”
Erin continued to push through the crowd. She needed to find her two friends and she knew they were with the deejay since the music was becoming louder. She finally found the table in the corner of the other side room where the deejay was located. She instantly spotted Mike and Sara talking to the deejay.
She weaved her way through and came up to Sara’s side. “I see you got the volume up,” she almost yelled.
Sara loudly laughed. “You got it, babe. Isn’t it great?” She was bobbing her head and letting the music fill her senses.
“I like techno,” yelled Mike over the music.
Erin rolled her eyes.
“Hey I’m gonna go for a smoke,” yelled Sara.
Erin nodded. “Don’t be long,” she called back.
Sara grinned and slipped around her friend. She was between walking and dancing her way to the open door.
Mike saw several girls and guys starting to dance in front of the deejay table. “I’m gonna go dance.”
“Go for it,” offered Sara. She then looked at the deejay and he was too into his music to notice her. She shook her head and took a long drink from her beer.
Sara slipped past a few more people then finally made it outside. She noted all the people outside on the small porch, who were talking and drinking. She shrugged and went down the set of steps until she came to the last one. She began to sit while pulling out her pack of cigarettes. She tapped them on her knee then opened it. She pulled out her lighter and a cigarette.
Within a few seconds, Sara had her cigarette lit and the smoke filtered out of her open mouth. She started to listen to the music again and she bobbed her head to it. She then felt a presence behind her and she looked to her left when the person sat beside her.
“Hey.”
Sara smiled. “Hey, Haley.”
“Mind?”
“Nope.” Sara held out the cigarette.
Haley took the offer and she had a short drag then handed it back. “Thanks.” She let the smoke slowly flow out between her lips. “How is Katia?”
“She’s… a lot of things,” admitted Sara. She sighed then lifted her cigarette back to her lips.
“That’s what I gathered when I saw her.” Haley bushed back her long locks of curly blond hair. “She has dark circles under her eyes. You and Erin keeping her up at night?”
Sara laughed then blew out the rest of the smoke. “No, I wish that was the case.”
Haley half grinned and patted her friend’s back. “Give it time, Sara.”
“I know.” Sara dropped her head some but took another smoke from her cigarette. “I think Katia really likes this cop.”
“From what I’ve heard, I think you’re right.” Haley rubbed her hands together some then she reached forward to straighten out her pink skirt. “Just keep an eye on her, Sara.”
“We are,” promised Sara. She sighed and took the last drag from her cigarette. “She’s had enough trouble in her time.”
“Mmmm.” Haley then turned her head to the left down the street when something caught her eye.
Sara looked up as well after she threw the butt onto the sidewalk. “Oh shit.”
“Shit is right.” Haley hastily stood up when the blue and red flashing cars pulled up to the curb near her and Shanarah’s apartment house.
Sara sighed and muttered, “Goddamn pigs.”
“Goddamn neighbours is more like it.” Haley glared over at the neighbours that were poking their heads through the currents.
Sara peered up at Haley for a second but then she looked at the cop cars and saw seven local police officers coming over to them. She then realized one of the officers wore grey, which meant they were a trooper. “Oh god it’s tall, dark and… angry,” whispered Sara.
“Get that goddamn music off and break up the party,” ordered the state trooper to the local police.
“You got it, sarge,” called one officer. He ordered his men to follow into the house.
“Who lives here?” growled the state trooper.
“I do, ma’am.” Haley was tall but she wasn’t as tall as this state trooper so she decided to remain on the bottom step to gain some height. She felt a shiver ripple up her back when a set of angry blue eyes locked on her.
“Evening, Officer Carver,” greeted Sara as she stood up.
Ashley Carver’s dark eyes flickered to Sara but looked at Haley instead. “Have you ever been fined before for disturbing the peace?”
Haley shyly smiled. “No, Officer.”
“Well you’re about to be. Follow me,” ordered Ashley Carver.
Sara sadly sighed and she looked at Haley. “Good luck.”
Haley rolled her eyes but followed the state trooper to her car.
Sara then heard the music suddenly cut off. “There’s goes the party,” she sighed out. “I better go check on the girls.” She turned and hurried up the steps and into the house. As she weaved through the crowd of people, she could just make out Katia’s voice and it was angry. “Oh boy,” she breathed out when she found Katia talking to an officer. She also saw Erin coming out of a side door from the room and looking rather confused.
“Officer, I was not drinking,” hotly stated Katia.
“She wasn’t, sir,” agreed Bobby.
The officer shook his head and pointed at the cup in Katia’s hand. “That doesn’t matter at this point. You’re under twenty-one and holding alcohol… that’s against the law, miss.”
“What’s going on?” cut in Erin. She’d finally made it past all the people to join them.
“He’s giving me a citation for holding your drink,” explained Katia.
“What?” Erin looked at the officer. “That’s not even hers, sir. I was going to the bathroom and Katia offered to hold it for me.”
“I’m sorry, it doesn’t matter. She is under the age and in the state of Maryland it is illegal for her to hold alcoholic beverages.”
“Hey, Katia… Ashley is here,” spoke up Sara when she joined her friends.
“Ashley is here?” Katia’s eyes widened but she quickly looked at the officer. “Let me talk to Officer Carver, she’ll clear this up.”
Sara cringed when Katia said that.
“Please,” pleaded Katia.
The police officer sighed and closed up his ticket book. “Alright… stay here.” He then turned and headed back out of the crowd of people that were starting to thin out now. Once he got outside, he spotted the state trooper just releasing a tall curly blond. He approached Ashley Carver after she was finished speaking to the young college student. “Ashley?” he called.
The state trooper turned to the police officer after finished her conversation with Haley.
“I’ve got a girl in there that says she knows you.” The officer tucked his ticket book under his right arm.
“What’s her name?”
“Katia Danforth,” replied the officer.
“What’s the problem?” stoically asked the trooper.
The officer sighed and replied, “I found her holding a cup of beer. I checked her driver’s license and she’s under twenty-one.”
Ashley chewed on the inside of her lip. “Was she drinking?”
“I don’t believe so. I don’t smell anything on her breath and she claimed to be holding it for a friend.”
“Alright.” Ashley Carver went to her car door and opened it. “I’ll cover it, Matt. Take care of everything else.”
“Thanks, Ashley.”
The state trooper sighed when she rose back up with her own ticket book. She slammed her door shut and started for the house. “Goddamn it, Katia,” she hotly whispered, “Why couldn’t you stay in your dorm?” As she made her way in and to Katia, she ordered people to leave the party.
“Ashley will take care of it,” promised Mike. He then saw a tall, dark state trooper headed for them. “Here she comes.”
Sara looked over and could tell Ashley was in no better mood than earlier. She could only hope that Katia would be able to sooth Ashley’s temper for everybody’s own sake.
“What’s going on here?” first spoke up Ashley.
Katia could instantly tell Ashley was rather serious and even pissed off. She wasn’t sure why but she could tell this probably would not be good. She took a deep breath and said, “Ashley, one of the officers found me with a beer. I swear I wasn’t drinking it and I was holding it for Erin.”
Ashley slowly raised an eyebrow and put her hands on her hips.
“She was,” interjected Erin, “I had to go to the bathroom and I was just going to set it down on the table.”
“But I wouldn’t let her,” continued Katia, “because people put that stuff in girls’ drinks to knock them out.”
Ashley lowered her hands from her hips and she looked at Erin. “And do you have your license on you?”
Erin’s jaw almost fell when she heard the request but she knew better to argue. She reached to her back pocket on her jeans and she pulled out her license. “Here.”
Ashley took the license and carefully studied it. “Thank you.” she handed back the license. She then studied Sara and noticed she looked rather sober as well as did the young man to Katia’s left. But when she looked at the muscular young man behind Katia, she thought otherwise of him. “What’s your name?”
“Bobby,” replied the young man. He stepped up to Katia’s side.
“Have your license as well?”
Bobby sighed and reached into his back pocket too. He pulled out a leather wallet and fished through it. He produced his license for the state trooper.
Officer Carver took it and checked over the date and made sure it was him. She noted his twenty-first birthday was just a week ago. She sighed and gave it back to him. “Alright, you four are free to go.”
Nobody in the group made a single move to leave Katia’s side.
Ashley grounded her teeth and hotly ordered, “You four need to leave this house. You can wait outside for Miss Danforth there.” She kept her dark eyes on them as they each slowly left except for Erin.
Erin stepped up to Ashley and whispered, “Nice to meet you too, Officer Carver.” She then brushed past the state trooper but she looked back and gave her roommate a reassuring look.
Katia dropped her eyes and waited for Ashley to start the conversation.
“Unfortunately Katia, there’s nothing much I can do,” whispered the state trooper. “It is the law that you’re not allowed to hold alcoholic beverages when you’re under the age.” She felt some of her angry from the frustrating night quickly fade away when Katia looked up at with an upset expression. “I’m going to have to give you a citation.”
“A citation?” Katia’s attitude completely switched into anger. “I’m going to have to go to court?”
“Yes,” simply stated Ashley. She reached up with her right hand and pulled out her pen from her chest pocket.
“Ashley, it wasn’t….” Katia fell short on her words when Ashley held up her hand. She then began to grow angrier as she watched Ashley fill out a form in her ticket book.
“Driver’s license,” ordered Ashley.
The college student took deep, soothing breaths in hopes it’d calm her anger but it really wasn’t helping. She gave the state trooper her license.
Officer Carver placed the license at the top of her citation form and copied down certain information. When she was finished, she handed it over.
Katia closed her eyes as she put away her license in her pocket. When she opened her eyes again it was when she heard Ashley tear the citation free.
“Your court date will be at the end of this week,” explained the state trooper. “If you need a later date and can call that number at the bottom of the citation.” She noted how Katia wasn’t looking at her and how hard Katia was breathing right now. “I suggest you plead not guilty.”
Katia slowly lifted her eyes after Ashley spoke those words.
The state trooper actually sensed a slight shiver ripple down her back. She’d never seen so much anger in Katia’s eyes. It was at that point she knew she had to walk away for both their sakes. “I’m sorry, Katia,” she quietly whispered before leaving her friend.
Katia closed her eyes and tried to remain calm and in control.
Ashley walked through the dead, quiet house and went outside. As soon as she stepped out, all of Katia’s friends looked up at her. She just brushed past them and went to her car.
“That’s not good,” whispered Mike. He then peered up at the open door of the house and saw Katia standing there. He saw Katia held a piece of paper in her right hand. He cringed just at the thought.
“She didn’t?” whispered Erin.
“She did,” confirmed Katia in a very low, angry tone.
Sara’s eyes widened. “Holy shit, that’s fuckin’ ridiculous.”
“Sara,” warned Erin. She nodded in Ashley’s direction, who was just getting into her car.
“I don’t give a damn,” hissed Sara. “I’ll be right back.” She rushed off in the direction of Ashley’s car. “Officer Carver?” she called.
Ashley sighed at hearing Sara’s voice. “Yes?”
Sara approached the older woman and asked, “Can I talk to you…. in private.”
The state trooper thought about it yet nodded her head. “Step into my office,” she half joked and gestured to her car.
Sara walked around to the passenger side and go into the car.
Ashley climbed in as well and asked, “What you need, Sara?”
“Look I don’t know what gives but Katia did not deserve that.”
“I know.” Ashley didn’t look at Sara but stared out her front window at Katia. She watched as Katia sat down on a step with Erin. “But there wasn’t much I could do about it, Sara.”
“Yeah right, Ashley. I guess your job is pretty important, huh?”
Ashley quickly looked at the younger woman. “Do not throw that at me, Sara. I’d done anything to get Katia out of that but the fact another officer caught her instead of me made it hard.” She could tell Sara was starting to understand. “If it’d been me, I’d just pass by her like I didn’t see it.” She paused then added, “I gave her a citation so she could fight it in court. If she pleads not guilty and states her reasons, the judge will most likely let her off.”
Sara chewed on her lower lip. “You think so?”
“I’m pretty sure.” Ashley glanced at Katia through the window and muttered, “I’ll make sure of it.” She then looked at Sara. “So you outta suggest it to her… without mentioning my name.”
Sara slightly grinned at what Ashley said because she knew Ashley meant it as a joke. “I will,” she promised.
“Good.”
“Look, Ashley….” Sara sighed and continued with what she was trying to say. “There’s something else I need to tell yah.”
“What’s that, Sara?” Ashley raised an eyebrow. “Make it quick because I need to get back on duty here.”
The college student sighed but she tried to gain some courage. “Ashley, I’m hoping I don’t get my head knocked off for this but you are gay… aren’t you?”
Ashley tensed up but she kept a calm composure.
“You know I am,” continued Sara, “so you know I can pick up on these things.”
The state trooper finally took a breath and she looked down at the space between them. “I take it this is about Katia too… huh?” She lifted her head back up.
“Actually yeah,” admitted Sara. “I’m not asking because I’m interested in you… well not that you’re not hot or anything but….” She laughed when she saw Ashley slightly grin at her.
“I wouldn’t call myself a full fledge, die-hard lesbian,” started Ashley, “but I do prefer women.”
Sara nodded some and she considered her next words carefully. “Have you thought about telling Katia about it?”
Ashley knew that was the next question. She sighed and looked away from Sara. Her eyes rested on her friend on the steps. “Yeah, I have,” she admitted. “Actually was planning to talk to her about it this week. Well….” She held her hand up in Katia’s direction. “I think that plan just got screwed up.” She sarcastically laughed some and dropped her hand back down.
“Yeah… she’s pretty pissed at you now,” agreed Sara. She licked her lips and saw how Ashley looked at her with worried eyes. “She’ll get over it, trust me. Just give her some time. I bet she’ll be fine by Monday.”
Ashley had a sceptic look as she glanced at Katia again. “I doubt it,” she whispered.
“Look Ashley,” started Sara, “you should tell Katia. I think she already knows it about you.”
“I know, Sara but its kinda two different things when somebody knows it versus them being told its true.”
Sara faintly nodded. “She’ll be fine with it… she’s use to Mike and I being gay. So it won’t shock her or nothin’.” She pressed her lips together in thought. “But I guess you’re worried still.”
“I am,” quietly admitted the older woman.
“It’ll be fine,” promised Sara. “And the only reason I’m saying you should tell her soon is because I think it’d help her.”
“Help her?”
“Come on, Ashley.” Sara for once raised an eyebrow. “Can’t you see that Katia is having a hard time with her sexual preference?”
“I’ve noticed it.” Ashley dropped her head back against the headrest.
“I think if she knows you’re a… uh well a lesbian then it’ll be a good thing for her.”
“How is that?”
Sara grinned. “Because you’re the only one she talks to and goes to. Erin and I… Mike none of us can get her really to talk about certain things. But we all know she’ll come running to you about aaanything.”
Ashley chuckled a little.
“So if she knows you’re like that then she’ll feel more comfortable about talking to you about that stuff.”
“You think so huh?”
“I know so,” stated Sara. “And she could really use the help. I mean, the girl is up all night typing on her laptop.”
Ashley turned her head to Sara. “Like what?”
“I don’t know. Erin says she really can’t see the screen from so far away. Even if she could, she wouldn’t really read it because she doesn’t like to pry in Katia’s life.” Sara stopped and gave a deep sigh. “I just think if she knows you’re colourful like the rest of us, she’ll feel comfortable to come to you for help. And right now, she really needs somebody to talk to about that stuff. I mean for crying out loud, the girl can pick up on gays now.”
“I’ve noticed that too.” Ashley lowered her head back again. “I’ll try my best, Sara.”
“Thank you because Erin, Mike and I are going out of our minds.” Sara reached over to grab the door handle. “Oh and good luck with getting back on Katia’s good side.”
Ashley closed her eyes and her shoulder slumped. “Thanks a lot.”
“No problem.” Sara grinned and opened the door. “I’ll put some good words in for you though.”
Ashley looked over and said, “Thanks… appreciate it.”
Sara winked. “See yah, Ashley.”
“Bye.” Ashley turned her head away when the door slammed. She started her car and drove her car around. She knew Katia was looking at her as she passed by to turn around. Once she had her car around, she turned her headlights on and drove off.
Katia tore her eyes away from the dark car and looked up at Sara. “What’d you talk to her for so long?”
“Just told her she’s in a lot of fuckin’ trouble with you.”
Katia huffed and lowered her gaze. “I’ve never been so mad.”
“Yeah, I hear yah.” Sara reached back and pulled out her pack of cigarettes. She felt rather stressed now knowing just how mad her friend was right now.
“Come on, let’s get back to campus,” suggested Mike. He got up from the step and went to Sara’s side.
“I’m going to go check on Haley and Shanarah. Actually….” Erin looked at Mike then at Katia. “Why don’t you two head back. Sara and I will stay and help Haley Shanarah clean up.”
“Wait, what happened to Bobby?” inquired Katia as she stood up.
“I’m not sure,” admitted Erin with a curious expression.
Just then a yellow Nissan Frontier pulled up to them.
“Thought everybody would need a ride,” announced Bobby when he got out of his still running truck.
“You can get Mike and Katia back?” spoke up Erin.
“Yeah sure.” Bobby smiled but then asked, “What about you and Sara?”
“We’re gonna stay and help clean up,” replied Sara. “Katia and Mike need to get back though.”
“Alright.” Bobby looked at Katia and Mike. “Hop in. There’s enough room for all three in the front.”
“You get the middle,” teased Mike to Katia.
Katia shook her head and went to the passenger door. “See yah, Sara and Erin.”
“See yah when I get back,” called Erin. She was already heading back into the house with Sara.
Mike got into the truck after Katia and buckled his seat belt.
Bobby got in last and neglected to buckle his seat belt. He quickly turned his truck around and headed down the quiet street. “Tonight really sucked,” he commented.
“Yeah it did,” agreed Katia. “But… wasn’t all that bad.” She grinned up at him.
Bobby glanced over and mirrored the grin back. “Which dorm are you both in?”
“Severn,” answered Mike from across the cab.
When they arrived back at the campus, Mike got out and left Katia with alone with Bobby. He quietly walked through the parking lot and went to the dorm. He climbed the steps and went inside and up to this room. When he got into the room, he noted it was already eleven o’clock but it wasn’t until about eleven twenty that he hear Katia open the door to her dark room.
Katia didn’t bother to turn on any lights. She dropped into her bed and groaned. She saw her door crack open and figure appear. “Hey, Mikie.”
“How’s things with lover-girl?”
Katia chuckled and rolled onto her side. She smiled when Mike sat down on Erin’s bed. “We kissed,” she happily whispered.
“Oh?” Mike suddenly had an excited expression. “Was he good?”
Katia laughed but she looked rather worn out when she did laugh. “Yeah it was pretty nice. Mmmm.” She rolled onto her back. “I haven’t kissed somebody for….”
“A year?”
“Something like that.” Katia chuckled and turned her head to Mike. “He’s pretty good lookin’ huh?”
“Yeah he is,” agreed Mike but he shrugged. “I just hope he’s got the right personality for you.”
Katia also shrugged and said, “Doesn’t take much personality to have sex.”
“Katia Danforth, my virgin ears!”
Katia rolled her eyes. “Yeah right, Mike.”
Mike sighed and leaned forward. “Just don’t get ahead of yourself, Katia.”
“I know… I was just kidding about the sex part.” Katia gave her friend a warm smile. “He is cute though.”
Mike grinned but yet he felt a bit of sadness. “Well cute doesn’t mean he’s the one.”
Katia chewed on her lower lip some then closed her eyes. “I know,” she whispered.
“Good… just keep that in mind.” Mike stood up and grasped his friend’s shoulder. “Get some rest, Katia. It’s been a long night.”
Katia quietly grunted. “No kidding.”
Mike squeezed Katia’s shoulder then headed for the door. “Goodnight, Katia.”
“Nite, Mikie.” Katia listened to the door shut and she actually started to drift asleep. For once she didn’t care about her clothes and just decided not to fight her sleepiness. It wasn’t long before she dozed off.