Higher Education

Thank you ZB for editing this story.

*

Kaitlyn awoke, startled from her dreams by the banging on the door.

"Wake up Kaitlyn," Alexis yelled, "Rebecca will be here at 8:00 to drive us to the airport. You have to get up."

"I'm up, I'm up," Kaitlyn mumbled as she climbed from bed and headed to the shower.

Alexis walked back to her room listening for the water to turn on, it did. She turned her attention to blow drying her chestnut curls. As she smoothed her hair she glanced at her reflection in the mirror, grateful most of the freshman fifteen had gone to her breasts and hips.

Uneasiness over her brother's upcoming wedding dampened the anticipation of a visit home. She'd met his bride to be several times and was convinced Mary Ashley was a gold digger, more in love with their family's money than Scott. She hated to admit it, but perhaps they weren't so different. Her father persuaded her to go off to college and find a man who could care for her the way her high school sweetheart, Rob, could not afford to. Over the past year some of Kaitlyn's practicality had rubbed off. Earning her Mrs. Degree wasn't what she really wanted. She wanted to earn a real degree so she could support herself, then she could be with whoever she wanted.

Alexis carefully applied her make up, taking time to ensure she looked perfect. Once they landed in Charleston she wanted to apologize to Rob, money wasn't what mattered most. She stepped back from the mirror to get a better look at herself. She'd chosen a tight denim skirt that hit a few inches above her knees and a pale pink v neck shirt, underneath a push up bra enhanced her ample cleavage. Her make up was simple but accented her green eyes and drew attention to her pouty lips. Satisfied with her reflection she grabbed her bags and made her way toward the front of the apartment.

In her room, Kaitlyn peered into the mirror and hardly recognized herself. It had been awhile since she'd gotten dolled up; her ex accused her of looking for another man whenever she tried. She'd found the black dress in the back of her closet, tags still attached. He thought it was too short and didn't like the low neckline so she'd put it away. To her delight it still fit perfectly, unlike Alexis she hadn't gained much weight. The dark color contrasted nicely with her fair skin and blonde hair and made her dark brown eyes stand out. She could hear Alexis coming down the hall so she slipped on the finishing touches, black heels to compensate her 5'1" height.

"Are you almost ready because..." Alexis called as she rounded the corner. "Oh, you look gorgeous!"

Kaitlyn blushed at her friend's compliment, her self confidence still shaken from spending the last six months in a volatile relationship.

"You like it?" Kaitlyn asked with a grin.

Alexis' eyes conveyed her approval. "Is that a new dress? Spin around and let me see"

They hauled their bags outside just as Rebecca pulled up to drive them to the airport. The drive went by quickly and the girls were soon boarding the plane and settling in for the flight. For Kaitlyn, the trip offered a chance to put her ex behind her and have fun before classes resumed. Alexis and Kaitlyn were still chatting about their plans for the week as the flight attendants prepared the passengers for landing.

After departing the plane, the pair made their way to baggage claim where Alexis' family waited. They made small talk as the men carried the luggage to the car. Alexis' older brother Drew offered to take the middle seat, assuring himself a seat beside Kaitlyn.

While Alexis chatted casually with her parents Kaitlyn realized that Drew, being taller, had an excellent view down the front of her dress. She turned from the window and caught him peeking. Their eyes locked briefly before he turned away, color rising along the back of his neck. Kaitlyn smiled to herself, it felt good to be noticed again.

Kaitlyn returned her attention to the window, admiring the greenery and well kept homes along their route. After turning down a rural road, Alexis told Kaitlyn she'd see the house once they topped the hill. The beauty of the estate left her speechless as the car turned down a long drive lined with white crepe myrtles. It was a newer home but had been built to look like an antebellum, reminiscent of Tara. Once inside Alexis offered a quick tour, then they retreated to the privacy of Alexis' bedroom. Pictures of her and Rob still adorned the desk. Kaitlyn picked one up and climbed onto the king sized bed. "So are you going to call him today or are we going out?"

"I don't know," Alexis answered, realizing she had no right to ask for a second chance.

"You should just get it over with. If we go out you won't have any fun, you'll be too busy thinking about him."

Alexis sat quietly and imagined how he'd respond. "What would you do?"

Kaitlyn thought for a moment. "You think you and Rob had something special, if you want that back you don't really have a choice. You need to apologize and tell him how you feel; the rest is up to him." She put her arms around Alexis and hugged her. "He might say all kinds of hurtful things, and he has every right to. Or he might give you another chance, but there's only one way to find out." She offered Alexis the phone and gave her an encouraging nod. "I'll be right here," she reassured.

Apprehensively, she took the phone and dialed his number. Rob's mother answered, and sounded irritated once she knew who was asking for her son. Alexis waited for him to pick up, her stomach churning as she thought about what he might say.

A hesitant voice answered the phone, "Hello?"

"Hi Rob, how are you?"

"Um Alexis, I'm good," Rob stammered, "surprised to hear from you."

Fearing she'd lose her courage, she decided to skip the small talk. "Rob I know how badly I hurt you, and I'm so ashamed of how I acted. I've tried to stop thinking about you but can't." Alexis rushed her words trying to get out what she needed to say before Rob hung up or cut her off. Instead of the angry response she feared, there was only silence. "Rob, are you there?"

"I'm here," Rob hesitated. "Alexis, I don't think this is a good idea." Alexis pleaded. "Please Rob, I just want to see you. Will you meet me at the park at 9:00?"

The line fell silent and Alexis braced herself for his answer.

"I don't know Lexi," Rob finally answered before hanging up the phone.

Alexis sobbed against Kaitlyn's shoulder, a huge weight had been lifted.

The rest of the afternoon and evening were a blur for Alexis. Thankfully the arrival of out of town guests kept her parents too busy to notice how preoccupied she was. As the allotted hour approached she feigned exhaustion and asked to be excused for the night. Alexis went upstairs first and as Kaitlyn climbed the stairs behind her she caught Drew watching from the foyer below.

"I hope I put on nice panties this morning," she teased as she looked over the baluster.

"I wasn't lucky enough to get a peek," Drew responded, not faking the disappointment in his voice.

Drew turned to leave but caught movement out of the corner of his eye and turned back to Kaitlyn. She rewarded him by flipping up the back of her dress. It didn't last long but Drew caught a glimpse of her black thong and the faint tan line of revealing bikini bottoms. He walked back toward the living room smiling, grateful for the heat wave. The girls would certainly spend time in the pool, and when they did he'd get to see her in that bikini.

Kaitlyn's smile faded as she entered Alexis' room and found her usually bubbly friend pacing the floor. "Lexi it'll be alright, just tell him what you've told me. Tell him how sorry you are and that you still love him," Kaitlyn soothed.

"I don't know," Alexis interrupted. She drew a long breath trying to steady her nerves. "I can do this. I mean I've known him all my life, no reason to be nervous. But something just doesn't feel right. He should've yelled, reminded me I thought I was too good for him." She paused before verbalizing her fears. "Do you think he's leading me on?"

Kaitlyn hadn't considered he might be out for revenge, but it certainly seemed possible. "Just be careful. Wake me up if I fall asleep before you get back, I want details."

Alexis freshened up and slipped down the back staircase unnoticed. She tried to sort out her emotions as she made the short walk to the park. Despite the warm August night, she felt goose bumps forming along her arms as she imagined what it would feel like to be in Rob's arms again.