This chapter has taken a very long time to prepare. To better follow the story line, I suggest that you read (or re-read) at least Chapter 11 of the series "Away at College". I would like to thank a number of readers of the series who have recently encouraged me to publish is part chapter. I promise that the rest of the Chapter and the final Chapter will be published far sooner than this Chapter was published. lol Barb
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Chapter 12 - Thanksgiving Break
By noon on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving the dorm was nearly empty and by Wednesday evening Smith only had three girls remaining. Although my college has a four-day break for the Thanksgiving holiday, the college allows anyone that wants/needs to, to stay in their room. However, they do not provide any meal service from Wednesday noon until Monday morning.
Because home was over 900 miles away, I knew that the only way I could make the round trip and still have any time at home was to fly. Unfortunately, my scholarships did not leave enough money for me to make the trip. While both my roommate, Julie, and my best friend, Sandy, invited me to go home with them, I decided to stay in the dorm so that I could finish my political science paper that was due during exam week. I wanted to get it out of the way so that I could concentrate on studying for my final exams.
After Julie left early Wednesday afternoon, I sat down at my computer and after checking my e-mail opened the outline for my political science paper. I set up my file for the paper itself and began to compose the first draft. I worked steadily for two hours, permitting myself only one break to go to the refrigerator for a straight Diet Coke. By 5:00 I had written seven pages which I saved for a final time. With the cafeteria closed, I decided to walk the four blocks to the nearest fast food restaurant to get some dinner. Because it was cold outside, I decided to change into a pair of jeans and a sweatshirt from the cut-offs and tee shirt I was wearing.
I ordered a salad, onion rings and a Coke, paid for them and walked over and sat down in a booth. As I was eating my salad, Jay from the Gamma Delta Iota house, strolled up and said, "Hi, Jenny. You staying on campus for the week-end?"
Looking up, I replied, "Oh, hi, Jay. Yep, I'm here for the holiday. Anybody over at the house this week-end?"
Jay stood over me as he replied, "There are a couple of us staying at the house. We're going watch some football, drink some beer and just hang out. You're welcome to come over if you want."
"I've got my poli sci paper to finish. I don't want that weight over my head with finals coming up."
Looking me over, Jay continued, "That's OK. If you want to take a study break anytime over the break, the invitation stands. We would be more than happy to have our favorite freshman over for even a couple of hours." With that Jay gave me a knowing look and sauntered out of the restaurant.
I finished my onion rings, cleaned up my table and ambled out the door. Returning to my room, I kicked my shoes off and slipped out of my jeans before sitting down at my computer to resume writing my first draft. Five hours, two Diet Coke breaks and a potty trip saw the first draft ready to be saved on my hard drive for the last time.
Looking at my clock, I noticed that it was almost 11:30 so I decided to fix myself a screwdriver for a nightcap and watch
Nightline
. While I was up fixing my drink, I snapped the lock on the door and changed into my nightie before turning the television on and snuggling under the covers.
I did not wake up until 10:30 on Thanksgiving. Stretching, I threw the covers back and swung my legs out of bed. Looking over at my desk, I decided to put on something comfortable for working in the room. Wandering over to the sink, I washed my face and brushed my teeth before stopping at the dresser to pick out my clothes for the day, a cut-off tee shirt and running shorts. Settling down in front of my computer, I began rewriting my poli sci paper. I worked on it steadily all day breaking only to fix myself a cup of soup for Thanksgiving dinner and to make or receive three phone calls.
Shortly before noon my roommate, Julie, called from her home to check in with me. After the usual pleasantries she continued, "My sister got me into a club last night and I met a couple of guys. They invited us over to their apartment and they showed us a good time."
"Us? Your sister went too?"
"Hell, yes. She is more of a party animal than I am," Julie responded.
"Roomie, I have never thought of you as a party animal. The only guy you seem to go out with is Bob."
"I guess I've done a good job of keeping things quiet. Since my family doesn't know anything about it, I'll tell you when I see you. Anyway, Ron and Bill are going to have one hell of a party tomorrow night and I thought you might like a study break."
"Thanks, Julie, but no thanks. I don't have a way to get down..."
Julie interjected, "I'll drive up and pick you up..."
"...Thanks for the offer, but I've been invited to the Gamma Delt house. I'll probably go if I get my poli sci paper done."
"Oh, you and that f'ing paper. I've never known a girl as conflicted as you, Jen. Most studious types don't sleep with every guy they meet and the party girls I know figure that their ass is their ticket to a decent grade."
Indignantly I shot back, "I've only slept with one guy and that was Bruce when you made me."
"OK - OK," Julie sighed then added sarcastically, "so you don't sleep with them, you only fuck their cocks off."