Say When - Micalea Smeltzer Page 0,3

of my face. “Don’t even think about falling asleep on Blanche, Dorothy, Rose, and Sophia. That’s unacceptable,” she jokes.

“I won’t fall asleep.” I clean up the mess from the pizza and put the leftovers away, still within viewing distance of the television. With everything back in order, I lay down on the couch—it has a chaise on each end—and cover up with a blanket.

As I start to doze off, despite my declaration not to, I hear Molly whisper, “We did it, Emmie.”

But I know we haven’t really done anything. Not monumental anyway. This is one tiptoe in an infinite walk.

Chapter Two

“You want to go to campus?” I blink at Molly, my spoonful of Apple Jacks halfway to my mouth. “Why? We have two more weeks before classes even start.”

She returns the orange juice carton to the fridge. “I want to check out the buildings where my classes are—time the walk, get a lay of the land. I have to be prepared. I don’t want to get lost on my first day, or God forbid be late.” She shudders at the thought, plating her scrambled eggs. “I don’t know how you eat that stuff.” She sticks her nose up at my Apple Jacks.

“I love sugar,” I reply around a mouthful.

“Real mature.” She laughs, amused.

“I didn’t feel like cooking.” I shrug, finishing the last bite. “Cereal is easy.”

“So, will you go to campus with me or not?” She eyes me while she butters her toast.

“I’ll go,” I agree, emptying the milk from my bowl and rinsing it. “But I still don’t see the point in going this early. You don’t want to be overprepared.”

She snorts, sliding onto the barstool beside the one I vacated. “There’s no such thing as being overprepared. You’re either prepared or underprepared. That’s it.”

Sticking the bowl in the dishwasher I turn toward the coffee maker, feeling the telltale pinch between my brows of an oncoming headache. I hope the caffeine can stop it in its tracks.

“You have your schedule already, right? What’s the harm?”

“I said I’ll go.” The coffee maker comes to life and the heavenly scent of my favorite blend fills the air with notes of brown sugar and cinnamon. Yum.

“Great. Can you be ready to go by ten?”

I eye the clock. “It’s already nine.”

“I know, but I figured that would give us two hours to get a lay of the land and then get lunch. It’s on me.”

I know she’s giving me a peace offering for agreeing. After all, food is the key to my heart.

Grabbing my favorite chipped Disney mug with Grumpy on it—because mood—I pour my coffee and add a tiny bit of cream and sugar.

“I’m going to get ready,” I tell her, already heading off to my room.

“Thank you,” she calls after me.

“Mhmm.” I wave my hand, so she knows I’m not totally pissed, I’ve just reached my morning quota of words and need to reboot.

Taking a few sips of coffee, I appraise my closet hoping something will jump out and say wear me.

Unsurprisingly, nothing does.

Setting the mug on my dresser I opt for a pair of jeans and an oversized t-shirt that I tie in a knot at my waist. I top it off with my favorite, worn in, pair of black boots. My hair is a mess since I slept with it in a bun. Brushing it out, I try to smooth the wavy locks. It still looks like a bird has taken up residence in the dark brown, nearly black, depths. With a groan, I pull it back into a low bun, letting a few stray pieces of hair fall forward to frame my face.

I add a light layer of foundation to even out my skin tone—stupid breakouts—some bronzer, blush, and a tiny hint of shimmery shadow to my lids. Once mascara is coated on my lashes and gloss is on my lips, I deem myself good to go. Molly, who loves makeup and is a wizard with a brush, will put my simple makeup look to shame. But that’s okay, simple and easy is more my speed.

I know despite this being her idea she won’t be ready until the last minute. Grabbing my coffee, I plop onto the couch to sip the rest of it.

At two minutes until ten she strides into the main living area in a pair of black jeans and a striped tee. Like I suspected her makeup is immaculate. “I’m ready,” she announces, opening her purse and double checking that she has everything she needs.