“I bet you do,” the young man sneered.
“What's that supposed to mean?” I asked.
“A pretty thing like you must be fun to have in your bed.” I could feel the boys firm hold on my waist tighten as he pulled me tightly to him.
“Hey, Jason! How do I get me one of these pretty, little things?”
Jason was still in earshot talking to Honey. I could tell by the look in his eyes he did not find his friends comment funny.
“First off, you have to be less of an asshole Monty.” Jason removed the boy's arm from my torso, but I caught Monty's drink down my back.
There were a few gasps. I smiled at the boy and patted him on the arm. “I'm sure one of my friends can get you a fresh drink.” I pointed across the room. “See Aqua over there in the black dress. I think she's just your type.”
I stood on my toes and kissed Jason on the cheek. “I'm going to go wipe off this sticky crap. I'll be right back.”
Beryl walked towards the hall bathroom and motioned for me to follow her. Honey dropped a towel on the spill and patted me on the arm as I walked by.
“So, you have them fighting over you now, I see?” Beryl laughed as she peeled the sopping wet sweater off my shoulders.
“No, that guy is just an idiot. Thanks for coming to help me.”
“Not a problem. I had to get out of there. Priscilla and Mother in the same room is not a party.” Beryl rolled her eyes and wiped her fingers across her cheeks.
“I have to ask you something. It's not a normal question?” I blotted the liquid from my dress and took a deep breath.
“Okay, what is it?” Beryl asked as she smashed my sweater between two hand towels.
“How difficult was it the first time you were with a boy?”
“Somewhat tricky, maybe. I don't really recall. What you think everything works like in the movies. Two people fall into bed, and seconds later, they are effortlessly entwined?” Beryl laughed and reapplied her lipstick.
“I don't know. I suppose I did.”
“It takes some work, and friction is not your friend. Are you using condoms?” She asked sternly.
“Yes!” I whined. “We have wasted at least a half-dozen of the stupid things.”
“If you're not pregnant, they weren't wasted. Let me see what I have in my bag.”
“Thanks, I don't know what to do. I've had class after class and all the development workbooks. It isn't supposed to be like this.”
“Mechanical steps are not going to help here. You are obviously upset and that's not helpful. It takes time to find a balance where you can relax.”
“I'm a little—afraid,” I admitted quietly.
“Of what? I almost want to see what that boy is packing.” Beryl snickered.
“You aren't the only one. Maybe it would have been better to stay with the Reds. Jason could have found a more educated girlfriend by now.”
“He could have burnt off most of his skin or died from malnutrition and sepsis. The sky would be black from the burning bodies of his dead, charred enemies.
“Okay, here this little tube of skin protectant is basically water, silicone, and ionized silver. It doesn't smell like anything. It should be fine until one of you can make it to a store.” Beryl handed me the little tube. “I'm glad you choose to come back to us even if you have to marry that ugly, ugly boy.” Beryl smiled and pressed a towel to the back of my dress.
“Thanks for this.” I rubbed a bit of the clear goop on the back of my hand. It seemed perfect. “I know how ridiculous I sound, but nothing’s gone like I planned.” I tucked the tube in my shirt. Beryl nodded in agreement.
“I would be seriously shocked if they did. Stop worrying,” Beryl demanded while applying a thin layer of lip gloss.
“I need to thank Mrs. Eaton for this dress properly. It was so nice of her to think of me.”
“She has done more than think of you. Priscilla has valuable relationships. She was pivotal in getting you home safely.” Beryl was careful and cryptic as she chose her words.
“That is one scary woman you tied yourself to,” I said, straightening my dress and smoothing out my new bangs.
“Yes, but what's done is done. And I would do it again.” Beryl smiled and fluffed out the back of my hair.
“You are hiding something important. I can see it in your face.”
“You can see no such thing,” Beryl spoke in a dry, rehearsed tone. “Maybe you do, but you will have to come to the house before discussing it anymore.” Beryl put her finger to her lips and winked. The conversation was over. “Well then guess where I'm going again tomorrow, “I laughed.
“I don't have to guess what you're doing tonight.” Beryl swatted me on the butt and rushed out the bathroom door laughing.
I stood and looked in the mirror at my shoulder and decided it didn't look that bad. I folded the damp sweater over my arm and decided to walk across the party area to my room and get a dry, button-down shirt from the closet.
Jason was waiting for me outside the bathroom. “Is Aqua giving everyone one of these naked acrobat cards?”
“I sincerely hope not,” I said, turning the card right side up in his hand.
“Huh, that makes a little more sense.” Jason was preoccupied. The sight of half-naked cartoons would bring a smile to the face of even our most serious friends.
We reached the opposite side of the great dining hall and were nearing the quiet hallway outside my 'just for show' bedroom.
“Are you alright?” I asked, opening the door.
“I should be, but I guess I'm not.” Jason sounded surprised by his admission. I couldn't imagine what would have upset him.
“What happened,” I asked, pulling him into the room and
