Page 21 of #PhiThetaForever

Declan looks me in the eyes and smiles. "I can't imagine staying anywhere else."

23 Declan

Lena and I stand out front of her dorm building. Her flight got switched to this afternoon, so she has a while before heading to the airport. I, on the other hand, have to be at the Sigma Nu frat house in forty-five minutes. Which is, oddly enough, the last place I feel like going today. Lena’s wearing an oversized sweater and leggings again seem to be her new go-to style. Not that I'm complaining in the least. She looks sexy and comfortable, and unlike some of the other girls at this college, who dress for class like they're going to a runway show, I like how Lena owns her natural beauty.

She shivered as a chill wind blows, catching her messy ponytail. I set my bag down and grab the front of her sweater, pulling her against my body. Wrapping her in my arms and inhaling the vanilla and berry scent that came from her hair, my eyes close, and I sigh. "I'm sorry, baby. I really am."

She snuggles closer to me and kisses my chest. "Don't be. It's just Thanksgiving, and it's only five days. If you have service, text me. If not, just be safe, okay? And I'll see you when we're both back here."

I lean back, and she looks up at me. If she's upset about this, she's hiding it better than she's ever hid anything from me before. "Five days."

Lena smiles up at me and nods before reaching up to pull me down so that our lips touch. Too soon, she lets me go and heads back into her dorm. Grabbing my bags, I head off toward the nice long walk to the frat house. It's cold out, but thinking about Lena keeps me warm until I'm walking up the steps and opening the door to Sigma Nu. Bo and the other pledges are all sitting in the living room, and when he looks up at me, a wide grin takes over his face.

"I honestly didn't think you were going to show, brother." He gets up and comes over to fist bump me.

I try not to smile but can't help it. When Bo isn't being a jerk, he's actually not that bad to be around. "Well, here I am."

"I see. Look, tell Lena we'll make it up to her. I'm sure she's pissed, and I don't blame her." He puts an arm around my shoulder.

I shake my head. "Actually, she's the one who said it was cool. She said she understands."

Bo looks surprised for a moment and then nods. "Well, we'll make it up to her anyway. Alright, boys, let's blow this joint and go have some fun. We got a nice five-hour drive ahead of us."

Everyone gets up and grabs their bags, heading outside to the two SUVs waiting in the driveway. Bo heads to the first one, and the VP heads to the second one. "Declan, you're riding with me, brother. Throw your bags in."

I head over to him, followed by Matt and Rog. The Sigma Nu VP, Sam, is riding with another upper-classman, Seth, and Mike. I honestly cannot justify giving up five days with my girlfriend for five days in a cabin with seven other dudes. I really will be glad when this pledging is over. After a stop at the gas station, they hit the highway, and I rolled his eyes as Bo pulled a joint out of the center console and lit it.

Bo glances at me as he hits the smoke and then holds it out to me. I look at him like he's stupid. "What? Don't tell me Lena considers pot a drug? There's people in her super-Jesus sorority that smoke."

He's correct there. It was news to Lena and me that a good amount of Phi Theta are pro-legalization, but they smoke outside. Even the cigarette smokers don’t smoke in the house. Lena has no problem with her sorority sisters smoking pot, so it isn’t likely she'll care if I do.

Shaking my head, I take the joint from him and take a hit, coughing up a lung the moment it burns into my lungs.

Bo chuckles. "Easy killer. You've never smoked before. Don't go dying the first time."

Once I get my coughing under control, I pass the joint to Matt. He's smoked pot since middle school, so it's not a big deal for him. Twenty minutes later, the joint is gone, and all four of us are pretty stoned. Bo taps me on the arm, and when I look over, he's holding out a bottle of eye drops. Smiling, I take them and use them. Oh, that is like the best feeling ever. And it wakes me up a little. Everything is just so chill and awesome right now.

I take out my phone and check the time. Lena still has an hour before she has to head to the airport, and I'm kinda hoping she's awake and didn't fall back asleep.

Me: Baby, you up?

Lena: Yeah? You okay?

Me: I'm perfect. Just wanted to say I love you.

Lena: <3 I love you too. Don't miss me too much.

I smile down at my phone, picturing the smile I know is also on her face. This might be the only type of drug I could do around Lena. It doesn't make me feel weird, well, not in an out-of-control way. All I really want to do right now is kiss her and cuddle her.

Me: Too late. I'll text you soon, baby. Don't miss your flight. I don't want your dad trying to kill me.

Lena: LOL. I won't. Talk to you soon.

I slide the phone back in my pocket and take a long drink of my water. Out of the corner of my eye, I notice Bo glancing at me. "What?"

"You're smiling like a lunatic."

I laugh, taking another sip of my water. "Nah. Just texting Lena."