Part 7 (1/2)
Truth or Dare.
Jon Messenger.
Author Dedication.
This story, like everything else I do, is dedicated to my loving wife, Jacki, and son, Alistair. They motivate me to be a better man and, by extension, a better writer.
Chapter One.
”Cranberry and vodka for you,” Whitney said, handing Jill the gla.s.s. Jill took the drink and placed it on the end table beside where she sat. Leaning back, she snuggled into the side of the cus.h.i.+oned ottoman. Across from her, Brent and Jake sipped their beers as they sat on the floor, leaning against the couch. With the drinks refilled, Whitney took her spot on the floor in front of the television, just to the right of Jill.
”Where were we?” Whitney asked.
”Like you don't remember,” Brent chided. ”You're up.”
Whitney sighed and turned toward Jill. ”What is this? The third, fourth time around?
”Fifth,” Jake corrected.
”This game was a stupid idea,” Whitney moaned. ”I'm running out of good ideas.”
”I've still got an ace up my sleeve,” Brent chuckled. ”It's a game-ender.”
Whitney shook her head. ”Okay, Jill-ask away.”
Jill took a drink of her cranberry and vodka before setting the drink aside again. ”Truth or dare?”
Whitney stared at her, scrutinizing her facial features. Frowning, she answered.
”Truth.”
Jill smiled mischievously. ”Fine. How many fraternity boys have you had s.e.x with since freshman year?”
”You b.i.t.c.h!” Whitney hissed. Her gaze fell across the living room to Brent, who offered no respite.
”Looks like we're out for blood this round,” Brent said. ”Answer the lady-unless you want to forfeit.”
Whitney huffed and turned scarlet. ”Fine. Twelve. Are you happy now, you hussy?”
Jill laughed. ”You're such a sorost.i.tute!”
Whitney grabbed the television remote and playfully threw it at her friend. ”Laugh now. It'll be your turn again soon enough. Now that I know that the gloves are off-nothing's sacred.”
Jake pulled his knees up to his chest and laid his head back onto the couch. ”Great,” he said flatly. ”Come on. It's my turn, so let's get this over with.”
Whitney turned her attention to the latest victim. ”Alright, Jake. Truth or dare?”
Jake stared up at the ceiling and turned the empty beer bottle absently in his hand. ”I'm going with dare.”
”Oh,” Brent said, suddenly interested in the game again. He sat upright and looked at his fraternity brother. ”This should be good.”
Whitney rubbed her chin thoughtfully. ”I dare you to ride the elevator in Wade Hall for one hour-b.u.t.t naked.”
Jake raised his head off the couch and looked at her disapprovingly. ”An hour? Are you serious?”
”Kid gloves are off, remember? Everything about this game is serious now.”
”And remind me what I get if I win?”
”The losers have to write the winner's philosophy final paper,” Brent replied.
Jake thought for a brief moment before shaking his head. ”It's not worth getting arrested for indecent exposure just to get one of you to write a fifteen-page paper. You guys suck at writing anyway. I'm out.”
Brent clapped slowly. ”Well played, Whitney. One down!”
”It's okay, baby,” Jill laughed. ”I still love you, even if you are a quitter.”
Jake grabbed his chest in mock indignation. Pus.h.i.+ng off the floor, he walked into the kitchen to retrieve another beer.
”My turn,” Brent said, ”and it looks like you get to ask another one, Whitney.”
”Truth or dare.”
”Truth,” Brent replied.
”This is something I've wanted to know for a while. How the h.e.l.l did you get an 'A' in Econ 201? You suck at math.”
”I cheated my a.s.s off,” Brent replied without hesitation. ”There was an Asian kid who took the cla.s.s last year and was selling the answers to the exams.”
”Jerk! I knew you couldn't do that on your own.”
”That was your tough question?” Jill asked surprised. ”You are such a sissy with him!”
”It's too late to ask another one now,” Brent said. ”It's time to pull the ace out of my sleeve and end this game. Truth or dare, Jill?”
Jill looked at Jake as he took a seat on the couch. Her boyfriend merely shrugged noncommittally.
”Dare, I guess.”
Brent smiled. ”Okay, I dare you to spend the night in Creepy Cemetery.”
”All night?” Whitney asked.