Page 20 of Vendetta

I wasn’t usually one for public speaking, but my passion for the topic had completely transformed me. Once I started talking, the words flowed effortlessly, straight from the heart. The PowerPoint slides were there solely for visuals, a backup that I barely glanced at as I spoke. It felt good to be so confident about something that truly mattered to me.

I had managed to steer clear of Cashton since our interaction a few weeks ago, and I was beginning to think he might have finally dropped whatever grudge he held against me. In class three days a week, I couldn’t help but notice him, always surrounded by his entourage of groupies. Thankfully, he seemed uninterested in me, barely sparing a glance in my direction. Still, I wasn’t letting my guard down completely. While his lack of attention allowed me to relax just a bit, I didn’t trust him as far as I could throw him.

As shameful as it was, I hadn’t stopped thinking about that night when he had made me come harder than I ever thought was possible. It was the only thought that flashed across my brain as I attempted to bring myself to climax, but the task seemed impossible now that I knew what a proper orgasm felt like, and my vibrator ended up thrown across the room more times than I could count.

But my focus was elsewhere this morning. For the first time all year, I woke up before my alarms, my body seemingly aware that today was Friday—the final day of presentations in Communications class.

With the extra time, I decided to put in a little more effort than usual. Curling my hair, I sifted through my makeup bag to apply just enough foundation and mascara to feel polished. I even pulled on my lucky ‘mom’ jeans—the perfectblend of relaxed and flattering—and paired them with a button-down blouse I’d bought months ago but never had the right occasion to wear. Today felt like the day to bring it out.

I swung by the dining hall, filling my tumbler with a fresh straw-bana smoothie and grabbing a slice of avocado toast before leisurely heading to class. Takis were strictly for hangover days, and thankfully, this wasn’t one of them. For once, I actually felt like a semi-functional adult.

My mood only brightened when I glanced at my phone to find texts from Olivia and Bexley waiting for me:‘Good luck today!’and‘You got this, babes! Kill it!’Their encouragement brought a smile to my face. Today was going to be a good day.

I was so preoccupied looking down at my phone that I didn’t notice the girl coming from the opposite direction, our bodies slamming into each other as her scorching hot coffee spilled all over the front of my white blouse.

“Shit!” She exclaimed, “Oh my gosh, Landry, I’m so sorry!”

I quickly grabbed the front of my blouse, fanning it out as the liquid burned my skin. Looking up, I recognized the dark-haired beauty that had been with Cashton at the pool party the first week of school. Courtney, I believe Olivia had called her.

“It’s fine, I wasn’t looking where I was going.” I told her, desperately trying to figure out what I would do now that my shirt was ruined. Class started in ten minutes, not leaving me any time to run back to the apartment to change. Professor Lee had made it clear that she would lock the doors once presentations started, banning any late students from entering.

“Oh gosh, you present today, right? Take my jacket! It’s not as nice as your shirt, but at least you can cover the stain.”She offered, pulling her hoodie over her head and extending it to me. “Here, give me your things so you can change, I’ll bring them to your seat to save it for you.”

I hesitated momentarily, weighing my options. Dread spread through me at the thought of presenting in a hoodie, knowing that the professor might deduct points for unprofessional appearance. At the end of the day, it was a better option than sporting a giant stain down my shirt.

“Thank you!” I told her, trading her my bag and tumbler for the hoodie and making my way to the women’s restroom down the hall. “I owe you one!”

—

Nerves had never gotten to me like this before. My head was spinning as I made my way to the front of the class, professor Lee bringing up the PowerPoint that I had sent over earlier this week for my presentation. I knew that as soon as I started speaking, I would probably be fine.

Was it always this hot in here?

I felt every single set of eyes on me as I nervously turned around to see my opening slide labeled ‘Breed Specific Legislation and the Flaws in its System’ taking up the entire back wall, the projector blinding me as I looked back into the crowd.

My mind felt so fuzzy, and my skin felt like it was on fire. Maybe I should rule out any sort of career involving public speaking if my body betrayed me like this every time.

I forced myself to think about the little pit puppies at the shelter and how badly I needed people to understand the problemthat we were facing. So, I forced a deep breath and began with my opening line.

My mouth was open, but nothing was coming. I was so nervous that I was actually frozen, the words stuck in my throat. And as the snickers began to spread through the small auditorium, I turned to Professor Lee. She offered me an encouraging smile, giving me the confidence to turn back towards the class.

Seriously, had someone turned up the heat in here?

My face was growing hotter by the second. I gripped the collar of the hoodie, desperately trying to fan myself as sweat began rolling down my spine. I tried swallowing, but my throat was so dry that it was painful. Was I having a panic attack? I hadn’t ever had one that felt like this before, and my medication was all the way back at the dorms.

Murmurs were breaking out around the class, and my vision grew blurrier by the second, my head growing lighter and lighter until I felt like I might faint. Seriously, what was happening to me? I was gasping for air, not able to get it down fast enough, debating ripping off all of my clothes right here and right now to cool down my heated skin. My head was spinning, everything around me turning into one big blur, making me dizzier by the second.

Something was seriously wrong.

I took a step forward, my legs turning to jelly underneath me as I collapsed, barely bracing myself as I hit the ground. The murmurs turned into gasps, whispers spreading around the space. I focused on trying to get air down, my lungs no longer cooperating, and I was beginning to hyperventilate. My body went numb, fatigue rolling over me like a wave while my skincontinued to grow hotter and hotter until I was ready to beg somebody to dunk me into an ice bath.

I barely registered the panic breaking out around me, blinking a few times to see Professor Lee standing directly over me, hurriedly speaking into the phone pressed to her ear. Was I dying? I felt like I had no control of my body, all motor control slowly slipping away. And I felt so tired all of a sudden. Tired, and burning hot. My body was on fire. I felt like my skin was melting, and I needed this jacket off of me right now or I felt like I might die. Rolling over onto my stomach, it took every ounce of strength to push myself up to my knees, my head falling forward limply as I gripped the bottom of my shirt and hoodie. I just needed these off, and then I could take a nap.

Using the last of my remaining strength, I yanked both my blouse and jacket off in the same motion, desperately fighting to pull them over my head. The cool air hit my bare skin and it felt heavenly. I wondered if I still had enough energy left to pull off my bra and pants as well.

“Landry! Landry, honey, what are you doing? Please keep your clothes on, I have help on the way, you’re going to be okay I promise, just stay with me.” but her words began to fade in and out.

Fully drained, I laid back down on the ground, the wood floors feeling so nice against my bare skin. I rolled over onto my side, pressing my face against the cool surface underneath me. My head was swimming.

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