Page 1 of Freestyle
Prologue
Last semester…
Rowyn
“Comeon,Row!We’regoing to be late!” Lyndsy chimes in from the doorway, her excitement palpable. I roll over, promptly plopping a pillow over my head, trying to block out the sun and the noise.
“I thought I had time to nap first?” I whine, my voice muffled by the fabric as exhaustion washes over me from the day. All I want to do is curl up with a book or skip straight back to sleep. Between working and studying, there’s barely any time for rest this semester.
“Youdidnap!” she huffs, and the sound of her heels clacking against the hardwood floor pushes me to sit up, ensuring she sees my displeasure.
“Yeah, and I worked a double shift, Lynds. I’m still exhausted,” I groan, rubbing my temples.
“But tonight is a big night. The Sharks just won their final competition, the whole campus is buzzing around!” Her enthusiasm is infectious, and it melts away some of my resolve for staying in.
“Plus, you need to do more than work and study all the time,” she calls out as she moves into my closet and begins pulling out different outfits.
“You know I partied too much last semester, and now I’m paying for it by being on academic probation. Losing half of my scholarship for failing two classes kind of put a damper on things. Hence the working. It’s a vicious cycle,” I yawn.
“You’ve got this, babe.” She plops down on the bed beside me. “I know you have a lot going on right now, and I know you’ve already said no but my dad’s offer to help with your tuition still stands. Then you won’t be killing yourself by working all the time.” Her expression turns to a worried smile.
I stiffen at her words, and my jaw tightens. “I don’t need a handout, Lynds,” I snapped, more harshly than intended. The truth is, I’ve always had to look out for myself. Acceptinghelp feels like admitting that I can’t handle shit on my own. Lyndsy’s eyes soften, and she reaches for my hand, her grip gentle yet firm.
“It’s not a handout, Row. It’s just support. Sometimes we all need help. It doesn’t make you weak.” I pull away, shaking my head.
“I appreciate it, really, but I’ve got this. I just need to keep pushing a little harder.” She sighs but doesn’t push further. I’m thankful for that at least. Instead, she jumps from the bed and pulls out a short, red skater dress from my closet, holding it up against her body. The mini dress flows around the hanger as she twirls in the mirror.
“Wear this. It will make your ass look fabulous,” she muses. Looking at the dress in her hand, I’m torn between my exhaustion and the hope in her eyes. Maybe she’s right. Maybe one night off wouldn’t hurt.
“Okay, but only because you promised me a fabulous ass,” I laugh despite myself. Lyndsy grins, tossing the dress at me.
“That’s the spirit! Now, let’s get you dolled up.” As I slip into the dress Lyndsy rummages through my makeup drawer, pulling out various products.
“You know, you really should let loose more often. You’re a blast at parties.”
I roll my eyes, but a smile tugs at my lips.
“Yeah, well, last semester was a bit too much fun. I need to find a balance.”
She nods, applying a bold red lipstick to her own lips.
“I get it. But don’t forget to live a little, too.” With expert hands, Lyndsy curls my hair and does my makeup, giving me a sexy, sultry look.
“Damn, girl! You look hot!” She exclaims as she steps back, admiring her work.
“Thanks to you,” I laugh, feeling a little more confident.
“Tonight there will be no stress, no worries. Just dancing and having a good time.”
“Alright, but if I start falling asleep on the dance floor, you’re carrying me home.” Lyndsy laughs, handing me a pair of heels.
“Deal. Now, let’s make some heads turn.”
I roll my eyes, but can’t wipe the smile off my face. “You’re crazy!”
“I am, so what does that make you for being friends with me?” Lyndsy quirks her eyebrow up at me, putting her hands on her hips.
“Certifiable,” I admit. We both burst out laughing as we grab our purses and head out of the dorm.
