Chapter 2: Party Favor & Hiatus

Chapter 2: Party Favor & Hiatus

It was Springtime in Hanover, New Hampshire. The weather was cool on this night. Much warmer than the difficult Winters. Jordan and Mae enjoyed the fresh air of New England. The Alpha Chi Alpha party was full of vibrant faces and excited individuals. The house had a pungent smell of stale beer. Music was loud and energetic. It was Dartmouth tradition to play beer pong without the handle of the paddle. It was a fun twist to the game. Jordan being a Senior had the experience to play along with other Seniors. Mae was his partner on the table, and they were a great duo.

Later in the night, full of drunken spirit the two wanted to sober up and find time alone. They made it just in time to the Pine for a quick meal. They had the Grab N' Go that included

cheeseburger and fries. They usually preferred the Courtyard Café, but tonight was a special occasion. On the way back to School House, Jordan gave Mae a Pandora charm bracelet. She embraced him with a kiss. In the moment she was full of bliss. Girls like things. This gift would buy her affection for at least a week. Mae was thankful, but accustomed to receiving gifts.

They arrived back at School House and ate their food enjoying the quietness. It was a sincere moment between two lovers. After the meal, Jordan asked Mae, "Do you love me?" She answered, "I do." They went to the bedroom and began to undress. Mae was beautiful naked with subtle freckles and tan skin. Jordan with his strong shape, grabbed her and they made love.

Once they finished, Mae rested her head onto Jordan's chest for quite some time. Mae got dressed as they both had few inhalations of Jordan's vape. She left into the night. Once alone with his thoughts, Jordan went through his stash and found his half-finished bottle of Chairman's Reserve Rum. He received it during a past family trip to St. Lucia. He took a few swigs to end the night. After all, today was a day of celebration.

In the morning, Jordan followed his typical routine of vaping and drinking tea. He was met by his roommate I.T., he must have arrived at some point last night. I.T. was a Nigerian whose name stood for Ifedolapo Tijani. He was six feet tall right on the nose. Tall and dark- skinned with unmatched white bright teeth. He was plainly muscular with little effort to exercise or conditioning. He possessed an accent and was the most mature of the group. I.T. stated, "You have fun last night?" Jordan in a joking manner, "It was the time of my life." Tijani shared political commentary on politics and Trump. He mostly described satire of the president suggesting administering disinfectants like Lysol and Clorox to treat Coronavirus infections. Jordan was amused and mentioned how Trump is the funniest president ever.

The discussion became more serious when Jordan explained he needed to get something off his chest. He began to describe the night a few weeks ago when he attended a party at Kappa Kappa Kappa with his friend Jared. They competed for this pretty and captivating girl. Jordan made a pass at her, commenting on the fact that "She was not one for emptying her face of expression." Her face was evenly symmetric and resembled a lively Logan Laurice Browning. She brought him to a private room for what Jordan thought would be a romantic linkage. However, she described to him of his wrongdoing in praising women solely on their physical appearance. He was distraught and responded by saying "I want to get to know you." The girl stated, "I am not the type of girl for you" and kissed him on the cheek. This left Jordan more fascinated by her. Jared would have several failed attempts at the girl before they both surrendered.

Jordan felt guilty in his aspirations of girls while still being in a long-lasting relationship. I.T. reassured him of all men's shortcomings in this matter. He said "You're young, but you love her" regarding Mae. Jordan simply agreed. In order to ease tension, he illustrated how the frat party host placed dirty socks in the alcohol punch bowl before the gathering and advised him with caution to drink on that night. It is safe to say, Jordan only drank from Keystone beer cans. Ifedolapo laughed and said, "only at Dartmouth".

Hiatus

It was Spring Break and Jordan was back on Long Island. He spent time with his childhood friend Joseph. They would go to his basement and smoke "Blue Dream" from the bong. This became their recreation ever since they both graduated high school. They played FIFA on the Xbox. Jordan was better at the game than Joseph, but it was just a means to pass

time. Joseph prided himself on being a good host. He mixed some Long Island Iced Teas and shared stories from the past. Whether it be, Joseph's past prowess as a football player or the times they both attended their school's county lacrosse games yearly at Stony Brook University. It was good to be back home.

Joseph's older brother, Matthew, was visiting from New Jersey and arrived in the basement for greetings. He hovered over the two. Tall in stature. He was a funny and athletic fellow. Matthew announced, "What's up pussies?" and took part in the festivities. In customary fashion, he bragged of his past achievements. Whether it be about the women he managed to conquer or the championships from lax. He beat Jordan in FIFA and reminded him of his years of experience with the game. Matthew represented the relic of the "Long Island Bro". He mentioned to them his bachelor's party arrangement because he was to be married to his longtime girlfriend and fiancé. The two brothers discussed the savage time they would have in Atlantic City to celebrate. There would be girls, gambling, and cocaine. Jordan had to go back to school for graduation, so he could not make it. In addition, he never did anything pass weed. Joseph being more experienced proposed Jordan try magic mushrooms, "it's a life changing opportunity." They decided for Joe to buy the stuff so Jordan could give it a try.

Certain plans changed when Jordan wished to try shrooms with Mae. They determined it was best to do it in an open serene place. Mae suggested Avalon Park in old historic Stony Brook. Mae was skeptical in trying psychedelic drugs, just like Jordan she only experimented with marijuana. She recalled the time Jordan and she had brownies and thought it would be similar. They laughed and cried tears of joy. Mae was open-minded and she could not think of a better thing to do with her boyfriend on Spring Break.

It was a bright sunny day and all the flowers were blooming at Avalon. The scenery was very versatile. It started at a bridge that mimicked a Japanese garden. There was a beautiful arrangement of sparkling colors. The water underneath the bridge had synchronous waves with the wind as if the earth itself was breathing. Next, followed the stone steps. Hard and very symmetric. Above reached a replica ritual circle from some ancient civilization. It was composed of stone and grass. In the past the two took for granted the spiritual representation of the site. After, they reached what appeared to imitate farmland. Yellow wheatgrass flowed around the dirt path. They truly felt isolated as it seemed few people were on the path today. There was a sense of excitement and pleasure mixed against melancholy. Stumbling through the majestic path, they arrived at tranquil shrubbery. The environment was lush green and at the center a blue pond. Colors like on a canvas were noticeable throughout the surrounding. In the moment there was bliss. Jordan and Mae absorbed the animals and nature. They decided to go back to the entrance. Time felt as it was rewinding as the two held hands for reassurance walking back. By the gateway it seemed as if the roads were slowly oscillating. The pavement appeared to have dramatic humps. In a state of panic Jordan and Mae rushed into his car. Sitting in the backseat, a British police officer strolled past as something seen from a stereotypical image on Google. He wore a bobby on the beat and held an old school Billy Club. They were shocked. A few steps behind the officer was a brown man of Sikh faith. They were in awe of what they were seeing. It could not be possible. In order to calm down they stared at their iPhones. The devices possessed magical pixel colors. Mae suggested they get fresh air outside the car when the coast seemed clear. They felt calmer. Jordan and Mae viewed each other. Mae said, "You look stunning." She described how he looked so young and high-spirited. His skin was shiny and clear of blemishes. As Jordan looked at Mae, he stated, "You look remarkable!" Apparently, each brown strand of

hair was noticeable. He could imagine her as an old woman and she still seemed beautiful. Still high, they discussed driving back to Jordan's home to end this escapade. Mae was determined to drive Jordan's car nervously. She forcibly stated, "Jordan the reality of the situation is you are black, and I don't want you to get arrested for driving under the influence." Jordan was upset but did not feel this was the time and place to have an enduring argument of the complexities of racial injustice in America, so he receded. Mae drove, as they were still tripping. They arrived safe and sound at Jordan's house. They were relieved. His parents were watching television. Mae and Jordan, he heated up a frozen pizza and went to Jordan's room. He was impressed by her courage. The exchanged remarks about the whole experience. They ate the pizza, which seemed more delicious than usual. Jordan kissed Mae, and they made love with the remnants of the high. The sex was more caring compared to other times.