Page 4 of Casualties

“Love is a Battlefield” by Pat Benatar blares through my speaker.I need some classic woman empowerment songs for my confidence to remain strong.No heartbreak will bring me down again.

I grab my phone to shoot Jordan a quick text with a full-length mirror pic.

Me

Is today’s ensemble J-approved?

Jordan

Damnnnn AC, you look hot!

Too bad I’m as straight as a ruler.If I was into kitty cats, your box would be my first stop.

Me

Omg!You’re ridiculous!

Jordan

Are you freaking out about possibly running into him?

Me

It’s a big school, and if he wasn’t my brother’s best friend, I may have stood a chance, but probs not likely.

Jordan

Well put your big girl panties on…wait, no, don’t do that.Put your sexy, barely covering anything lace panties on, and show everyone at that school the bad bitch you are!Knock ‘em dead, Killer!

Me

Love you long time for a short time.

Jordan

Ditto bitch!

Staring at my reflection in the mirror, I internally praise myself for the amazing job I did.My Queensryche tee from their summer tour four years ago fits snug around my waist, while gaping holes that were once sleeves would show side boob if I wasn’t wearing a bandeau.It’s hot outside, so cutoff denim shorts were a must.I finish my outfit with my matte black Docs.My hair is blown out and curled in large loose waves that fall to the middle of my back, and makeup is on the lighter side, but noticeable.

J wasn’t lying…I do look hot!

* * *

My parents insisted on driving me to campus after I was gone all summer.I love my parents, but I'm super happy this road trip is short.The two people sitting in the front seat have been obsessed with one another since they got together decades ago.

I’m happy my parents are still in love like teenagers, but don’t care to witness their constant groping and kissing.I swear my dad needs to have at least one hand on my mom at all times.While their love is enviable, being their daughter, it’s also gross.

One good thing about road trips with my parents—music.The amazing taste in music I have comes from none other than the lovebirds up front.

The rock legends that blare through the speakers are playing from my mom’s ancient iPod.I attempted to show my mom how to use Spotify and play music from her phone multiple times.That was a no-go; she refused.Trying to explain to her the concept of downloading music without iTunes and her big screen television of a computer was falling on deaf ears.She ended my TedTalk faster than I started it.

Two hours later, we finally arrive at the school where I will spend the next four years.

BSU is a big school, but I just spent my summer on Stanford’s massive campus.This will be easy; I’ll be great here.

“Honey, do you know if Cassie checked in yet?”my dad asks.

Cass opted to fly to Boise, so I figured she was off the grid for today.“I’m not sure.She’ll text me when she gets here.”The three of us load my suitcases and boxes up.My dad was smart and brought a large dolly to take most of it.

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