Read Online Contradictions by Tiffany King - Free Book Online Page B

confusion, Melissa was designated as a driver for the overflow of pledges. I probably should have found Cameo or Derek to let them know where I was going, but I was too excited. I claimed the front seat while three freshmen piled into the back. They had dumped their leashes, but were still wearing Speedos. The fraternity conceded and let them at least wear jackets for now, although none of the pledges knew it was only temporary. Melissa looked at me, giggling as I returned her grin. These poor saps had no idea what they were in for.
    The drive to the drop-off point at Penobscot River passed with nervous bursts of chatter from the backseat as the guys mulled over what the final stunt was going to be. I felt a pinch of sympathy for them. This was one of the main reasons I never joined a sorority. It was fun watching what the pledges had to endure, but God knows I could never have tolerated some of the shit the wannabes are put through. I wanted to be the one doing the pranking, not the other way around.
    The talking in the backseat hit a lull as we got closer to the river. Glancing back, I could see two of the pledges exchanging nervous looks. I couldn’t blame them. In the pitch black of night, it was hard to imagine what they had coming. I caught the eyes of the third pledge. Unlike his comrades, he looked anything but nervous. His brown eyes sparkled with excitement and eagerness. He winked at me appraisingly and I shook my head. A fearless freshman. Very soon we would see if he still had his confidence.
    Eventually, Melissa pulled off the road and drove down a path that was lined with mostly bare trees. In the darkness, everything looked spooky and had a sinister feel to it. Even the moon seemed to be teasing us by barely peeking out behind the clouds that were hanging low in the sky.
    The dirt road was laced with ruts and protruding roots, making us bounce uncomfortably in our seats. We were relieved when the road finally ended abruptly near the water’s edge. Melissa parked next to a line of other cars that were facing the water with their headlights on. Climbing from the vehicle, I spotted a row of rafts that were already blown up and ready to go on the shore’s edge. Obviously, Sigma Pi was not taking any chances on this stunt going awry.
    The pledges in our car piled out, following Melissa and me toward the rest of the group. The ground beneath our feet was damp, making our feet squish through the mud. I grimaced for my heels that would most likely be ruined. Mr. Brown-Eyed Flirt from the ride over chivalrously held on to my elbow, helping me walk.
    “Thanks,” I said, indulgently smiling at his hopeful face. He was cute, with warm brown eyes and dimples in each cheek, but definitely not my type. Despite my original assessment, I could tell he was likely an all-around good guy.
    “I’m David,” he said.
    “Too young,” I replied.
    “What?” He looked confused.
    “I don’t date freshmen. Not even when I was a freshman.”
    “So, you’re telling me you’re a freshman hater?”
    “Not a hater. Just not a dater.”
    “Ha, that’s funny. You don’t know what you’re missing, though,” he said, releasing my arm as we joined the others.
    “I have a pretty good idea,” I answered, grinning. His persistence was cute, I’d give him that. “You better join your friends before you blow your chance,” I added before I could give in to his boyish charms.
    “Maybe we can hang out after,” he persisted, winking at me again before jogging off to join the others.
    I shook my head. Can’t blame him for trying, I guess.
    The group was rowdy by the time I joined it. There was a lot of ribbing and pushing as they let off steam waiting for Steve’s instructions. Several of the guys bounced around trying to stay warm. As if the night wanted to punish them further, a cold gust of wind blew through the trees. The half-dressed crew seemed to shiver as one. I felt their pain. It was downright cold near the water. I