RECAP: Because it’s SO need since it’s been months, MONTHS, since I posted a Winchester update. The family came for a visit at college, Dane was about to throw down with the flirting llama, Neil works part time in the cafeteria to buy a phone for Alice, Neil fell in love for the first time(FOR REAL) and he also gets busted on his cheating ways, the stupid cow was in everyone’s face, Gai got a fierce new hair do and with it a new attitude, she won a pool game against the Unsavory Charlatan and spent time with Neil. They both finished the semester on the Dean’s List. Now…

Oh…my…GAWD!!! I am SO freakin’ tired of the wishy-washy boys around here. One day they want to make out and the next they’re shoving you away from them.

“What are you doing?”

“I thought we were getting ready to make out, Connor.”

“Oh, well. The thing is Gai that I sorta met someone else and-”

“Look, you don’t have to explain anything to me. I know we weren’t exclusive or anything right?”

A relieved look crossed his face. “Right. Thanks for being so understanding. Most chicks would have thrown a fit or something.”

“No worries!” Asshole!

I watched as he walked off with a bounce in his steps as if a huge weight had been lifted off his shoulders. It felt as if it had just been transferred to mine. I mean, sure, I wasn’t here to have a relationship but it would be nice for some stable companionship ya know? Heck, can someone use me for my body please? No, laugh all you want but-

“What?”

“Well you were having your internal monologue I think that guy was checking you out!” The photographer nodded to the left and I looked. There was a guy standing with his back toward me. He didn’t look that bad from the back. I mean, his clothes were sorta ugly and his hair cut was kinda whack and…however what could it hurt to go up and talk to him right? Walking over I tapped him on the shoulder.

“Hello.”

“H-hi. You’re Gai right?”

“Yeah. And you are…?”

“Eric. I’m not a stalker or anything but I run the school paper and I always have to do an article on the kids that make the dean’s list. Your name is always on there so I googled you and-”

“Hold it! You googled me?”

“Yeah, I’m in the medical field and I knew your last name sounded familiar. It’s amazing what your dad did for the field. Without his contributions-”

“Uh-huh. Have a nice day.” I said use my body not use my family! I draw the line there.

“Wait, wait! I don’t mean to come off stalkerish or anything.” He scratched at his arm. “Want to go somewhere and talk?”

“No.”

“N-no?”

“We can talk right here.” Just in case he did turn out to be a stalker.

We did end up talking and then we hung out side playing catch. That’s like the freakin’ staple of college life or something right? And it’s how I judge people. Take Eric for example. He could not catch a ball to save his life but he kept trying. That said a lot about a person you know?

“Hey Eric! Want to grab something to eat?”

“Uh-” He shot a look my way but I quickly averted my eyes. I wasn’t going to force him to hang out with me.  I’m not desperate or anything like that.  As he was deciding on if he wanted to go out to eat with that chick the sun set. Here, in Strangetown, the sun is either up or not. It’s sorta…strange! Ha! I get it! Anyways…

I should have beamed him with the baseball when he decided to go grab a quick bite with that girl. I thought about it. I really, REALLY thought about it but I thought better of it. I’m trying to act all mature ya know? After all I’m almost a senior in college. Real life was right around the corner and…

Okay, so yeah. I did hit him with the ball. I claimed it was an accident. I thought he said ‘throw it!’ when he said ‘see ya!’. Easy mistake to make right?

Why, oh why, are girls blowing hearts for Neil in my dorm? He’s only been around a couple of times and he’s really turned over a new leaf. He actually hangs out with me instead of trying to hit up girls! Crazy right? But it feels great!

“Gai! Over here Gai!!”

I had been trying to ignore the girls and head into the kitchen to grab something to eat but she was kind of hard to ignore waving her arms and yelling my name. Sighing I trudged over to the table(after the photographer poked me with an elbow to get me moving) and stood there frowning at her.

“Yeah?”

“Is Neil going to be by later?”

Oh for the love of-”No, not that I’m aware of. Why?”

Her and her friend giggled before shrugging. I kid you not, they giggled! “We sort of hooked up once and I was hoping for a repeat?”

“Seriously? Do you seriously think that I wanted to know that? What is wrong with you people?” I snapped before spinning around. I bumped into the photographer who quickly moved out of my way. Yanking my coat off the coat rack I slipped it on before storming out the dorm.

Okay, how am I in the desert but still  having to wear a winter coat? Hello? That’s just one of the quirks about this little town. It’s fascinating really. I’d heard rumors about this place but never thought anything about them until I moved here. Now I’m really interested-

My phone vibrated against my hip. A glance at the caller ID had me grinning.

“Hey little sis! What’s going on?”

“Nada. How are you?”

“Good. Heading out to the gym.”

“Cool, cool. So, I’ve been thinking-”

“That’s never I good thing.” I laughed when she sucked her teeth.

“Hahaha! No, this is serious. I’ve been thinking that maybe I’ll put college off for a year. At least until you two get back home.”

“Alice-”

“I don’t want to leave mom and dad by themselves. Mom gets all teary eyed if I even mention college Gai. With you two back home, or at least in town, then-”

“Are you sure Al? I know how excited you were to go to college.”

“Yeah well…I look at it this way. I’ll have more money to blow on booze and condoms.”

“ALICE!”