The List Experiment

          There was a maddening rush to the door. People stumbled on top of one another. People pushed and shoved each other. People fell to the ground. It was mass chaos in the space of a comfortable living room without the furniture. Voices were heard but none were distinct. A couple of curses were thrown out; others were mostly murmurs to friends or just to a random stranger.
         Anticipation floated about the room like a wave. It rolled around getting higher at spots before descending into a lull. Most felt it, others tried to avoid it, for the general group it was common. Alas, it was a part of the process.
         Kady stands near the front, her friends flanking her as her nerve endings stand on end. “I don’t know what I’ll do if I’m not on that list. This is my life. If I don’t… I’m wasted.”
         Jarod scratches his jaw where his beard resides. “How could you not be on there? You worked harder on that than anyone else, you want it more. Don’t worry. You’re there.”
         “Yeah totally Kay,” her other friend Marisol adds, staring at someone in the crowd. “Who is that? Is it Frank? What a dick. I hope he didn’t get on there. That’d suck for you.” Her gaze falls on Kady as Kady looks for Frank.
         “Well I’m not so sure. He could be of some use at some point.” She spots him trying to pick his way between a couple of STD bearing brutes with lost looks on their faces.
         “In bed.” Jarod throws Marisol a disgusted look at her words. Kady laughs.
         “Don’t say that around me. I don’t want to hear that crap.” His eyes cross in disgust.
         Marisol shakes her head. “What a priss. We all know Frank can’t do anything except sleep his way into life.”
         Kady only partly listens to her friends as she spots a hole to the door. She jumps at this and makes a quick dash through the crowd. She’s stopped just at the front of the line behind a classmate.
         “Hey Kady, this is fun isn’t it?”
         Kady blushes as she looks at Angela, aka Hope. Her first college friend, her first college guide, her first college classmate, and her first college crush. Classic beauty wasn’t Kady’s interest; otherwise she’d go after Marisol. She didn’t care for other labels such as prissy, preppy, or popular but she did like curly brunette, green eyed, semi-short, sexy clothed goddesses from New Jersey. This, she decided, became her label and requirements for her girls after meeting Hope.
         “This is a blast. As in, I’m going to explode if I don’t find out fast.” They laugh together before Hope takes Kady’s hand and pulls her.
         “Let’s go find out then.” She pushes her lithe body through the last group of people while pulling Kady along behind her.
         Kady doesn’t mind her hand on her but she was so worried about the list that she barely lets her mind ponder the warm, strong grip on her wrist. Instead she makes her way to the sheet of paper placed on the door by regular scotch tape. By the hands of an evil professor that had seemed to set out to ruin her.
         “Exxxxx-scuse me! ‘Scuse me!” Hope elbows a guy in the side. “Move it, now!”
         Kady smiles as she keeps following Hope, as her hand was still on Kady’s wrist.
         Hope is finally right in front of the list. She makes sure Kady is right by her side before letting go of her wrist and using that hand to scan down the list. “Mitchells, Kady. Mitchells, Mitchells. Mitchel-BINGO!” She turns to Kady. “You made it, you’re on the list! Ahh!”
         Kady screams. “Oh my gosh!” She hugs Hope and they jump up and down. They somehow are nudged off to the side away from the bulk of the crowd but continue their happy cheers.
         “Oh Kady I’m so happy for you!” Hope hugs her close. She whispers in her ear, “I knew you were perfect for it.”
         Kady shivers as she feels Hope’s breath on her ear. All her tension ebbs away as she slowly starts to pull back from Hope. Before she can, however, Hope places a quick “friendly” kiss on her cheek. Kady looks right into Hope’s eyes, realizing they’re still hugging and her mouth is only inches away, her breasts pushed nicely against hers.
         “Unnmm. Hope…”
         “Yes Kady?” There’s a twinkle in her eye as she says this, running her tongue across her bottom lip to moisten it.
         “I…-” Marisol happens across them and interrupts the moment.
         “Did you make it? Are you on the list?”
         Kady turns to her with a huge smile. “Yes ma’am, I did.”
         Marisol screams before throwing her arms around Kady and twirling her around.
         “Oh my gosh! I’m so proud of you! I knew you’d make it, I knew it! Score points for you!”
         Jarod pulls Kady from Marisol’s grip and gives her a bear hug that pulls her feet off the ground and squeezes the air out of her lungs.
         “That’s my girl.”
         Kady grins at her friends as they start chatting back and forth, eventually arguing about something random. She eventually looks to where Hope was, and finds she’s not there. Confused, Kady looks wildly around, searching desperately, knowing she’s gone.
         “Damn it.”
         Marisol and Jarod stop talking and look at her. “What is up, little one?” Jarod says as he slides his arm around her shoulders.
         Kady forces a smile. “She’s such a tease.”
         Marisol glances casually around. “Hope?”
         “Yeah, that would make my life, for her to want me and I’m on that list. God, that’d be so absolutely amazing.”
         Jarod squeezes her shoulder as they head out of the building. “Do you know for sure?”
         Kady knows he’s talking about whether she’s gay or not. “Knowing that would be impossible. She looks both ways but I’ve never seen her with anyone. Damn the recluse.”
         The sun shines down brightly on the group as they head to their favorite hangout, a quaint coffee shop/miniature music hall, to celebrate. And for Kady to continue thinking about the unattainable Hope.

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         “Ahh crap sticks! Gull dern son of a duck! Shat!” A couple people look up from their books to see Kady slam her book closed and throw it into her bag. She stands up and pulls the shoulder strap over her head so it crossed over her body. After grabbing her water bottle she looks up. Eyes are still following her movements. She blushes a little and says sorry before turning around to leave the area. As she rounds a corner someone places a hand on her back.
         “Hey girl, something wrong?”
         Hope follows Kady down the path while holding a book in her left hand. Kady feels warmth rush up her neck and keeps her eyes focused on where they are walking.
         “Ah yeah, kind of. I’m working on this project for Chicken House, and I have no idea how I’m supposed to research anything with this poorly written book that lacks details that I need. I just don’t know what to do.”
         Hope puts her arm around Kady’s waist and keeps her hand comfortably on Kady’s hip. “Ahh… poor kid. You tell prof this stuff? He wouldn’t leave you hanging.”
         “Says his most favored student aid.” They smile at each other. “That was my plan right now.”
         Hope nods. “Oh. I see.”
         Kady stops. “I’m sorry. I’ve managed to get you clear out of the quad. Where were you anyway? I didn’t see you sitting anywhere.”
         “I walked in and sat by the fountain. You were already engrossed in your book by the time I got there.” She grins. “Couldn’t help but notice your tirade towards it. Interesting insults by the way.”
         A small, self mocking laugh escapes Kady’s lips. “Ah yeah, thanks. I’m not a big public foul mouth so I censor myself most the time.” She looks around. “Well, surely I’m keeping you from something, or someone.” Kady looks away, hoping and praying there isn’t anyone.
         “Not really, I just went to the quad to be outside and get some fresh air. I wanted to get a little reading in.” She holds up her book but the title is indecipherable.
         “Oh,” Kady sighs, disappointed, “then I’ll let you get back to it.”
         She turns toward the professors building but stops when Hope says, “Actually, if it was okay with you I was going to go see the prof, too.”
         Kady smiles brightly and puts out her arm for Hope to hold. “Well then let’s go.”

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         “…So that’s my problem. Where else can I get info on this because if it can only be this one book they’ll be getting about two paragraphs.” Kady puffs up indignantly like a hen puffing its chest out.
         The professor, an average built man with glasses and a balding head, grins at Hope. “My, my Angela, whatever would you do given this preposterous situation?”
         Hope shrugs. “Probably come and beg for your assistance or call Chicken House and complain.” She smiles sweetly while the professor just laughs.
         “Yes you probably would wouldn’t you?” he laughs some more before getting up and going to a bookshelf and pulling out a book. “Alright, fine, Ms. Mitchells. Since you appear to be quite adamant about this being done properly I’ll give you some help. This book will tell you everything on where to find your information.” He hands her the book then goes to his desk and scribbles out numbers on a sticky note. “This code will get you into the database suggested by the book but use it wisely. I can’t afford mishaps from you. You’re my star prospect, you know.”
         Kady blushes as she takes the sticky note and puts it on the inside cover of the book. “I was unaware of that sir but thank you. I’ll work my hardest.”
         The professor smiles at her and places a friendly hand on her shoulder, encouraging a good relationship of adults without worry of sexual relations being brought up. “I know you will. Now don’t worry about that too much. They simply want an easy synopsis of what you find, not a research paper. Now go and take the afternoon off.”
         “Thanks, I will.”
         “Angela, what can I do for you?”
         Hope turns to Kady who was at the door, ready to leave. “Kady, will you wait for me?”
         Kady keeps her hand on the knob but turns part of the way back to face her. “Um yes, I’ll be in the hall.” She steps out to the hall to wait.
         Inside the office prof motions for Hope to take a seat, which she does, and he sits in the chair across from her.
         “Sir, I know you respect Kady’s ability as much as you respect mine. And I know you wouldn’t ever set her up to fail. I also realize I’m getting an awful lot of credit for things when I’m not doing a whole lot. The lack in true experience may very well ruin me.”
         “Yes… we’re getting to your part of the Chicken House project. You’ll lead all those like Kady who don’t know exactly where this is going but will once you step in. Don’t worry about experience; you’ll have plenty before the end of this semester.”
         She smiles at him. “I’m glad sir, and I won’t worry too much. However, I would like to be a part of this researching part. I’d like to assist this so I am more aware before jumping in head first.”
         The prof watches her a moment. She’s used to his process of thinking and staring so she just waits. Finally he nods. “That sounds good. Very excellent idea. I assume you’ll work with everyone before it’s over but your main placement will be with Kady?”
         His assumption is more of a command as to what she will do than asking if she will. Hope smiles. “Why sir, I do believe your thoughts are following mine to a T.”
         Rolling his, the professor grins. “Maybe not exactly, but I do see where you’re going with this.”
         She stands and pats his shoulder. “No worries, I always finish my work before I play.”
         His laughter follows her out into the hall where Kady is reading an article tacked to the wall.
         “Good conversation?” Kady asks without looking from the piece of paper.
         “Oh yes, quite.” Kady finishes the article and looks at Hope as she grins at Kady. “I’ve got some news for you.”
         Kady waits.
         “Prof agrees with me on this but realize this was my original thought ok?” She waits for Kady to nod her understanding before continuing. “This project is huge, and my career path depends greatly on this. And as I’m not doing a whole lot until later on I’m planning on assisting all the list people with the research. But mostly,” she smiles at Kady in a way Kady had never seen before, “I’m going to whet my appetite on you.”

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         Kady ups the speed of the treadmill. “Stupid maggot.” She grits out a few choice words that aren’t quite decipherable or heard above the sound of music and machines at work in the weight room on campus. Marisol is on the elliptical next to Kady and she turns her head to grin at her. Sweat is dripping down Kady’s face and there’s a huge mark on the back of her shirt from sweat. Her cheeks are red from exertion and she’s starting to breathe harder.
         “What the heck am I supposed to do? ‘I’m going to whet my appetite on you’. Bull hockey puck. I never heard such a line in my life!”
         Marisol, not really perspiring and pretty much taking it easy, agrees. ‘I think you should jump her bones and get it over with.” Kady tosses a glare her way while upping the incline. “Ok fine. Don’t do that. Seriously Kay, why would she ‘whet her appetite’ or say that if she didn’t mean something else? Who says that?”
         Kady pushes the speed up more to finisher her fifth mile faster. Her breathing is heavier but she still talks. “She does.” The machine beeps as she finishes the lap. She puts the inclination down all the way and slows to a quick walk before speaking again. “I’ve never wanted anyone like I want her. There’s so many good qualities that she’s got that are evident in her work style that I’m not even worried about knowing her deeper to see if we have a connection.”
         Marisol jumps off her machine after stopping it and bends over to touch her toes. “Plus you like her rack and ass and get a boner every time you see her.”
         “Shut the fuck up.” Kady quits her cool down lap before she’s done and goes to Marisol and smacks her ass, causing her to stand up straight. “Girl, I love you but…” she kisses her cheek lightly. “You and I have nothing in common when it comes to finding a special someone. Now go shower and go home. You’re bugging me too much.”
         Marisol just laughs, not offended in the least. “Alright, Hun. You go do your thang but remember you’ve got a paper to write tomorrow.” They hug quickly then turn and go separate ways, neither seeing Hope watching them from across the room.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

         “Damn it.” Kady pushes the door open with a vengeance. The cool air of the night embraces her and helps cool her skin. She jogs lightly around the building so to finish her cool down then goes back inside. She goes to a few mats and bends over at the waist. Her eyes close as she stretches out her hamstring.
         She pictures Hope, her gorgeous hair over one shoulder, that glint in her eyes, the easy smile on her lips, oh wow that mouth. She smiles thinking of feeling it against hers. A groan escapes her lips then a second later she stands.
         Her eyes open and she jumps slightly when she realizes the apparition in her head is real, as in standing next to her with a pair of sexy shorts and a cut off softball shirt. The look on Hopes face is slightly shocked, slightly amused, and Kady dares think is a turned on woman. She smiles.
         “Well hi. What are you doing?”
         Hope shakes her head and her eyes clear a bit. “Uh, I was coming over to say hey. I was going to smack your butt, but you groaned and…” She trails off.
         Kady’s brows come together in confusion. “And what?”
         Color goes to Hope’s cheeks. “And it surprised me. Are you in pain or something?”
         Marisol’s idea floats through Kady’s mind, jump her bones huh? “Or something I was just thinking.”
         “Oh.” Now it’s Hope’s turn to be confused. “Are you done here? Looks like you didn’t just walk in.”
         A mirror is all one wall consist of and Kady looks to it to see her reflection. Still red faced, still sweating, still wanting Hope with all her being. “I have been here a while but no I’m not done. I was going to do some stretches then go sit in the hot tub, need to loosen my hamstrings a bit. How ‘bout you?”
         “I only came to lift and swim. Sine I already swam I’ve just got to do some weights.”
         Kady nods. “Well I guess I’ll see you then, big day tomorrow.”
         “Most definitely.” Hope replies with an underlying meaning that only keeps Kady guessing. Hope turns and walks away adding an extra sway to her hips, knowing Kady’s watching.
         Kady groans again. “So much for cooling down.”


Work in progress here, if you like it, I'll finish it sooner, promise!