CHAPTER 9
LANDRY
“Not only that, but did you know that the whole ‘Pit Bulls having a locking jaw’ thing was debunked as a myth a long time ago? They just have powerful jaws. And, they actually rank on the lower end of the charts when it comes to aggression testing, even below labrador retrievers. The only reason people fear them so much is because when they do attack, it’s much more dangerous because of their muscle mass and strength. I’m telling you, it’s the bad owners that ruin it for everyone else. I understand compromising—for example, maybe requiring Pit Bull owners to attend behavioral training, but banning an entire breed based on their reputation is wrong. Did you know that around one million Pit Bulls are euthanized each year, making up close to forty percent of the dogs euthanized in shelters in the US? Something needs to be done about it. How depressing is that? ”
I had stormed out of my room, laptop in hand, unable to sit still after uncovering all these facts. Now, Bexley and I stood in the kitchen, the air filled with the savory aroma of the Thai lettuce wraps I was preparing as she listened intently to my impassioned rant. My heart ached under the weight of this new knowledge. I knew Pit Bulls had a bad reputation, and I genuinely felt for the people and families who had experienced incidents involving the breed, but the fact that an entire breed was condemned and discriminated against because of those incidents made me sick to my stomach. The injustice of it all simmered inside me, almost as much as the food on the stovetop.
The more research I did, the more tightly I hugged the Pit Bulls at the shelter. There were evenings when I sat inside their pens, letting them cover me in slobbery kisses before they eventually curled up and fell asleep in my lap. While they dozed, I worked on my presentation, their steady breathing grounding me as I poured my heart into every word.
This was the hardest I had ever worked on anything in my life, and it felt good. I knew a single classroom presentation might not change the world, but it was a start. If I could change even one person’s mind, make them see these dogs differently, I would count that as a win.
Bexley was my rock throughout the process, offering all the support and encouragement I could ask for. She helped me research whenever we had a free moment, sending me links to articles and studies, while Olivia pitched in with creative brainstorming ideas to make the presentation more engaging for the audience. By late September, my presentation was solid. Both Bexley and Olivia had even let me practice it on them a few times, giving helpful feedback along the way .
I wasn’t usually one for public speaking, but my passion for the topic had completely transformed me. Once I started talking, the words flowed effortlessly, straight from the heart. The PowerPoint slides were there solely for visuals, a backup that I barely glanced at as I spoke. It felt good to be so confident about something that truly mattered to me.
I had managed to steer clear of Cashton since our interaction a few weeks ago, and I was beginning to think he might have finally dropped whatever grudge he held against me. In class three days a week, I couldn’t help but notice him, always surrounded by his entourage of groupies. Thankfully, he seemed uninterested in me, barely sparing a glance in my direction. Still, I wasn’t letting my guard down completely. While his lack of attention allowed me to relax just a bit, I didn’t trust him as far as I could throw him.
As shameful as it was, I hadn’t stopped thinking about that night when he had made me come harder than I ever thought was possible. It was the only thought that flashed across my brain as I attempted to bring myself to climax, but the task seemed impossible now that I knew what a proper orgasm felt like, and my vibrator ended up thrown across the room more times than I could count.
But my focus was elsewhere this morning. For the first time all year, I woke up before my alarms, my body seemingly aware that today was Friday—the final day of presentations in Communications class.
With the extra time, I decided to put in a little more effort than usual. Curling my hair, I sifted through my makeup bag to apply just enough foundation and mascara to feel polished. I even pulled on my lucky ‘mom’ jeans—the perfect blend of relaxed and flattering—and paired them with a button-down blouse I’d bought months ago but never had the right occasion to wear. Today felt like the day to bring it out.
I swung by the dining hall, filling my tumbler with a fresh straw-bana smoothie and grabbing a slice of avocado toast before leisurely heading to class. Takis were strictly for hangover days, and thankfully, this wasn’t one of them. For once, I actually felt like a semi-functional adult.
My mood only brightened when I glanced at my phone to find texts from Olivia and Bexley waiting for me: ‘Good luck today!’ and ‘You got this, babes! Kill it!’ Their encouragement brought a smile to my face. Today was going to be a good day.
I was so preoccupied looking down at my phone that I didn’t notice the girl coming from the opposite direction, our bodies slamming into each other as her scorching hot coffee spilled all over the front of my white blouse.
“Shit!” She exclaimed, “Oh my gosh, Landry, I’m so sorry!”
I quickly grabbed the front of my blouse, fanning it out as the liquid burned my skin. Looking up, I recognized the dark-haired beauty that had been with Cashton at the pool party the first week of school. Courtney, I believe Olivia had called her.
“It’s fine, I wasn’t looking where I was going.” I told her, desperately trying to figure out what I would do now that my shirt was ruined. Class started in ten minutes, not leaving me any time to run back to the apartment to change. Professor Lee had made it clear that she would lock the doors once presentations started, banning any late students from entering.
“Oh gosh, you present today, right? Take my jacket! It’s not as nice as your shirt, but at least you can cover the stain.” She offered, pulling her hoodie over her head and extending it to me. “Here, give me your things so you can change, I’ll bring them to your seat to save it for you.”
I hesitated momentarily, weighing my options. Dread spread through me at the thought of presenting in a hoodie, knowing that the professor might deduct points for unprofessional appearance. At the end of the day, it was a better option than sporting a giant stain down my shirt.
“Thank you!” I told her, trading her my bag and tumbler for the hoodie and making my way to the women’s restroom down the hall. “I owe you one!”
—
Nerves had never gotten to me like this before. My head was spinning as I made my way to the front of the class, professor Lee bringing up the PowerPoint that I had sent over earlier this week for my presentation. I knew that as soon as I started speaking, I would probably be fine.
Was it always this hot in here?
I felt every single set of eyes on me as I nervously turned around to see my opening slide labeled ‘ Breed Specific Legislation and the Flaws in its System ’ taking up the entire back wall, the projector blinding me as I looked back into the crowd.
My mind felt so fuzzy, and my skin felt like it was on fire. Maybe I should rule out any sort of career involving public speaking if my body betrayed me like this every time.
I forced myself to think about the little pit puppies at the shelter and how badly I needed people to understand the problem that we were facing. So, I forced a deep breath and began with my opening line.
My mouth was open, but nothing was coming. I was so nervous that I was actually frozen, the words stuck in my throat. And as the snickers began to spread through the small auditorium, I turned to Professor Lee. She offered me an encouraging smile, giving me the confidence to turn back towards the class.
Seriously, had someone turned up the heat in here?
My face was growing hotter by the second. I gripped the collar of the hoodie, desperately trying to fan myself as sweat began rolling down my spine. I tried swallowing, but my throat was so dry that it was painful. Was I having a panic attack? I hadn’t ever had one that felt like this before, and my medication was all the way back at the dorms.
Murmurs were breaking out around the class, and my vision grew blurrier by the second, my head growing lighter and lighter until I felt like I might faint. Seriously, what was happening to me? I was gasping for air, not able to get it down fast enough, debating ripping off all of my clothes right here and right now to cool down my heated skin. My head was spinning, everything around me turning into one big blur, making me dizzier by the second.
Something was seriously wrong.
I took a step forward, my legs turning to jelly underneath me as I collapsed, barely bracing myself as I hit the ground. The murmurs turned into gasps, whispers spreading around the space. I focused on trying to get air down, my lungs no longer cooperating, and I was beginning to hyperventilate. My body went numb, fatigue rolling over me like a wave while my skin continued to grow hotter and hotter until I was ready to beg somebody to dunk me into an ice bath.
I barely registered the panic breaking out around me, blinking a few times to see Professor Lee standing directly over me, hurriedly speaking into the phone pressed to her ear. Was I dying? I felt like I had no control of my body, all motor control slowly slipping away. And I felt so tired all of a sudden. Tired, and burning hot. My body was on fire. I felt like my skin was melting, and I needed this jacket off of me right now or I felt like I might die. Rolling over onto my stomach, it took every ounce of strength to push myself up to my knees, my head falling forward limply as I gripped the bottom of my shirt and hoodie. I just needed these off, and then I could take a nap.
Using the last of my remaining strength, I yanked both my blouse and jacket off in the same motion, desperately fighting to pull them over my head. The cool air hit my bare skin and it felt heavenly. I wondered if I still had enough energy left to pull off my bra and pants as well.
“Landry! Landry, honey, what are you doing? Please keep your clothes on, I have help on the way, you’re going to be okay I promise, just stay with me.” but her words began to fade in and out.
Fully drained, I laid back down on the ground, the wood floors feeling so nice against my bare skin. I rolled over onto my side, pressing my face against the cool surface underneath me. My head was swimming.
“Professor Lee, I’m a nursing student, I think she’s having an allergic reaction. I can help her down to the clinic.”
My eyes felt so heavy, and it took more effort than it should to pry them open to spot a student kneeling at my side. I didn’t recognize her, but her voice was calm and soothing, lulling me to sleep.
“I can carry her!” a masculine voice chimed in, and I opened my eyes once more to make out a tall blond male that I didn’t recognize.
“I’m not letting you carry a half-naked girl across campus, Carson. Please go back to your seat.” Professor Lee stated.
I looked past this Carson guy, noticing all the sets of eyes directly on me. I could have sworn I noticed a pair of familiar green ones on me, but I couldn’t find it in me to care. The only thing on my mind was my need for a nap. That, and an ice plunge. My skin was still on fire.
I was so, so tired. And when my eyes closed again, they didn’t open back up as I drifted off, everything around me fading as I let the darkness pull me under.