After being shot down by the cougar librarian, I collected my things in my hands, zipped up my bookbag and threw it over one shoulder. My hunt will continue somewhere else. Where, oh where, could I find a suitable mate? I thought walking through campus back to the frat house. Maybe the Juice bar? There are always cute girls that want to mingle. What about the campus center? That place has to be crawling with chicks.

Deep in thought, a loose chunk of sidewalk caught my foot, sending me flailing like a windmill. Books and papers exploded everywhere as tumbled to the ground. From nearby, explosive laughter erupted - a girl on the bench had curled into a ball, absolutely losing it at my graceless performance. Red-faced, I scrambled to gather my scattered belongings from the ground.

As her giggles finally subsided into hiccuping breaths, catching the occasional snort as she tried to compose herself, "You alright there, hotshot?" she said, sitting up and wiping tears from her eyes. When we made eye contact, I noticed her eyes were so beautiful. They were a vibrant hazel and as I looked deeper, I could see specs of green and gold eyes. Her hair was as black as the midnight sky. She wore all black and had jewelry on her wrist and piercings in her ears and bottom lip. She continued, “How does that cement taste? It looks like you ate a good amount of it.”

Hiding my embarrassment, I responded, “I’m shocked you were never told cement is one of the most nutritious things you can eat. Didn’t your parents tell you some cement a day keeps the doctor away?” 

“No, I’ve never heard of this! My parents must hate me,” her laughter rang out from the bench, eyes crinkling with amusement, before she hopped down to help gather my scattered belongings from the sidewalk. “So, where you headed, tiger?” 

“I’m off to spread the good news of nutrition, of course. After my conversation with you, I realized people are not getting enough of their essential daily minerals.” That remark sent her into a laughing fit. With a smirk I continued, “But in all seriousness, I'm heading back to the frat house to get ready for tonight’s formal. Will you be there?” 

“I would, but I don't have a date; if only there were a hot, intelligent guy around that knows the importance of having the proper amount of minerals in their diet.” She winked at me. 

“Well, you’re in luck. I know a guy. Let me get him.” I did a small spin on my heal and then offered my hand for a handshake. “Hi, I’m Ron. Want to go to the formal tonight?”

Straightening herself on the bench, she shook my hand. “I’m Bella, and I’d be honored to go with you to the formal tonight.” She said. We exchanged numbers and then I left to head back to the frat house. 

Inside the frat house, brothers filled the entire downstairs. One brother came up to me and handed me a shot. “Yo, try this. It tastes as if a Peppermint Pattie exploded in your mouth.” Peppermint being my weakness, I didn’t hesitate to take the shot. The overwhelming amount of peppermint smothered my taste buds.

"Forget mints. I am taking a shot of this to cure my bad breath!" The entire room roared with laughter. "Alright, gentlemen, I'm going to powder my nose. When I am finished, let the Pregame Olympics begin!" cheers filled the room as I went upstairs.

When I got back to my room, I noticed my bed was in its original position, and the pledges even made the bed. The white envelope stood out against my dark blue pillowcase. Dropping my bookbag on the ground, I reached for the letter. Hey Ron, I know we left on bad terms this morning. But I want to make things right. I promise I’ve given up on my fishy ways and want you to show me what it is like to be a land dweller. Find me at the dance and we can start things fresh and elope together. Love Sarah." She left a lipstick imprint where she'd kissed the letter. 

This is good news, so if things didn't work out with Bella, I could always give Sarah another chance. If there was one thing that college has taught me, it’s always have a backup plan. I grabbed my suit and got dressed for the dance.