College Karaoke

“Whatever it is you’ve got planned, the answer is no.” Rose said flatly, narrowing her eyes at her book on modified Sumerian as she flipped it upside down. Notes spilled out over the table, hovering near the edge in uneven piles, threatening to spill onto the dorm kitchen’s floor. Jade pouted, pursing her lips and letting her beaded box braids clatter behind her.“But Rose, I finally got a second mike for my karaoke machine! You need to relax! We can even do one of those songs you wrote!” Rose stood decisively, shutting her book with a thump and turning to face her.“Well, I suppose we all need to take breaks occasionally.” Jade grinned, buck teeth stark in the shitty college-supplied light.“I knew you’d come around!”