At one point , Jay turned on music , which turned the car into a karaoke night club . We were singing our hearts out , pointing at other people in cars who sped away . When we got tired , we told epic adventure stories and ended up in a fit of giggles . It was the happiest I ’ ve been for a long time . I felt a connection between me and the girls that I knew would last for a long time .
We soon saw the gates of Chicago , and I had been practicing my speech with Jay . Helen had volunteered to drive , while Sara napped .
“ You need to be confident , but not too confident that it intimidates the interviewer . Start off with saying thank you for making time for me , and ask them if they ’ re having a good day . Be polite , and stand up straight . Don ’ t worry too much , G . You ’ re going to own it !” Jay punched me in the arm , causing my whole body to slump on the seat .
Finally , it was the moment I had been waiting for . I walked into the neat room , and smiled at my interviewer . I answered all the questions he asked me , and made a few jokes , which he laughed at . I thought it went smoothly . As I walked back to the waiting room , I saw my friends waiting for me .
“ How was it ?!” They asked in unison . I smiled and gave them a thumbs up , and we all huddled into a group hug , laughing and talking over one another . When we all piled into the car , Sara turned up the radio and we sang along , not a worry in our minds .
It was nearing sunrise now , but everyone was up . We talked and gave advice to each other . Even in my sorority , it was hard to have this sisterly ambience .
Abruptly , the car stopped , and sent us flying even with our seat belts . Sara had her hand on her forehead , which had blood on it . Jay rushed to treat it . As much as they argued , they had become very close . Helen took out her phone .
“ Our gas tank is empty , and the nearest gas station is … three miles away .” We stared at each other , all thinking the same thing . How could we have forgotten to recharge ? At last , Jay spoke up . “ Three miles … I mean , we could do it ,” she said , looking nervously at us . “ Do what ?” Sara asked . “ You know … pull the car ,” we all took a collective gasp , even though we knew this was coming .
“ I have rope and gloves in the trunk , so we could use that .” “ But …” “ Jay ’ s right . This is the fastest way we ’ re going to get there . Just think of it as exercising . At least you ’ ll have great arms ,” I said , trying to lift up everyone ’ s moods . “ And if we ’ re going to do that … we should probably hurry .” “ Okay , I ’ ll get the rope .” For two hours , we pulled and tugged the car to the station . When we arrived , the guy on duty stared at us as if we were crazy before helping us . When we were back on the road , I let my mind drift to our small adventure . As if she was reading my mind , Helen said , “ Isn ’ t it crazy ? I feel as if I ’ ve known you guys for ages , not a few hours .” “ Do you think we ’ ll hang out after this ? Like , when we get back to school ?” Sara asked , and we all became silent .
“ Yes , I think so . At least I hope so . It ’ s been so fun with you guys ,” Jay said . We all nodded . The party mood we had been in was replaced by something deeper , and at that moment I knew these would be the girls that I would contact for any special occasion later in life . I would call Sara for any styling tips , Jay if I need to toughen up , and Helen if I need someone to review my life decisions . As different as we were , we had all found our way into each other ’ s lives , and I was thankful for that .