Nash and I had only ever been friends. We had been too young before to really ever have any romantic feelings. I just didn’t see him that way. I finally tore my eyes away once they disappeared into the house. I was glad Nash didn’t seem upset with me that I hadn’t kept in contact over the years.
When I had moved to Connecticut, my life had basically been turned upside down, and I tried to just focus on putting it together as much as I could. I had missed Nash though, and I was glad that he seemed like he wanted to pick up our friendship right where we left off.
*********
I smoothed down the white tunic I had chosen over a pair of black leggings along with wedge booties as I stood in front of the room I had been assigned for the next year. For some reason, my hands were sweaty, and I felt slightly shaky. I had no idea why I was so nervous, I had no problem meeting new people before, and I wasn’t about to let this get to me. I took a deep breath and pushed open the door, scanning my surroundings that looked to be covered with boxes and strewn contents.
I dropped my handbag on the floor, looking at the dorm. Basically, the whole thing could be seen from the front door. A small kitchenette was tucked into one corner and opened up into a small living room. Three doors were open, which I assumed were the bedrooms and a sliding glass door led out to a small patio. All in all, it wasn’t as horrible as I thought. I guess upperclassmen had the better pick when it came to dorm rooms.
“Hey,” I heard yelled from one of the bedrooms. “Callie, if that’s you, you better get your ass in here and get your shit out of my room. I’m not letting you take over my closet again this year.” I wasn’t sure how to reply, so I stuck my head into the room, my eyes landing on a girl with auburn hair, creamy white skin, and an array of freckles.
Her green eyes widened when she saw me and she covered her mouth. “Oh my god, I’m so sorry.” She jumped to her feet, walking over piles of clothing that basically covered every inch of carpeting. “I’m not normally that big of a bitch. You must be, Adelaide, the new roomy. Welcome, sorry it’s such a mess, but you’re probably going to have to get used to it with Callie around. I really have no idea why I agreed to live with her again. I’m Zoey by the way.”
“Oh, please. You know you love me.” I spun around and came face to face with a perky looking girl who had curly chin length blonde hair and was dressed head to toe in pink. And when I said head to toe, I really meant head to toe. Even her hair had streaks of pink running through it.
“Hi! You’re obviously Adelaide, I’d recognize you anywhere. I loved you on Unrehearsed; now those other two that you hung out with, not so much. I was so surprised to see you listed as our new roommate. I figured you were off at college with Madison and Marley.”
“Surprised is putting it mildly,” Zoey piped in blandly. “More like bouncing off the walls with glee, I’m surprised she hasn’t asked you for your autograph yet.”
“Well, it’s not like I’m a celebrity or anything, and the show’s been over for two years, so not too many people recognize me anymore, but thanks. You can call me Della by the way.”
“All right, Della. Let me show you your room, you’re just going to love it. It’s a little small but we can make it work.” Callie looped her arm through mine and Zoey gave me a thumbs up like she was wishing me luck. I had a feeling I was going to need it.
“Here it is,” she said with a flourish of her hand, showing off the bland walls and the full-size bed that was shoved into the corner. I saw a small bathroom and a closet that was most definitely not a walk-in, but I guess it would do. “Don’t worry, I can totally help with decorating, it’s sort of my thing. Do you have a lot of stuff to move in?”
“Not too much. My grandparents were trying to find a parking spot so I should probably run down and help out with my stuff.”
“Sounds awesome, just yell if you need anything. I just have a few more things to unpack and then I’ll be all set. We can show you around campus tomorrow if you want. We’re going to have so much fun together. And don’t worry about being the third wheel with us. Zoey and I have been roommates for the past two years, but I’m sure we’ll all be best friends in no time.”
She let out a little squeal as I opened the door, and I couldn’t help but smile at her excitement, especially with the rush of relief at getting two roommates that seemed to actually be really nice girls. If only my luck at a fresh new start could continue, I think I could shove the past behind me right where it belonged.
Chapter 7
“So, Della. How has your first day on campus been? A little overwhelming?” Callie drummed her bubblegum-pink nails on the table as we sat in one of the many cafeterias that they had on campus. The three of us had compared schedules and found three days that we could meet up for lunch. It was relieving to have two instant friends.