CHAPTER ONE
The Roommate
Finally, I had made it to Halverton University, the most prestigious university in the state, and one of the best institutions in the country. It had taken non-stop studying throughout my final year of high school, volunteering twice a week, being on the student council, participating on the debate team and playing on our championship winning soccer team.
I was one of the only two people in my entire high school year level to make it into Halverton. In fact, the last time someone from my school had been admitted into Halverton was back in 1999.
Sure, someone else in my year level had gotten into Halverton: Taylor King, also known as the most insufferable guy in the world.
I hated to admit it, but everything I did, he did better.
I achieved almost perfect grades. He had been valedictorian.
I’d scored the most goals out of every soccer player in the division. But he’d been the captain of the team and had won the best and fairest award.
I had been treasurer of the student council, but he had been president.
I remember whenever I’d spend my lunch breaks in the library, he’d saunter over and look down at me with that punch-worthy smirk on his face, asking me to look over the numbers. He always had a shine in his eye, like he knew something I didn’t. Like he was laughing at me, when I had no idea what the joke was remotely about.
In short, Taylor King also getting into Halverton was annoying as hell. It meant that what should have been my moment was overshadowed by him. The local newspaper had printed both of our year book photos, and whenever teachers congratulated me, they always had to mention Taylor as well. “You and Taylor worked so hard.” “You and Taylor were amazing this year.”
But despite all that, I couldn’t exactly say I was surprised. Taylor was — and this was painful to admit, so painful it made my stomach clench — amazing. At everything. Not his personality, though. That wasn’t amazing at all.
I spent the summer before my first year of university consoling myself. Yes, it sucked that Taylor would beattending the same university as me, but Halverton was huge. There was next to zero chance I’d run into him. And, with luck, I’d never have to see him again.
Campus was bustling with activity as my parents and I walked across the cobblestone path. I pulled two suitcases with a duffel bag slung over my shoulder, my dad held a box full of cooking utensils, and my mum was taking photos of everything with her phone. There were dozens of new students with their parents, doing exactly the same thing.
Nearby the old-fashioned library were stalls of students in brightly coloured t-shirts with labels like: tour guides, dorm help and course assistance. Beyond the large, lush lawn, was a sprawling modern cafeteria with every kind of restaurant, from McDonald’s and KFC to an expensive looking Italian place.
“I can’t believe my son is going off to university,” Mum said, both excitement and teariness high in her voice. “And to Halverton no less! I’m going to have to share all these photos on Facebook. The campus is absolutely stunning.”
“Mum, all your friends are going to get tired of you bragging about me,” I warned, but I was secretly pleased she was so proud. And damn right she should brag about me. This was motherfucking Halverton!
“This way to the dorms?” Dad asked me.
“Yep,” I said. I’d already studied the map of the campuson the way here. Who was I kidding? I’d spent all summer daydreaming about the fun I’d have here. I’d attend lectures and take notes, just like I’d seen in the movies, and I’d study what I actually wanted to study. I’d join clubs and societies with likeminded people. Hell, I might even find a girlfriend.
Scratch that — I’ddefinitelyfind a girlfriend. Sure, I’d dated throughout high school, but I broke up with my girlfriend in my final year to focus on getting into a good university. And — okay, this was a little embarrassing to admit — but I was still a virgin. I’d been so busy that even when I did have a girlfriend, I’d never gone beyond some horizontal making out.
But that was all going to change in university. Not only was this the beginning of what would be a successful career, where I’d make millions of dollars (and definitely become the richest guy from my high school, beating all of my classmates, including Taylor King) but I’d also have a lot of amazing sex. I could hardly wait.
“The dorms are on the north side of campus,” I explained to my dad. “Right beside the lake.”
“Ah, yes, the famous Halverton lake. Hopefully, you get a view of it,” he said.
“Hopefully! The dorm rooms are assigned randomly, but I’ve been lucky so far.”
“And how many roommates will you be sharing with?” Mum asked. She already knew the answer,but she liked to ask questions over and over to make sure. And also probably to revel in the fact her son was going to Halverton.
“Just one for first year,” I replied. After first year, students had the choice to move off campus if they wanted. Maybe I’d get along so well with my roommate that we’d move out and rent a place together.
I hoped my roommate was nice. I’d heard not to have high expectations, just hope for someone who cleaned up after themselves and wasn’t a psychopath, but it’d be amazing if my roommate had similar interests. Then he could be my first friend at college.
About fifteen minutes later, we arrived at the dorms. They were a cluster of tall red-brick buildings, chained with vines and rose brambles. Though the exterior was old-fashioned, when we entered my building, Valentina Hall, the inside was modern, with shiny silver elevators that took me and my parents up to the fourth floor, where my room was located.
We walked down the long hallway, and I checked the email on my phone that mentioned my dorm room, even though I had already read that email about ten times. Sometimes I worried that I misread something, so I wanted to check. But the number was the same as always. 407.
As we passed rooms, 401, 402, 403, my parents and I nodded and said hello to the other first years moving in. Finally, we made it to 407, where the door was proppedopen.
