The walkback to my dorm room is a lot easier to manage now that I have fuel running through my veins. I even smile at a few people I pass along the way when they say good morning to me. Do I say it back to them? No, let’s not push it.
When I reach my hallway, I can hear voices coming from behind my bedroom door. I carefully turn the doorknob, stealthily trying to catch my intruders in the act, when I open the door to see three people on my roommate’s side of the room turn their heads simultaneously in my direction.
I freeze.
“Uh, hi…” I’m a deer caught in the headlights. Setting down my coffee tray, I take a deep breath and turn to face my new roommate.
“You must be Vix! I’ve been dying to meet you!” A bubbly girl with ashy blonde hair and eyes so green they put emeralds to shame bounces over to me with arms wide open. Before I can tell her that I’m not a hugger, she has her arms wrapped around me, hugging me like we’ve been best friends our whole lives.
“I’m Leah, but everyone just calls me Lee. These are my parents, Tori and John.”
They reach out one after another to shake my hand.
“You’re going to have your hands full having this one as a roommate this year. Good luck to ya!” John chuckles, pointing with his thumb over to his daughter. He playfully nudges her with his elbow, and she smiles at him big and bright, like she believes her dad hung the moon.
It’s cute how corny he is. He’s here for moral support, like a dad who actually cares.
I wonder what that’s like.
Tori stands silently, hugging herself, seeking comfort on a day when her daughter, a mirror of her own being, is starting her journey into the big, bad world. I give her a soft smile, reassuring her that everything will be okay.
I may have never had a father to carry the weight of the world for me, to chase off boys from sneaking in my window at night, to bring me ice cream before dinner or tell me that he’s proud of the young woman I’ve become. I had my mom, though, and she was all of that and more.
I snap out of my thoughts of home at the sound of Leah’s voice filling the small space.
“Don’t listen to him.” She waves him off. “Crazy old man doesn’t know what he’s talking about. We’re going to be such good friends.” Her smile is infectious. I can’t help but feel my own smile trying to crack through the surface. Her energy is contagious. For once in my life, I hope that she’s right.We’re going to be such good friends.
TWO
VIX
Tori and Johnsay their goodbyes and leave us to our unpacking. I exhale a breath and take in my surroundings. This room is home for the foreseeable future, and to my surprise, I’m excited about it. Leah is chatting away, telling me stories about her life back home, when a sudden knock sounds at the door. My eyes snap to hers.
“Were you expecting anyone?” I ask, and she smiles, skipping over to answer it.
“Yes, ma’am! A friend is stopping by to drop off a few more of my boxes. My brother drove them up with him since we didn’t have enough room in my parents’ car,” she explains. The door opens, and I’m half expecting to meet another bubbly personality just like Lee, but instead, my jaw just about hits the floor.
I’m in shock, and it feels as if time is standing still. Is this really happening? A familiar pair of midnight blue eyes lock onto mine.
He’s here, and he’s real, he’s standing four feet away from me, and he’s standing here—with her. I never thought I’d see him again. Five years have passed since he moved out oftown without saying goodbye. Five years since he’s held me like a protector, wiped my tears, and listened to my darkest secrets, my hopes and dreams—all except for one.
Austin Forester stands before me, two whole heads above my own, with his dark brown, unruly hair, and a smile that could hypnotize a skeptic.
“Vix? No fucking way…” His smile stretches so wide his face looks like it may crack. That thick country boy accent is in full swing, making my stomach do somersaults. In two short strides, he is scooping me up into an embrace I wish would never end.
Austin doesn’t just hug you; hehugs you, holds you, and molds your body to his, making you feel safe. I’ve missed his hugs. I’ve missed him.
He releases me, and I just about collapse to the floor.
“What are you doing here? Are you stalking me?” I shove his shoulder playfully. I feel like I’m grinning from ear to ear. Why am I so awkward? It’s Aus…get a grip.
“I’m a sophomore, but I’m here in this room because I’m helping my roommate’s sister move in. Kash had to work, so the better man stepped up.” He boasts. “Looks like Lee’s your new roomie.” He waggles his eyebrows.
“You girls gonna share a bed?”
“Yeah, yeah, you wish. Save the pervy thoughts for when you’re lonely at night.” I laugh, but inside I just died a little.
Leah walks over and drapes her arm casually over Austin’s shoulder.
