AllFreeNovel
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“You can have a temporary one for the weekend, but you’ll need to talk to the bursar’s office for something permanent.” She hands me a slip to put on the dash and waves to the next person. I guess we’re done here.
I keep my head down as I navigate the hall back to my room, knowing I’m not in the right headspace for pleasantries. Eventually I hope I will be—I want to like it here—but my emotions are too raw right now.
Thanks Mom and Dad.
I’m so pissed at them for leaving me to my own devices that a part of me wants to write them off the same way they’ve done to me. I just can’t bring myself to do it. Aside from the fact I’m relying on them to pay for school, deep down I know why they are the way they are, and that keeps me from ever following through. Keeps me from hating them as much as I want to.
It’s an endless cycle–my anger boiling until I’m ready to lash out only for the guilt to set in. After repeating this pattern for the entire drive, I’m fucking exhausted. Mentally. Physically, I’m kind of wired.
Once back in my room I realize there’s no food, and I haven’t eaten in hours, so I decide to try and hunt something down. Of course, the dining hall is closed, so I grab a few bags of chips from the vending machine, and in an effort not to be as pathetic as I feel, I wander around instead of sitting alone in my room.
The large field closest to my dorm has clusters of people doing all sorts of shit. Tossing a frisbee, playing guitars, or just sitting around talking. I’m assuming these are people who knew each other before they got here, because I don’t know how they’d have found common interests so quickly otherwise.
That’s one thing I’m not bitter about at all—the absence of familiar faces. I’d never see anyone from high school again if I had my way.
I spot a few groups of people in twos and threes walking toward what I think is the street with all the Greek houses, if I remember right from the tour I did last year. With nothing better to do, I fall into step behind them, hoping they might lead to something more interesting than frisbee. I’m proven right when they approach a house that has people with red solo cups spilling off the front porch onto the lawn.
Normally, I wouldn’t consider this my scene. Maybe in high school I would’ve, but that time has passed. Now, I’d rather avoid house parties and cliques that shun people because of their differences. But it’s my first night here and no one knows who I am, so I might as well take advantage.
As I get to the door a guy about my size steps in front of me and puts his palm on my chest. “You with the football team?”
“No.” My nose wrinkles before I can stop it.
“You got something against football?”
“I prefer lacrosse.”
“Lacrosse, huh?” He gives me a once over.
His eyes seem to linger on my torso just a fraction too long. So, I take my own tour. Tall, broad shoulders, brown eyes and auburn hair that curls at the ends, stopping just above his eyes. Not bad.
He gives a sharp jerk of his chin, drawing my attention back to his face. “The only freshman I’m supposed to let in are on the football team with my brother Bennet, but I like your opinion about it.”
The corner of my mouth tries to tick upward, an unfamiliar but not unwelcome gesture. Yeah, he’s kinda cute. “I didn’t give you my opinion. And how do you know I’m a freshman?”
The guy arches a brow, and I lift both mine. Then his features suddenly relax into a coy smirk as he barks out a laugh. “You’ve got a pair on you. Come on, let’s get you a beer.”
“So, your brother plays football?” I ask as we weave through the crowd.
“Fraternity brother,” he says with a chuckle.
“Yeah, that’s what I meant.” I fib as we get to the keg, saying a silent thank you that I’ve never been one to blush easily. “Seriously, how’d you know I’m a freshman?” I take the cup he offers me.
“It’s in the eyes. You’re taking everything in like it’s the first time you’ve seen it.”
“I didn’t realize I was that transparent.” I sip my beer.
“You weren’t really, but I was paying attention.” He winks at me, and my stomach does a little flip.
After my disastrous outing last year, and subsequent shunning from my friends, I haven’t so much as looked at another guy, or allowed myself to notice if one was looking at me. It’s…nice.
“Aiden.” He extends his hand.
“Liam.” I take it.
“So, you thinking of rushing our frat?” His fingers slide over mine as he pulls his hand back.
“They accept guys like…us?”
