I devour my sandwich in seconds, white bread sticking to the roof of my mouth and head to my room to get ready for bed. I need to stop my mind from having these racing thoughts so I can get a good night's sleep. Tomorrow is going to be a long day, which is why I refrain from taking another dose. I don’t want to be up all night.
I lay in bed and close my eyes. I imagine landing that 1800 Mute Grab. Clean, perfect. The kind of thing that makes people remember your name, then I try to imagine a life where I don’t need a bump to believe it.
3
Genevieve
Lana drags herself through the dorm door around five-thirty, exhaustion clinging to her like her overstuffed backpack. Her tiny body is carrying a backpack that probably weighs half her weight. She sure can carry a lot despite her petite frame.
I’m a straight “C” student, while Lana’s a straight “A” student. She’s on a full-ride and treats school like it’s an Olympic sport. Meanwhile, I’m just trying to pass statistics without crying.
She told me if she hadn’t gotten the scholarship, she would have gone somewhere closer to her home in Florida. But if she did that she’d have to pay for some things out of pocket, whereas this scholarship covers everything; so Nebraska was the better choice.
Today she was in class and when she wasn’t, she was at the library studying. She does this every day of the week, except Sundays; when she gives herself a break. Her and I are so different, it’s funny how well we get along.
“Whatever plans you had for break, cancel them,” I say as soon as she walks in the door.
It’s not a request, it’s a statement. She’s coming with me whether she likes it or not. I know she doesn’t have any other plans. No offense to her.
“Oh great, what are you dragging me into now?” she says as she rips her backpack off her body and plops herself down on our uncomfortable couch that came with the room. “Please, just norobbing any banks. I wouldn’t be able to drive the getaway car fast enough. Plus, I don’t look good in orange.”
“You actually look great in orange,” I say, teasing, even though it’s true. “But no—no crime sprees. We are going to Colorado!”
Her face turns to face me so fast I think she’ll get whiplash.
She hesitates before saying, “Excuse me.We?”
“Yes,wesilly! I want to go somewhere for fall break and I’m making you come with me. Everything’s already booked and paid for, so don’t worry about it.”
Her eyes get that look in them that says,you know I can’t afford to pay you back,and it’s true. I know she can’t and I don’t care about that. Her being my friend is enough, especially when I’ve never really had friends before. I finally have one that I can spoil.
“Don’t give me that face Lana, you’re coming with me whether you like it or not. We’re staying at a super cute little cabin and we can go skiing together,” I say.
Her green eyes widened. I can’t tell if she’s shocked or scared. Maybe a little bit of both?
“I... I can’t ski,” she admits to her knees.
“That’s okay, if you don’t know how. They have instructors at the resort that can teach you.”
“No it’s not just that. I’m afraid of getting on the lift. I can’t do it,” she admits.
My face forms the shape of an ‘O,’ but nothing comes out. I feel awful. I should have waited for her to come home so we could decide on a place together. It’s okay though, the resort is known for its luxurious spas and hot springs.
“Babe that’s totally fine, we can spend time at the spa. That’s my favorite part anyway,” I say reassuringly. How did I not know she was afraid of ski lifts? I guess it just never came up. “Plus, who cares if you can’t ski? We’re there for spa water and fluffy robes.”
“Are you sure? I don’t want to ruin your trip,” she says softly, biting on one of her nails.
“Ourtrip and you’re not! I could go for a massage. It will be fun! Get excited!” I lean over the middle cushion and shake her tiny body to liven up.
Her face lights up and her smile grows. I stop shaking her.
“Okay, yea! Thanks Gen, you’re the best!” she says.
“Of course! Now let’s order some food and eat while we pack!” I say. “We gotta hit the road first thing in the morning!”
***
We’re each four egg rolls deep and two-thirds done with our sesame chicken and fried rice combo. We love Chinese take out from Mr. Hui’s. It’s been our go-to since the year started. We have ‘Gossip Girl' playing on the TV, our favorite show to watch together. Sometimes we feel like the real life Serena and Blair. I’m tall and blonde while Lana’s short and brunette. Even our styles kind of match the characters, as funny as it seems. The only difference is, we are stuck here in Nebraska instead of living in the concrete jungle. But I prefer Nebraska anyway, it’s the simple life. The good life. I honestly wouldn’t trade it for anything. Just because I grew up in New York doesn’t mean I love it. I think that’s actually why I hate it, because it’s all I know. I want to discover somewhere different that I’m unfamiliar with. I outgrew New York the second I outgrew my first pair of Jimmy Choos at age thirteen.
