AllFreeNovel
Share Us
CHAPTERONE
SUTTON
The individual responsiblefor designing these dorm rooms should be locked up. It's hard to believe the university deems it acceptable to stuff us into what they dare to call a room. We're practically stacked like sardines in a can! I'm not typically claustrophobic, but by the end of this year, I might develop a fear of small spaces.
Right now, I'm sprawled out on my twin XL bed, another one of those dreadful inventions seemingly crafted to torment college students. I'm trying to concentrate on the book I'm currently reading, while my best friend Leia rummages through my clothes, examining the new stuff we bought last weekend.
Leia has been my best friend since we were six, and now, she's also my college roommate. Over the twelve years I've known her, she's made it her personal mission to dress me up like a living doll. Her love for fashion is contagious, and she's always begging me to let her style me in outfits that are far beyond my comfort zone. Not that I mind. If it brings her joy, I'm more than willing to let her do her thing most of the time. However, she can be quite persuasive and doesn't hesitate to resort to threats at times. That's my sweet best friend for you.
Leia and I first crossed paths through our brothers, who are also best friends. Elliott is my brother, and Marcus is Leia's. These two have been inseparable since they started playing hockey together in the fifth grade. Even after they were drafted and placed on different NHL teams, saying goodbye was a tough moment for them. It felt like the band was officially breaking up, and we all felt the impact.
Inevitably, Leia and I decided to follow in our brothers' footsteps and attend college at Willow Park University. Leia's dad, Lane, happens to be the hockey coach here, and he graciously arranged for us to have an apartment off-campus.
Initially, Leia insisted that rooming together for our freshman year would provide the quintessential college experience. I was against it, but she won that battle. Our brothers had attended this school and played hockey under Leia's dad, and they roomed together during their freshman year. Witnessing the amazing four years our brothers had here was the primary reason she was so adamant about doing things the "right way." She saw the unforgettable experiences they had and wanted the same for us. I'm grateful that she takes the lead in these choices because, honestly, I doubt I'd be able to navigate this journey without her.
College started back in August, and now it's November. It's during significant events like freshman move-in day when I miss my parents the most. Phrasing it that way makes it sound as though they're deceased, but the reality is they're just not the best parents. They consistently miss important milestones and events in my life.
My brother Marcus, my best friend Leia, and I have essentially been taken in by Marcus and Leia's parents after being left in the dust by our own. We've spent more time with their family than our own. Leia and I have practically been living together and sharing a room for years, so being crammed into a tiny dorm room together isn't much of a challenge.
Thank goodness I don't have to room with a stranger. The thought of that is a nightmare I'd rather not entertain.
I'm pulled from my thoughts when Leia insists, "Sutton, I don't understand why you won't wear this! It would look so good on you, I promise! When have I ever lied to you?"
I stop pretending to read the words on the page of my book and instead turn my attention to her. Leia is, simply put, stunning. With her short, dark hair cut bluntly just above her shoulders, she effortlessly pulls off the French girl look. Her dark brown eyes rest on her delicate face, a striking contrast to the rest of her appearance. When you look at her, you'd expect her to have piercing blue eyes, but instead, they're dark and commanding.
But I'm getting off-topic again.
I rack my brain, trying to recall what she's talking about, and tilt my head thoughtfully. I find myself delving into the memories of our friendship, remembering times when Leia insisted on following current fashion trends, which often led to me looking strange. She always claimed to be a fashion expert and urged me to trust her instincts.
I can't help but bring up a particular memory as I sit up on my bed, fixing her with a deadpan look. "Remember eighth grade when you convinced me to wear that pink dress?" It's a memory that still makes me cringe. She had been in tears because I was initially against wearing it, which, of course, made me feel guilty. In the end, I had reluctantly worn the dress.
Leia looks at me with a mixture of surprise and disbelief. "Seriously? You're still bringing that up? Come on! It was just that one time. And, how is it my fault you accidentally flashed your underwear to everyone?"
I can't help but smirk at her defense. "Well, it's a bit like how I can't be blamed for your infamous nip slip in the cafeteria during senior year." We both burst into laughter at the memory of Leia's unexpected wardrobe malfunction, which had the entire cafeteria's attention.
I don’t hold back, "And let's not forget junior year when you dressed me in clothes that were two sizes too small, causing every guy to stare down my shirt all night. My boobs were on full display."
Leia gasps, her eyes wide with feigned innocence. "So what if they saw? You've got to flaunt what you've got."
Rolling my eyes, I respond, "I do flaunt them, but tastefully. Is it so terrible that I want people to make eye contact with my eyes before my boobs?"
Leia ponders this for a moment, looking from the tight black crop top she's holding to me, before declaring, "I'm sorry, but yes, you're so stunning that you have to. If I could, I'd skin you and wear you."
Leia has a slightly psychotic sense of humor.
"That's not unsettling at all," I reply dryly.
This time, we both share a smile. But my smile disappears as she brings up a topic that makes me uneasy. "If you want a boyfriend, you'll have to put yourself out there more."
Oh, boy. Just discussing this subject makes me feel queasy. I can't deny that I wouldn't mind having a boyfriend, but actively seeking one is not something I'm comfortable with. I struggle around unfamiliar people, often at a loss for words when interacting with strangers. I may have expressed a desire to try new things in college, but it doesn't mean I won't find it challenging.
I look at Leia and repeat the same thing I've told her countless times before. "I'm not actively looking for a boyfriend. If it happens, it happens."
Her look is unimpressed because she knows I'm not being entirely honest. Leia puts the shirt down, comes over to sit beside me on the bed.
"Sure, of course, whatever you say," she replies with a casual tone that masks her teasing.
She can be quite a handful sometimes. I start to respond with a sarcastic "thank you," but she cuts me off, wearing a mischievous grin. "I just think having a bit of fun with a guy might help loosen you up."
