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“Nope.” I reach for the box Wesley is holding, but he dodges.
“We can help you. Got nothing better to do. Cal, grab another box from her car.”
My first instinct is to protest, but I stop myself just as the words are about to spill from my mouth.
Heading to a different state and leaving my parents behind is exactly what I need, but of course I feel a little unsteady. I’m used to having a safety net—and two pairs of helping hands whenever I ask for them.
Maybe this is the universe reminding me that I’ve got this. Things may be different now, but I’m not truly on my own.
“Thanks,” I say.
Cal and I both grab more of my stuff, and I lead the way up to my dorm. They help me until my car is empty and my dorm looks slightly less intimidating.
I’m still worried about who my roommate is. I was told she was a last-minute admission, and I’m hoping that’s not a reflection of who she is as a person. I’d prefer to not have to live with someone who’s irresponsible.
“Do you want help unpacking?” Wesley asks me. I’ve caught him staring at me multiple times over the past half hour.
“I don’t think so,” I say. “It’s gonna take me a while to figure out how I’m gonna organize everything, and I need to coordinate some of that with my roommate.”
Disappointment flickers across Wesley’s face before he shrugs. “Cool. Well, Kellan is hosting a party at his parents’ house tonight. They’re traveling for the month. If you wanna come, I can give you the address.”
“That could be fun,” I say, my mind reeling.
Could I make that work? I’m no stranger to parties, but Iama stranger to these two—and everyone else here. What if I go and end up hating it?
At my hesitation, Cal smiles. “Nothing too wild. Mostly just a bonfire. Oh, and swimming. Their pool is the best around, so bring your suit.”
Wes practically shoves his phone into my hand. “Go ahead and add your number so I can send you the address. Come or don’t come—no hard feelings either way. Oh, and your roommate can come, whenever she shows up.”
“Um—thanks.” I type my name and number quickly before handing it back to him. “When?”
“Any time after seven.” Wes follows Cal to the door, but he stops and turns. “And feel free to text us if your roommate needs help moving in. We’re happy to help.”
“Thanks. I will.”
I close the door behind them before turning to face my room. Once I have some of my decorations and stuff up, it’ll feel more like home.
Home.An ache expands in my chest. Before I even realize I’ve done it, my phone is in my hands, and I’m typing a quick message to my parents.
Athelia:Here and moved in. Drive was a breeze!
It was the opposite of a breeze—summer construction and traffic were a hellish nightmare. I’m not sure how I managed to keep the impending panic attacks at bay.
Just thinking about it has my breaths quickening. Both my parents see and reply to my message immediately, telling me how proud and excited they are for me. It serves as a tiny distraction, but it also makes me wish I was still at home. Even if it’s suffocating, at least it’s safe.
Another message pops up. It’s an address and a reminder to bring my swimsuit. I add the number to my contacts and send a quick, non-committal reply. It’s not until I’ve tucked my phone into the back pocket of my shorts that I realize I’m smiling.
Really, Athelia? First two guys you meet on campus, and you’ve already got a crush?
With a sigh, I move to the window and look out. Families move in packs as they carry things from their cars to the building. My gaze snags on Wesley and Cal as they head down the sidewalk. They’re joking with each other and laughing while they dodge everyone around them.
It strikes me as odd. They were so insistent with helping me, but they’re ignoring everyone who’s passing by with their arms full of stuff.
That smile returns, and a warm feeling replaces the ache in my chest. I’m not stupid enough to think it really means anything, but it makes me feel special.
See?I tell myself.It really was the universe looking out for you. You’re gonna be fine.
. . .
