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ONE
PHOEBE
“You gonna be okay, kid?” my uncle Corbin asks before handing me the last of my boxes from his truck.
I mockingly roll my eyes at him before responding. “For the millionth time, yes. Everyone has to live on their own at some point, right?”
I appreciate his concern, but I really am excited about this new stage in my life. It’s comforting that at least one of my family members is looking out for me. My parents probably won’t even notice I’m gone.
“I know, I know. I’m always a phone call away if you need anything. You’re going to love college, Pheebs. Some of my best memories are from my college years. I’ll let your parents know you’re all moved in. You should probably give them a call too; I’m sure they’d love to hear from you.”
I try to not scoff at his presumption. We both know my parents would be here if they really wanted to be. I’m nothing but a prized possession to boast about to their “prestigious” friends.
Corbin helped me pack my life into my Mercedes GLC and followed me in his truck to my new on-campus apartment. Not everything fits in my car, so he packed the bulkier items in the bed of his truck. The drive took us about six hours, from Wakefield to my new home in Coral Cove. I’m happy to be staying in the state of Florida, but I also know the distance will be good for me. I feel like I’ve been living as my parents’ trophy for the past eighteen years.
Coral Cove University is one of the top colleges in the country. More specifically, CCU is known for its softball team. The widely-acclaimed CCU softball team has won the Women’s College World Series eight times in the past fifteen years. Growing up, my parents made sure that I had no social life in order to train, practice, and one day secure a spot on the CCU softball team. Well, here I am. I’ve made it, Mom and Dad.
“I hope your charity event was worth it,” I think to myself as I replay my mother’s pathetic excuse as to why they couldn't show up for freshman move-in day.
“What was that?” Corbin asks with a puzzled look on his face.Shit, did I say that out loud?
“Oh, nothing! Thank you again for the help, Corbin. I promise I’ll call if I need anything. You should probably start the drive home before it gets too late.” I give him a half smile as I prepare to tell my one family member who would do anything for me goodbye.
As soon as Corbin heard I was making the trip alone, he immediately rearranged his schedule to make sure I had help. Time and time again, he’s moved mountains to be there for me when my parents decided work or social gatherings were more important. I know Corbin is just as frustrated with my parents as I am; he just doesn't want to add fuel to the fire.
“I love you, kid. Seriously, don’t hesitate to call. Can’t wait to cheer you on at your games. Until then, work hard and stay focused.” Corbin wraps me in a hug before getting in his truck and driving off. He smiles and waves through the passenger window before disappearing down the road.
After I say goodbye to Corbin, I gather my last box from the pavement and make my way back to my apartment. Luckily, this last box contains my comfy throw blankets so it’s super lightweight. I have an unhealthy obsession with cute coffee mugs and throw blankets. I’m convinced you can never have enough. I walk up two flights of stairs to my apartment and transfer the box to one arm as I unlock my door.
“Hi! Are you Phoebe?” an enthusiastic voice greets me as soon as I walk through the front door. Startled, I drop my box where I’m standing and take in the girl who just scared the shit out of me. She looks to be around my age, with a tall, athletic build. Her chestnut hair is tied up in a messy bun on top of her head, and she’s staring at me with kind, emerald eyes. She has one of those faces that just exudes friendliness.
“Sorry if I startled you. I’ve beensoexcited to meet you! I was going to add you on Instagram, but then I thought that may weird you out. Full disclosure, I definitely creeped. That’s totally normal, right? Also, I tend to ramble and talk a lot. Please feel free to tell me to shut up at any time. Anyways, I’m your new roommateandteammate! In case you didn’t look at your welcome email, my name is Maisie Lewis. It’s so nice to finally meet you!”
Oh god, the welcome email. I’ve been meaning to read it since I received it a month ago. Now, I’m standing here like a deer in headlights. Meanwhile, Maisie has done a full social media search on me. Thank God she’s a talker and mentioned her name without me having to ask.
“Phoebe Rhodes,” I say with a smile as I reach out to shake her hand. “Well, I guess you already knew that,” I add, standing there awkwardly. “I’m the definition of a social media creeper, so no need to apologize.” We both chuckle at my comment. “In all seriousness, I’m really excited about freshman year. It’ll be great rooming with a teammate, especially with our hectic schedules.”
I’m not sure if roommate is the right word for what we are, because technically we have our own rooms. Most of the living quarters on campus were built as apartments rather than dorms. I guess that’s a perk of being at a school like CCU. Our apartment is modern, with gray tile flooring and white walls decorating the open-concept floor plan. The best part is that we each have our own ensuite bathroom. The kitchen is furnished with marble countertops, a small island, and stainless-steel appliances. I knew CCU was going to be bougie, but I had no idea my freshman-year apartment would be this nice. As weird as it sounds, I was kind of looking forward to slumming it in a dorm room.
“I’m probably going to spend the rest of the afternoon unpacking,” I say as I retrieve my box from the floor.
“Same!” Maisie replies with a smile. “Want to grab a bite to eat after?”
“Yes, I’m starved! Food is always a top priority in my book.” I don’t want to speak too soon, but I feel like this year is off to a great start.
* * *
After a few hours unpacking,we decide to go to a local diner in town called Sunset Café. We were going back and forth between the diner or a pizzeria but decided to go with the healthier option since we have our first day of off-season training tomorrow. The café is beach themed with driftwood floors, white shiplap walls decorated with tropical photographs, and turquoise tabletops the color of the Caribbean. You can even see the Coral Cove shoreline in the distance, bustling with beach bums, runners, families, and people walking their dogs.
“So, are you excited about the first day of classes tomorrow?” Maisie asks between bites of her meal.
I shrug. “I don’t know if excited is the right word. Does anyone really get excited for class? I think I’m more anxious than anything. First days are always so nerve-wracking.” I look down at my barely touched sandwich, my lack of appetite confirming my feelings.
“I’m more nervous for our first off-season workout,” she replies. Softball season is in the spring, so most of the fall is training and a few practice games.
“Can you believe we already have a new coach? I literally know nothing about him… or her,” Maisie corrects herself. “I have no idea what to expect. I was looking forward to playing for Coach Cook. It’s a bummer he decided to retire early.”
Coach Cook had been the CCU softball coach for twenty years. He’s famously known in the softball world, and it’s every young player’s dream to one day be coached by him. Unfortunately, he decided to retire over the summer, but no one really knows why. One thing’s for sure; his legacy will live on for generations. He gave his all to this sport and impacted so many lives. Coach Cook recruited me last fall, and I couldn't be more thankful he believed in me. I can only hope his replacement will be half the coach he was.
