First Night of College

It's hot; I'm sweaty. I check myself - yep, I put on deodorant. Why am I so nervous? Pull it together Scarlet. 

All right, shoes. I turn around to see what Laney and Mia are wearing; sandals - thank God. After going into town last night I don't think my feet can handle wedges or heels. I also don't think I could find them in our room if my Bachelor's Degree relied on it. Our dorm room held just the three of us, barely. The rest of the room was made up of our clothes, shoes, futon, wheat thins, and a mini fridge. 

"Scarlet, you want me to leave my straightener on for you?"

Oh Laney, my savior. Laney is the gorgeous girl who doesn't know she’s gorgeous. She is ultra prepared and yet laid back. All the boys love her and yet she is convinced they just want to be her friend - "Ew, I could never picture him like that". Lane is a tiny little thing, great curves, and long blonde hair - the whole make-a-man-drool package.

"Yeah, Lane leave it on 'cause I'll have Scar do mine after hers?" Cue the you-know-you-want-to smile from my Mia. Mia is the roommate I connected with on day one. Laney knows a lot of people from high school that ended up at our college but Mia and I were kind of starting from a clean slate. Mia reads, as do I. Mia is obsessed with cats, as am I. Mia can crack up for hours with just a bottle of wine and a good friend, as can I. I think you get the picture. She has long, shiny dark locks and is half Puerto Rican; her ass will tell you that the second you meet her. It's a great ass.

"Yes and yes! Although it won't help the temperature in here. Fuck it’s hot. Are we sure that's how high the fan goes?"

Mia checks the fan, "Unfortunately. I think it's time for a shot."

I learned quickly in high school that this was the best part of any night going out – the pregame. The pregame is an event within itself. It’s easily more fun than the party. Music you have control over, alcohol you have control over, picking the group of friends you feel like getting fucked up with equals a great time. The best nights are usually the ones where all you remember is the pregame. Sorry Moms, it’s true.

After about five shots and three outfit changes, we’re ready. We think.

The night air feels amazing. I take a deep breath once we’re outside in the courtyard and feel better. Although I’ve been complaining, it’s not as hot as it’s been the past week. I take in the view around us - It’s hard not to, our campus is gorgeous. I still catch myself appreciating the little things like the cobble stone walkways, endless rows of evergreen trees, and the mountain that sits just north of the dorms. Who knew Connecticut could be this pretty. Not a Jersey girl, that’s for sure.

“Scar you talk to Ryan today?” Mia inquires as all three of us hold each other while walking down a steep hill. Yes, definitely a sandals night.

            Ryan. Ryan Mallor, where to begin? Fourth grade is a good start. Ryan was my next-door neighbor when my family moved to a small town in Jersey. He quickly turned into my best friend. Soon thereafter, a best friend who I was in love with. I must note that this feeling was far from mutual. It took Ryan until I was a senior in high school (him a freshman in college) to realize his feelings for me. This doesn’t make me sound too great, does it? Hmmm. All right, moving on.

Ryan and I have been officially dating for nine months. We already talk about living together, which is nauseating because he’s currently in fucking Europe for an abroad program so he clearly isn’t concerned with being close to me. Not to mention that, even though we’ve been close for like ten years, we’ve only been dating for nine months. And I’m a freshman in college. I don’t think I need any more examples. So you can imagine how many times a day we email/chat/talk.

You’ll now understand that Mia’s question is dripping with sarcasm…

“Ha ha. Yes, Mia, we chatted for quite some time today. During chemistry class actually, definitely going to get that C+ up.”

I immediately get the death stare, “Scarlet! No, no, no.” Laney was a straight A student, shocking. 

            I can feel a blister coming on my right foot, typical party crasher. I slide the strap down so I can save what skin I have left before we reach the party. I get my phone from purse and check my email. A smile crawls across my face and my pace slows. Laney and Mia lead the way yapping about their lab partners they met today and how they’re convinced no cute guys exist in the Health Science Department. Probably true.

            My smile widens, an email from Ryan, the best kind.

“Hello my love,

We had a free day today. I went to a couple of different parks and just took pictures, took it all in. The people here are so much more relaxed. Makes me wonder it is about the United States that just makes everyone so god damn uptight. These are definitely my kind of people. I think you would love it here; I wish you came with me. I know, I know – I say that too much, but it’s true.

How are your classes? I know you told me which ones you were taking and that the first week went well but I’m sure you’ve settled in now. Any douche bag teachers? Those are usually the best ones. Roommates still good? As you know, my freshman year roommate was a nightmare and I didn’t figure it out in one night. But I’m sure they’re great girls.

I’m missing you. Odd to go from every night this summer being next to you to being on opposite sides of the fucking Atlantic. My choice though, right? Damn, I see you everywhere out here. There’s a bookstore just around the corner and you’d love it. The owner has a fluffy white cat – tiny fucker but cute.

Be safe tonight. I’ll try to be online tomorrow when I think you’ll be up.

Sweet dreams & stay happy

I love you,

Ryan”

“Earth to Scarlet!” Mia gives me a love pat on the head.

Oh shit, we’re here. I’ll reply to Ryan when I have to go to the bathroom or something. My phone quickly gets lost in my purse again.

I feel butterflies in my stomach but not sure where they came from, “Laney, who do we know here again?”

Mia pipes up and gets her air quotes ready, “Her ‘friend’ from high school.”

Laney and I laugh but it that doesn’t seem to shake the butterflies. I realize that they’re presence is probably due to the fact that this is my first real college party. Not only my first college party but my first college party with sophomores.

You could hear the music as soon as you turned down the hall. I hear boys’ voices, lots of boys and empty cans hitting the floor. This makes me think they’re playing games. Good, I like games. Games are good for meeting new people. Games I can do. The butterflies are fluttering a bit faster now; I silently tell them to cool their jets.

I take a deep breath, wipe my palms on my jeans, fix my hair and knock on the door.

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