The Apple Doesn't Fall Far From The Tree

One

Chapter 1

Moving to Winslow last year to attend Hillcroft State has been a dream of mine since I graduated high school. I completed my undergrad at Saint Norelle's Institute and then spent three months in Bali, meeting new people, learning Bahasa, getting my wellness certification, visiting temples, and exploring waterfalls. I wish I could stay forever but I was running out of money and knew I had to head home and face reality.

So I moved back in with my parents and started working at my mom's art gallery. I loved it. I got to interact with new and upcoming artists, help host auctions, assist with installing exhibits, meet with art collectors, and help my mom keep track of all the inventory. But I knew it wasn't my end goal. I wanted to get my masters in Social Work and going to Hillcroft was all I could think about so I applied, interviewed, and got accepted for the following fall semester.

It was four hours away from home so I knew I had to live on or near campus. It was going to be my first time truly living alone and being independent. I had $1,200 to my name, half of my wardrobe, my car packed with all of my essentials, and a dream. I found someone looking for a roommate- $500 a month that was 10 minutes from campus. Nyla.

Nyla is also pursuing her Masters degree, she works at Panera Bread part time and put in a good word for me. We're both 24 but she feels more like a big sister to me. She's supportive but honest, always there when I need her but she doesn't sugarcoat anything- if she doesn't like something, she will voice it and sometimes it won't be pretty. Her humor is very sarcastic, but she's the most mature, empathetic person I know. We became so close in such a short amount of time. After finishing our first year, we agreed to renew our lease together.

The only thing that changed in our dynamic was Mason. Mason is the guy no dad wants their daughter to date. He seems stunted in a way- always making dirty jokes, showing up at the most inappropriate times. He parties a lot, has a sketchy job, and never seems to have a plan. Him and Nyla are the last two people I pictured getting together but he makes her happy and I can't complain. They've been dating for almost a year but I never really saw him around. They were more discreet with their meet ups- quiet, respectful of me on the other side of Nyla's bedroom wall... Up until recently. Now, it's like they're constantly going at it and have no shame in hiding any of their noises.

I usually have no luck in the love department. I've been on a few dates but my main focus has been school and work. I got promoted to team lead so now I'm able to train new associates, and I'm doing well in school. There's only been one cute guy that caught my eye but I didn't think he knew I existed until there was only one seat left open in the library and it was at my table. He asked if he could take the seat and I fully expected him to move the chair over to his friend's table but he sat right across from me and started working on his laptop.

We made eyes at each other a few times before he had me cracking a smile and he was asking for my name. His charm was effortless, not performative — it drew me in without him trying too hard and he made me laugh. We ended up staying in the library until it closed, talking and flirting. It felt like I was in some sort of rom com.

Theodore... he was so persistent in taking me out despite my hesitancy. He was 20, leaving us with a four year age gap and I typically wasn't attracted to guys younger than me but something about his charming smile, continuous compliments, and the way he looked at me made me cave. After our first date, we were practically inseparable- spending all of our time together.

When we talked, he would be into the conversation, not just waiting for me to finish talking before saying something dumb or trying to make me laugh. He wanted to know about me and what I liked and he made it clear that he wanted me and only me.

He was also really good at beer pong. We won every single time.

Vinetria's Pov

"I don't wanna go to work today." I was standing in the mirror in my bathroom and applying curl cream to my boho braids. Theodore watched me as I sprayed some more water to make it easier to comb my fingers through.