Corrupted Love

Part 1

The first thing my mother said when we pulled onto Stanford's campus was, "Please don't embarrass me."

I stared out the passenger window.

"That's a pretty big request considering I haven't even gotten out of the car yet."

My mother sighed.

She had spent the entire three-hour drive giving me reminders.

Don't drink.

Don't stay out too late.

Don't get in a car with strangers.

Don't wear anything too revealing.

And, apparently, don't swear.

That last one had lasted approximately eleven minutes.

I had never been the daughter she imagined. I liked heavy eyeliner, glossy lips, tiny tops, oversized jackets, ripped jeans, and outfits that made her ask, Are you seriously leaving the house like that?

I usually was.

I wasn't exactly the stereotypical rebellious girl, though. I cared about my grades. I had worked my ass off to get into Stanford. I was organized, competitive, and probably way more responsible than people assumed.

I just didn't like being told what to do.

My mother looked me up and down as I stepped out of the car.

Black fitted top. Low-rise jeans. Silver jewelry. Bold makeup.

She closed her eyes.

"Please tell me you're not wearing that to orientation."

"No."

She visibly relaxed.

"I'm wearing it to dinner."

"I'm leaving."

I laughed as she hugged me.

Despite everything, I knew she'd miss me.

"Call me tonight."

"I will."

"And tomorrow."

"Mom."

"And—"

"I love you."

She smiled.

"I love you too."

Then she drove away.

I stood there with my suitcase, watching her car disappear.

Stanford.

My new life.

And, apparently, it was about to get complicated.

My roommate was the first person who made me feel like I hadn't made a terrible mistake.

Her name was Maya.

She had walked into our dorm room wearing a leather jacket, ripped jeans, and sunglasses despite being indoors.

She dropped her suitcase.

Looked at me.

Looked at my clothes.

Then grinned.

"Oh, thank God."

I laughed.

"What?"

"I was terrified they'd give me some girl who alphabetizes her socks."

"I absolutely alphabetize my socks."