Finding Space

chapter three.

Hearing nothing, I knock lightly and take a step back.

Counting the seconds in my head until someone opened the door I began to worry. What if no one was home?

Well wouldn't you look like a complete idiot, not that you don't always do, my subconscious bullies me once more.

I'm about to turn away from the door when I hear the creaking of a mattress and people muttering about inside the room.

I can't quite make out what the people inside are saying, but the words 'shit', 'move', and 'come back to bed' are distinct.

I'm internally laughing as a familiar short haired girl opens the door and smiles at me wearing nothing but a bra and jean shorts.

"Hey, Auden!" Ydstmenia exclaims excitedly, "It's good to see you again, how'd you find me?"

"I knocked on a couple doors to look for you," I admit sheepishly, "I had completely let it slip my mind that we never exchanged numbers or anything."

"Oh, shit you're right, that was entirely my fault, but what did you stop by for?"

"Well, I came to see if you had plans tonight, or if you knew if there were any parties going on." I ask.

"Oh, Auden are you asking me on a date?" Ydstmenia places a hand over her heart in a playful manner.

"Um, I don't think so," I laugh.

"I'm totally joking, but yeah about the party thing I know a thing or two about a thing or two." She says with a wink.

"Awesome, but it's cool we don't have to if you're um, busy," I gesture to the sleeping shirtess male lying on his front in the dark of the room.

Turning toward where I'm pointing Ydstmenia says, "Oh, him, no no, we're just friends with benefits."

"Oh," I say trying to sound nonchalant but fail miserably.

"Are you a virgin? You look like a virgin," she says with a coy smile.

"I'm not - well I - it's just that - is it that obvious?" I sigh in defeat placing my head in my hands my face burning with embarrassment.

"Kind of, it's the way you guys get all awkward and shy any time someone mentions sex." She says laughing.

"Ugh," I moan into my hands, "kill me now."

"No way, I think it's cool that you have that innocent vibe about you," she comforts me, "because after all what is college for?"

"Having fun?" I suggest.

"Exactly, look at you catching on fast," she smiles her septum ring dazzling.

"So about the party..." I continue begging to change the subject away from me, "you think you could show me and my roommate the ropes?"

"Totally," she agrees with a smile, "let me just get Brandon out of here and I'll get dressed and you can meet me back here with your friend at around," she stops for a second to think, "nine-ish?"

"That'll work," I quickly respond excitement bubbling within me.

"Cool, catch you later, Auden," she says before closing her door.

~

"What the actual fuck do you even wear to one if these things?" Casey says to herself as she examines her closet.