Gray Matter

“No, I got it!” I say as I drag my suitcase up the final set of stairs leading to my new dorm room.

“Okay…I think the key says 217? I can hardly make out the number.” My mother responds as she walks past me towards the door. She sticks the key in and turns the knob, opening the door. “Well, here we are!” She says clasping her hands together. I walk in behind her, dropping my heavy luggage to the ground. “Oh honey,” My mom says, putting her hands on my cheeks. “You are just going to love college! You have worked so hard for everything you have and this is only the beginning.” I see tears begin to form and I quickly smile at her. I am so bad with emotions and when someone cries I end up standing there awkwardly unsure of what to do.

“I know mom.” I say, my eyes flicking to the ground.

“Do you want help unpacking? Do you want me to make your bed? Maybe we can grab lunch before I fly back to D.C?” My mom asks the questions one after another not giving me any time to respond.

“No, I think unpacking will be the easy part.” I say with a small laugh.

“You’re right. My flight leaves in a couple hours anyway and I have to get to the airport. I just can’t believe you are going to be so far away from me. All the way out here in Southern California…my little Averie all grown up.” I walk over to my mom, hugging her close to my chest.

“I love you mom.”

~

I finish pulling up the comforter on my bed when I hear the clicking of the door. I turn around and have to keep my mouth from falling open when I see the girl walking in.

“You just gonna stare at me or are you gonna say something?” The purple-headed girl says to me.

“Uh…” I begin.

“I’m just kidding!” She says with a laugh. “I’m Sabrina but most people just call me Bri. You must be my new roomie?” She asks, even though it’s obvious I am.

“Yeah. I’m Averie.” I say putting my hand out for her to shake; instead she pulls me into a hug.

“So Averie tell me about yourself.” She says motioning to come sit with her on her bed.

“Well, I’m originally from Washington D.C. I grew up with just my mom because my dad died when I was five. I graduated in the top percentage of my class, which allowed me to get a scholarship in order to come all the way out to the west coast. I’m a freshman studying political science and engineering. What about you?” I ask.

“Uh. Well, I’m originally from California. I’m a sophomore this year and I got in this school by chance because my dad wanted me the fuck out of his house so he pulled some strings and now I’m here. I’m still undecided but I love tattoos, piercings, and coloring my hair so in the end that’s what I’m worried about right now.” She says with a sarcastic laugh. I watch as she scratches at the ink covering her entire arm.

“How many tattoos do you have?” I ask without thinking, mesmerized by the markings.

"I lost count after twenty-seven.” She says. “Do you have any?” She questions.

“Oh my gosh no.” I say, almost sounding offended. “I mean not that there is anything wrong with it I just would never get any.” I explain.

“No I get it; a bunch of my friends were-” Bri begins to speak but is interrupted by two guys walking into the room. “Ever heard of knocking?” She questions sarcastically.

“Who’s the stiff?” The one with the pastel pink spikey hair asks, clearly referring to me. I clear my throat and play with the collar of my high-necked top.

“She’s not a stiff, douchebag. Her name is Averie, she’s my new roommate.” Bri answers.

“Oh, well welcome to UCLA Averie. I’m Michael more commonly known as Mike.” He says sticking out his hand for me to shake. I take his hand and nod silently. “Are you mute?” He asks harshly.

“Fuck off Mikey.” Bri says. She turns to me and whispers quietly, “He’s not usually this much of an asshole but he tries to act cool in front of new people just ignore him.” She explains.

“I could say the same for you friend.” I fire back. I watch the smile spread on Mike and Bri’s faces as I nonchalantly insult the quiet blonde guy in the back.

“Fiesty.” Mike responds. “This is Luke.” He says referring to the blonde boy behind him. He, like Bri and Mike, is covered in tattoos. The ink runs over both of his arms and his lip piercing is very prominent due to his quiffed hair. I watch as he walks over to Bri’s desk chair, grabbing the leather jacket that was on it. Luke slides into the jacket, pulling it over his ripped muscle tee with a skull on it with the word MISFITS printed in large, white letters. His black skinny jeans are ripped at the knees and his feet are covered by all black converse.

“I take it you like the color black?” I ask raising one eyebrow. The boy does not respond, but instead exits the room.

“Sorry he’s kind of a dick.” Michael says.

“Yeah, it takes a lot to get to know that kid.” Bri adds. “In fact I don’t know if we really know him.” She says with a laugh and Michael joins in. “Hey Mike, why don’t you go see where he’s going I’ll catch up to you in a sec.” Bri says. Mike nods in agreement and exits the same way as Luke. “Hey so Mikey, Luke, and me are all going out for a while. I would invite you to come but Luke is trouble. Mikey and me are just trying to get him preoccupied until his court date so that he doesn’t get into any more problems. And take it from me his friend: stay away; he’s dangerous.” Sabrina says quietly. I nod in response unsure of what to say. She gives me a small smile, causing her eyebrow ring to rise. “See you later!” I wave as she walks out the door following the other two down the hall.

Her words continue to replay in my mind: court date, stay away, dangerous. Those aren’t words that I would want anyone to say about me- especially not my friends.