He tempted me, inspired me, and we had passion like no other.
-
My eyes fluttered open slowly and my head was rested on the window of my car. I looked at my mom who was driving slowly but her hands were tight against the wheel. I knew this whole college experience would stress her out and driving a 10 hour car ride definitely didn't help her calm down. Her eyes met mine and she said in a subtle voice "are you hungry?"
I shook my head and looked back out the window. The car was silent besides the little patter of rain hitting the car. The weather was not good for unpacking day but luckily I didn't bring much to college. I decided to keep a lot of clothing at home and end up spending money on new clothing.
College was a fresh start and I decided I should be a new me, a fresh me. My life hasn't been the easiest but I was hoping college would allow me to come out of my shell. I could tell we weren't too far from the campus because we were passing the bridge over the ocean in which is right by my campus. Although I'm going to be super busy I'm excited about the ocean being nearby, I've lived in a cold area my whole life and it would be nice to be warm all year round for once. My moms eyes kept looking over at me. I couldn't figure out if she was more worried about me or herself for when I'm gone. My mom and I have a close bond but we are so similar that it can be hard to get a long. "Almost there." She said in a shaky but tender voice. I nodded and sat up a little.
After about 15 minutes of driving in complete silence a big sign came into view : UCF. My mom looked at me with a tight smile but I could see the pain in her eyes. I knew that as much as my past taunted me it taunted her more. As if she put everything that happened to me on her. I think that's what made her so broken. We pulled into a parking lot next to my building. A sign in front of the building in which was labeled "NorthView Dormitory."
We stepped out and I pulled myself in a stretch.
"I actually researched and this dorm is one of the best dorms on the campus." My mom said opening the trunk. I smiled and nodded. I really could care less what the dorm was like, I knew this campus had pretty good dorms anyways. I walked to the back of the car as my mom pulled out a big suitcase. We already had driven down multiple times this week to drop off stuff and get the room situated. All I had was clothes now packed in suitcases and boxes. I grabbed a box and we made our way into the building. There were many people today unpacking, we had to dodge through people. The first time we came down there were only a few people in the dorm. This was completely different. The campus itself is very big and I know this is one of the bigger dorms but I still don't think I was expecting this many people. We made our way to the third floor. There were three separate hallways and one big hangout room. The first hallway was labeled c1. The second was a small hallway filled with the showers which were must I add co-Ed. I wasn't terrified of the idea but I know my mom was. The third hallways was labeled : C3.
"This way." My mom said and made her way down the C3 hallway in which was filled with girls. Every room I passed there were girls unpacking and hanging up stuff. The whole hallway rang of music from different rooms.
"What's your room number?" My mom asked me although I knew she knew what it was.
"325" I said quickly. She nodded in the direction of the door.
"Right here." She said. Although we had been here many times it felt like a new hallway each time and the many doors confused me. I slowly unlocked the door and to my surprise there was already a room set up. One side was mostly blank which I knew was my bed. The next side was filled with fairy lights and tapestry's and candles.
"Looks like you have an artsy roommate" my mom said it a quiet time. I took in a breath and headed my way to my bed where I dropped my box on.
"I think we should bring all the stuff up first and then we can unpack." My mom said and I looked at her and nodded.
It took us 3 trips to our car to fully bring all of my stuff into my room. By the third trip we opened the door and a girl sat on the bed her headphones in as she was on her laptop. I dropped the box on the floor and she almost jumped in fear. When she saw me she immediately blushed and got out of her bed quickly patting her hands on her jeans.
"Oh it's so nice to meet you. Hi I'm Cleo." She said in a shy almost awkward tone.
"I'm Sage." I said and she shook my hand. After a second she turned to her bed and quickly apologized. "I'm sorry if it's too much I can take the tapestry down." She said immediately.
"No you're fine. I like it." I said and turned to my mom.
"Well do you want to unpack now?" She asked me. I nodded and we started to take out clothing and fold it. Cleo had put back on her headphones and closed her eyes. I was hoping to be quiet just in case she was sleeping.
"She seems nice." My mom said in a quiet tone. I nod.
"Yeah she does."
It didn't take long before we fully hung up the clothes and put them in the dresser. When we were completely finished my mom took in a deep breath. She pulled me into a hug and I felt her holding her breath.
"I'm going to go now but if you need anything feel free to give me a call." She said emphasizing 'anything'.
"Don't worry about me mom."
I said with a tight smile. She gave me one last hug goodbye and then shut the door. I decided to lay down. I wanted to explore the campus but I was so tired and I didn't have anyone to go with. I slowly woke up to a room full of guys. But not any guys, gay guys. I closed my eyes in thought I was still asleep but slowly they opened back up.
"Oh I'm sorry did we wake you up?" Cleo asked in a subtle tone.
"No no, you're fine." I said and slowly slid out of bed.
"Oh I totally forgot this is my roommate." I looked around. There were four guys, Cleo and another girl who looked gothic.
"I'm sage." I said slowly but awkwardly. Did they not notice the sleeping girl in the bed?
She slowly started to introduce them.
"This is Evan." She pointed to a blonde guy with glasses and khaki shorts.
"Aaron." She nodded to a boy sitting on the table in the corner.
"Grey" this one took me by surprise he was most definitely not gay but he didn't look as though he would fit in this group.
He looked at me with inquisitive eyes.
"Jasper." She looked over and the boy gave me a soft smile.
"Oh and Libby." She said laying her head on the goth girls shoulder."
"It's very nice to meet you all." I said almost awkwardly.
"They are all on this floor, we met in the den."
"The den?" I asked.
"It's the hangout area when you first enter this floor." She nodded.
"Oh right." I said although I didn't know that's what it was called.
"We were going to go down to the incoming party tonight if you wanted to join?" She asked.
"Um" I laid against the rim of my bed.
"Yeah I guess I should come."
"Great." She said.
