Life as a university student was exhilarating for Serena. At first, she was scared of going into a new environment and meeting new people. But leaving behind her old, damaged self, Serena knew that this was one step towards a better life.
Pulling into the campus, Serena paid off the taxi driver whom had driven her from the airport. This was the first time she stepped outside of Kansas and to think it was all the way to Washington. The aching in Serena's heart still pulled at her heart strings but a sense of liberty washed over her, sending a shiver down her spine. Arriving at Becker University late into the night was a sight to be awestruck. The moon casted a luminescent glow marring the atmosphere in a peaceful tranquility and the reflection of the moonlight tinted silver into the abyss of the night. Stars danced freely in the dark blue sky and a slight breeze kissed Serena's skin, sending goosebumps crawling down her arms. Closing her eyes, Serena took deep breaths and ingrained the surreal feelings in her mind. Finally she could create an identity for herself. Her own being, not a nameless shadow whom the world knew nothing of.
Picking up her luggage, Serena travelled across the seemingly huge campus that laid before her eyes. Tall buildings surrounded a beautiful fountain that centered the campus like a masterpiece. Serena pulled out her map in search of her dorm room. The night made it tougher to comprehend exactly where she was going but after a few wrong turns, Serena finally found her dorm room. She stood right in front of the door, excited to meet her roommate and yet her hands and feet were frozen on spot. What if her roommate didn't like her and ignored her? What if they don't get along? Would it be awkward? How should she introduce herself?
Millions of thoughts ran through Serena's mind, diminishing the little confidence she had. Unaware that she had been standing there for 10 minutes straight, a voice from behind her shook her back to reality.
"Hey, are you going in room 203B? "
Serena turned around to face a beautiful red-head with the greenest eyes that Serena had ever encountered. It was an emerald green with lighter shades swirling around. Her skin was creamy white and a few freckles spread over her nose and cheeks.
"Yeah, I am. I just got here," Serena responded shyly, "You?"
"Same, I was actually supposed to arrive tomorrow but I thought it would be better if I came earlier to get settle down," the girl said.
Serena nodded as her shoulders sagged in relief. Her roommate seemed friendly. Maybe things might be looking up for Serena for the first time in ... well forever.
"Well, I'm Serena," Serena extended her hand forward. "Serena James."
"Justine Sarenson, nice to meet you roomie," Justine smiled and shook Serena's hand in amusement. "So what do you say? Should we go in or want to camp out here?"
"I...." Heat rose in her cheeks and Serena looked away in embarrassment. "I was just nervous." Serena unlocked the door and stepped inside with her luggage in hand and then holding the door open for Justine.
Justine's smile widened, knowing that they will get along just fine. "Aww.. you're so damn cute. We are going to have a blast together!"
***
The next few days went by blissfully. Serena and Justine got along really well even though it was awkward in the beginning. Mostly Justine was doing the talking and engaging in conversation while Serena listened to her attentively and nodding her head whenever necessary. To others it might seem that Serena was just too shy to say much and that might be true in the slightest sense. However, the truth is Serena never really had the friends that she read in books and watched in movies, so having Justine with her made her heart soared. Watching as her roomie keep on blabbering, joy and hope sparked within Serena. And so she chose to stay silent and just drink in the sight that entertained her with the way Justine's eyes sparkled as she talked, laughing without care and hands wavering around. Could I finally have found a friend? A real friend this time around?
"Anyways, want to go outside of campus for lunch today?" Justine said, snapping Serena's from her reverie, "For a change of scenery."
"Yeah, I don't mind. Besides I wanted to check out the bookstore and then head to the gym right outside of campus."
Becker University didn't have their own gym on campus instead was affiliated with the city's gym that was located within walking distance out of campus. And now that Serena had the opportunity to use the gym, Serena wanted to start a healthier lifestyle.
"Well then, what are we waiting for," Justine yelled excitedly before dragging Serena away.
Throughout lunch, Serena and Justine got to know each other better as their companionship took a turn towards friendship. Serena didn't reveal explicit details about her family but from the sympathetic look on Justine's face, Serena didn't have to say too much sordid details. At times, Justine's nose would flare in anger from the things that Serena had to endure which made Serena happy. Is it wrong to feel happiness seeing Justine's anger? Knowing that the anger was caused because Justine genuinely came to care for her, Serena dismissed her earlier thought.
Serena also got to know more about Justine and her childhood. Being an only child, Justine always wanted that connection with a friend. Something that she found in Serena. To think they were two different people born with different situation and circumstance and yet wanted the same thing. Friendship. A connection.
The more time Serena spent with Justine, the more Serena started to open up. Being able to share bits and pieces with someone else lifted a heavy weight that strained Serena. Somehow she felt lighter, a bit happier, less stressed than she was a week ago.
After lunch, Serena and Justine marched around the city, eye shopping as they went along the busy streets where everyone was going about their own way. Upon arriving at the bookstore, Serena gasped in excitement and subsequently pulling Justine by the arms into the store. Seeing a hyped up Serena, Justine couldn't help but laugh at her antics.
"I guess I'm stuck with a book worm," Justine muttered happily as Serena's excitement started to rub on her.
"ahhh... I could live here. Look at all these books!" Serena shrieked as she strolled down the aisle of shelves book-full from top to bottom.
"You know, reading books were my escape." Serena told Justine as she cruised along. "It made me forget about my worries, my life, my inabilities, and just get lost into another world. I would get so invested in the characters that in my mind, I become them. I could feel and experience whatever they were going through as though it was happening in real life. If the character was crying or laughing or blushing, then so would I."
Justine could see the pain that morphed onto Serena's face. How could a mother treat her own blood like a stranger? How could a mother differentiate between two children?
"Books became my saving grace. If it weren't for them, I would have given up long ago," Serena revealed as she remembered all the times she locked herself in her bedroom and just read or at lunch break at school or work, she would pull out her novels to indulge.
A hand on her shoulder brought her back and Serena turned to face Justine who had a determined look on her face. "You can indulge however much you want but Serena..." Justine firmly held Serena by the shoulder. "From now on it won't be to escape but to experience many fantasies and fairy tales that awaits. And then one day, you will have your very own fairy tale."
Serena's eyes swelled from the formation of tears that begged to be released. The tender words from someone whom she just met a week ago made Serena feel wanted for the first time. Serena tilted her head back as she squinted her eyes in order to prevent the tears from falling, but it was to no use. Hot tears dripped down and Serena quickly wiped it any with the back of her hand.
"Thank you Justine," Serena croaked. "It means a lot. Especially coming from my very first friend." Serena laughed gingerly.
"Numbers make no difference if there is no sincerity," Justine said. "Trust me, I've had lots of friends but despite that I've felt lonely, like an outcast."
Serena inhaled a much needed breath. Now was not the time to be swayed by tears. "Anyways, let bygones be bygones, right? We'll put it behind us and charge forward, together with no bounds."
Giving each other a high-five, Serena searched for some novels and purchased her items before leaving the bookstore. Justine was not able to accompany Serena to the gym because she had to return to attend her lecture, hence Serena was left alone to navigate the world of fitness.
After registering and getting her own fitness card, Serena felt bewildered upon walking into the room filled with various equipments. Already dressed in a work-out outfit, Serena made her way to an available treadmill. She had wanted to start off with the bike since it was the simplest but all were taken thus moved to the next simpler machine, the treadmill. Serena stepped on the treadmill, confused as to how to start it up. Carefully reading the console in front of her, Serena pressed the start button and the machine beneath her feet began to move. At first, Serena's heart skipped a beat from the sudden movement but soon enough, she felt more relaxed. She walked at a slow pace for 20 minutes and throughout she couldn't help but glance at the guy speeding next to her. Feeling as though she needed to step it up, Serena tried to peak over the guy running vigorously to figure out how to start running. Upon noticing the number difference of speed between hers and the guy, she inclined the speed without a second thought.
And boy, that did not turn out the way I expected. It looked so easy. Serena was on her knees, legs too wobbly from the rush of angst that buzzed throughout her body when the treadmill sprint too fast for her preference. She made a fool of herself when she was unable to let go of the handle to slow down, in fear of falling. Without thinking, she had turned to the guy next to her for help and now Serena felt like a total dud. Gosh, he must be thinking that I'm such a loser. Just great.
But instead of getting laughed at, River, as the guy announced helped her out to the extent of teaching her of to use the treadmill properly. For that she couldn't be grateful enough.
As soon as Serena got to the dorm where Justine awaited, she blurted everything that happened, earning a good laugh from Justine.
" oh...my ... god," Justine laughed, choking and gasping in between after listening to Serena's embarrassing moment. "You were such a newb. I bet the guy must have been amused by your little fall-out." Justine clapped her hands like a seal on narcotics.
"You're so mean.. it's not even funny." Serena frowned as she plucked her lips into a pout. "I mean can you imagine how horrible I must have felt?"
Justine brought her hands around her stomach to calm down."Arg.. my stomach hurts from laughing." After breathing in a few times, Justine calmed down, " At least he helped you out and from now on, you won't make the same mistake again."
"Yeah, you're right," Serena sighed and then both of the girls went about to do their own homework.
***
Falling into a routine, Serena had met up with River at the gym for the following week as they worked out together. She had never been comfortable around guys but River eased her discomfort and insecurities. With his guidance, Serena now knew the quirks of almost all the equipments in the gym.
Through their interactions, River and Serena learned more and more about each other. Serena found out that River has the two most loving parents and carefree childhood best friends. She could just watch River talked about his childhood all day long, laughing along his fun-filled and memorable up-bringing. When Serena learned that he attended Haldenbridge University, she asked River as to why he worked out at the gym here instead of there. Seeing his mood turn sour, Serena figured that some topics were still too sore for River to touch upon and she respected that. After all, there were things about herself that she withheld from River.
"So you want to grab a coffee or something?" River asked Serena after their work-out session. Sweat glistened on both of their skin, huffing and puffing out from the intense cardio. "There's a park nearby that I want to show you! We could buy a drink and head over. What do you say? "
River looked expectantly at Serena as they made their way out of the gym and into the hall to go get changed. After everything that happened, he would have never thought of befriending a girl but Serena appeared into his life so unexpectedly and yet so naturally. It was like a fire that was ignited by a spark. The more River saw her, the more he wanted to get to know her. She seemed rough around the edges like an unpolished diamond. But that was Serena's charm that River found intriguing.
"Yeah, that sounds good," Serena nodded. She wanted to explore the area whenever she could and what better way than with a companion especially someone who knows where they are going. Although that seemed to be a justifiable reason to agree in Serena's mind, deep inside Serena wanted to spend more time with River. After all River is a friend, right? And there is nothing wrong with wanting to spend more time with a friend.
"Great," River beamed with a small smile forming on his lips. "Let's get cleaned up and I'll meet you by the entrance."
Serena entered the respective change room as did River. After a showering under the hot water, Serena got dressed in a casual long sleeve olive green dress adorned with a simple gold chain around her neck. She quickly blow dry her hair and applied a thin layer of mascara and nude lip balm that Justine nagged her to buy, to finish the look. Sliding on her flats, Serena locked away her stuff before heading out to meet River.
River was waiting for Serena at the front of the building. When he heard footsteps resonating closer to where he was standing, River looked up and his eyes widened from the sight. Stunning. Simply stunning.
River wanted to reprimand himself for even looking at Serena that way but goodness she was a sight to see.
River knew that Serena was a beautiful girl but now that he couldn't take his eyes of her moving form. It was like he was seeing her for the first time. Her face was bare of make-up and yet her eyes stood out. Those blue-green hues were captivating, filled with curiosity. With one look into her eyes, River knew Serena was a deep thinker—a thoughtful person. And perhaps that was the reason River was comfortable around her.
He still was unable to sleep peacefully, almost border lining on insomnia but whenever he spent time with Serena, he tended to forget about everything else. And for that, he was glad to have met her. Their growing friendship was a much needed distraction from the adversaries he was facing in his life at the moment.
River locked gaze with Serena and for a second, their surrounding faded away. Their focus was on each other and when Serena finally stood right in front of River, he was hit with a lavender fragrance that tingled his nose.
"You look beautiful," River blurted honestly. Nothing wrong with being honest, right?
A blush appeared on Serena's face, and she looked down at her toes. No one had ever told her such compliment and coming from River, it made her heart beat a tad faster. Why am I getting flustered? Why is my heartbeat increasing? Serena chalked up her reaction to this being the first she has had a guy as a friend and getting complimented.
Shrugging off the budding of these unknown feelings, Serena politely thanked River. "Thank you, you look very handsome too."
It was not until the words left her mouth that Serena realized that she just complimented River. Oh my god! I'm such an idiot! Her blush deepened from embarrassment, tinting her cheeks a shade darker all the while keeping her eyes down.
"So damn cute," River muttered under his breath and then proceeded to place his fingers under Serena's chin and gently lifted it to meet her eyes.
"Shall we leave?" River asked when Serena stood unresponsive. Once again, an unknown feeling washed over Serena from River's gaze but she disregarded it and nodded to River.
"Let's go."
Happy with her response, River placed his hand on her upper back and led her to his car, parked in the lot.
"That's your car," Serena asked in awe and astonishment. It was the most stunning car she had ever seen in her entire life. The sleek black Porsche glistened under the sun.
"Cool, right?" River announced with pride as he opened the front passenger seat for Serena.
"Cool? that's .... that's... gosh I'm scared of touching it in case I might ruin it or something," Serena mumbled. "And you expect me to sit in it?"
River let out a chuckle caused by Serena's frantic look. She amused him to no end with her expression, and response. It was as though she was experiencing and seeing things for the first time.
"Don't worry it won't bite, I promise," River reassured Serena and in good time, they headed off to the park after stopping to buy two iced tea from Starbucks, in which River insisted on paying for both.
Upon arriving at the park, River and Serena followed the trail while enjoying the view. There were kids playing around in the field, people sitting down around the area, and people walking their dogs. The sun shone brightly and a peaceful ambiance settled over River and Serena.
"So what inspired you to major in journalism and creative writing?" River asked Serena.
"Well, books have always been a big part of my life. Without it, I don't think I would be standing here. I've always loved reading but it wasn't until my English teacher sparked my interest in writing that it got me thinking. Her criticisms and praises helped me cultivate my passion for writing and when I was applying to universities, my mind and heart was already set on doing something that had to do with writing."
Walking on top of a hill, River and Serena got down on the ground. River told Serena about majoring in business to take over the family business. They talked for a bit before a comfortable silence enclosed around them.
Together, they observed the park and River felt very much relaxed for the first time in months. Yawns kept escaping his mouth and his eyes drifted to open and close.
Seeing River's tired expression, Serena asked River to lie down for a bit to which he agreed and lied down beside Serena on the soft grass. But no matter how tired he was, he still couldn't sleep as those horrid images of Lynn would flash behind his eyelids. Twisting and turning, trying to find a peace of mind, River felt frustrated. Exactly what would it take to rid himself free?
After a moment of hesitation, River scooted over and placed his head on Serena's lap. He held his breath and nervously waited for Serena's reaction. Several heartbeats passed as River waited for Serena to push him away and when she didn't say anything or make him move, River's rigid body slumped with a heave of relief. It seemed that as intimate as the gesture was, Serena liked that he was comfortable enough around her to do so.
Cuddling in her lap, River was no longer able to keep his eyes open. Her fragrance soothed his mind, her heat wrapped around him in a warm embrace.
Watching River with his eyes closed made him look like an angel. His eyelashes were long, his lips were enticing framing his strong jaw. A natural shade of pink grazed his cheeks, giving him an innocent yet dangerous look. Upon closer inspection, Serena could detect the faint lines of worry creasing his forehead and the slight bags under his eyes. She had the urge to stroke away his worry and her hand twitched to run them through his midnight black hair.
Staring at River for a few minutes, Serena gave into temptation and placed her hand on his head. Soft. Slowly Serena started patting his head and as soon as Serena stroked his hair, her touch placed a spell on him which induced River into a deep, sound sleep.
***********************************************************************************************
a/n
I was actually excited to write this chapter because we got to see River and Serena together. I found the ending so cute! That moment had been playing in my mind so I had to write. I hope it turned out well :D
How is the story so far? I'm hoping to focus more on River's and Serena's relationship from now onward, so look forward to that! I know I am ;)
Please vote and comment. Thanks for reading <3