Page 2 of Icebound Attraction

“Take care of yourself, darling,” she murmurs, hastily wiping her face. “Let us know how it goes. And send us a message when you're on the plane! Don't be careless!”

I nod, smiling as much as I can, swallowing the big lump in my throat. I take my bag from her and head for the buses to the hotel, pulling my suitcase behind me. If I turn around one more time, I'm going to start crying, that's for sure.

Once there, I have to wait a while at the reception. Many passengers who couldn't catch the plane today are spending the night there, like me. I smirk. So many people with so many different stories. Sometimes I wish I could interview them all and write about them, because I'm sure everyone has a story to tell that's worth sharing. Journalism is a real passion for me, and I often embark on dreams like that.

Once in my room, I take out my cell phone to send a text message to my best friend.

Maddie's been at NYU for a year and she's so excited for me to finally join her, she's been sending me a countdown every morning for weeks. I'm sure she'll be disappointed that I'm not arriving until later.

I tell her about my latest adventures and a few seconds later, she's already answering me.

* Sweetie, I can hardly believe you're finally on your way! I'm so happy! WTF is this delay? Once you're here, I'll take care of you like a mother bird takes care of her chick.

A laugh escapes me. Maddie has always been good at bringing a smile to my lips. I've known her for what seems like forever, and we were in high school together. I can't wait to see her!

The next day, when I'm finally seated on the plane, a smile of satisfaction stretches across my face. I'm almost there... In a few hours, I'll finally be there!

The flight goes off without a hitch. Once I've landed, I don't have to wait long for my suitcase. I hoist it off the conveyor belt and hurry towards the exit. No sooner have I passed through the automatic doors than I already see her - Maddie, beaming. She's holding a huge sign with my name written on it in a multitude of sequins. Usually, such attention makes me uncomfortable, but this time I don't care. I just want to hug my best friend. I run to her and hug her so tightly that we both nearly fall over.

“You've been waiting a long time, gorgeous! I'm so glad you're finally here!” she laughs, giving me a big kiss on the cheek.

“What a trip!” I mumble, as we walk arm in arm towards the exit.

All the way to the dorm we chat and laugh. It's so good to be near her again. Together, we're simply better - like honey tea. We have a saying: ‘perfect separately, unbeatable together’.

Finally, we park and cross the campus. I'm already feeling nauseous, so apprehensive. I'm really here! At New York City University! I look around me in awe.

Can someone pinch me so I know it’s real?

Maddie pinches my hip and I squeal.

“What the hell are you doing?”

She giggles, as if she's read my mind.

“You're staring so hard, I thought I'd bring you back to the moment like this!”

I can't stop laughing. It's always been that way. In a frightening way, Maddie's thoughts and mine seem to be linked.

We keep walking and pass a magnificent tree that looks almost magical in the light of the streetlamps. Then we find ourselves in front of the residence. It's not the most modern building in the world, but it's something. After all, the facade can be deceiving.

Maddie has her own room, while I could only afford a shared one. And it was impossible for both of us to take one for administrative reasons.

I really hope I'm going to get on well with my roommate...

We head for the entrance and Maddie helps me with my luggage. My new room is on the second floor. Thank God there's an elevator and it looks pretty modern. It would have been impossible to climb even two more stairs with this heavy suitcase.

The elevator opens with a pling, and I look directly for my room number, ‘220’. It's obviously at the end of the corridor.

My heart races as I knock on the door. I wonder what's waiting for me behind the door, or rather, who's waiting for me behind the door?

“Come in!” resounds a voice a little too high-pitched.

Maddie and I look at each other briefly before I open the door.

I'm speechless as I enter the room. It's tastefully decorated. In the center is a small wooden table with two chairs, and to the left and right are the sleeping areas. In one corner, there's a comfortable-looking miniature sofa and a small TV, while in the other is a small kitchenette. At the window, a graceful brunette skillfully arranges a curtain.

“Hi! I'm Emily, your new roommate,” I say with a smile.

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