Page 15 of Obsessions of the Heart

For the first time, I took a good look at my roommate, Cinzia Ricci. She didn't just have gorgeous dark locks, stunning green eyes, and the thin willowy body I wished I had, but she had an interesting sense of style for a rich kid. Cropped white button-down with long ruffled sleeves, thick black tights, ankle boots, and high-waisted black shorts that were frayed at the ends. Her look was completed by a black sleeveless shrug that went down to the middle of her thighs and a flat, wide-brimmed black hat. The whole look screamed I don’t care, but I also have money and know how to dress myself, and, oh yeah, fuck my parents.

“I'm just kidding, Lay! I would never surf.” She giggled behind her hand, but I stiffened at the shortening of my name. My heart squeezed, reminding me that I was never going to hear Vivian say that again. She left me, like they all do. It's my fault anyways.

Cinzia must’ve noticed because she quickly scooted off her bed. Her hand softly landed on my arm, and she peered up at me like I was a scared child. “Hey, I don't know what I said, but I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make you that upset.”

Taking a breath, I clenched my jaw and shook my head. I needed to push past this. I couldn’t continue living my life like a victim when it was Vivian who had suffered. I’d seen and lived through some pretty shitty situations before, and I would get through this too. I always did, alone.

Plus, if I acknowledged it, then I would have to talk about it, and I really didn't want to do that either. I tried to give my best smile even though my face was so tight it might break if you touched it. “No, it's okay. People used to call me that back home, so it’s just weird hearing it here.”

For once, she didn't have a comeback. She just stared at me, not buying my clipped laugh.

“Oh, I get it.” Her brows pinched, eyes assessing me like she could see my whole life flashing before her. I hated it. I hated the feeling of being transparent, weak.

I dug deep, forced my body to relax, and threw my fingers out like it was nothing. “All good.” Keeping my attention on the gifts in front of me, I pulled out the laptop and set it on my desk. I’d never had anything like this, and I was feeling excited and way too awkward to play with it right now. Glancing at Cinzia, I knew I didn’t want to make any obvious mistakes around her, so I went to my box instead.

It was quiet for a few minutes. I decided to put my clothes away first. I grabbed the box and pulled out a few things before Cinzia started up again.

“Do you need help with your other boxes? I can go down to your car and bring them up.” She put up her arms, flexing them. “I know I don’t look it, but I’m a strong cookie.”

Breathing out a laugh, I shook my head. “No. It's okay. I just got what I needed.”

“Ahhh.” She shook her head and rubbed her chin, nodding. “A nomad. Respect.”

I was about to correct her when I realized if I did, I would have to tell her my story. Instead, I quirked my lips at her before finishing my box.

“When you're done with unpacking, wanna go out tonight? I know a party being run by some upperclassmen. They’ll serve us underagers.” She wiggled her eyebrows at me.

“I'm twenty-one.” It came out before I realized, and I quickly followed with “I took a few years off…” I thought about what rich kids would say as their excuse. “You know, wanted to see the world before I got tied down.”

Cinzia’s smile went wide, all of her teeth showing, though there seemed to be a sinister edge to it that I didn't understand. It was gone in a flash, replaced by pure adoration when she clapped her hands. “Oh my god, I have the coolest roommate! She’s so smart she got a scholarship, and she’s old enough to buy me booze! I’m nineteen, but people tell me I’m an old soul.”

Old soul? I kept my sarcastic mouth to myself and nodded instead. I didn’t want to make her mad at me if I could help it.

Cinzia bounced up to me, grabbing my hands once she got close, and I backed up an inch. “We’re going to be best friends. I can feel it! I’ve never had a girl bestie, but I promise that it will be worth it, so just call me Cin. Or Zia. You’ll hear either one since my family calls me both.”

I cocked my head to the side, but before I could say anything, she scoffed and let go of my hands. “I'm a stupid legacy here. The baby of the family. My mom and dad went here, my older brothers and cousins too. In fact, I have one brother and one cousin that are juniors. We’re bound to meet up with them around campus some time.” She rolled her eyes and stuck out her tongue, obviously annoyed by that fact. Now it made sense that she knew some upperclassmen. They must be her family members.

She turned back to me. “By the way, what’s your major?” She lifted her hand to her chest. “I’m going for criminal law.” I didn't know what my face looked like because all I could remember was her blow and strippers comment, but she winked at me. “You gotta know the laws if you're planning to break them.”

I couldn't help it. Her devious nature had me cracking up until I could barely get out, “I’m still figuring it out.”

“Smart, smart. Don't put all your eggs in one basket like me.” She gave me a set of finger guns.

Almost like it was timed, I let out a big yawn. The past ten hours of driving were starting to hit me, and my eyes felt heavy.

“I think I’m going to take a raincheck on that party. I don't think I can go out tonight. I just came in today from a long drive, and my body is beat.”

I looked down, just now realizing that this bed was super plush, with a plain gray comforter and matching sheets and pillows. It might be plain, unlike Cin’s pink monstrosity, but when I ran my hands along the fibers, I noticed how soft and warm it was. Was this the standard that came with the room? This was better than anything I had ever owned.

Yawning again, I kicked off my beat-up Chuck Taylors and peeled down the comforter. I almost moaned. The sheets were crisp but soft, and the pillows still had fluff to them. The mattress was firm, not like the one I’d gotten for free from someone’s curb. That one was so beat up and used that the springs dug into my body, keeping me up all night. I might actually be able to get some sleep tonight. Might.

“Totally get it. They’re going to have parties all week, so it's no biggie. I can just take you to one of the others later.” The hope in her voice was kinda cute, so I felt compelled to give her a bone.

“Sounds like a plan.”

Her face lit up before she twirled around to grab her purse off her bed. “Plus, you need to sleep for a nine AM English 101 tomorrow. I heard Mr. Garfield is a dick, but you’ll have Art History 101 with me right after, and we have Miss Jaysen. Supposedly, she gives A’s as long as your attendance is good, and your end of semester paper was at least five pages long.”

I blinked in confusion. How the hell did she know my schedule? I had a copy in my email, but I never mentioned any of that. She giggled as she pulled open the door. “First drawer. It had a print-out of your schedule as well as the student handbook. Night!” She closed the door, and I scrambled to look in my desk. Sure enough, there was my schedule and handbook.

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