Page 2 of The Future Play

Amanda

Everyone out of my way.Hot mess express coming through.

The last thing I want is to be late today, but of course the weather is extra weathery as I make my way across campus, dodging ice patches and snow mounds.

I don’t want to be late for a meeting with my potential new suitemates. We live in the same dorm and I’ve seen them around. They always seem friendly and kind. I need more of that in my life. I’ve exchanged a few texts with one of the girls—Rae. She and her friends are looking for a new suitemate because their current roommate is very introverted and managed to get a solo suite. Good for her because everyone should be able to have a space where they feel safe and comfortable. Good for me because that means I can get away from the roommate from hell, who constantly locks me out because she’s always hooking up or having friends over and I’m not welcome. She’s never even tried to be friends with me.

Whatever.

But these girls seem open and friendly, and I’m hopeful. I’m asocial person. I love making friends, but unfortunately, I’m kind of shit at it. They never seem to stick or I end up with acquaintances who don’t actually seem to like me that much. Am I the problem? The common denominator?

Nope.I have no mental energy for emotional baggage today, so let’s pack that shit up and send it on a one-way trip to Antarctica.

I sigh in relief and pick up my pace when the dorm comes into view. I might actually be on time.

But the moment I think the words, the universe hears them, and it takes less than one second for me to realize what I just stepped on is ice and another second for me to end up on my ass.

I grumble as I carefully stand, trying to retain some dignity.

This isnota sign for how this meeting is going to go. It’s just not.

Be positive.

I inhale deeply and exhale fully.

This is fine.

Until I take another step and almost fall on my ass again.

Motherfucker.

Another deep breath, then taking painfully slow penguin steps, I make my way back to the dorm. Once I’m inside, I haul ass up the stairs to their floor, not wanting to wait for the slow-ass elevator. I only calm my shit for two seconds when I get to their floor so I can check my phone. There’s a message from Rae.

Rae: Door is unlocked so you can come on in :)

Blowing out a breath, I get going again, not quite running, but definitely fast walking all the way to their room as I go over my checklist in my head.

I will be friendly but not over the top.

I will pay close attention to the vibes.

I won’t act desperate.

I take a deep inhale as I get to the door.

I’ll be myself.

I swing it open, starting with an apology the second I’m inside.

“Sorry I’m late!” I unzip my coat as I walk into the room. “That snow is terrible, and I almost fell on ice three times! I should’ve taken the tunnels.”

Technically, SUNY Finger Lakes has underground tunnels, but not every building connects to them and sometimes they’re more of a pain in the ass than they’re worth, but given the actual pain in my ass right now… I should’ve used them today.

I look over at the three girls on the couch. Rae is the one with long-ish brown hair, then there’s an adorable blonde who also looks like she could sucker punch you where it hurts, and a taller athletic built one with short, messy brown curls.

“Hey, no problem. Come sit. We have brownies,” the blonde one says.

I drop my bag, toe off my shoes, and hurry around the couch to sit down because brownies? Yes, please. Especially with this God forsaken day.

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