Page 18 of The Midnight Confessions, Part One

I guess this is what it’s like to grow up.

ChapterSeven

Dropping a box onto the bed, I look around with a smile. My parents are amazing. They made sure I got a single occupancy room. The room is as large as a double, so I have lots of space to decorate, stretch out, and chill.

I love being in Texas again, and as I walk to my huge window overlooking the quad, I grin. I can see days studying outside and hanging out with friends. I want to try out for the cheerleading team and have an incredible time here.

My phone rings, and I look down at the screen.

“Mom!” I squeal, accepting a FaceTime from her. Dropping into the bed, I smile at her.

“How is the room, darling? Did you have any issues with the drive?”she asks.

I shake my head. “No, the drive was long, but no real issues. I took a few breaks, but I blared my music, and it helped. I also spent the night in a motel last night to catch some sleep, and now I’m ready to do some exploring.” I wrinkle my nose as I think. “First, I need some coffee though. And not that gas station slop.”

Mom grins at me. “Go explore, unpack later. I expect details and pictures!”

“I wouldn’t dream of depriving you from all of the details,” I laugh. “I’ll talk to you later. I love you! Bye, Mom. Send my love to Mark.”

Waving, I disconnect as she yells that she loves me. Mom tends to talk louder in video chat, and it’s adorable. She knows she doesn’t need to, but it’s like she has to show me how much she loves me since she moved.

Standing, I change quickly into a pair of cut off shorts and a cute crop top. Grabbing my wristlet, I leave, making sure I lock my door. I smile and chat to a few of my neighbors as I walk through the hallway. Everyone is dashing around but seem really friendly as they move in.

This is the college experience I wanted, and why I chose Texas. There’s nothing like the bright smiles, open arms, and charm of the South. I found I really ended up enjoying upstate New York toward the end of my senior year, but I can’t live in the snow without my step-dad as my safety blanket.

I was never scared about being snowed in or losing power when he was around. Now that he’s in another country, Texas is a better place for me. Plus I already know some of my classmates.

Walking up to the coffee cart, I smile brightly as the cute barista sees me. “Can I get a medium iced caramel latte please?”

He smiles with a nod. “Are you moving in today?” he asks as he runs my card and starts my drink.

“I am! I’m a freshman,” I explain, unashamed of being a freshie, because everyone has to start somewhere. “Any advice while I walk around?”

He chuckles as he pulls the shots for my drink. “I’m a junior, and my advice is to just get a feel for where the buildings are, have fun before classes start, and enjoy your college experience. It really flies by.”

“Thank you, I appreciate that. Have a great day!” I tell him as he finishes making my coffee and hands it to me.

Taking a sip as I step away, I moan. “You’re officially my favorite person!” I call over my shoulder.

“Just consider it my duty to caffeinate a gorgeous girl,” he flirts back as the next group of people walk up.

I blush because he really was adorable. I may have a thing for blue eyes.

There’s a tree filled with lavender flowers as I start to explore, and it makes me think of Cassie for some reason. I wonder how she’s doing and if she’s okay.

Biting my lip, I pull my phone out and send her a text.

Me: Hey, I just was thinking about you and wanted to know how Dartmouth is treating you? Do you like your roommate?

I don’t have high hopes of her responding because she hasn’t bothered to the last six messages that I’ve sent since she left.

* * *

The next threedays pass by quickly as I get to know my floormates, go to parties, buy my books, and enjoy the pull of college life.

As I expected, Cassie didn’t respond to me, and I don’t know why, but that bums me out. I just want to know that she's okay. I’m sure she’s busy, pulled into the excitement of school, too, but a single text wouldn’t kill her.

Looking up at the building of my first class, I climb the stairs and find my classroom. I printed off all of the syllabi for my classes today, read my chapters for the first day of school, and I’m ready.

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