Roommate - S01 E01

5 months ago

Roommate - S01 E01

Read Story: SEASON 1 EPISODE 1

Not A Random Hookup

Nicole

"Darling, are you sure you shouldn't wait out this year as well?" my grandma asked as she entered my room, watching me pack the rest of my things.

I looked up to try to reassure her with a smile. Key word being try. She was hard to convince once she was set on an idea. And at the moment, she truly believed it would be better if I stayed.

"Grandma," I sighed when I saw the worried look on her face. "The entry exams are only good for two years, and I don't think I can match my scores if I have to retake them. I already missed a year, which is valuable time for learning. I really don't need anymore distractions."

She followed my eyes when I turned to look at the picture of my mom and dad hung up on the wall. The woman who sacrificed so much just so that I could have a better shot at a successful future. And the man who worked hard to make sure I could afford it.

I wouldn't let them down now that I was so close. I wouldn't be my own obstacle.

"Will you at least ease my worries a little and promise that you won't isolate yourself?" She carefully requested, a gentle smile grazing her delicate features.

If only I felt comfortable around other people, then I'd be able to do as she wanted. Truth was, I preferred to be alone through everything that I had to get through in life. Without anyone holding me back or becoming a distraction. People just sensed my vulnerabilities and used them to their advantage.

Honestly, I would've preferred a dorm room by myself. But that wasn't an option, much to my dismay.

Still, I wanted to ease her worries, even if I was lying.

I forced a smile before turning around, disguising it by going back to packing. I didn't want to lie directly to her face either.

But even with my back to her, I just couldn't do it. "You know I like to be alone, grandma," I slowly reminded her. "Besides, I'm off my medications now and my doctor told me I just had to keep myself busy," I tried my best to ease her worries without having to lie.

Solid advice, in my opinion. You can't overthink if you're busy doing other things.

The look on her face told me her worries wouldn't be going away with my lame attempt at an excuse, though.

Really, I didn't blame her for worrying. I just wished she would understand why I preferred to be alone. I refused to let mental illness control every aspect of my life. I wanted—no needed to plan and execute the way I lived my life. And what I wanted was to make my parents proud.

Was that so wrong?

Knowing she couldn't get through to me in order to change my mind, she walked up to stand by my side and helped me finish packing. The lack of words between us was enough to let me know that she wasn't happy about my choice, but her actions showed that she'd support me either way.

For that, I was grateful.

• • •

What was supposed to be a six-hour drive turned to seven hours on the road when traffic started up mid-trip. And when I finally arrived, it took me nearly thirty minutes just to find a parking spot, leaving me stuck with one farthest away from any of the buildings.

The campus map taunted me from the passenger seat, because the reception office was at the opposite end of the campus, which was where I had to go first.

For someone who hated walking and anything that could fit in the category of exercise, it was a nightmare. Though, I guessed after sitting for seven hours straight, that wasn't the worst that could happen. At least I'd be able to stretch my legs.

Wanting to lay down and rest as soon as possible, I released a long exhale and grabbed my essential bag from the passenger seat. I also made sure to grab my map so that I wouldn't get lost along the way.

After double checking to make sure that my car was locked, I made my way to the reception office, where the lady at the front desk put up a finger to have me wait while she finished up a call.

I took the liberty to take a seat on one of the chairs lined up against a wall. My ass was numb from too much sitting, but my laziness beat the discomfort by a landslide. I could've even fallen asleep right then and there.

I passed the time by pulling out the romance book I was currently reading. So far, I was really enjoying how the love was blossoming. Something I couldn't and wouldn't find myself saying in real life. Love was amazing in books and movies. But that was it. It was only good when it was fictional.

Love took a lot of trust. And trust was something I didn't have.

"I can go ahead and help you now, sweetie." The lady at the front desk called for my attention, and I bookmarked my spot before walking up to her desk. "Hey, dear. What do you need?" She asked, a welcoming smile splayed across her perfectly painted red lips.

"Hi, Denise," I greeted after looking at her name badge. "I'm just here to ask for my access card for my dorm."

"Of course," she nodded, looking at her computer and preparing her fingers to type. "Name and year?"

"Nicole Williams, first year."

"Ah," she said after just a bit of typing and scrolling. "Here you are, Nicole. Dorm room C56. Let me just grab that key card for you, all right? I'll be right out."

I nodded and watched her go into one of the back rooms, coming back out with a key card hanging from a navy and teal lanyard. Representing the school's colors.

"There you go. That should allow you entry to both the main building and your room. And if it doesn't, come inform me right away and I'll fix that issue right up for you, okay?" She slid it over to me. "Anything else I can help you with?"

I grabbed the lanyard and shook my head. "That will be all for today. Thank you."

"Anytime," she beamed. "Have a lovely rest of your day."

"You too." I waved, turning to walk out of the office.

Once again, I used the map to locate where Building C was. Much to my disappointment, it was at the opposite side of my current location.

Was this a sign that I just wasn't meant to be here?

Even if it was, it could kiss my ass. I wasn't going back home.

It was more walking than I had ever done in my life and I was sure to be sore the following day, but I was determined.

The campus was going to be the reason I would get toned legs. It was ridiculous how many stairs it had. You had to climb stairs to enter any of the buildings. Not to mention the buildings themselves had up to five flights of stairs.

Heaving out a sigh, I continued to make my way over to where I could finally take a break and relax.

When I finally reached building C, impatience took over me and I swiped the card a little too fast, nearly crying when it denied me access. Not one to give in so easily, I swiped it again. I was relieved when it actually let me in that second time.

Because with my luck, it wouldn't have and I would have had to march my ass right back to the office to get the problem fixed. Thankfully, that wasn't the case. I just had to relax before swiping.

Noted.

Since I had one of the bigger rooms, I had to walk up three flights of stairs in order to get to dorm room C56.

Stairs. Stairs. Stairs.

Whether I'd grow to love or hate them as the year progressed would remain a mystery until the end of the school year. Though, I'd bet on hating them. Most likely hate.

Once I was standing in front of my room, I scanned the card—carefully—and pushed the door open. It was still fairly empty inside. I mentally prayed no one else claimed the dorm. But my luck didn't work that way. Because when I actually walked in, I saw a gym bag mindlessly thrown beside the bed, closest to the door.

Looks like they already claimed a side.

Not having a choice, I dropped my bag on the floor beside the other bed and threw myself on top of the hard mattress. Even without my preferred type of mattress, it felt like heaven to finally be able to lie down. I relaxed for a little before getting up with a tired grunt, deciding to take a look around the room before my roommate arrived.

As I was admiring the view out the window, there was a knock on the door. I furrowed my eyebrows in confusion. If that was my roommate, why didn't she just use her key card to come in? I mean, I wasn't expecting any visitors. Heck, my only family was six hours away. That's without traffic.

A bit wary, I walked up to the door and cracked it open, just enough for me to see who it was. A girl who could very easily pass as a model stood in front of me with her arms crossed. And even though I was a little above average, I still had to look up at her.

Her face showed nothing but disapproval when she saw me, her eyes narrowed in accusation. "Bad timing?" The tone in her voice hinted at annoyance.

I looked at her, confused. "Um, no?"

"I know he's in there. I wouldn't put it past him to bring a hookup on our first day back," she huffed. "I just need to talk to him really quick. Then you can get back to it."

My confusion only grew, but now I was also horrified that she thought I was a random hookup. I wasn't even wearing anything that could possibly send off that type of message. Heck, I was wearing flare jeans and a loose blouse.

"I'm sorry, I don't know who you're talking about." I declared a little defensively, hugging myself. The situation was making me very uncomfortable. "This is my room."

She looked at the number beside the door. "Did I get the wrong dorm? I swear he told me it was this number. Unless..." she cut herself off and paused, shaking her head. "Don't tell me he purposely picked one of the rooms where he'd have a girl as his roommate. I seriously can't believe him."

Having had enough of her assumptions, I lifted up a hand to stop her. I really didn't need that false information going around. As if I would ever choose to room with a guy. You'd catch me at a random frat party before that ever happened. I was even hesitant about rooming with a random girl.

"Listen," I started. "I don't know why he told you this was his room, but I do know that I signed up for it because of the conjoined bathroom, not because it accepted both guys and girls. If anything, I think he lied to you." I blew out a harsh breath and mirrored her crossed arms. "Besides, do I look like the type to rely on a man to pleasure me? I can do that myself."

Her cheeks flushed and she looked embarrassed as she took a moment to understand the situation.

"I am so sorry," her arms fell by her sides as she scrambled for words. "I admit, I should've asked first but the truth is, I'm fed up with his tendencies that I just assumed and snapped. I'm so sorry."

I waved her off. "Don't worry about it. It was an honest mistake."

"May I suggest starting over?" She offered, extending out her hand as a proper greeting. "I'm Patricia."

"Nicole." I shook her hand. "Nice to meet you."

"Nice to meet you, too," she smiled. "Anyway, I better go find his actual dorm and have a chat with him. You know, scold him for lying to me." She laughed, trying to make light of the situation. "I'll see you around?"

Relieved that I'd be able to be alone after that encounter, I nodded. "Sure."

"Great." She beamed in excitement, turning around. "See you, then!" She shouted over her shoulder as she walked away.

"Yeah... see you."

• • •

I was about to fall asleep when I heard the sound of the door beep three times, signifying that someone just tried to scan their key card and got denied. They tried a second time, only for it to beep three times again. Frustrated, they cursed loudly, giving me a chance to hear their voice.

Was that a guy trying to break in?

Panic engulfed me as I jumped out of bed and ran into the bathroom, locking myself in. I was not taking any chances.

It wasn't until the third try when the door beeped just once and swung open. With my ear to the door, I listened in as a guy did walk in, cursing the door for giving him a hard time.

But that wasn't what confused me. What confused me was the voice of a girl giggling to whatever he was saying.

I soon realized my roommate probably just brought her boyfriend along with her. I just overreacted. And yet that still wasn't a good situation, because I wouldn't be rooming with one person—which was already a bummer—but I had to room with a couple. Sure, he wouldn't be here all the time, but he was in our dorm now and that was one too many times already.

Was it cruel to hope they broke up soon?

It wasn't that I wished bad upon happy couples, but it was my privacy at stake. I didn't need anyone witnessing any of my intimate moments. Let alone a guy.

Before they could assume I was taking a massive dump, I stepped out of the bathroom and came face-to-face with none other than the guy.

Wow.

Okay, he was cute. I gotta hand him that. The girl had taste.

For some odd reason, though, he looked oddly familiar. I was sure I'd remember meeting him if I had. Maybe he just stood out to me somewhere because he was tall. About half a foot taller than me, actually.

"Shit, I was hoping I'd be able to get one in before my roommate got here. But I see he's already beat me to it." He chuckled, looking behind me into the bathroom. "Either way, I'm sure we'll get along well. I mean, we literally had the same idea." His blue eyes looked into my brown ones as he asked, "Where is he, by the way?"

Confused, I pushed my eyebrows together. "Where's who?"

"My roommate." he said matter-of-factly.

I looked towards the girl for help, but she was looking at everything in the room, avoiding my gaze. "What are you talking about?" I pressed, shifting my attention back on him.

He looked a bit irritated, and started talking to me as if I were a five-year-old who needed to be spoken to in a slow manner. "The guy who brought you into this room. Where is he?"

"No guy brought me here," I snapped, having had enough. "This is my dorm room so what the hell are you talking about?"

He suddenly smirked, and I was left feeling uneasy. The girl beside him looked like she felt the same way.

"Sick," he finally said. "I didn't think I'd actually get a girl as a roommate."

If I was confused and horrified with Patricia's assumptions, I wouldn't know how to describe what I felt at that moment. I had absolutely no words to say. Because it looked like she was right after all.

What's worse is that he also thought I was just a random hookup.

I looked down at myself. Because now I was starting to think that maybe I had a gaping hole on the crotch of my pants. I didn't.

"Sugarplum, I don't know if you read the details of this room or not, but you do know this is a gender neutral dorm, right?"

I shook my head. "You're joking, right?" I laughed humorlessly. "She's actually my roommate and you just want to be annoying, right?" I looked to her in desperation, but she only shook her head at me.

Truthfully, I knew he was probably right, but I just didn't want to believe him.

His smirk grew into a prideful grin. "I hate to break it to you, sunshine, but I'm your roommate."