Smoke and Wishes (Best Wishes #1)(3)
I knew the dining hall was open, but I wasn't sure I could stomach a full breakfast. What else is new, rolling my eyes at the thought. I debated whether to make a quick stop for something small as I slipped into my usual summer attire of shorts and a plain t-shirt. Making sure to grab my ID and dining card, I walked out of the library and out into the quad.
The campus was still asleep except for the overnight security and maintenance crew. Both groups were walking towards their cars to head home. I recognized Bill and Troy, two of the night time security guards. I chuckled remembering the previous interactions with them when the security system for the library was on the fritz after an upgrade to the system. I waved at them as I turned down the walkway towards the dining hall. After a returned wave from both and a shouted "stay out of trouble, Luce" from Bill, I was alone in the quad.
Since the sun had just risen over the horizon not too long ago, the birds were still chirping in the trees, and the light dew on the grass glistened in the early morning light. The peaceful walk settled the last of the anxiety in my stomach and chest, helping solidify my decision to grab some breakfast before heading to the Housing Office to start my move.
The dining hall smelled deliciously like pancakes, fresh fruit, and coffee. Oh, thank god caffeine. I quickly grabbed a large to go cup and filled it with the fresh brew. Before I ran through the checkout line, I grabbed a banana and a granola bar, figuring they would be easy on my stomach. After scanning my dining pass and opening my granola bar, I sank into one of the plastic chairs at a table in the far corner. The longer I sat, the more my nerves built again about move-in day. You’ll be alright, I commanded, silencing the spiral of thoughts.
Two hours later, I found myself standing outside the West Wing dorm building. My room key and a paper that had the access code to the front door scribbled across the crinkled page clutched tightly in my trembling hand. Deep breath, I commanded. Inhaling before entering the building, I headed directly for the stairs off to the left of the open entryway. I would check out the main common room and lounge after dropping off my suitcase and bag.
I found the dorm room empty and quiet as I pushed open the door. I stepped into the small seating area that was adorned with a loveseat, two chairs, a round coffee table, and a small cabinet which I assumed was meant to hold a TV. There were three open doors on the far wall. Two were bedrooms while the middle door revealed a bathroom. I immediately walked to take the room to the right since it was furthest away from the sitting area.
The room looked like a stereotypical dorm; with a desk, nightstand, bed, and an open doorway showing a small closet that held a three drawer dresser. The bed was bare. Totally forgot I would need more bedding, I made a mental note to pick some up. The furniture all matched in the same wood stain and dark hardware. I put my messenger bag and suitcase on the bed and opened both.
As I finished hanging the last of my shirts on the bar in the closet, the front door to the dorm opened, followed by a loud huff. I peeked my head out to see a curvy girl with dark blue hair styled in a messy pixie cut breathing heavily. Her eyes lit up behind her purple framed glasses when she saw me standing in the doorway to my room.
"Oh my goodness, hi! I'm Sadie, I'm your roommate. Though I'm sure you've already figured that out since I am in this dorm room with a key and a suitcase," my eyes widened slightly at her enthusiasm. "This place is so nice, I'm so glad we have separate rooms. Not that I wouldn't want to share with you, because I'm sure you're really nice and everything, but I love to draw and paint, and I tend to make quite the mess." Her gaze bounced around the room taking everything in as she continued her rambling.
"Hey, uh, I'm Lucie, and you are more than welcome to paint and draw to your heart’s content, I don't mind being around a mess," I smiled as I stepped into the shared living room, my hand held out for her shake. She was shorter than my 5'6", the top of her head barely reaching my nose. "I don't really have a hobby, but I love to run and do yoga to help relax," I divulged. I can be social. People share things about themselves when making friends right? I can act like a normal human being…supernatural, whatever.
"Yoga? That's so awesome, I've always wanted to do yoga, but me attempting to move into those positions would be an epic disaster waiting to happen, so I keep my curvy ass firmly away from any type of physical activity," she laughed waving her hands animatedly. "I'm going to work on unpacking my stuff then probably take a nap since I had a red-eye flight from Baltimore and an hour drive over here through morning rush hour. Maybe we can hit up someplace for dinner if you want?" She started huffing again as she lugged her suitcase, which was over half of her size and bulging around the edges, to her room. I struggled to keep up with her upbeat tinkling voice as she blurred from one topic to the next.
"Sure, I'd love to. I need to run to the campus store and grab some bedding," I announced, pulling open the front door. I waved goodbye to Sadie as I closed it behind me.
2
August 24th
Friday Evening
Lucienne
"This place smells amazing," Sadie bounced up and down on the balls of her feet, waiting for the hostess to mark our table on her chart and grab the menus. The spicy scents from the different dishes swirled around the dining area as we weaved between a few tables to a small booth in the corner. I slid into the side that was against the wall while Sadie shifted into the other. After the waitress came by and took our drink orders, water for me and lemonade for Sadie, I scanned the menu looking for my favorite Indian dish. Aha, found it!