Shopping Trip

As you made your way out of your dorm it was buzzing with activity. All around were parents and kids moving in. All freshman as well preparing for the week long orientation. You felt a twinge of jealousy at everyone meeting their roommates and suitemates. You were really excited to start making friends… but now wasn’t the time to do it.

Everyone was still so focused on their parents and their stuff that you wanted to give them space. You smiled and waved and introduced yourself to a few folks as you made the way to the stairwell (the elevator was going to be way to packed). You had to admit you were a bit disappointed in your room assignment. You had been assigned to the oldest dorm on campus, and the only one that had yet to be remodeled. It was a 6-story high rise with no A/C. And you lived on the top floor.

Although it could be all that bad you thought to yourself… as you held open the door to the stairwell for a shirtless boy your age. He had dark shaggy hair and behind the box of stuff he had just lugged up the stairs you could clearly see a set of abs that had you thinking some rather interesting thoughts…

“Thanks!” He said as he lugged the box thru the doorway you were holding open. “The line for the elevator is crazy so I figured I’d take the stairs.”

“That box looks pretty heavy for 6 flights.” You laugh while trying to sound casual.

“Oh I work out all the time. This was nothing for me.” He said with a smug grin, clearly thinking it would impress you… and it was. “I’m Damien by the way.”

“Harper!” You said as you started to stick out your hand only to realize with his arms full he could shake it. Trying to play it off you asked, “So do you live here too?”

“Yeah. Room 619. End of the hall.”

“Awesome! I’m in 611.”

“Well I’m sure I’ll be seeing you around Harp, I’ve gotta go set this down.” He said shrugging the box.

“Oh yeah totally! See ya!” You said as he had already turned his back to you and started to make his way down the hall.

Kicking yourself for being so awkward you descended the stairs towards the exit.

*****

You really wished freshman were allowed to have cars as you finished lugging the two bins, and bags full of stuff you “needed” back to your dorm. Maybe you shouldn’t have sent your parents away so quickly you thought to yourself as you entered your dorm. It was now later in the day and less people were around.

You found yourself behind a bubbly blonde girl in athletic wear. “Perfect,” you thought to yourself. “I’ll be able to follow her inside so I don’t have to dig out my id to swipe myself in.”

The blonde clearly saw you struggling under the weight of your purchases, but didn’t hold the door. Instead despite your shout asking her too, she let it close right in your face.

“Fucking bitch.” You thought to yourself as you had to drop all of your things to dig out you id to swipe into the building. It was and awkward struggle with all of your stuff, but you managed to do it. And quick enough too that you were able to catch up to the blonde by the elevator.

“Hey!” She said in a high pitched voice that sounded fake. “Sorry about not holding the door. They’re just really concerned about people who don’t live in certain dorms tailgating in, so we’re not supposed to hold the door for anyone we dont know.”

“It’s ok. I get it.” You responded trying to be polite despite the fact you still thought it was a very bitchy thing to do.

“I’m Faith!” She said with the same fake excitement. “What floor?”

“I’m Harper. And 6.”

“6? Me too! You just move in?”

“Yeah? Didn’t everyone?” You said with a laugh.

“No. Student athletes have been on campus for at least two weeks. I’m on the cheer squad. Gotta say it’s been weird living in this big old building by myself for 2 straight weeks.”

The more she talked the more you disliked her. But you figured that if you’d be living on the same floor all year you might as well try and be friends.

“What room is yours?”

“620. You?”

Your heart sank a bit. That meant she was right across the hall from Damien.

“611.” You replied.

“Oh! So you’re right in the middle by the elevators?”

“Yup.” You said with a small smile. You were going to politely ask about her room being at the end of the hall when she just continued talking.

“I’m all the way at the end of the hall. Furthest from the showers… but also furthest from the RA.”

She wasn’t lying based on your memory of the floor plan. Floors 2-6 were the same. Each floor contained 21 dorm rooms. 10 suites per floor. A suite consisted of two dorms connected by a small common area where everyone’s closets were. They each had a small bathroom. Just big enough for a toilet and a sink. At the end of the hall were the showers. One for men and another for women. That was also where the staircase was and the 21st dorm for the RA. The bottom floor was a large lobby and common area with vending machines, couches, and a study room.

Mercifully, you were spared having to speak with Faith anymore as the elevator doors opened on your floor.

“See you around!” She said in that fake voice as she bounced towards her dorm at the end of the hall. She didn’t wait to see if you’d say goodbye.

You found your suite door open and inside putting clothes in their closet was your new suitemate Jerri. You instantly recognized her bright red hair from all of her photos online.

“Jerri?” You asked excitedly.

“Yeah? Harper?” She put on a huge smile as she attempted to cram another thing in her closet.

“Gimme one second to put this stuff down and I’ll give you a hand!” You said turning to open your door.

“Oh I wouldn’t…” Jerri tried to warn you but to late.