Noah's Lifeline

New Semester, New Me

Zahra's POV-
The sun was an hour out from setting but I was still as nervous as I was the summer before my freshman move in day. Boxes with neatly folded clothes were stacked in my second closet, all ready for the movers to take them to my new digs at sunset.

  Three boxes of shoes, two boxes of bags, five boxes of clothes. I rattled off my checklist before scratching that off in my planner. Finish packing clothes at 5:45 p.m. - but that was expected and very true to my character as a whole. Everything seemed to be going according to schedule which meant I could enjoy the call that rang in the next few moments.

I made sure to lower the volume so the shrill "melodies" wouldn't wake up a sleeping Cartier on the crown of my quilt: which  was truly  wishful thinking on my part when I think back about it.

" ZAHRA MAHRA!! I need you to look outside your window, babes! We have a surprise for you." A certain childlike voice screeched on the other line, making sure to carry out the 'u' sound. Subconsciously my body knew who it was and my stomach was instantly in knots which threw my good mood out the window. Even worse,  my dog crash landed  flat on the floor with a small yelp as the voice on the phone continued.

I laughed outloud because what else was I expecting of Legacy Villarreal? The bestest friend I could have ever asked for that has been in my corner since catholic school days who had a knack for doing the most unholiest of things. When I first met Legacy she was the new kid from over seas that stayed to herself for the most part. 

After being bullied for her accent and then deciding to  "grow a pair" as she said, Legacy became an enigma. Since then everyone has pretty much known  OF her and sees what she wants them to see but for whatever reason she decided to let me in to really understand her.

Not that I'm complaining because she is truly my sister from another mister: a girl's girl all the way to her core for the better part I've seen over the years. I just knew whatever she had planned would be a bit wonky as I leaned down to pick up my little Pomeranian. After placing him right side up on my bed and giving him a calming pat on his head , I decided to humor my girl.

"Alright Legacy, I'm at the window, what is -". I cut my own self off with a gasp as I fully took in the biggest party bus I'd ever seen in my life. It was quite a sight and trust I've lived a charmed one thus far.  I fished around for my phone while keeping my focus outside, believing it'd all disappear if I blinked.

Legacy was known for her over the top nature but I thought she would at least simmer down before move in day for senior year. We had just talked about taking things easier so we'd just need to focus on graduation and the real world.

Talk about a short-lived idea

Just as my hand found the stupid phone, a head popped out of the bus  covered by a headdress that was even more extravagant than the vehicle itself. The person under the headdress fiddled with the feathers and pompoms above them for a moment before straightening up and catching my gaze.

"Hi babe! Come join me, I have drinks, calamari  and avocado rolls!" Legacy . I knew she was going to pick me up since we were rooming together but I was so sure she'd stick to our convo and not make such fuss about it. I sighed in contemplation and turned away from the window to consider my current options.

Initially my plan was to move in and start inputting all the important dates for the semester over a cup of jasmine tea and almond milk with a dash of cacao. Just a quiet night to myself and Cartier so I could prepare for my course load effectively.

Now if I went with Legacy the night would instead look like tequila on the rocks with sushi, calamari, and loud music. No work would be done and even worse- my schedule would be wrecked which is not the start I was hoping for.

But a little fun would set a different tone for my social life, I did tell my brother I'd try this time.

After making what I thought was the best decision, I tuned back to the window and opened my mouth hesitantly. The cheery look on her face was enough to make my stomach turn anxiously, but school was important. More than that, my scholarship I earned was important.

Before I could even fit in a word, Legacy began stomping her feet like a bratty toddler. This girl was in full on hissy fit mode outside the market and was getting louder by the second.  It would actually be funny under different circumstances but now it was just down right annoying and brought heat to my ears.

Just imagine a tall beauty queen all made up in sparkles and feathers - having a damn tantrum in front of an extravagant bus that takes up 2 parallel spots. Her face was getting redder by the second  as my ears did the same and I knew she was going to flip if I said anything but yes in the next moment.

So I did what I always did: don't rock the boat because no one would be ready for that wave to overtake them. Play nice with Legacy now but bail later. "Fine but we have to be in our unit by midnight so I can get some adequate rest. No drugs and I'm not compromising. " I explained firmly, taking in the familiar squeal that is Legacy Villarreal.

She was now stomping in giddiness and I knew this was another battle in her pocket but I would definitely be winning the war to come. Any good leader knows how to compromise for the greater good or in the case - my peace of mind.

I didn't plan on meeting him that night. I didn't plan on becoming completely infatuated with him either, but life has a funny way of crushing your six month plan into a wad of trash and replacing it with a person that makes this life feel like you're doing more than just existing.

In that way, I'm glad to have experienced the paradox that is Noah Westwood and have been his lifeline. Because God knows he was mine and that there was no way I could have been be prepared for what this year had in store for us. Here's our story.