[completed] Nova Carter knows exactly what the next few years of her life will look like: she will work harder than anyone else (as she didn't get into New York University to slack off); she'll be keeping her head down and prioritizing getting her a...
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Chapter Twenty-seven | After Dark
♫After Dark by Mr.Kitty
The next Friday night is all about Logan Peterson.
At least, that's what I tell myself as I get ready for his teammate's party. I did have some reservations about going, but then I realized how our relationship has been since we started college: strained and... barely existing. When I think too much about how he's been struggling, and how I've known this but barely did anything to help, I get a lump in my throat. The very least I can do is show up for him tonight.
News of the party traveled fast. Apparently, Fresco's parents are rich and out of town, which means the party is located in the Upper East Side, in their apartment that's probably worth more than all my body parts combined. I've heard several people mention it throughout the day. Most students in my hall are getting ready for it right now, even. Doors are open, music is blasting, and the dormitory is busy and crowded as if everybody just awakened from a long, deep sleep. Which, I guess they kind of did. A sleep called 'classes, midterms, essays and presentations'. Guaranteed to be filled with cruel nightmares.
Luckily for tonight's Nova, I invested in some makeup of my own after the unveiling. Granted, I don't have Olivia's skills (or her non-trembling hands), but I did manage to put a few subtle colors on my eyelids according to a YouTube tutorial, and I also did a weird job plucking my eyebrows. I would rather have it be a good job, but alas, the job's done regardless and if you don't stare at my face for too long, it looks fine.
My heart skips a beat when I secure my leg braces around my legs and cover them with one of the jeans Milo got me. It's high waisted and wide-legged and all soft inside. It makes me feel giddy, thinking about Milo sticking his hand into the leg of the pants and picking them because of their softness.
But then, his story involved Emmy. He said he gave her his creditcard and asked for her help. I know that's because she's experienced with mobility aids like mine and he wanted her advice after he heard about it at Hyde's meeting, but the idea of them going shopping together is just weird. What would they even talk about? He'd probably make her laugh all the time. And I bet he'd buy her food, too.
The thoughts sink into my stomach. I shake them away just as a figure appears in the doorway of the dorm.
Olivia looks shocked to see me. It's no secret we've been living past each other, waking up earlier than the other, coming back when they're in class or fast asleep. It's obvious that she doesn't know what to say to me, and I have nothing to say to her, either. Which isn't because I'm mad. I'm just hurt. And waiting for anything from her side.
The corner of my lip quirks up in what's supposed to be a small smile, or any type of acknowledgement. I don't wait for her reaction, turning back to my shoes instead and tying the shoelaces tight.
She whispers a curt, "Hey," and sits as her desk. Silence engulfs the room, then, as she unpacks her bag just as I grab mine to head out.
I'm halfway down the hall when I change my mind. This can't be fun for her, either. If she's anything like the roommate I thought she was, the guilt is eating her alive.
