When You Least Expect It

42

The rest of the weekend was great. It was just what we all needed to end the year. Now back home everyone is packing up, saying goodbye for the summer. The rooms are slowly starting to empty. Ashley and I found a one bedroom apartment when we got home that isn't too far out of town. I'm looking forward to living with her for a few months.

Katie wipes the tears from her cheeks as she waves goodbye one last time to Lacie. They've hugged a hundred times already but Lacie just wasn't ready to go. After her car disappears around the corner Katie turns to me. "I'm going to miss her so much!"

Wrapping my arms around her I squeeze her. "I know, you two were joined at the hip all year. I'm sure you'll have plenty of fun at home this summer. And knowing you two, you'll be on the phone with her every day."

"Probably." She laughs wiping her eyes again. "It's just going to be weird not being together all the time."

"Why don't we go out tonight. That way you're not stuck moping around here all day. It'll be like our goodbye before you leave tomorrow."

"Don't remind me. I'm going to miss you too! What am I supposed to do if you're not just one floor below me?" She grins at me, tears still in her eyes.

"I'm sure you'll find someone to numb the pain." I laugh. "I'm going to miss you too though. You're one of the most down to earth girls I know. I really have enjoyed getting to know you this year. With a little luck we'll end up back in the same house next year."

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Since Katie is busy packing her things to go home, I figured I'd go for a jog or something. Kill some time until this evening. Ashley has been crying all day since Corey left, when I went to check on her, she had fallen asleep. With everyone busy either packing or saying goodbye I have nothing better to do.

For whatever reason, I found myself jogging in the direction of Whitney's sorority house. There isn't much going on outside, but it looks like people are still here. Since I'm already here I might as well see what she's up to.

I knock on the door and wait. One of the girls opens the door looking me up and down. "Hey, is Whitney here?"

"No," She shakes her head. "She left yesterday. I figured you of all people would know that."

I'm a little shocked. "Um, oh." I stammer. "Sorry to bother you I guess."

Why wouldn't she tell me she was leaving? More importantly, why do I care? We're clearly not good for each other. I still can't help but feel a little hurt that she didn't even bother to say goodbye.

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Walking back to the house get rid myself of thoughts of her. There are a few people out soaking up the sun. I recognize one of them, she's stretched out across a blanket reading a book. Her legs look fantastic, they're all tan and thick in her short jean shorts. Her bare feet up in the air and crossed at the ankle. My heart starts to beat a little quicker staring at them. I shake it off and jog over to her. "Hey you. I'm surprised you haven't gone home yet."

Sam bends the corner of the page she's reading and places her book down before sitting up. "Yeah, no. I'm not going home. My mom is so busy with her new family I'd just be in the way."

Gesturing to the blanket I ask, "Mind if I sit?"

"No, not at all."

"I hate to hear that. So where are you staying for the summer? You can tell me to mind my own business if you want."

"Oh don't worry about it, you're fine." Her smile is absolutely beautiful. "I haven't decided yet. I think I'm going to crash with a couple of my roommates. It might be a little crazy but better than paying for a place on my own."