A Second Time Around

Chapter Thirteen

By Friday, just as Stacey arrived back at the dormitory after another exhausting day at school, she received a call from Diane.

"Stacey Hampton, speaking." She sweetly answered her phone.

"Whose phone is this? Duh, of course it's you." Diane said through the other end. Stacey imagined her rolling her eyes. "Well, I just called to tell you that I'm going to pick you up tomorrow morning so that you can start moving in. I've cleaned out Trisha's spot for you so you can immediately start setting up your things once you arrive here."

"Great. Thank you, Diane. I really appreciate it." Stacey said gratefully.

"Don't mention it." Diane answered. "But are you sure you want to move in without seeing the apartment yet? I mean, I don't want you to change your mind, but it wouldn't be fair if you end up not liking the place and you've no choice but to stay, right?" Stacey can hear the doubt lacing Diane's voice.

"I'm positive." Stacey said firmly. "I want to move in. I mean, I'm not after the place after all, I want to be with my friend."

"Aww, you're so sweet." Diane gushed. "We'll have so much fun together."

"Plus," Stacey added. "I'm quite sure your refrigerator is stocked with heaps of chocolate, so I guess I'm after that too."

"I'll make sure to chain my fridge, then." Diane chuckled. "Okay well, I better go. My break is over and I need to go back to work. Talk to you later."

"Okay, bye." Stacey answered, and then she hung up.

 She sighed, and looked around her. I'm going to miss this place, she thought forlornly. Even though the only memories she has about the place for the past year is Jessica's bitchiness, she can't help but feel attached to it. After all, she has stayed in there for two years and almost a half now, and she also had some fair share of good memories there too. Well, given it was when she was still roommates with Diane, but still.

What's up with you, Hampton? She asked herself. Don't feel sad. You're going to create new memories again. And besides, you'll be with Diane. Everything's going to be fine.

With a sigh, Stacey began to pack up her things and clean up.

The following morning, Stacey was making her last-minute check for her things when she heard her phone ringing.

"Hello?" Stacey answered.

"Okay, I'm already here. Can I come up now?" Diane asked.

"Oh, sure. I've already packed my things." Stacey replied.

"Okay, I'll be right there."

Stacey hung up. She sat at the edge of her bed, facing Jessica's. Jessica, on the other hand, is currently curled up in her bed, reading a copy of US Weekly. "So I guess you're really leaving now, huh?" Jessica asked, looking at Stacey. She didn't sound sad or even happy. She sounded like...well, like she was commenting about the weather. Stacey just gave her a slight smile, and it wasn't a simpering smile like she was used to giving her. It was a genuine smile of anticipation for new experiences and a wish of good luck for Jessica. "Yeah," Stacey answered, fumbling with the handle of her luggage. She looked at her. "I hope you find a new roommate who you can be best friends with, Jessica." She said.

Jessica grinned. "Just like you and Diane, right?"

"Yup, just like me and Diane." Stacey repeated.

A few minutes later, there was a knock at their door. "I'll get it." Stacey declared. She opened the door, and Diane came bustling in. "Whew, I forgot how long those flights of stairs were." Diane commented, panting. She immediately looked around the room and spotted Jessica, who stood up from her bed.