180 Degrees- Completed

Chapter Three

I waved them off, watching as the car slowly pulled down the street. We'd made it out here a week ago but they kept insisting I still needed them here. They couldn't risk anymore time off work now though. Literally the only reason they were leaving. 

Here I stood in jeans and a tee shirt, cardigan pulled up over my elbows. Even that was too much skin for their liking. They kept pulling the sleeves down whilst we were talking. I'd leave them for a few seconds before pulling them back up. 

As soon as the car was out of sight, I turned around and looked up at my dorm building, taking in and letting out the deepest breathe I had ever taken. 

So this was freedom. 

God it felt better than I thought it did. I couldn't stop the grin on my face as I ran back to my room, dialling Izzy's number the second my door was closed and propping the phone up so she could see me. 

"VEE!" I looked at her, grinning as much as I was. 

"I'M FREE. THEY LEFT." My jeans hit the floor and I pulled the skirt over my hips quickly. "I'm alone for the first time in my entire life Iz." She was laughing at me, watching me get changed as she laid in her childhood bed. She wasn't leaving for a few more days. I was early here as it was. The second dorms were available, I booked to get down here. I couldn't stand waiting around any longer. 

"What did they say when they left?" 

"Stay out of trouble." I giggled. "Don't become your sister. You're our angel, please stay that way. Work hard. No boys, No dating, no drinking." 

"Were they just giving you a check list?" I laughed loudly, nodding. 

"I think so. I'm heading out now to check the area out properly. I've already found a few really nice coffee shops, little cafes, testing some takeout places." 

"You look happy Vee." I moved closer to the camera, bending down and grabbing her. "You look cute too. Almost like a normal teenager." 

"Almost?" 

"Well yeah, it's still a little tame but we can work on that. Gotta start small right?" I smiled at her. "Go on. Get out there. Text me, keep me up to date on everything and remember, every Tuesday night is movie night. No exceptions. If there's guys-" 

"If there's a guy he comes, new friends too." I nodded. "I miss you already. It's going to be weird not seeing you every day." 

"I know. But I've still got Penny and Oscar to deal with so let's just pray for me." I chuckled. "Go. Have fun, embrace the freedom. Just remember everything I taught you." I let out another breathe as she hung up. 

This was unreal. It didn't feel real. Like some kind of fever dream. 

My life was doing a full 180 degree spin right now. I didn't want to be that soft yes girl, following pointless rules just because that was what was expected. Out here they had no hold on me. I couldn't see Oscar, I'd deleted and blocked him and Penny on all socials to make sure he wasn't swamping me there. 

It had been years of watching this guy go from being a nobody to being the hottest guy in school and I couldn't even befriend him. That wasn't happening here. 

I was 19 now with absolutely no experience in love at all. Never even had my first kiss and it was disgusting. I could not allow myself to become how I was back home. The girl in the background with a single friend. I was known for being good at what I did. Smart and a good player. That was it. I was under everyone's radar pretty much. It was boring. Dull and constraining. I was shackled to my workbooks. I didn't want to be anymore. This was my chance to break free. 

I closed my door, locking it shut and putting my keys in my bag. I don't even know where I was going. I can walk around, get a coffee just enjoy wandering and embrace the freedom a little bit. I knew diving in head first wasn't going to be a smart idea. Little at a time. I doubt I'd be able to find anyone to talk to until classes start in 2 weeks anyway. 

I needed to know the area before then so I had the confidence to be here. If I knew the campus and everything, I'd be able to talk to people more. 

I know the dance studios are open. And the gyms. I'd be hitting both of them daily, also preparing for classes to start. 

I wasn't going to be holding myself back either. Trying to not say no unless it was dangerous or it made me feel uncomfortable.   

I ordered my coffee. Looking up at the board and their other offerings. It's nice to know which shop offers certain things so I can find somewhere for all of my tastes. 

"You're new here." I turned my head in the direction of the voice. Apparently I don't even need to try. 

"I am." I lowered my eyebrows, looking this guy up and down. "Stalking me or something?" 

"Barely. You just have the same look on your face as everyone who's new." 

"Bewildered?" 

"Terrified." I laughed, picking my coffee up. "You're not?" 

"No. Nothing to be scared of." He chuckled. "I'm Avery." Hand out Ve, be polite, keep calm, you're good. You're handling this really well. Smash it girl. 

"James." 

"Lovely to meet you James." 

"Well you're very polite for a girl here 3 weeks early."  I raised an eyebrow at him. "I saw you come in with your parents I'm guessing? Last week." 

"Ah. They were indeed my parents." 

"You look happier now they're gone." I allowed myself to chuckled at him as I put sugar into the cup, stirring gently. "What are you doing now? Got plans?" 

"I guess. I was just going to wander around and see where I end up." 

"Fancy some company? I can show you all the best spots." 

"Best spots for what?" 

"Best spots to hit on pretty girls." 

"Oh well I don't want to hit on pretty girls." I smirked at him, my joke making him laugh. 

"I didn't me- You're funny." 

"I should hope so. That's pretty much all I have going for me." 

"That is so untrue." He smiled. "You're stunning, seem really nice and if you're here early, either smart or a complete loner." 

"What if I'm both?" 

"Smart and a loner?" 

"Yeah." 

"Then that intrigues me more and I'm going to have to insist you let me show you around." 

"Oh we're insisting now?" 

"Yeah I am." He stepped closer to me. "You ready Avery?" 

"Ready as I'll every be." He smiled, grabbing my hand and walking out of the shop. Okay this was easier than I thought it was going to be.