Fairy Lights and Cigarettes

One: "who are you?"

"Okay, Bri, relax. You're an adult, this is nothing," I muttered to myself as I stared at my door. I was getting a new roommate today, and with the door hanging open, it was obvious she was here. If she wasn't... well, I was probably about to be murdered.

After giving myself another mental pep talk, I approached the door and lightly knocked on the frame. "Knock, knock, sorry if I'm interrupting anything," I called, peeking into the living room cautiously.

A beautiful girl with long, thin, dark hair and sharp eyes smiled up at me from where she was setting a box on the floor. "Hey there! You're not interrupting, don't worry. You must be Bri."

Relieved by her friendly demeanor, I returned her bright smile. "Yes, and you must be Alina."

"That's me." She shook my hand. "I'm sorry for moving in so late, I had to deal with a few... delays."

"Oh, that's okay! It's good that you're here now, right?"

"Yes, it's a miracle." She laughed, turning back to the box she was unpacking.

Now I wondered if it was time for me to disappear in my room or if I was supposed to be polite and stay with the new move- in. I didn't want to be rude, but I was also tired after a long day of finding where all of my new classes were on campus. Finally, I managed to say something. "Is there anything I can help you with?"

Before Alina could answer, a deep voice interrupted the scene as a tall guy with similar features strode in from the kitchen. "I think you're all set, Al, so I'm gonna-" He stopped short as his eyes landed on me. "Oh, hi, you must be my sister's new roommate."

Alina straightened, setting her cold gaze on him. "Erick, don't mess with my roommate already, I beg of you."

He laughed lightly, waving a hand. "Don't worry, I'm not into blondes anyway."

How was I supposed to react to this?

Before my brain could come up with an answer, Erick's big hand reached out to me. "I'm Erick, it's good to meet you."

I returned his kind smile as I shook his hand. "I'm Bri. And don't worry, I'm not into big brutes."

His eyes lit up. "Hey, then we're square."

It was hard to be offended, as his demeanor was completely kind and open. If anything, he didn't seem all that bright. "Well, it was nice meeting you. Thanks for helping Alina."

"Eh, I was forced to do it."

I jumped as a shoe suddenly flew into Erick's chest. Alina grinned. "Forced my ass. Now get out of here if you're done."

He set a hand on his heart. "Sorry, Bri, it looks like I'm getting kicked out. Enjoy my sister." He jogged out the front door without another word.

"I'm sorry about that. He can be obnoxious," Alina apologized, folding her box closed.

"It's okay, he seems nice." I stepped toward the kitchen. Food was calling my name. "If you need anything, let me know, I'm just going to find something to eat."

Alina's eyes lit up. "I'm going out to dinner with some friends in just a little bit, you could join us!"

More people? More strangers? That sounded like the worst thing on the planet. I smiled as politely as I could. "That's okay, I'm just going to get a snack and watch a movie, but you guys have fun."

"If you're sure..."

"I'm sure."

Thankfully, it didn't take long to convince her that I was fine to stay at the apartment, and she left as I began searching the kitchen for something good. My luck, however, didn't last long. If I didn't know better, I would say that our kitchen was robbed. We had nothing. My last roommate more than likely took everything with her.