A boy with problems of his own leaves them unaddressed and gives love a shot, but that makes matters worsen for the other on the receiving end as pain transcends and morphs into different things when put on hold.
Teddy is new to college life and fin...
Theo Teddy Timberson, a name that clung to me like a lead weight. A name my parents, with their twisted sense of humor, had chosen for me, and it haunted me like a shadow, making me feel perpetually incapable of being taken seriously. Imagine trying to strike a formidable business deal with someone and then casually dropping the bomb that your middle name is Teddy. Yeah, that was a laughable nightmare I'd rather avoid.
But today was a monumental day for me, a day of liberation I had eagerly awaited. I was going to college, finally breaking free from the suffocating grip of my overbearing family. I saw it as a grand entrance into independence, a chance to shed the stifling layers of my previous life. No more relatives breathing down my neck, no more constant scrutiny of my every move like a hawk watching for any sign of vulnerability. I craved space, the kind that could only be found in a dorm room miles away from home. After months of relentless debates and negotiations with my overly protective parents, the decision had finally been made. Only yesterday had I given my final verdict, and now, I was ready to embrace this newfound freedom with open arms.
"Oh, baby, I'm going to miss you so much," my mom whispered with a tight grip on my shoulders, enveloping me in an affectionate, albeit suffocating, hug, peppering my face with kisses. I winced but refrained from pushing her away. She was half Latina, and we were both of similar stature, which meant there was no escaping her embrace. The simple truth was, she could easily overpower me if I tried.
With a final squeeze, she reluctantly pulled away, leaving vivid red lipstick smudges at the corners of my mouth, forehead, and cheeks. My dad, sitting impatiently in the car, had started the engine while waiting for us to finish our emotional farewell.
"It looks like your dad's ready. I'm going to miss you sooo much," she admitted, trying to hold back tears. "Aw, Mom, I'll call you every day, okay? I'll be fine," I reassured her with a warm smile.
"Promise?"
Her childlike plea brought a blush to my pale cheeks, but I entwined my smallest finger with hers nonetheless. "Promise."
Aware that neither time nor my father had much patience for delays, I quickly made my way to the car. As I glanced up at my bedroom window, I spotted my younger brother, Eric, cheekily flipping me off. He had used a bright red marker to write on the glass pane, 'this is my room now, bitch,' adorned with a crooked heart.
I knew he meant well, so I returned the gesture with a middle finger salute, our unique way of expressing brotherly affection, before the car pulled away, taking me toward a new chapter in my life.
//
It took us a grueling hour and a half to get there, a distance that felt like a world away from the people I knew.
My dad shouldered all the heavy luggage, leaving me with the easier ones. I would normally complain that he was underestimating my strength, but the truth was, I was far from a powerhouse, so I had no argument there.
"And finally, this one," he panted, placing the last and heaviest suitcase at the top of the three flights of stairs. "I don't know whose body is in there, but if it needs dumping, I've got your back," my dad joked, earning a hearty laugh from me. I was going to miss him the most, that was for sure.
We stood in silence for a good two minutes, my dad fighting back his emotions but eventually giving in. "Keep making me proud, son. I love you so much," he said, patting my back. I wasn't a fan of hugs, but I didn't complain this time.
"And remember, no boys, okay? Study hard," he waved his fingers around. I rolled my eyes and said my last goodbyes before wheeling my bags into the right room.
As I entered, everything seemed rather dull. Not quite grey, but definitely lacking life. The room was surprisingly spacious, with two beds against opposite walls. My side of the room looked pristine, waiting to be personalized. Without hesitation, I began to decorate it to my liking
Teddy's room:
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My room was simple yet lovely, much like me. I wanted to use this opportunity to discover myself and grow as a person, although I must admit, I'm nervous about socializing and not really a fan of people. But I figured getting to know my roommate would be a good start.
I brought along my Easy Bake oven to bake cookies for my new roommate, hoping it would make me come across as friendly. Some might call it a toy or think it's girly, but I disagree.
