I'M GROWN € Grown-ish

Late Registration

Arlo Nagi, a kid from Miami Florida, though they were born to Indian parents, was relieved to finally be free from their mother's leash.

. . . Well almost, you see Arlo’s mother was a hard woman to please. No amount of straight A’s or customers favorites (that they baked in their family bakery back home), nothing was ever up to her expectations.

One could only hope that now that they would finally be cut some slack, but it wasn't likely. Especially given the current situation. . .

“We’re sorry but the single room you booked has been filled” The dorm supervisor spoke with sympathy and looked at her clipboard,”We do have a few dorms available with roommates”

Sighing, Arlo's mother ‘Monica’ pinched the bridge of her nose,”Ay, Arlo-”

“Mommy, it's fine I don't mind having a roommate,“ Arlo cut her off, reassuring her as they knew she was about to start a rant

“Yes, but anyone would mind having you as a roommate, you're a mess Arlo” Monica insulted in Hindi,which was her mother tounge, causing them to sigh with a tight smile

“I know, mommy thanks” Arlo thanked sarcastically,”I’ll take the room,” they told the supervisor who gave them an awkward smile and key for the dorm

“Enjoy,” The woman said, chuckling slightly as the walked away

“Arlo, given your current lifestyle I don't think this is best” Monica sighed, shaking her head and lifting her child’s arm revealing the hospital band on their wrist,”You just left rehab, and I know that you have not changed. You're just like your father, wasting your life before it can begi-” she began to rant causing Arlo to roll their eyes

“Mommy please,” Arlo pleaded with her, not liking to be compared to their father as he was the main reason they chose this path,”I already apologized multiple times, can we just forget it for a minute. This is a big day for me, can we be happy just for a moment, please?” they spoke desperately, running a hand through their hair

Staring at her kid for a moment, Monica sighed softly,”You're right, this is a good day you're finally an adult. You're going to be living alone for the next four years,” she said, looking slightly proud and wiped a fake tear from her eye,”My baby’s all grown up,” she mocked sadness, squeezing Arlo's cheeks

×××

That was two weeks ago though, by now Arlo was pretty much accustomed to college life

Their roommate, Luca Hall, was chill and chose to mind his own business which was great for Arlo. They weren't one to be an open book and Luca wasn't one to ask, the perfect combination.

To be perfectly honest, when the two were in the dorm together they were in different worlds. Luca painting, smoking, watching many random shows on his tablet. Arlo reading, smoking, watching cooking shows. That was their dynamic at the moment, ‘You do you and I'll do me’. They chatted about random things, got high together and were really the only friend each other had. But I guess that's what happens when you live with a person for two weeks.

No issues or problems, just pure relaxation.

×××

Arlo arrived at the class, seeing a variety of people, from old to young. They looked around for an empty seat and chose to sit next to a guy who sat behind Luca. The same guy Arlo was pretty sure they had got xanies from the previous morning.