Freedom, Flowers, Books, and the Moon

Chapter 14

Aurie woke the next morning in her bed, unaware for a moment how she got there. Slowly, the night began to come back to her in pieces, with Beau driving her back to campus and walking her to her dorm. Aurie making it inside and collapsing into bed, completely and utterly exhausted. The girl sighed and ran a hand over her face. She knew the lack of good sleep was quickly becoming a problem; she hadn't been sleeping well even before the move, but now it was multiplied. She was unsure why; clearly, she was tired enough to fall asleep, but it never lasted. About an hour later, she would be back awake, on her phone, trying to find some YouTube video or book to put her to sleep for the rest of the night. This sequence would take hours most nights before she finally faded into rest again, and when she woke the next day, she would feel as though she hadn't slept at all.

Aurelia slowly sat up, not knowing quite what to do with herself. Her professors hadn't said anything about needing her today, from what she could remember, and she didn't have class. She started biting her nails; this was the first truly free day that she had had since her move away from home and to college. She glanced at the time on her phone and realized that she had slept clean through any time that would be considered acceptable for breakfast. 11:30, she thought, How did I manage to do that? Sluggishly walking to the bathroom to shower, Aurie came up with her plan for the day. As she stood in the shower, the hot water rushing over her and filling the room with steam, she let her mind wander away from the day ahead of her. Her thoughts moved towards three men who had taken up all of her time that week. Beau with his family-oriented, sweet mindset. Cielo with his amazing cooking and humor. And finally, King. The intimidating man who was beginning to warm up to her, but his clear hesitation to. She thought of all of this and of the men's characteristics first. Then her mind shifted once more. No longer was she picturing the men's actions. Now her brain was intensely focused on their appearance. Beau with his boy-next-door looks and towering height. Cielo with his striking features and bulging muscles. King with his dominating aura, dark and intriguing looks, and massive frame. Aurie swallowed roughly, seeing the men in her mind's eye. She licked her lips and shut her eyes, her breathing beginning to become heavy. Suddenly, Aurie shook her head and looked around the bathroom, expelling the thoughts and men from her mind.

The girl quickly finished her shower, cheeks flushed. Your professors, Aurie, really? Out of everyone, that's who you think about? Aurelia thought these words to herself, not even daring to say them aloud. Once out of the shower and dry, she wrapped her towel around her body, holding it there as she explored her closet, trying to find something to wear. A few minutes later, she pulled a lacy sundress out and threw it on, discovering that it was surprisingly comfortable. Trudging back to the bathroom, she brushed her hair and pulled half of it up, tying it with a ribbon. Aurie grinned at her appearance in the mirror, twirling quickly and looking at herself. She stepped back into her bedroom, sliding on a pair of ruffle socks and her mary janes. The girl scooped up her trusty tote and phone, walking out of her dorm room and into the hall. She looked around as she walked, truly noticing the building for the first time since she moved her things in. The walls were a dull tan, but that clearly didn't stop the girls from trying to make their space more interesting. Drawings, paintings, almost anything with color on it littered the walls. Aurie half-smiled, kind of proud of the girls that she lived with. As she kept walking, the hall broadened into a living area. There were a few couches, coffee tables, and a big TV on the wall. This space housed a few girls at the moment, some on the couches, others in armchairs, or simply standing, talking, and enjoying each other's company. Aurie froze, intimidated by the room full of girls that she didn't know. She quickly began to walk away when she heard her name being called. Aurie turned and saw Harley sitting on one of the couches, surrounded by girls, smiling and waving at her to come over. Aurelia hesitantly walked over.

"Hey Harley." Aurie smiled awkwardly, uncomfortable being called over and surrounded by people she didn't know.

"Hey, girl. I haven't seen you in here before; what're you doing?" Harley asked.