My Professor

2. Roommate

After my morning classes, I returned to my on campus apartment to swap out my books for my afternoon classes. I braced myself before I entered the apartment, unsure of who or how many of my roommates I'd inevitably have to face.

I'd lived in the same four bedroom apartment since my sophomore year, but my various roommates had been like a revolving door. Some I liked more than others, but overall, I generally kept to myself.

I let myself into the apartment and entered the communal living space at the front of the unit, the kitchen being to my left and the living room being to my right. It was modern and updated, and accented stylishly with sage greens and muted pinks. The couch was L shaped and pushed into the corner, dominating a good portion of the availible space. Across it was the TV, which was mounted on the wall with a console table beneith it. The kitchen was decently sized, but nothing glamourous - it was more than enough for a handful of college kids, though, most of whom wouldn't be the most advanturous cookers out there. I walked ahead, directly down the hallway in front of me, which led to the two bathrooms and four bedrooms at the back of the unit.

My room was at the very end of the hall, on the left. The apartment seemed empty as I made my way back to my room, where I dropped my books off on my desk, flipping them open in hopes it would help them continue to dry out. My room was small and well organized, but overall, pretty basic. My twin sized bed was pushed into the corner with a lavender cover on it, and a desk was pushed up under the window, which overlooked campus. There was a small closet on the right side of the room which was filled with the bulk of my personal belongings. I didn't own much.

I stepped in front of the full length mirror that hung on the back of my door and checked myself, looking to see what damage the wind and weather had done to my appearance while I was out.  My hair, which fell over my shoulders and down my back in deep espresso waves was ruffled from the wind, but still manageable and somewhat smooth. My dark brown eyes were gentle, and my general features were soft. I tried to disguise my round face shape with bangs, but it could only do so much for me. People still tended to perceive me as soft spoken and shy.

I sat down at my desk and took a moment to reorganize my book bag before collecting myself to leave for my afternoon classes. I still had a little time, but I wanted to go outside and enjoy being on campus. I loved Brighton U, and I wanted to make the most of my time during my final year. I swung my book bag over my shoulder and checked myself in the mirror one more time, smoothing out my dark brown skirt as I did so, and readjusting my navy sweater. I looked good, and I felt good as I left my room and made my way back toward the front of the apartment.

I'd gotten down the hall, and almost to the front door, when I hear one of the bedroom doors click open from behind me.

"Hey, Indigo," Kelsey, one of my three current roommates called for me, poking her head out of her bedroom.

"Hey," I replied to my chagrin. I turned around and kept my face neutral. I'd been hoping I'd be able to leave without being disturbed, but it looked like I wasn't going to be so lucky. "What's up?"

"Cindy, Steph and I are going to go out for drinks tonight if you wanna come," she offered.

"Really? What's the occasion?" I asked, knowing full well that they usually didn't need one.

"The start of the school year. Some of the bars downtown are having specials," she replied, stepping out into the hall. From the state of her strawberry blonde hair, she'd looked like she'd just gotten up.

"Oh, that's cool," I nodded. "Uh, I'll think about it."

"Cool," she beamed. "We'll be leaving here around eight."

"Yeah, thanks," I smiled as convincingly as possible. "I appreciate it." I really did appreciate the gesture, but going out for drinks with the roomies sounded draining. Not to mention that going out on the first school night didn't exactly feel like I would be setting myself up for success, not that it would actually matter in the grand scheme of things.

"No problem! See you 'round," Kelsey waved.

* * *

My last class of the day was my favorite so far, American Liturature II. Not only was is relevant to my major, but I had Maria there, who was the closest friend I'd made in school. She was a writing major, as well, although she was interested in becoming an editor once she graduated. I recognized her long, jet black braid from the classroom doorway, and immediately took the vacant seat next to her.

"Hey, Indy, how are you?" she asked as I got settled.

"I'm good! Glad to be back in class. What about you?"

"I wish I was excited as you are," she laughed. "I'm good, though. I'm looking forward to getting this final year over with."

"Me, too." I would miss school, I thoroughly enjoyed it, but I was also looking forward to starting out my life. The prospect made me feel both optimistic and uneasy.

"Anything exciting happen on your first day?" Maria asked.

"Actually, it's funny you would ask that," I said. "I dropped my morning textbooks in a puddle this morning and a really handsome guy helped me pick them up."

"Ooo, that sounds promising," she crooned.

"I wish. It turns out he's my chemistry professor, so now I have to spend the whole semester pretending I don't know how kind he is, on top of being so attractive."

"Hey, at least it'll make chemistry a little more interesting," she offered.

"True. I wasn't exactly looking forward to it."

"I took it last year. It's not horrible, but it can get pretty dry."

"I don't usually mind science classes, but once they start to get all math-y, it's a bit much," I said.

"Oh, well, buckle in, then. Chemistry will be a pill."

"Good to know," I sighed.

"At least now you know you'll have a reason to see your handsome professor during office hours," Maria snickered.

"Oh, stop," I blushed. I hadn't considered that prospect. I couldn't make out if it was a good or a bad thing yet.

"Your semesters definitely looking like it's going to be more exciting than mine, that's for sure."

"I doubt it," I chuckled. "The class is huge, anyway. If I end up needed the extra help, there's no way he'd remember me."

"Fair enough," Maria conceded. "But, you never know."