The Sophomore

Chapter One - Semi-Charmed Life

Emily's POV

The sun shone down on me as I made my way across the quad of Hartfeld University. I set down my belongings for a moment. Suddenly, I heard a familiar voice behind me. "Emily! Wait up!" Zack exclaimed. My friend bounded towards me across the lawn, and I greeted him with a tight hug. "Look at you! I almost didn't recognize you with that new 'do! Let me tell you, you are rocking that look."

"Zack! I know we got to hang out on our road trip, but I missed you!" I exclaimed.

"I missed you too! And I missed being on campus!"

"Me too! I can't believe we're sophomores already... Freshman year flew by!"

"Right? I don't know how we're gonna top last year." Zack squatted down next to the large fish tank I set beside my suitcase. "Aww, you brought our favorite pet along! Hi Gerald!"

"I think he missed you too."

Gerald wiggled his antennae in excitement. "I'm just glad he found a happy home instead of being made into soup. Anyway, back on the subject of sophomore year... What are you looking forward to?"

"I can't wait to meet my new roommate! I loved our suite last year, but I'm excited to see what living in the dorms is like!"

"Yeah... I'm really going to miss our setup, though. The six of us were a good match."

"Come on, it's not like we're never going to see each other! Besides, it'll be fun to meet new people."

"So you say... But I'm nervous about having a roommate. What if I get paired with, like, Tripp?"

"Zack, it's going to be fine. And if it's not, you can always crash in my room."

"Alright, alright. I guess I've just got the first day jitters. Anyway, I'll bet you're excited to get back to your favorite rebel with a cause."

"Definitely! If you think you're nervous to start school, you should see Zig! But it sounds like his family is super proud of him."

A group of freshmen rushed past us, jostling my suitcase. "Guess the quad is starting to get pretty busy for move-in day..."

"We should probably head to our dorms and get unpacked. But I'm glad I ran into you!"

"Same! You got Tyler's text about him and Abbie's welcome back party at their apartment tonight, right?"

"It's been such a crazy morning, I haven't checked my phone in hours. I can't wait to see their new place! I just can't stay out too late... I have to meet with Gabriela tomorrow morning."

"I meant to ask how Professor Vasquez's book was going. Any updates on the publication?"

"There are still a few details to work out, but it sounds like it'll be through editing by the end of this year!"

"That is so cool! I mean, how many students can say that they helped co-write their professor's novel?"

"I just hope I can do his memory justice... But Gabriela's given it her blessing."

"Hey, you worked so hard on it last year! I'm sure he'd be really proud of you. Anyway, I should get going so we can unpack. But I'll see you at Abbie and Tyler's place tonight!"

"Yeah, I'll catch you later! Good luck with your new roommate!" I waved goodbye and headed towards my new dorm. Once I reached my dorm, I unpacked my suitcase. My roommate was nowhere to be seen, but her belongings were scattered all over the room. "Geez, it looks like I got paired with a real slob. I hope she's nice, at least..." Suddenly, the doorknob jiggled, and in walked. "Rachel?"