Everything in the dark

First day

I wake up, disoriented by the noise of the busy street that once soothed me.

It's funny, when I first moved to California, I needed the sound of cars or white noise to sleep, but I eventually got used to the quiet.

I glance over at Gia, comfortably sleeping on the makeshift bed I made for her with my duvet, while I slept with a thin sheet. Stepping over her, I make my way to the bathroom, noticing that the other door to this Jack-and-Jill style bathroom is wide open, revealing an empty room. I guess my roommate hasn't moved in yet, I think as I close it.

I never thought this day would come. I look in the mirror, taking in my messy, frizzy hair. Quickly wetting it, I apply some curl gel that Blair gave me before I left. It's my first day, and I have no idea what to wear.

I need to make a good—or at least better—impression than whatever the fuck yesterday was.

That was one of the most humiliating things that has ever happened to me, and trust me that speaks volumes, i knew that in order to have a good college experience i had to stay as far away as possible from those guys.

i mean its a big campus, it can't be hard to avoid them. i think to myself as i reach for my suitcase but hesitate.

Maybe Gia was right, I need to stop dressing like Adam Sandler.

I grab the bag of new clothes and pull out the blue  denim shorts I bought. I pair them with a white tank top but feel too exposed, so I pull out a Neymar jersey that used to be my mom's. I used to wear it to bed, but now it fits me like a top.

Glancing at the clock, I realize I'm late for orientation, all the freshman are supposed to be meeting in the courtyard in 5 minutes to pick up our schedules and and event flyers for the semester, i was counting on this being my opportunity to make friends.

"Omg, please not today," I whine as I grab my old New Balances and backpack. Gia wakes up from the noise with a loud groan.

"Leah, you're being too loud," she complains, pulling a pillow over her head.

"G, I don't have time for this. I'm late, and you need to get up" I say, dragging her up.

"Can't you just let me sleep a little longer?" she continues to whine.

"Gia, please Let's go," I insist. She wipes her eyes and gathers her things before observing me.

"That outfit's cute," she says, coming over to me. She unties her hair and uses her hair tie to tie up my shirt in the back, tucking it in. "Now that's better."

I give her an annoyed look before opening the door.  She follows me out.

"You need money to get home?" I ask, looking at her. She still looks half asleep.

"Nope, I'm all good. Have fun and give me a debrief later" she says as she puts in her headphones and walks the opposite direction.

I check my phone to try and figure out how to get to my campus, i probably should've done this yesterday but i was so tired, i couldn't even bring myself to unpack.

i check my phone to see that i had missed the first 10 minutes but if i hurried i could maybe still make it.

———

"Yup, I'm lost,"

I say out loud as the realization hits me. Not only did I get on the wrong train twice, but every twist and turn looked the same, and I kept winding up in the same building despite my efforts.

Forty-five minutes had gone by, and I decided to call it quits. I walk into what appears to be a science building and slide down the wall, my head in my hands. I was hungry and had completely forgotten to pack the leftover pizza for lunch today.