Fragments of Us.

Part 1

I groaned loudly before turning my face into the pillow, screaming. A wah do dem dutty loud mouth gyal ya man! I hate living on campus, it is so annoying.

The early morning sun crept through the thin curtains, casting a warm golden glow on the small dorm room. Outside, the noisy chatter of girls echoed through the corridor, making it impossible to find peace. The sounds of clanging pots and laughter bounced off the concrete walls like a morning ritual I didn't sign up for.

I angrily took my phone from the charger, checking the time. Dem really so damn loud, 9 inna the morning. How dem can chat suh! The digital clock blinked back at me, confirming my frustrations.

Sighing, I got up, stomping to the small chest of drawers that barely fit in the cramped room. The smell of my cinnamon scented plug-in lingered. I tugged open the drawers to take out my clothes for the day—underwear and my gym clothes. Good thing dem loud still, I thought, cause look how Ddra woulda murda mi fi miss gym.

Right before I could step into the shower, Ddra called. "Miss yuh wake?"

"Then mi nuh ansa the phone, Ddra? Mi nuh miss wake." My voice was still tinged with the annoyance of the morning.

She hissed her teeth before laughing a bit. "Mi ready so just knock pa mi door when yuh ready."

After chatting for a bit, I hung up. The cool tiles of the bathroom were a relief as I grabbed my exfoliating gloves, the scent of Japanese Cherry Blossom body wash filling the small, steamy room. Why mi mada nuh tap buy dem ya? Matter a fact, why dem even still a make dem ya? The bubbles slid down the drain, carrying my lingering sleepiness with them.

I quickly got out and brushed my teeth, the minty taste sharp and refreshing. Remember fi floss and use mouthwash to people. It nuh dat hard. The bathroom mirror reflected my groggy face, eyes still heavy from the lack of sleep, but I pushed through.

Once dressed, I grabbed my backpack and knocked on Ddra's door. Her room was just a few doors down the narrow hallway, the walls lined with posters and flyers from student events. The loud laughter from my flatmates filled the air, but I ignored them, keeping my eyes straight. Like dem nuh know mi will nuh chat to a soul.

"Hi babyyyy!!!" Ddra screamed as soon as she opened the door, hugging me tight. Her bright energy was always infectious.

I laughed, hugging her back. "Yuh neva just chat to mi pa di phone?" I said, giggling at her excitement.

"Your patios different enu!" She laughed again, teasing me like she always does. She claimed I talked extra bad because I'm from Saint Elizabeth, but I never took it to heart.

We walked through the campus towards the Student Union, the morning sun now fully up, making the trees sway gently in the breeze. The sidewalks were filled with students heading to class, their voices blending into a background hum as we chatted on the way. After a vigorous workout at the gym, we stretched and made our way back to Irvine Hall, the air cool against our sweaty skin.

"We can go out tonight? Layla dem say dem a go Tacbar and then Ribbiz," Ddra said, as we walked through the open gate of our hall, the scent of fried dumplings from a nearby flat making my stomach rumble.

"Ddra..."

"Before you say anything just hear me out," she interrupted.

"Go ahead."

"I know that she's not your friend like that, but she's really nice. And before you ask, yes I asked her if she's comfortable with you coming."

"Alright."