The Cheeky Asshole

179 7 0
                                    

Today is the day.

Today marks the beginning of my college experience—the day I've been eagerly anticipating ever since I turned eighteen, a mere four months ago. It feels like I've waited an eternity for this moment. Perhaps I'm a bit uptight, but I never truly enjoyed high school, so I'm determined to make the most of my time in college. These will be the last few years of my youth before the burdens of adult responsibilities set in. My parents were always fixated on my academic performance, leaving little room for anything else. I spent most of my high school years with a book in hand, missing out on the experiences that my peers seemed to have in abundance. But this time, everything will be different.

These next few years promise to be the best of my life.

As I stand outside my new home for the next two years, I take in the sight of my dorm. It may be small—no larger than a shed—and I'll be sharing it with a complete stranger, but it's mine.

"Mom, I'll be fine. Just trust me," I say, trying to quell the whining note creeping into my voice.

"Ellie, you're leaving me," she replies, her voice carrying that familiar, sad mom tone that always tugs at my heartstrings.

"I'm not leaving you completely. I promise I'll visit all the time," I assure her, kissing her gently on the forehead.

"You better. I don't know what I'm going to do without you. I'll be all alone," she says, worry lacing her words.

"Mom, don't say it like that. Mrs. Clementine will keep you company. Plus, it wouldn't hurt to try dating again," I suggest, rolling my eyes.

My mom hasn't tried dating anyone in two years. After my dad left us a few years back, she went on one date and has refused to consider another since. It's been hard for her, especially after we lost my brother four years ago. Mrs. Clementine, our neighbor, has been a rock for both my mom and me during this difficult time, frequently encouraging her to step back into the dating world.

"I know, sweetheart. I'll keep it in mind. For now, I'll let you get settled in and unpack. Call me if you need anything!" she says in a tone that signals the end of our conversation.

"Okay, Mom, I will." I envelop her in the biggest and longest hug I can muster.

"He'd be proud of you," she whispers, a sad smile gracing her features.

"I know," I reply, desperately trying to hold back tears as I watch her walk away, her expression a mix of pride and sorrow.

..............................

As I step into my dorm room, I notice a duffel bag on the bed to the left. Obviously, it belongs to my new roommate, who has already made themselves at home. I head to the bed on the right, where a small desk and a couple of drawers wait for me. Setting my boxes down, I take a moment to unpack. I find a picture of my brother and me, placing it carefully on the desk. I miss him. He would have been so proud to see me finally at my first-choice college, always cheering me on through thick and thin. Tears start to prickle at my eyes just as the door swings open.

"Hey there, sweetheart," a husky voice calls out as a figure enters.

"What the hell?" I let out, completely taken aback.

"You got a problem?" he questions, eyebrow raised.

"Don't you think you should knock before just barging into my room?" I retort, flabbergasted by this stranger's lack of decorum.

"You mean OUR room, and no, I don't think I need to. This is my room too," he chuckles cockily.

"There is no way you're my roommate; you're a guy!" I snap, my annoyance growing.

"What's so bad about that? Don't tell me you're scared to room with a boy. What are you, a virgin?" he smirks, clearly enjoying this.

"Stop being a cheeky asshole and move. I'm going to sort this out right now!" I shove past him, storming towards the door.

"Good luck with that, sweetheart," he laughs, clearly amused by my frustration.

"Stop calling me that!" I shout, slamming the door behind me.

No way in hell am I sharing a room with an arrogant jerk like him. I desperately need my privacy and certainly don't want a potential weirdo as my roommate. Frustration mounts as I make my way to the administration office, determined to fix this blunder.

I storm inside, seeing a woman in her mid-forties typing furiously at her computer. She looks busy, but I can't afford to wait.

"Excuse me, ma'am?" I say, trying to catch her attention.

She glances up briefly but returns to her typing. "What do you need, hun?" she mutters without looking up.

"I think there's been a mix-up with my room assignment, and I need it fixed immediately," I insist.

"What's your name?" she asks without missing a beat.

"Elizabeth Marie Grove," I reply with anticipation coursing through me.

"Looks like you're rooming with Dominic Kingsley," she says, barely looking up.

So that's the jerk's name.

"Yeah, and that's a male," I state firmly.

"Well, since both of you applied late, that's how the pairing happened. All the other dorms were filled," she explains matter-of-factly.

"So I have to live with him for the entire year?" My voice betrays a hint of panic.

"Considering you applied late, you should be grateful you were accepted this semester at all. If someone drops out, you'll be the first to know, but for now, it's Dominic for you," she states, her tone indifferent.

"Okay," I murmur, walking away as anxiety floods my mind.

What had I gotten myself into?

Totally cliché, I think to myself. What kind of college experience begins with fighting for a new roommate?

how can I survive a whole year trapped with someone who annoys me so much already?

As I turn back to my dorm, a sense of foreboding washes over me. I don't even know his reputation, but the way he grinned at me made my skin crawl.

Tomorrow I'll figure out a plan. I can't let a guy ruin my college experience.

The door swings open once more.

"Ready to talk, sweetheart?" Dominic's voice echoes in the hall.

What now?

.......................................................................

Short chapter I know :(

In the chapters to come, you'll see Elizabeth's fiery determination clash with Dominic's laid-back charm. Their constant bickering will lay the groundwork for an unlikely friendship that neither of them anticipated. As they learn to navigate their differences, emotions will run high, leading to moments of unexpected connection and vulnerability. Will Elizabeth be able to let down her guard, or will Dominic's teasing push her further away?

Stay tuned for more drama, friendship, and maybe a sprinkle of love in the chapters ahead! 🌟

Roommates With Mister ArrogantWhere stories live. Discover now