Violet Skies, Violet Eyes.

Chapter 1: Fresh Lemons

 I like to believe that everything happens for a reason and that everything that happens matters.

But, I still could not understand why my roommate assignment had to be a freshman. I wasn't even fond of freshman when I was one. Lynette State University had succeeded in making my life miserable for yet another year. Freshman year went by in a blur and I was very happy to no longer be residing with my parents. 

 This year had great promises. I was set out to join a few clubs: Co-Ed Tennis Heroes, Book Buddies, and Song & Dance Nation. This was also my first year away from home and living on campus. I was hoping this would be the start of my "high school" debut that I never had. I no longer had to play by my parent's rules, be a nerd, or a weak freshman that no one liked.

I could reinvent myself! This is precisely why I spent the summer changing my wardrobe and trying out new haircuts. I currently sported a girl-next door look sprinkled with a little Goth. My latest hairstyle, that I thought was a little crazy, ended up growing on me. It was cut in a short angular bob and dyed silver with a few mint streaks. 

 It was a combination that I felt could help me fit in anywhere.

Only, this freshman I got as a roommate seemed to think otherwise.

 *****

I pulled my bags up the stairs by myself.  Earlier that morning I had told my parents that I would arrive to the dorms by myself and they could visit me for dinner. They understood my reasoning and supported me in my craze for independence.  My father commented saying I was at the ripe age of 20 and no longer a teen he had to worry about.

I brought three large bags with me and would get the rest of my stuff when I met them for dinner, but it was still a lot to manage. I was assigned to a room on the fourth floor of East Halls.  I decided to avoid all of the wondering students and restless parents and took the stairs.

Finding my room was not a problem as it was the first door past the bathroom. When I arrived, my roommate was already there. Sadly, I would not luck out in having the privilege to choose the most comfortable mattress.

"Hello! My name is Meredith Sanders, I'm your roommate. It's nice to meet you!" I bounced in the room being sure to put extra enthusiasm into my introduction.

"Oh, hi! I'm Taylor. You can call me Tay." We shook hands.

"So, Tay what year are you?" I asked.

"I'm a freshman. What about you?"

"A sophomore!"

"Oh." She made a slight face and turned back to her bags which were piled atop the left bed.

"Are your parents with you?"

"No, I flew in from California." Tay replied.

"Oh wow! How are you liking it here so far?"

"Uhm, it's kinda cold."

"Did you meet any new people yet? I'm sure you'll love it here soon!"

"Well, I was invited to frat party that's tonight."

"Cool." I can't believe she's only a freshman and already has a better social life than I do.

"I would invite you to come with me, but you don't look like the type to go to those things."

"What do you mean?"

"Aren't you like goth or something?" She motioned in the air at my hair and black studded boots.