Trigger Kids

Chapter 3

Authors Note: Welcome friends! Notice the change in italics. It's a throwback in time, so keep that in mind for further readings.

I'd love to hear what you thought, have a lovely day.

Maya xx

Three Months Earlier

"A cabin?" I ask Marcus, the college guide, dubiously.

"State of the art," he beams, lugging my fat suitcase up to the front door. "Fit with it's very own kitchen, ensuite, two beds and applian- "

"Wait, sorry, two beds? I'll have a roomie?"

"Sure will," Marcus nods enthusiastically. "Yeah, sorry if that's not really what you were after, but the halls of residence are totally booked out this semester. Wait for Spring semester though, I'm sure someone will decide college isn't for them and open up a space for you."

I attempt to laugh at Marcus's wry humor, side eyeing the Engineering geek. "So, do you know who my roommate is?"

"Yeah, his names Seb Harvey, really cool guy! He's in his second year here at UCE."

"I-I'll be rooming with a guy?"

"Just for the semester if you get onto the halls as soon as someone drops out," Marcus rushes to explain. "But don't worry, he's totally chill."

All of a sudden the front door to the cabin is yanked open and a sleepy giant appears in nothing but a pair of shorts. His arm stretches up to grip the top of the door frame as he runs a palm down his face. Marcus jumps back beside me in alarm and I get the feeling this guy isn't so totally cool.

"Thought I smelt fear," the man in the doorway says roughly. "What do you want Finke?"

"U-Uh, hey, Seb!" Marcus's freckled face can't hide the apparent blush of shame. "I brought your new roomie."

I give a small wave, still a little stunned by the height of him. That, and despite being overdue for a fresh shave and haircut, as well as perhaps a shower, he's beautiful. But then he scratches his armpit and the blossoming transfixion dies.

"I don't remember ordering one."

"Well, no," Marcus laughs. "You see, the halls of residence are full this semester and the only available room is... yours."

"Is there an issue here?" I ask Seb in particular.

"Do you snore?" he asks.

"No," I retort truthfully.

"Are you messy?"

"No."

"Do you know how to cook?"

"A little," I wrinkle my nose in annoyance. "I really don't see what that has to do with-"

"Then, no, there's no problem here," Seb says. "What's your name?"

I'm speechless for a moment, a little bit confused to say the least. "Uhh..."

"It's really not a hard one, kid."

"India!" I fire off. "My name is India Price."

Seb steps out of the doorway and grabs my suitcase with ease, his bicep flexing. "Where you from, Price?" he asks, motioning me to follow him in.

I glance back at Marcus who looks ready to slink off, happy to be ignored by Seb.

"Arizona," I say.

"Figured," Seb scoffs.

I enter the cabin, glancing back one last time at Marcus who's disappearing beyond the tree line, before taking in my surroundings. "Oh, yeah? Why's that?" I ask absentmindedly as I scan the floor plan.

There's a desk in the corner next to an unmade bed which quite obviously belongs to Seb. A television occupies the main wall space adjacent to a heater, and then another single bed.

He drops my suitcase onto the spare bed. "Well, because you're wearing an Arizona State sweatshirt. Come, I'll show you the bathroom and kitchen."

I glance down at my grey sweater, feeling stupid for being tricked like that, as I follow his broad back into the modest sized kitchen unit. The sink is stacked full of dirty dishes, the microwave half open with what looks like spaghetti sauce splattered everywhere. There are Quest Bar wrappers and empty noodle cups on the counter, as well as a stack load of pre-workout formula.

"So you were the jock in high school," I assume, taking it all in.

Seb leans on the door frame, his muscular arms crossed, a confident smirk playing on his fine lips. "I served my time. How about you Miss Arizona State?"

"I was a swimmer," I say, leading my own way to the only other door in the cabin which I guessed belonged to the bathroom. Inside was the same sort of deal.

"Can I just ask," I spin around, catching Seb off guard. "Why question whether I'm the messy one when clearly you live like this?"

"Well what I meant to ask was, do you mind cleaning?"

I smirked back at him, folding my arms over my chest. "How about you just lay down the law," I suggest.

Seb clears his throat, heading back to the main room with the two beds opposite each other. "Sure thing," he says, hopping onto his own bed.

I get onto mine, crossing my legs as we face each other.

"Don't bug me when I'm studying. Don't chew with your mouth open. Don't bring overnight guests, and don't leave your period shit in the bathroom."

"Easy, done."

"So," Seb leans back casually, tucking one leg up at the knee. "What's your major?"

"Psychology," I answer. "You?"

"Engineering."

"You're kidding, right?" I guffaw.

"Depends. Why's that so hard to believe?"

"Don't you have to have above average intelligence to make a course like that?"

Seb just looks at me.

"Sorry," I stammer. "I just mean...I didn't pick you to be an Engineering major. Is that how you know Marcus?"

"Well, thanks, I guess," Seb frowns. "Finke? Nah, we went to high school together. What, did he say something about me?"

"Just that you were 'totally chill'", I retell.

"Finke knows me best," he laughs.

"Okay..." I hop off the bed. "Is there any place I can put my clothes?"

Seb jumps off the bed, his torso grabbing my attention. "Seriously? You're going to unpack right now?"

"Well, yeah, I have my first lecture tomorrow morning so I kind of want to get settled."

"Yeah, no," Seb snorts, slipping into a pair of Nike shoes. "Come on, I'll give you the grand tour."

"Oh, no, seriously Marcus just finished showing me around," I say.

"Yeah, so now I'll take you to the actual cool spots around here."

I couldn't help it, I smiled. Just like that I'd grown a strange and developing affinity for Sebastian Harvey.