Away (Harry Styles fanfic)

Chapter 3

I'm left thinking in the guest bedroom that I suppose is mine unless I decide to move to a dorm room. I could always leave the dorm if need be, and live here.. Dad said I was always welcome and was allowed to do that if I wanted. I don't know how long I was lying down on the bed, staring up at the ceiling, thinking about my life here. I know, nobody. I have, no where to live at the moment. Well, for definite. And I don't know how the college life works here. I could ask Taylor, but I'm not sure if she really wants to talk to me. 

"Dinner's ready!" I hear Rose call, which wakes me from my day drem instantly. I drag myself down the stairs and almost bump into Taylor by accident. 

"I'm sorry." I chuckle to myself, I can't believe I didn't see her. I read her facial expression and she did not look amused at all. 

Shit. 

"Don't laugh you little bitch. My house, my rules. Stay out of my way, you dumb Australian" She spat as she stormed out the front door, slamming it shut behind her.

I stand there with my jaw pretty much on the floor. I can't believe she said that. Yeah, I get that she's not happy with me being here, but you know what? I am here , and I'm here to stay until college is over. I just need to stay out of her way, and stay out of trouble in general. I'm the new girl, so of course people are going to look at me, and question, but I need to fly under the radar and make these few years fly fast.

"Rose made some of her signature potatoes, salad and roast for dinner. It is the best." My Dad says as I enter the kitchen. "Is everything okay?" he asks, a worried look formed on his face. I nod, and grab a plate.

Dinner went by fast, small talk on getting to know eachother. It was really nice. Rose owns a small shop in the main shopping complex a few streets away, but spends most of her time at home, cleaning and doing the other house wife deeds. Dad is also completely in love with her, and I don't blame him. She's caring, and she loves every part of him, and that's what matters.

I spend the rest of the night skyping Mum and Ava, describing everything that's happened. I didn't really explain what Rose was like, because I thought that would be a bit awkward to mention. I just said she was engaged to Dad. Ava already misses me heaps and catched me up on all the gossip. I honsetly don't care, she's more of the gossiper, not me. I just lsten anyway because I really don't want to talk to Taylor at all. 

"What's she got agaisnt you?" Ava asks.

"I honestly don't know. Just the fact that i'm her 'soon to be' step-sister. I haven't done anything to her." 

"Just ignore the bitch. Life will be much easier." 

"What if I don't make any friends? What if I don't make any friends, Ava?" I suddenly ask, completely off topic. The question has been swirling around in my head for the past few hours. What if i don't make any friends? What if I'm alone?

"What?" she questions.

"You heard me. What if i'm alone. I only have my Dad. I won't go to the college parties, cause I won't be invited. I'll be the loner, Australian girl nobody wants around them." I feel the tears threatening to pour out of my watery eyes as I svoid looking at the screen. I hear a small knock on the door.

"I'm sorry Av, I've gotta go. Talk tomorrow." I abruptly end the call and look at the door. "Come in." I call. 

The door slowly opens and I sigh at the fact it's Rose with a cup of tea for me. She notices my teary eyes and sits on the edge of the bed next to me, handing me the cup.

"What's wrong Steph?" She asks, pulling back a few strands of hair off my face. I fight the tears but lose the battle. Tears come pooling out of my eyes and I feel her long arms wrap around me. I cuddle into her embrace, and sob. 

"What's wrong darlin?" she questions. I shake my head as she rubs small circles on my back. I sit back and face her, still having tears roll down my face. 

"I-I don't h-have anybody-y here. I-i'm all alone. N-no friends, n-no place to p-permanantly s-stay at-t the moment-t. I-i'm alon-ne." I struggle to say through the continuous sobs. 

"Sshh. Calm down Stephanie, you need to take a deep breath." she encourages, breathing deeply, setting me a pace to follow. I need to calm down. She's right. 

"Okay, now that you've calmed down. Listen to me. I came to America when I was bout your age, looking for a job. I'm orignially from Canada, so I knew nobody, had no job, nor did I even have any offers. I was living on the streets, until I got a job at a club, being a waitress. That wasn't going to keep me going as I got older. So, I put myself out there. I made great friends. I met amazing people. I met your father. One of my good friends, Jake was a customer and he got me a job at a clothing store, i've been in the fashion industry ever since. So you need to be confident and stay strong. You're definitely in a better place than what I was in. I was on the streets for christ's sake. You've got a home, and a family, that will support you no matter what." I nod, and give her a big hug.

"It's nothing against you, I think you're amazing for my father. It's just that I think I should let you two have the house for the times that college is in progress. I just hink that it'll be a good way to get out there, but what if my partner doesn't like me.. What if she's friends with Taylor? She probably thinks I'm a dumb Australian. I just don't know what to do, Rose." I open up. I need someone to talk to, and I feel that Rose is the one person besides my own Dad that I can talk to. 

"You know what. You will make friends no matter what. There will always be a nice person that would love to be firends with the new girl. Find out what she's all about. I know Taylor isn't that fond of you or your father, but I can't change that. It's her choice, I've tried to persuade her so many times and she just shuts me out. She will eventually warm up to you, it will just take time." 

"I know she hates me. I just don't want to get in the way of anyone. I need to steer clear of trouble, and I think if I talk to her, she will give me trouble. I'm sorry to speak about your daughter in that way, but it;s how I feel." She drops her head but lifts it up to look me in the eyes. 

"Hun, you need to get to know her. tomorrow would be the perfect opportunity, just show her that you're not the bad person she thinks you are. Just briefly talk, doesn't ahve to be long. If you want me there, I can stay a bit longer in the morning. Actually, we could go shopping tomorrow, to cheer you up. I can always catch up the paperwork on the weekend or holidays.." she stops for a moment to let it process, but then starts again.

"And to be honest, I would get yourself out there, get yourself a dorm room. Become friends with your partner. Tay's friends already have partenrs, but some other girls dropped out or something. The mojority of girls are beautiful people, inside and out. They will be there for you, no matter what happens. Tomorrow, go to the college, hand in your forms and go adventuring! Go around town, get familier." 

That actually sounds like a great idea. I should go around, and get to know my surroundings. I crack a slight smile. I need to talk to Taylor tomorrow, Rose has a point. She probably thinks i'm some bitchy Australian, that doens't care for anything. But honestly, I think that suits her personality better. She hasn't even given me a chance. So i'll force her to talk to me. 

"Thankyou Rose." I say,and give her a big hug. 

She leaves me in the room for the night, alone. I need some rest, and today was just too much to handle. Especially Taylor. What was her problem? I need to clear my mind from her, and sleep well. I only have a few days 'till classes start, and i'm anything but prepared. I need boooks, a dorm room, accessories and the rest. 

Tomorrow's going to be a big day.