Playing For Keeps (Harry Styles)

Chapter 3

I manage to shake off any drowsiness I had as my mom continues down the main, tree lined drive. My face is pressed to the window in awe as my eyes scan over the beautiful landscape in front of me. Barnett is a small college, and that was exactly what I wanted. Ahead of us at the end of the drive stands a beautiful aged brick building with a sizable board saying "Administrations". I finally whisper, "This is it," while pushing my sunglasses up onto my forehead. My mom gives a contented sigh, but I can't tear my eyes away from the building to give her a smile. 

The car is put in park, in a space directly opposite the ornate wooden doors. I let out a breath I didn't realize I'd been holding. My mom takes my hand in hers and strokes it softly with her thumb before asking, "Ready?" With a slight gulp, I manage to nod. Where did these nerves come from?

I swing my legs out of the passenger seat after I place my stick safely in the backseat. I don't allow myself to hesitate in my advance toward the large stone steps. I catch my mother's eyes and give her a small smile. I run up the stairs- I want to get it over with, the excitable anticipation is eating me alive.

When the creaky doors were pushed open, a reception office came into view. A kindly, older looking woman sat behind a large desk, typing away at a computer. The rest of the visible area was devoid of any human life. I softly clear my throat to politely get the woman's attention, but when that doesn't work my mom takes the charge and strides up to the desk with assurance. "Hello? Ma'am?" 

The receptionist looked somewhat startled but immediately her surprise gave way to a warm smile. "Oh, I'm so sorry, I must not have heard you! So sorry. What may I help you with, dears?" she kindly apologized.

I take this opportunity to step up and take care of my matters myself, like an adult. 

"Hello," I smile. "I'm Isabella Carter, I'm here to move in today on account of field hockey preseason starting Monday." 

"Oh, yes, I have the list of you girls right here!" She waves a paper lined with names in front of us as evidence. "Just give me a moment. I'll have your residence hall, dorm key, and dining card for you in a jiffy." She disappears behind the desk, and we could hear her rummaging through large drawers and stapling things. My mother and I share a silent laugh through a held gaze before the woman pops back into view. She hands me a large envelope, stating that everything I need is all in it. I say "Thank you," and turn to go, following my mother back out to our car.

"Hey, Miss Adult, I thought you were scared shitless right before you got out of the car," my mom takes the time to poke fun at me. I take the time to poke my tongue out at her while proclaiming "shut up" in a sing song voice. Yes, Miss Adult if I do say so myself.

...

"Mom, only you could get lost on a campus this small," I huff in annoyance as I hug my stick to myself anxiously. I just wanted to get to my dorm and settle.

"Hold your horses, calm down, we're getting there. Now what hall is it again?"

I roll out of my eyes for the tenth time since leaving Administration, when I catch sight of the sign that says my residence's name. "THERE! There it is. Found it. Sera Hall. Come on." I slap the dash repeatedly with impatience. "Stop hitting the dash, you'll set off the airbag," my mother said sternly. I hold my hands up like criminals do when apprehended by the police. "Yes, mum."

After we'd finally parked, I leaped out of the car with my stick in hand. I rush to the trunk and pull out my backpack, duffel, and two more small boxes I thought I could manage. My mom is stifling laughter at the sight of me, craning my neck over everything I'm carrying to see where I'm going. I jog onto the sidewalk and am almost at the door when I bump into something, hard. Before I know it, I'm flat on my ass, my things strewn about me. I'm so confused as I look around blindly for the cause of my fall while my mother cackles in the background. She couldn't have warned me?

That's when I hear a masculine chuckle joing my mother's. I look up, using my hand to shield my vision from the sun, and it's as though I've seen god. Before me stands a tall, handsome boy I'd place around my age, looking completely unaffected by my clumsiness. He doesn't look like he's even flinched. 

"H-hi," I manage to stutter with an awkward smile.

"Hello," he smiles back at me, speaking with a British accent. Damn. "Need some help?"

All I can do is nod. He grins wider and steps forward to grab for my hand when we both hear a crunch and he freezes. After lifting his feet, we see the crunch came from his stepping on my sunglasses. "Shit," I swear. "Those are my favorites." He laughs a little, flashing a pair of dimples. "Were your favorites," his gravelly voice corrects me. I'm about to retort him when I look into his eyes and see the glint of humor. I smile back. "Sorry, Free Spirit, guess I owe you," he says while running a hand through a mop of dark curls.

I must've looked as confused as I felt, because he chuckled again before pointing down at my shirt. I pull my shirt away from me and try to read it upside down,  finally figuring out that that's where he got Free Spirit from. I look up again and try to sound witty, "That'd be me."

We both just look at eachother for a split second before his eyes wander to the mess around my feet. "Here, let me help you," he bends and begins gathering half of my possessions while I work on the other side. He helps me gather it all in my arms and right as I'm about to say thank you, he pulls small teddy bear from behind his back. I freeze and feel my cheeks heat up. Shit, that had to have fallen out of my backpack. Shit, shit, shit. "Don't worry, your secret is safe with me," he whispers with a wink as he gently places the bear on top of my boxes. Recovering from my embarrassment, I manage to stammer, "Thanks...sorry what did you say your name was?" 

"I didn't," he answers with a cheeky grin. He turns and starts walking away, but not before calling, "Nice running into you, Free Spirit." over his shoulder.

I'm frozen in place and I feel my mom snickering at my elbow. 

"Honey, I don't know how you'll survive on your own. Come on let's get going...Free Spirit," she cackles as she pushes me into the welcoming air conditioning.

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