No Interruptions

Chapter One

Chapter One 

“Yes, Ma, I’ve got everything. Now please-go back so that you beat the traffic!” I said, walking her to my dorm room door. She gave me a stern look, her blue eyes twinkling as her lips fighting a smile. “I just want to make sure you’re going to be alright. Sure you don’t need help putting anything away?” “Yeah, I’m sure. Besides, my roommate will be here soon and she can help.” I said, and my Mam nodded. “Alright, Sweetie. Don’t forget to rush tonight, be safe, and make sure to look for Jess. I love you.” “Love you too, and I won’t forget. Drive safe.” I said, giving her a swift hug. She shot me a sad glance over her shoulder after she’d pulled away and retreated down the hall, her eyes shining. I waved at her, and she returned it before turning and dodging the business in the hallway. Sighing, I left my door cracked and walked inside, ripping open the first box. 

I was putting sheets on my bed when I heard a very loud clanking and fumbling coming from the front of the room. When I turned, there was a redhead with her back to me, pulling two suitcases with bags tucked under her arms. “Do you need help?” I asked after a few minutes of her struggling, and she screamed and dropped everything. I slapped a hand over my mouth to stop from laughing, but she shot me an amused look before tucking her hair behind her ear. “That would be fantastic, considering you scared the shit out of me.” She laughed, and I joined in, climbing off my bed and walking over to her. I picked up a few bags and grabbed a suitcase, wheeling it over to her bed. “Come on, Josh!” She said, standing and looking at the door. I opened my mouth to ask a question, but I was cut off by a very tall, very handsome guy in a yellow polo wheeling a cart packed with boxes in the room. Another followed, just as good looking, and they stopped them in the middle of the room. “Where do you want ‘em, Sam?” The first guy asked, his voice deep as it rumbled through the room. “Um, put them over there so they’re out of her way and she can get unpacked too.” Sam-apparently that was her name-smiled at me, and I returned it, still confused. My boxes had already been here when we got to the room, so I figured my Mom had pulled some strings. “Hey, isn’t this the room Niall and Mikey went into?” The dark haired guy asked as they began to unload the boxes, they’re muscles barely straining. “Yeah, they were probably for her.” One of them said, nodding his head in my direction. “I’m Sam!” My thoughts were interrupted by her sticking her hand out and flashing pearly whites. I gave her a smile and shook her hand. “Charley. Nice to meet you.” “You too. You’re really pretty.” She complimented me, very serious and out of the blue. “Oh, uh, thanks. You are too. I like your hair.” “Girls.” One of the guys muttered, and Sam rolled her eyes, whipping around. “Shut the fuck up, Derek!” She said, and the one that had come in second laughed. “Don’t get your panties in a twist.” He said, walking by her and pinching her behind. She squealed and swatted behind her, smacking him on the shoulder. I laughed, and she turned to me, smiling. “Boys.” She mocked, and Josh spoke up. “Yeah, yeah, yeah.” We all grinned. 

A few minutes later I was pulling out my clothes as she put the sheets on her bed. “So where are you from?” She asked, plopping her pillow on the bed. “I’m from LA, down in Santa Monica. You?” I asked, and she smiled. “I’m from up in the Hills. But I’m really from Kansas. We moved when I was really little.” “Nice. I was born and raised a beach baby in a little plaza. Would you rather be here or in Kansas?” I asked, and she gave me an incredulous look. “Is that really a question?” I laughed, nodding in agreement. “True.” We lapsed into a comfortable silence until she asked another question. “Are you planning on rushing anyone tonight?” “Yeah, I was going to rush Alpha Delta Phi because my Mom is Alumni and that was her sorority. You?” “Same.” She smiled. “My sister was there and just graduated. She wanted me to rush, and I’ve always looked forward to it.” I grinned. “Nice. I’m really excited because I already know a few of the girls.” I put some stuff in my drawers and closet. “I’m a little nervous.” She gave me a wary look, and I shook my head. “Don’t be. It’s not that hard, and if you just talk to most of the girls and tell them who you are and stuff, more than likely you’ll be pledged and appreciated. What’s your major?” “Photography. You?” “I’m photography too!” I said, and she gave me a genuine smile. “Sweet!”