Fifteen

Chapter 12: Isn't She Lovely

Sophia Kate smiled as she walked back to her group. My group! Who would've thought I'd make friends so fast! She thought excitedly. I was so worried about coming to this orientation. Worried about coming to Austin in general. She sighed.

Sophia Kate needed a few days away from home, especially after the way things ended with Trey. Yes, I am desperate for this and it is a much-needed break. She smiled to herself. The weather was beyond perfect at 70 degrees with clear, blue skies and a light breeze. Everything seemed to be going well so far and for that she was grateful.

When she woke up that morning everything seemed like it would go miserably wrong. She was late thanks to the alarm clock at the hotel not working correctly. When she got to the general assembly there were no seats left, so she was forced to stand in the back with her carryon.

As she looked for Agnes Hall where all of the Theatre and Arts students were scheduled to meet, a group of girls bumped into her without an apology or offer of assistance as her schedule and phone dropped. She was so wound up with anger and nerves that she was on the verge of tears, but a loud voice shut the floodgates before they had a chance to budge.

"You rude hoes could've stopped!" A loud voice screamed from behind her. Sophia Kate turned around to find a tall, skinny Black guy with crimson colored hair scowling at the girls that bumped into her. I love him. She was in awe and his femininity put hers to shame.

His skinny jeans were tighter than any pair she owned and his crop top accentuated his very toned physique and extravagant belly button ring. "You okay, honey?" He asked helping her grab her schedule before the wind snatched it. "Yeah. I think so," She smiled thankful that her screen did not crack.

"You need to be more careful, miel." The voice belonged to a beautifully, exotic girl walking towards her. She looked like a miniature Sofia Vergara with a matching accent.

"Ariel?" She hadn't heard the nickname in a while, but looking towards the voice she knew she'd find a gorgeous girl with big, dark brown eyes that complimented her matching skin tone. "Helen!" Sophia Kate couldn't believe her eyes. They ran towards each other immediately embracing and jumping while screaming. "How is this possible?"

Sophia Kate had missed her so much, especially that kind and genuine smile. The Hispanic girl and fabulous guy stared at them like they had lost their minds, which reminded her of the last time they saw one another and did this same jumping, screaming routine. Thank You, Lord for small blessings. She smiled to herself as she let go.

Aria couldn't believe her eyes. "What the heck is going on?" Quincy questioned. "Quincy Watson...Deja Ruiz...this is the notorious Ariel! I told you both about her each time I got back from camp." Deja gasped. "Oh wait – this is thee Ariel? The white girl that dances like Beyoncé, Ariel!"

They laughed as Sophia Kate blushed. "Yes, this is she!" Aria couldn't believe her luck. She had spent weeks praying for college to be different, better. High school wasn't tortuous like the movies made them out to be for girls like her, but the common denominator was the superpower of invisibility.

She remembered thinking that if she actually disappeared no one would notice. She had acquaintances at school, but her meaningful friendships had been made at her dance camps.

Sophia Kate and Aria first met in the eight-grade. The annual No Limit Dance Camp in Houston, Texas was the most amazing experience for intermediate and expert dancers who wanted to grow in other dance genres. You had to be recommended by a dance instructor and even then you had to audition to be considered for the camp. She had been in ballet since she could walk and loved it, but wanted to learn more about contemporary and hip-hop. Sophia Kate had been a hip-hop legend amongst fellow dancers and wanted to dabble in tap and jazz.