A Drop of Love

Chapter One//First Day

      Natalia stepped onto her college campus for the first day of school. Fall semester just started, but she was already all caught up with the classes she had missed while she was in high school still. She looked around in awe of the beauty that was the University of Washington's campus. The sidewalks were slick from the rain from the night before, the leaves were changing color and falling off the tree, and even though it was cloudy, it was still a beautiful day. 

      She hoisted her leather shoulder bag up more before walking to her first class, her Converse getting splashed as she stepped in a puddle of rainwater. She took in a deep breath, breathing in the crisp, cool air. She smiled, adjusting her glasses and making sure her messy bun hadn't completely fallen out. She passed by smiling students who were happily chatting away with their friends. That was one thing Natalia wasn't worried about-- making friends. She was perfectly fine with being on her own, but wouldn't mind making one good, reliable friend.

      Meanwhile, Francisco was chatting with his friend, Victor, as they passed Natalia. Francisco paused for a second, trying to put a name to the somewhat familiar face.

"What's up?" Victor questioned.

"Nothing. It's just, did that girl look familiar to you?" Francisco asked.

"I didn't get a look."

"She might just be a stranger. After a while, everyone's faces just become one."

      They continued walking, going to grab some breakfast. Without Natalia in sight, she was out of Francisco's mind. 

"So, what're your plans for the weekend?" Victor asked, already tired of school even though he had yet to attend a class for the day.

"I'm going back home. My parents are painting the kitchen and want me to help," Francisco told him.

"Sounds fun."

"Eh."

      They sat down to eat, the small cafe filling with other college students. 

*    *    *    *   

      It was almost noon when Natalia entered the building for her second class. She sat down near the middle in an empty row, sending a quick text to her mother. What she hadn't noticed was a familiar boy sitting in the back with his friend. Francisco noticed her but didn't pay her much mind this time. 

"That's the girl from earlier," he commented to Victor.

Victor looked over at her, "You're right, she does look familiar, but I can't quite figure it out either."

      Their professor came in, beginning the class. 

"Oh, you all came today," the professor sighed.

      Natalia wondered if most professors were like this or if they gradually became like this. She wondered if she would become like this too one day. She felt someone shaking her arm, pulling her out of her thoughts.

"Oh, sorry, what?" she asked the girl.

"I was asking if you had a pen I could borrow," the girl said.

"Oh, sure."

      Natalia grabbed her small pencil pouch, pulling out a pen. She handed the girl the pen.

"Thank you."

      Natalia nodded, turning back to the professor. She mindlessly took notes, wondering if the class would always be like this.

      Not too dreadfully long later, the class ended. The professor bid them a good day before leaving first. Natalia collected her things, realizing the girl hadn't returned her pen. She was going to ask for it back, but she merely watched the girl walk out. 

"Oh well, it's just a pen," she mumbled to herself.

      She hoisted her bag onto her shoulder, adjusting her glasses and walking out. She didn't have any more classes for the day and decided to look around the school. She could look for apartments, but she wasn't sure if she was ready. However, as she was walking around, she found a flyer.

It read: Looking for a roommate! Two girls in need in order to keep apartment! Three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a kitchen, living space, and a beautiful balcony! Only five minutes away from campus by bike and nine by foot! Call this number or come to the address if you're interested!

      Natalia, being the naive girl she is, took the flyer, heading to the address. She didn't even think about the fact that it could be some dangerous scam. Even so, she didn't need to worry; the advertisement was legit. She arrived at a nice looking apartment building, going up to the fourth floor and finding number 52. When she found it she knocked on the door. 

"Yes?" a girl questioned as she answered the door, "Oh! You're the girl in my class, right? The one I borrowed the pen from?"

"Oh, yeah," Natalia nodded.

"Here, I have the pen. Did you track me down just for that?"

      Natalia peered inside as the girl stepped away to grab the pen, the apartment was quite spacious and nice.

"Um, no. I actually saw your advertisement looking for a roommate."

"Really? Are you interested?"

      The girl handed Natalia the pen, sounding eager. Natalia nodded, the girl smiling widely.

"That's awesome! Well, I'm Irene and my roommate that's not here right now is Jennie."

"I'm Natalia."

"Well come in, you can check the place out if you'd like."

      Irene grabbed Natalia's hand, pulling her inside. Natalia found that Irene was a very perky, overenergized girl. She wasn't shy and loved to talk, which matched well with Natalia's personality since they were complete opposites. Natalia really liked the apartment. The rooms weren't right next to each other, the bathrooms were nice and spacious enough, and the balcony was beautiful-- especially with the flower pots all over the place. The apartment was perfect to Natalia.

"Yeah, the place is really nice but too expensive for only Jennie and me to pay for the expenses, so we decided to get a third roommate. With you, it'll be much cheaper for the three of us. That is if you decide you like the place."

"I really do. In fact, I think I'll be your roommate."

"Really?! That's fantastic! What's your phone number? I'll send you all of the details and information."

      Natalia left, feeling sort of happy that she found a great place to live. Her home was about thirty minutes away, which was much longer of a bus ride than she liked, so she and her mom had discussed her moving into an apartment. It really felt like things were looking up for Natalia, but she was afraid it wouldn't last much longer.

Hey guys... if anyone is actually reading this. If you've read my other story "Ms. Nerd and Mr. Jock", then you already know I'm total garbage for trying to create another story when I'm already working on another. I may be slow to update, but I always do! I'm trying to get my act together, so bare with me! If you're new to my works, it's nice to meet you! Tell me about yourselves in the comments, I'd love to get to know you all! <3