A Moment in the Crowd

Chapter 22: Residence

I step out of my mom's beaten up Toyota to catch the first glance of my new residence. The front doors are swarming with first year university students, all carrying boxes from their parked cars, with their parents helping in any way they can. The sun is out today and everyone is sweating from the heat.

My dad didn't come with me, even though he helped my sister move into her place for her first year. I don't mind, I guess. I probably mind that he's gone as much as Rose minded that he was there with her. Rose left a week ago for her trip to Europe where she plans on spending most of her time in London, but wants to travel around to do some sightseeing too. I can't help but be jealous of her. I'd give anything to go back to Europe. I have a lot of childhood memories there, mostly in France though. 

"Come help me with your boxes Lily, I'm not doing this on my own!" My mom yells at me from the trunk of the car while she attempts to lift one of my boxes alone.

I rush to help her carry it and flinch at the weight. I think this one is carrying most of my books, which is a shame because I can feel it slipping already.

"Wait, I don't have a good grip." I tell her through heavy breaths. 

When we, eventually, get the box to my room, we set it down on the right side of the tiny dorm. The left, I guess, has already been claimed by my roommate, who I have yet to meet. There are a couple of boxes on her bed and floor already.

I can't help but be excited for university. I've had a pretty crappy ass high school experience, and I'm more than over-joyed to have the university experience. I pray that it's good because I don't think I could handle another friendless year. That's partially why I requested having a roommate. 

As if on cue, a bubbly girl with dark hair that just passes her shoulders, comes walking into the room, empty handed. She doesn't notice my mom and I yet, and gestures at someone else behind her. A young, and admittedly very attractive, guy holds a box in his hands and struggles to put it down.

"Fuck Amy you could have told me that shit was going to be so heavy." He says to her while wiping the sweat from his forehead.

"Shut up Brandon, that's what you're here for isn't it?" She turns and faces my mom and I, seemingly noticing us for the first time.

"Oh! Shit, I'm sorry I didn't know you were here. I'm Amy, I think you're my roommate?" She extends her hand to me first and I introduce myself and my mom. She's lucky my mother isn't one to scold for cussing because if she were I'm sure Amy would get a mouthful. My mom just happens to be the kind of parent who swears even more than her children. 

"This is my brother, Brandon. He's an asshole don't bother with him." She laughs and he jokingly shoves her onto the box filled bed.

"Hi, nice to meet you. I'm in my third year here and my baby sister had to choose the same university. She's a real pleasure, good luck." He smiles at me and extends his hand for me to shake and then does the same with my mom.

After the formalities are all delt with, we continue our unpacking of the car, as do Brandon and Amy. Sometimes I catch myself noticing the dark tan of his skin, or his short fair hair. He's maybe a little more than just 'attractive'. He's pretty fucking hot. I won't deny it. 

I scold myself a little for thinking that this guy is hot since I just so happen to be crazy about the most typical hottie of our generation. Harry Styles, of course.. The thought of Harry makes the weight in my chest drop. The moment he stepped out of my front door last month, I could tell that I was going to miss him. Even if it made absolutely no sense. 

I followed what the boys were doing on their tour, always checking their updates and where they were going to be next. I can't wait for the tour to be over, but at the same time, I have no idea what will happen when it is. It's not like I'm expecting Harry to come rushing over to see me, but he sure made it seem like he would.

"You alright?" Brandon snaps me out of my thoughts, and I realize I've been standing in the middle of my dorm room staring mindlessly at the wall.

"Yeah, sorry I was just thinking." I feel my ears start to heat up and I hastily cover them with my hair. Fuck I need to stop being so infatuated with every cute guy I run into.

"About what?" He asks, but then seems to realize it's a little personal, and adds, "If you don't mind me asking." He gives me a smile as he puts down one of his sister's boxes.

I begin wondering whether it's his Mom or Dad who has the fair hair, because Amy's is clearly dark.

"Just stuff back home." I return his smile and he shrugs as if to agree.

"I can't fucking wait until frosh-week" Amy comes bounding through the door, her dark hair bouncing with her. I think it's black actually, or maybe a really dark shade of brown? Either way it suits her well, and her eyes stand out more because of it. They are a light blue and it makes her look beautiful. I can't help but realize that my appearance must pale in comparison to hers. I barely put on any makeup this morning. Shit.

"Don't go too crazy, sis. I don't want to have to scrape you off of the pavement." Brandon nudges her and she stumbles a little before nudging him back, twice as hard.

"Fuck off, I know how to take care of myself." 

He smiles and then says his 'bye for now' before leaving the dorm. 

My mom left only a few minutes ago after we got all of my boxes out. She started tearing up just a little bit before she left. I can tell that she's sad, but she really wants me to have a good time, which is sweet. I have to say that I love my mom to death. 

"So, are you a study-er or a party-er?" Amy questions me as I sit down on my bed.

"I guess I'm a bit of both." I think I am at least. Probably more of a 'study-er' but I don't want to be, so I decide on going with both.

"That's alright. I'm a party-er so I swear to God if we don't get into some good parties I'm going to go crazy. And since I don't know anyone here, well other than my brother's friends but they don't count, I'm going to be taking you with me. Sound good?" She smiles at me and I laugh in return.

"Sounds good to me." 

We don't talk much after that, since we focus mainly on unpacking our essentials. I end up unpacking a lot and I only have about two or three more boxes until I'm finished. Amy and I ask each other the general questions while we unpack, so it makes for a pleasant enough conversation. I like Amy, she's gorgeous and all, but mostly she seems fun. I definitely need some fun.

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Author's Note: I hope everyone's enjoying the book so far. If you do read, I'd really appreciate it if you voted or commented or something. It would be really cool to read some comments. Thanks and I hope you're enjoying the story so far :)