In the Middle

Chapter One

Grae darted through the crowded streets of New York City, trying to make it to her destination on time. She was running late, and knew that her roommate, Sienna, would be less than pleased with her. The slow drizzle that had been coming down when she left her job at the library transitioned into a complete downpour, making Grae regret the decision to walk to the Film Senior Showcase being held at her college.

Tonight was Sienna's night to finally share everything she had been working toward throughout the last four years of her schooling. While Grae's passion was writing, Sienna immersed herself in all things film related. Sienna had poured herself into this short film for the last 6 months, and was extremely secretive throughout the entire process. "It would ruin your viewing experience," is what she repeatedly told Grae whenever she tried to learn some of the details of the film.

As she neared the building, Grae recalled the first time she entered the doors of the auditorium, at the beginning of her schooling. She remembered the nervous excitement she felt that day, and the feeling coursed through her body once again as she realized this may be one of the last times she would be visiting this building as a student of NYU and would soon be entering the real world. Her writing skills would be put to the test. She knew she was talented, and felt confident that the last four years had properly prepared her for what was to come. Trying not to consume herself with thoughts of the future, Grae shook her head and instead focused on the night ahead.

Grae pushed the door of the building open and said a silent prayer of thanks when she realized the event had yet to start. She spotted Sienna across the room standing with a group of her fellow film students. Sienna's hand was on the arm of a tall, attractive guy with blond hair, and she was laughing wildly at something he had said. Grae chuckled to herself as she concluded that the man that Sienna was currently gazing at with a look of adoration had to be Jack, the object of Sienna's affections. The pair initially met during the filming of Sienna's movie, and she could not stop talking about how brilliant, sensitive, and completely perfect Jack was. After five months of pining after him, Sienna finally had her first date with Jack last month, and the gushing only increased after. Jack was not the first on Sienna's short list of conquests, and although he may not be the last, he made Sienna happy, and that was all that mattered. Grae had rarely dated throughout the last four years, instead making the choice to focus on her studies. Her lack of dates had never bothered her, but seeing Sienna happy with the potential of a new love in her future, Grae couldn't help but feel a twinge of loneliness. Pushing that feeling aside, Grae approached the group of students, putting a hand on Sienna's shoulder.

"Grae, you made it!" Sienna said as she turned around with an infectious smile on her face. Her smile quickly morphed into a frown as she gave Grae a once-over, taking in her rain-soaked appearance. "And you walked."

"Walking is good for you! And free."

Sienna rolled her eyes, then turned her gaze to Jack. "Jack, this wet idiot is my best friend and roommate, Grae. Grae, this is Jack."

Jack stuck his hand out toward Grae, eyes unwavering, and smiled. "It's so nice to finally meet you. Sienna never stops talking about you. Now I can finally put a face to the name."

Grae smiled back at Jack, grasping his hand with a firm shake, "I've heard so much about you; well, at least enough to get about two thirds of your biography written." She smirked at Sienna, who was watching her with red cheeks and wide eyes that conveyed a look that screamed 'shut up immediately.'

Jack laughed and pulled Sienna into his side, kissing her on the forehead; Sienna's blush increased. Grae smiled at the sweet gesture, almost feeling as if she was intruding on a private moment.  Now that Grae was able to meet Jack and study the two of them together, she could tell that Jack was just as smitten with Sienna as she was with him. Grae couldn't blame him; Sienna's long auburn hair and tall, athletic frame paired with her kind and bubbly personality could attract anyone.