A New Love

One

"There is no way I am paying that much money," I complained to my best friend, Joy, over the phone. "My loans won't cover it."

I was sitting with my legs crossed on the comfort of my own bed, my laptop resting on my legs. Joy and I were studying the cost of dorms for this coming school year and it was way too much for me.

"It's freaking ridiculous!" she yelled into the phone. "How can they raise the rates so much?"

I pulled it away a few inches from my ear. "Ow! Don't yell." I sighed. "I will have to start looking for rooms for rent. Hopefully I can get one before summer is over."

"Try Craigslist or something," she told me.

I exited out of the browser. "I don't know. That always seemed sketchy to me."

"You never know what you might find."

I bit my lip. "I will check it out and get back to you on it. Are we still on for the party tonight?"

"Of course. Do not forget to pick me up, please."

I laughed. "I won't. Just be ready."

"No promises."

"Okay. I've got to go. Bye."

"Bye!"

I dropped my phone next to me and fell backward. Hopefully I found an apartment quickly. If I had to, I would move in as soon as possible, even though I loved staying with my parents and siblings here at home. But saving money was my top priority right now. My parents just cannot dish out that kind of money and they should not have to.

I dragged my hand through my hair. It was finally dry. Time to get ready for the party.

I plugged in my hair straightener and started doing my makeup while it warmed up. I curled my lashes and coated them with a few coats of mascara after doing my smoky brown eyeshadow. I rubbed a moisturizer over my lips and then layered red lip gloss over it. If it was going to be windy tonight, I was going to regret that.

Twenty five-minutes later, my hair was straightened. I pulled on a strappy, backless bodysuit paired with mom jeans and some sneakers.

I texted Joy to let her know I was going to pick her up soon. This was going to be fun.

***

I eased my car into the parking space, making sure not to hit the car behind me. "You really need to get a car," I told Joy. "I do not want to be your chauffeur for the rest of the year."

She closed the car mirror and put her lipstick away in her purse. "I am going to try to get one before Thanksgiving. I still haven't decided which one I want yet."

"I can help you pick," I offered, unbuckling my seat belt.

"That would be great."

I slipped out of the car and locked it, but not before checking to make sure my hair looked okay.

We walked to the house where the party was being held. Even before we saw it, we could hear the music blasting. There were people lounging outside and on the porch with red cups in their hands. We pushed through the front doorway, glaring at any guy who looked like he might get handsy.

I saw one of my friends, Niall, sitting on one of the large sofas. He saw me too and waved me over, pushing a girl out of the way and offering me her seat.

I laughed, rolling my eyes. "Always the charmer."

He swung his arm around me. "You're my closest friend. Who needs her?"