Housemates

Chapter Two

The Rules

I make my way over to the couch and sit down, carefully. Even though this was my house, I still felt like a guest. After setting my suitcase and rucksack down at my feet, I crossed my hands in my lap, and waited for Dominick to guide me to my room.

Someone knocks on the door frame and I look towards it quickly. Dominick stood there with another boy.

Tall, handsome, bad-boy vibe. The boy had light blue eyes and tan skin. His hair was a curly brunette and his eyes had crow legs from smiling.

"Sup?" He says nonchalantly, leaning against the frame. "I'm Max."

I can't find my words and I stutter, "I'm, uh, Anne."

It was hard to look him in the eye, so I stared down at my hands. At least I had maintained eye contact for a few seconds.

"Is anyone sitting there?" He pushes off the wall and makes his way over to me.

Dominick suddenly clears his throat. "Why don't you take a seat over there?" He points to the opposite end of the couch.

"What? I can't sit next to her?"

"It's better that you both have more space."

"Bull. You just want to have her to yourse-"

Dominick slams a packet of papers into Max's chest with surprising force. "Here," He glares at him, not blinking or averting his eyes. "are the house rules."

He then walks over to the couch and hands me a packet, much more delicately. My hands linger on his and I feel my cheeks get warm. He smiles reassuringly as he turns back around.

I guess Max just irritated him.

"Since you two are the only new students, I'll go over them with you both separate from the rest." He flips open a packet of his own, "Anne, would you like to start reading?"

"Oh... Okay." I open mine as well. After clearing my throat, I start to read: "1. There shall be no consumption, storage, or sale of alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs in the housing area, nor shall any underage person be under the influence while inside the House."

I've never touched a drop of liquor in my life, so that rule shouldn't be a problem.

"2.," I start reading again, "There shall be no pets housed in or around the building."

"I'll go next," Dominick pipes up, "3. The sidewalk, entries, and stairwells of this building shall not be obstructed or used for any other purpose than for entering and exited the respective areas of the house. 4. There will be no flammable materials or explosives stored in or about the housing area."

Purposefully causing a fire hazard? They only put rules like that once it's been done. I glance nervously at Max, who just smiles at me coyly.

"Guess, it's my turn. 5. Students should not play music or instruments at such hours and at such volume to disturb other students in the house."

That's a good rule. I hate when my sleep schedule is interrupted.

"6. There will be no firearms or weapons permitted in or about the housing area. It is vital to Dominick that his iron-fisted rule over the populace of this household be lasting and eternal, such that any rebellion can be crushed within a moment's notice."

Dominick's face gets hot, but he plays it off with a chuckle, "Very funny. Read it properly."

"Hey, man." Max smirks and puts his hands up in mock surrender. "I'm just reading what's on the paper."

I read rule number 6. Then I read it over.

That is actually kind of amusing.

Dominick's face flushes, "I'll be right back." He turns slowly, yelling, "Isabella!" Then he drops everything and tears up the stairs with the speed of an angry bull.

Isabella? As in the Isabella that bumped into me earlier?

She may be rude, but I can't help but to admire the sheer audacity it must have taken to edit the rules sheet right under Dominick's nose. I wish I could be half as fearless as that.

Dominick left so fast he dropped our keys. Max stands up from his side of the couch and tosses me mine; I just barely manage to catch it.

"Welp," He casually scratches the back of his neck. "I'm gonna bring in my gear and then tour the rest of this place. You coming?"

Well, I do  want to be more social. At the same time, I have no idea why he'd want me to come along when we're complete strangers. "Why me?" I finally say disinterested.

He looks taken aback, "Uh, I was just thinking it'd be easier if I introduced you to everyone, 'cuz you seem kinda shy."

"...Really?"

"What? I'm a nice guy!" He smirks and crosses his arms.

I can't help but laugh, but I immediately feel bad for it. Luckily, Max is grinning, as well, so I don't think I hurt his feelings.

"Okay." I smile, "I'll come with you."

He shoots me a gratified grin. "That's the spirit! Come meet me at my room once you finish unpacking, alright?"

"Alright."

I sling my rucksack over my shoulder and began lugging my suitcase up the stairs following Max to where our rooms were.