American Sweethearts

7

"Things have been good so far," I tell my sister. "We've gotten a better feel of the campus, and I've settled in pretty well."

"You've made yourself at home?" she asks.

"I'm getting there. It's all pretty new, but Owen is nice."

"Is there enough room for your keyboard?"

"Yep. It's in my room. It's a little tight, but I've made it work."

"I'm glad to hear. Have you been eating?"

"Yeah, but mostly pizza," I respond. "Anything else? I feel like I'm being questioned."

"I'm just making sure you're okay!" Quinn defends. "Mum and dad aren't here to look after you, so I've got to do it."

"I promise, everything is okay. Have you visited them?"

"Not this week, but I'll go tomorrow."

"Tell them I love them?"

"Of course. They know you love them, even if you don't visit."

"I hope so," I laugh.

"They do."

"How are you?" I change the subject. "I miss seeing your face every day."

"Well, aren't you a cutie?" she laughs. "I've been alright. Still waiting to hear about the promotion."

"No. Really? That sucks."

"Yeah, I'm starting to doubt if it's actually going to happen."

"It has to, right? Your boss told you the job was yours."

"Yeah, but it wasn't set in stone."

"I'm sure you'll find out soon. Your boss loves you."

"I hope so. I busted my ass to get it."

Quinn is unbelievably hardworking. She joined the police force right after high school, and hasn't stopped working since. Eventually, she wants to be chief of police, but she still has a long way to go.

"Shit," she says. "I've got to go. There's been a robbery in my precinct."

"Alright. Be safe."

"Thanks, sis. Love you!"

"Love you too," I say, but she's already hung up. I drop my phone onto my lap, returning my attention to Lena. She's sitting across from me on the couch, shoving a spoonful of ice cream into her mouth.

We've decided to spend the day inside. We were both exhausted after the party yesterday, and tomorrow is my first day of college. Lena doesn't start until Tuesday, but she agreed that a day of snacks and Netflix would be ideal. Our nails are in the process of drying, and we're both wearing a charcoal face mask. My face is beginning to tingle, so it should be almost time to take it off.

Thankfully, nothing seriously bad happened last night. I stayed away from the fire, and didn't have any more uncomfortable run-ins with frat guys. Lena ended up drinking a little too much, but I made sure we left before it got too bad. She's far more open to experimenting than I am. In fact, I'm surprised she didn't try weed when she had the chance.

"I have to tell you something," I say, leaning towards Lena.

"Sure, girl. What's up?"

"Last night," I hesitate. "While you guys were at the fire pit, I was talking to Christian, and he uhm..."

"Oh my god," Lena grins in anticipation.

"He asked me out."

"Sarah!" She calls. "I can't believe you didn't tell me sooner!"