Love You More

Chapter 7: Callie

I'm suddenly blinded by a mega-watt smile, accompanied by perfectly blown out chocolate hair with caramel highlights, long, bronzed legs that go on for miles, and wide eyes. It takes me a second to notice, but one eye is hazel, with gold flecks around the iris, and the other is cerulean blue.

I internally note that I have to ask her what toothpaste she uses, and within seconds she envelopes me into a cupcake-scented hug. I once thought it was impossible for a person to be this perfect, but I stand corrected.

She pulls away from the hug, and stares at me with what can only be described as a truly genuine smile. Rocking back and forth on the heels of her pink checkered Vans, she starts to introduce herself.

"Hi! You must be Callie. My name is Taegan. It's spelled super weird because my parents are like, really into Game of Thrones, but most people just call me Tay."

Her words come out at lightning speed, and I smile because she seems as nervous to meet in person as I am. She glances at the ground a lot, and I get the feeling Taegan is...intimidated? By me?

I peer behind her, looking for her parents. She must catch on because she flushes pink and tells me that her parents won't be coming because they're hosting a political fundraiser at their house that they just could not miss. Her dad is a big name in Jersey politics, and is up for re-election. I can hear the hurt in her voice as she tries to justify moving into college across states by herself.

I nod, and feel extreme empathy for my new roommate. One of my favorite sayings is "don't judge a book by its cover," and despite her perfect appearance, I know Taegan must be hurting inside. I know we will get along great. She's everything I look for in my friends: honest, kind, and genuine. Kenna tends to be intimidated by girls that are prettier than her, and therefore refuses to be friends with them, but she's just going to have to deal with it.

Taegan nervously asks me if I can help her bring some of her stuff up, and I agree immediately. After a few trips up and down the steps, we are both glistening with sweat and desperate for some food. I check my watch and notice it's already after 5pm. My stomach really is empty, and I recall that I haven't eaten anything since this morning.

We enter the room laughing about some crazy guys we saw riding the carts that are meant for bringing your luggage up to your room. I'm surprised to see an annoyed-looking Kenna perched on my bed. Without even acknowledging Taegan, she arches her brow and says "I texted you like a hundred times asking if I could come over."

I feel mild irritation creeping through my body, but try to keep my tone light so that Taegan doesn't feel uncomfortable. Kenna and I have known each other so long that we sometimes fight like sisters, but I hoped she'd have enough manners not to do it in front of someone we barely know.

"Sorry girlfriend, I was just helping my new roommate move in some of her stuff. We got to unpacking and I guess my phone is buried somewhere under here." I gesture to the mess and laugh. "Speaking of roommates, this is Taegan. Taegan, this is my best friend Kenna."

Taegan gives her a wary smile, and crosses her arms uncomfortably over her body, seeming to wait for Kenna to take the lead. I don't blame her, Kenna gives off a very alpha-female vibe and it can be extremely intimidating, which I know is her intention. Fortunately, after a pointed glare in her direction, Kenna walks over and shakes Taegan's hand.

After they briefly exchange pleasantries, I suggest we all go to explore the common area and get some dinner.

Dinner is a surprisingly pleasant time, and Kenna finally puts her claws away to ask Taegan about cheerleading, her major, and her family back home. She even compliments Taegan's makeup free beauty, and I'm bursting with joy at this budding friendship.

I'm so excited to have a group of girls to hang around with. I wasn't very close with anyone on the field hockey team in high school, and I was well liked  and popular mostly because of my relationship with Colton. College is my fresh start to have a real group of like-minded people to bond with.

After coming out of the bathroom, I stretch, and grab my pajama pants out of a bin underneath my bed. I rummage around a bit, and when I find my favorite silky bottoms, I pop my head back up. I'm met with a look of disgust on Kenna's face, and a look of confusion on Teagan's. Why are they looking at me like that? Did I spill something on myself? Oh my GOD did I get my period? I wasn't due for a couple of days but...

"Taegan, I forgot to mention your new roommate is a homebody homie. She prefers Netflix binges to parties. Myself and her boyfriend dragged her to them in high school, but she always found a corner or room to disappear to read in."

Taegan gives me a sympathetic smile after my best friend's diss. She even follows up by saying "Callie, I like to read, too! We should definitely find a book to read together and talk about."

"Count me out on the book club." Kenna snorts, before looking in my direction and continuing. "Callie, my roommate befriended some boys on the baseball team who are on her floor, and they invited us to pregame with them before going to a party tonight. Taegan, you're obviously coming with us!"

Taegan and I meet eyes, grin and shrug. There's clearly no talking Kenna out of this, so I guess we're going to a party. Joy.