Mila Wilson is quiet, anxious and a little bit of a mess. Panic attacks have ruled her life for as long as she can remember - but starting college is her chance to take control. Love? Not something she believes she's built for.
Then she meets Jace E...
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I spent the rest of the day exploring campus as planned. Even though I couldn't stop thinking about Jace for even a second, I managed to find all the right buildings and rooms for my seminars. It's a relief to know I won't have to scramble to find them on Monday.
By the time I head back to my dorm around four in the afternoon, the events of the weekend are still swirling through my mind. Every thought seems to circle back to Jace. Every time I imagine seeing him again tonight, a rush of nerves and excitement floods over me.
On the way back, I pick up a late lunch - some comfort food to help settle my anxiety about the party. I twist the key in the lock, push open the door, and nearly jump when I realize I'm no longer alone.
"Hey! I'm Bree, your new roommate," the girl standing in the middle of my - well, our room - says brightly.
I glance over her. She has bright blond hair cut to her shoulders, and her energy fills the rooms instantly. I can't help but smile at her infectious cheer.
"I'm Mila. It's so nice you're finally here. I was worried I'd be alone all semester," I say, dropping my purse onto my bed.
"Oh no, I just decided to come a day late because of a family thing. I got here about ten minutes ago," she explains, and only then do I notice the boxes scattered across the floor - just like mine had been yesterday.
"Sounds good. Need any help?" I offer with a smile, and she gratefully accepts.
We chat as we unpack, quickly discovering we're both majoring in the same subject - and that we have a lot of interests in common. Decorating the room becomes a collaborative project, ideas bouncing back and forth faster than we can keep up.
"So, where are you from?" Bree asks, pulling items from her last bag.
"I live about thirty minutes away, so not far at all. You?"
"Portland" she replies with a grin. "Needed a change of scenery, at least."
Something about the way she says it makes me wonder if there's a deeper reason she hasn't shared yet.
"I've always wanted to visit Portland, but never had the chance."
"You totally should! And if you do, I'll tell you all about the best spots," Bree beams.
I already adore her. There's something so carefree and uplifting about here - it makes being around her feel light, easy.
"Hey, you got any plans tonight?" she asks me, twirling a string of lights in her hands.
"Funny story, actually. I met this guy yesterday, and he's picking me up at eight for a party" I tell her, feeling a blush creep up my cheeks at the thought of Jace and his warm brown eyes.
Bree lets out a squeal. "Wait - really? Spill! Who is he?"
I recount everything from yesterday and today, feeling both excited and nervous as Bree listens intently.
