A Touch Of Sin [BxB]

5.

who else is obsessed with tik tok or is it just me

And just like that, my entire life is packed into boxes and jammed inside a moving truck. I feel bleak staring at my empty room. So many memories inside these walls. But, as I keep telling myself, this is simply a chapter in my life that needs to be closed in order to open another.

I slept almost the entire trip to Westcom, my body feeling fatigued.

Considering the house hasn't sold and Ma has no concrete plans, I'm still moving on-campus. A room has become available in Haze's share-house, so Jake will be moving in there. Much the same as Ellie and Haze's situation, not to copy them or anything. But it seems to work well, so hopefully it will for us, too.

The moving-into-campus thing is quite a blur. I try to take everything in as I wander through the halls. So many others around me are walking in, boxes in arms, worrisome parents in-tow.

I feel a slight pang in my chest at my father not being here with me. I guess I always assumed I'd have him around and it still doesn't make sense to me that he's not here. Despite the years that have passed. I don't have these thoughts as often as I thought I would, but it doesn't surprise me that I'm feeling it today.

"You okay?" Ma asks me with a concerned look in her eyes.

"All good," I force a smile onto my face.

There's a lot of dorms and it's all quite confusing. Luckily Ma takes control and has where my room located within minutes. She gathers all my information packs into her hand before marching forward.

"Come on boys, we're going to fall behind schedule," she tsks at us.

Jake, who's got his arms full, like me, shrugs and smiles, before following her. It seems my room is quite far away from all the main activity, which I think is a good thing. A bit of distance from all the gatherings will be good for studying and sleep.

Thankfully, these dorms have a dividing wall so my roommate and I at least have a little space. I silently send a thank you out to anyone who is listening when I see I even have a door. That will come in very handy. What I mostly love about these dorms is that we have a private (although very, very tiny) kitchen and bathroom. I've had lots of visions of awkward eye contact in shared bathrooms and the mess of a communal kitchen like I see in all the American-college movies. It's not like that here, though, and I'm thankful. Considering Westcom is quite a prestigious school, the dorm rooms are ultra-modern and slick.

I have my room organised and everything I need for the kitchen placed within a couple of hours. I never sight my roommate. His door is locked but there are some funky coloured cushions on the lounge and a mustard-coloured blanket draped over the back of it, which makes me think he's already moved in.

Ma becomes a little hysterical and almost cracks a rib when she attempts to say goodbye. I spend a few minutes reassuring her that everything will be okay. Jake and I meet up with Haze and Ellie and we take Ma to dinner as she is a little overwhelmed.

"I love having you here already," Ellie smiles at me, squeezing my arm. "So good to have family close by."

"And hopefully me too, shortly," Ma interjects with a smile.

"Yay!" she claps.

"Don't be annoying," Haze huffs, flicking his eyes to Jake. "I'm not your babysitter anymore."

"Haze!" Ellie scolds him. "Be nice to your brother."

"Yeah, Haze, be nice to your brother," Jake sneers.

Haze makes a face at him and doesn't respond. Probably because of Ma.

My phone vibrates and discreetly I peer down at it. An unknown number has texted me.

Unknown: Looks like we're at the same uni. Almost like it's meant to be. You told him yet? Or should I? x

My heart stops. I stare down at the screen, dumfounded. Rhett. He mentioned possibly going to Westcom but I thought, surely not. Surely, we won't end up in the same pre-uni program and uni. But I guess this place was the most recommended universities for our course.

Not letting it get to me, I shove my phone into my pocket.

I feel Jake's eyes on me. I give him my most positive, flirty smile. It works. He smiles back at me and takes a sip of his drink. I try to forget about it and stay upbeat, but his words are really getting to me.

Or should I?

My stomach is churning at the thought.

Ellie asks if anyone wants to go for a walk but I say I'm tired and Ma agrees, still having to drive two-hours back home. We all depart and I cling onto Jake a few seconds longer than necessary. I don't want to spend my first night alone but I also don't want to impose straight onto my roommate.

I try to familiarise my surroundings as I walk towards my room. It's in a central location in regards to town, which is convenient.

The smell of smoke invades my nostrils as I walk into my apartment. I wave the haze out of my eyes and peer at a guy sitting on the lounge. He's inhaling from a bong. He removes it from his face, a blasé smile stretched over his lips.

"S'up," he greets me. "I'm Rapheal-Alexander Brodeur – yes, French – but you can call me Spud. Long story." He takes a breath, before smothering the bong back over his mouth.

I stand there, blinking, unsure what to do.

"Oh, shit, my bad," he lets out a wheezy laugh, smoke billowing from his mouth. "Have some. We're roomies now. What's mine is yours."

He holds out his hand and I stare down at it.

Well, this is going to be interesting.

--------------

Thoughts?

Instagram: laurenj_22

Snapchat: laurenj_22