When You Least Expect It

17

When Whitney finally relaxes and it's just the two of us she's a better person. I guess she always feels like she's got to prove something when other people are around, keep up this persona of how she wants people to see her. It's too bad she can't just be herself. She stayed with me for the rest of the week after the whole Halloween incident. She was fine once I got her back to the house. Just, exhausted I guess because she went straight to sleep which is unusual for her. For the rest of the week she seemed ok. A little more needy but I kind of expected that after what she went through. But as soon as she went home, she was back to hanging out with Travis. I just don't get it. How can you just keep going back? Clearly he is not going to change. He's an absolute asshole and it kills me that she won't just get away from him. There isn't much I can do about it I guess, just be here for her when she needs me.

As Thanksgiving quickly approaches I can't help but feel a little sad. Most everyone has all these big plans to go home and visit family.. I wish I had someone to visit. It is what it is though. I'm so grateful for the friends I have now. We've become this weird little disjointed family, it's nice. Jason is only going home for two days, Taylor is going with Megan to her family's dinner, and Ashley? Corey whisked her away to some cabin in Colorado until Thursday, she was unbelievably excited when she found out. I guess his dad was working and Ashley is only going home Thursday and coming back Friday. I plan to just stick around here, work as much as I can, and maybe cook a little dinner here for me and the other stragglers.

Tuesday evening rolls around and Jason is laying with his head in Rylie's lap while she strokes his hair. "Derek, I swear, my mother would love for you to come. She lives for this kind of thing. Just come with me."

"I really appreciate the offer but I just feel out of place. I haven't ever really celebrated the holidays all that much." I shrug, "Besides, it might be nice to just have some down time to relax. I wouldn't know how to act around your family."

He rolls his eyes, "Have you met me? They would probably like you more than they like me!"

Riley laughs, "Oh hush, your mama loves you! You're her sweet little buttercup!"

"Really? Really? You just had to say it didn't you? Oh you're going to get it." Jason reaches back and starts to tickle her.

"Ok you two. Jason, shouldn't you be getting your stuff ready to go tomorrow? I know you said you were leaving early."

"Pft, you heard her. My mother will have everything I need ready, she would be offended if I brought stuff home."

Rylie giggles again, "Oh buttercup.. That's so sweet."

Jason sits up, "Girl, you better quit while you're ahead."

I know where this is headed so I make my way up to my room. If anyone should be going home with Jason it's Rylie. He's so in love with that girl. It's funny, he was hell bent on making his way around campus and this sweet little southern girl came around and locked him down. But since it's only one night they decided against it.

Whitney went home for the entire week. She took Travis with her and I just can't understand why. All I know is that her family is pretty well off and she seems to think she's an embarrassment if she's single for whatever reason. How Travis is the one she thinks is going to save her from embarrassment I'll never know..

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

After our small Thanksgiving dinner I decide to take a jog. Five minutes in and my jog turns into a walk. Oh well, at least I'm getting some kind of exercise. The campus is pretty quiet, almost everything is shut down. It's nice though, peaceful.

As I round the corner back towards the dorm I spot Samantha. She's walking alone with her arms hugged around herself, with her headphones on. I wave and jog over to her, "Hey, what are you doing out here all alone?"

She pulls her headphones off and laughs, "That sounds like a question a serial killer would ask."

"You never know." I chuckle, "Maybe I'm a serial killer."

"A real serial killer would never admit to it. I just wanted to get some fresh air. We just got finished with "friendsgiving", at least that's what they called it. What are you doing out here all alone?"

"Trying to jog off the ten pounds of food I just ate. Look at this gut." I give my stomach a smack.

She laughs, "You're right, I think I saw your abs jiggle there for a second."

"So, what are your plans for the rest of the evening?"

"I don't know. I'll probably wander around for a little while longer. It's so peaceful out right now. You?"

"I was just headed back to my place. You could come hang out if you wanted. Just watch a movie or something."

She shakes her head, "Not this time, but thank you for the invite. I just need a little time to myself tonight. I've got a lot on my mind. Maybe another night?"

"Sure." I nod, "If you ever need to talk or something, I've been told I'm a good listener. You have my number right?"

"I don't but I know where to find you. Good seeing you Derek."

"You too. Be safe out here okay?"

She smiles and nods before putting her headphones back on.