Forward

Chapter Thirteen

Hearing Hero describe how I had lost my key to Anna only made me walk that little bit faster.

After successfully reaching my room without tripping or falling, I permit and allow a large sigh to escape my lips before throwing myself onto the freshly made bed.

"Jo?" I hear Hero's voice emerge only moments later.

Crap

"Uh.." I lift up my head, remembering how I had left one of my shoes in between the door and the doorframe as a sort of makeshift wedge so that it would stay open, ready for Hero to come in.

I didn't think he would be so bloody quick!

I attempt to reverse off the bed as carefully, and femininely as possible whilst trying my best to keep myself covered the whole entire time in order to protect what little dignity I had left.

"Don't worry, I'm not looking." He says casually.

Oh, now he tells me.

"It's okay, I'm up now." I shrug, almost losing the towel completely.

Rolling my eyes at myself, I head over to my own wardrobe which I'm ashamed to say is still not full.

In my defence, I had yet to find the time to fully unpack everything.

Last night didn't count as I was too tired and annoyed.

Selecting a sheer khaki blouse, white and pink bow top and a simple short buttoned down denim skirt, I make a mental note to myself to unpack all my stuff later without fail.

"So, campus hey?! You looking forward to it?" I ask, disappearing into the bathroom and pulling the door too behind me.

"Yeah, not gonna lie, I'm pretty excited to be honest."

I can tell by the closeness of his voice that he is just the other side of the door now.

"Oh really?" I continue to make small talk.

"Yeah, America is so different compared to England in terms of education and schools and stuff."

After quickly getting dressed, I open the bathroom door in order to make it easier for us to hear each other so that we can continue the conversation before going over to the mirror and brushing my hair.

"In what way?" I ask, focusing on improving the reflection staring back at me in the mirror, starting with a little bit of clear mascara.

"I dunno.." He enters the room and jumps up on the counter, sitting beside where I am standing. "It's just the whole experience. It's all.. So.. Different."

"I guess." I agree, smearing on some lip balm.

"Can I be really honest?" He says abruptly, almost making me jump.

"Of course." I put the lid back on my tinted balm, pop my lips and turn to him.

"I secretly kind of wish.."

That you could get with Inanna? Go ahead and say it.

"..That I could have experienced that for myself, you know.. Growing up."

"Oh.." I fold my arms and tilt my head thoughtfully.

"High school.. College.. The fraternities.. The dorms.. The.."

"Girls..?" I say raising my eyebrows.

He chuckles and shakes his head, opting to look at the bathroom floor rather than at me.