Be you. Unapologetically.

Chapter Three *Blake*

The mandatory meet and greet turned out to be very informative and engaging. Stacey informed us that the following week everything that needs fixing in the house will be fixed and the outside of the house, front and back will begin to be cleaned weekly. The people she originally hired to complete the work before our arrival never showed and she explained that she couldn't do the work herself. Stacey began renting the rooms in her house to college students at affordable prices in hopes to encourage students who couldn't afford to live on campus to follow through with their dreams. Her only rules were that we take care of her house by cleaning after ourselves and that we respect each other. There are three females including myself and two males that will be staying at the house this semester. Stacey had games set up for us to mingle and get to know each other which was important so we could all feel comfortable living together. The two guys seemed cocky, one of the girls didn't want to participate in the activities, she awkwardly sat in the corner. The last girl Jade seems cool and down to earth, I can see me and her getting along really well. We stayed in the living room long after the meet and greet was over just chilling and getting to know each other.

As I tossed my bag on the bed a few things fell out. As I began to pick them up I noticed the card that the barista handed me from my future husband. I decided to text him "How's that soft spot for beautiful women?" The mystery behind this man excited me which felt wrong since technically I'm still in a relationship. Brandon and I have been dating for two years now which was amazing up until the last few months. It just seems like we've been off, not connecting like we used to, he's been distanced, and when we're together it feels awkward. My intuitions are telling me it's another woman holding his attention but the love I have for him is telling me maybe he's going through something. I've always told him that if he felt attracted to someone else or lost interest in me to break up with me instead of cheating. We use to have sex at least twice a day to suddenly not having sex at all. When I questioned him about it he turned it into an argument saying maybe we just needed a break but never officially said we were done. I'm hurt because it came out of nowhere, no explanation or nothing he just started pushing me away. I don't know if I should let go and move on or give him some space to come around. I wanted to see him before I left for school but he wouldn't answer any of my calls and when I texted him, he read the message but didn't respond.

"It's better now that I have the chance to get to know you." Mystery Man and I texted nonstop, although I learned his name I still saved his number under mystery. He became a great distraction from my relationship issues with Brandon and my thoughts on my relationship with my parents. I just don't understand how a man can create a child and not want to be involved in that child's life. My dad's lack of presence in my life is why I'm not sure how a man is supposed to treat me, that's something a father is supposed to teach. I thought to myself as I tossed the little box he gave me back and forth, I sat it back on my dresser deciding I wasn't ready to open it yet. All I've ever wanted was a close relationship with my mother which I don't have. Since I couldn't have that special bond with my mother I've always overplayed my role as a friend. Lately, I haven't been sure about my life, I've been looking for signs that I'm on the right path but have yet to come across them. My dream is to become a successful author and public figure. Why am I here when I don't need a degree for those things, I questioned myself. Reasons unknown to me, I thought a degree would magically give me the money I need to provide for my mother and me. I choose English as my major and in two hours my first day of classes will begin.

I arrived at school an hour early so I could find all my classes which I was taking four of, the cafeteria and bathroom. As I was leaving out of the bathroom a girl with frizzy pink hair was walking in causing us to lightly bump into each other. "Damn bitch am I invisible?" pink frizzy yelled. Girl, relax it isn't that deep I said as I begin laughing. I've never been a confrontational person unless I was pushed to be and that's a side of me I try to avoid because it could get ugly. "Girl just get the fuck out my way!" she yelled as she brushed past me. Strike one I said to myself as I eyed her from head to toe memorizing what she looks like. At strike three, I can't be held accountable for my actions. Entering my first class I noticed the awkward girl from the meet and greet sitting by herself and debated if I should sit next to her or not. Eyeing the classroom, the desks are paired by twos and mostly all the seats were already taken. I decided to sit next to my roommate in an attempt to get to know her. Hey I remember you from the meet and greet, I hope it's ok for me to sit here, I said as I placed my books on the desk. Nervously, she smiled and said "It's fine you can sit here. I'm not good at social settings, that's why I didn't participate at the meet and greet." We talked a bit more before class started and I conclude that she's more so shy and to herself than awkward.

After my last class, I headed to the library to begin my first day at work. I honestly don't think I have the energy to be a full-time student and employee, I'm already exhausted and my shift hasn't even started. I set my school schedule up so that all four of my classes were held on the same days, Monday's and Wednesday's. I didn't have a set work schedule yet but I plan on asking the manager about one, I sighed as I opened the library door. Sabrina, the store manager greeted me immediately, she's pretty, knowledgeable, and nice. Between her showing me how to complete all the tasks I will be responsible for each shift, we got to know each other better. She briefed me on her life and I'm astounded, you never know the battles people are fighting and it pays to treat people how you want to be treated. After my shift I hugged Sabrina tightly because I felt like she needed it, I said goodbye and left. The library is only about five blocks from the house so I decided to walk even though it was dark. I kept checking my surroundings to make sure I wasn't being followed, to calm my nerves I decided to call mystery man. "Wassup beautiful?" he said, sounding sexy as he answered the phone. I smiled and begin to tell him about my day, we talked all night until I fell asleep.