Chapter 1: Introduction
The breeze flowed in through Sarah's open window, gently tousling the ends of her short brown hair as warmth from the summer afternoon settled against her skin. Looking about her cozy new space, Sarah couldn't help but feel excited for this new phase in her life. Visions of college boys, intellectual conversations, and shared laughter in the dorm hallways danced in her mind as she gazed at her neatly lined boxes ready for unloading.
The soft murmur of voices outside her door pulled her from her daydream, and she turned to see a young woman sauntering in, her heels clicking against the worn floorboards.
The stranger was a vision of confidence, her long blonde hair cascading down her back like a waterfall of gold. She wore a short denim skirt that hugged her curves, a tight white tank top that left little to the imagination, and a pair of sunglasses perched atop her head. Her blue eyes sparkled with mischief as she took in Sarah's surprised expression.
"Hey there, you must be the new roomie," she said, extending a perfectly manicured hand. "I'm Emily."
Sarah, still taken aback by Emily's bold appearance, hesitantly shook her hand. "Hi, I'm Sarah." She couldn't help but blush at the sight of Emily's toned legs and the way her tank top clung to her ample breasts.
Emily smirked, noticing Sarah's discomfort. "So, what do you think of our humble abode?" she asked, spinning around to showcase their shared space.
"It's not much, but it's home for the next year. Well, unless you count the occasional sleepover at someone else's place," she added with a wink.
Sarah raised an eyebrow, trying to hide her surprise. "Sleepover?" she echoed, her voice barely above a whisper.
Emily laughed, a sound like tinkling bells, and playfully nudged Sarah's shoulder. "Oh, sweetie, you're in college now. Sleepovers are just the tip of the iceberg. You'll see."
Sarah felt her cheeks grow warm, and she looked down at her hands, twisting them nervously.
"No, no sleepovers for me, I got a boyfriend back home" she mumbled, her voice barely audible.
Emily raised an eyebrow, a playful smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. "A boyfriend, huh? Well, that's cute. But trust me, honey, college is all about exploring new things. It's like... an all-you-can-eat buffet of experiences. You don't wanna miss out on the dessert just because you already had the main course, do you?"
Sarah's eyes widened, and she couldn't help but laugh at Emily's audacity. "I guess I never thought about it that way," she admitted, shaking her head.
"Yea I don't operate that way" Sarah said confidently, but Emily just chuckled and waved her hand dismissively.
"Well, we'll see about that. College has a way of changing people, Sarah. You might find yourself craving some of that dessert after all," Emily said, winking at her before turning to leave, leaving Sarah alone with her thoughts.
Sarah watched as Emily walked away, her hips swaying with each step. She couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy at Emily's confidence and freedom. She had always been the good girl, the one who followed the rules and never stepped out of line.
But something about Emily's words resonated within her, stirring a curiosity she hadn't known existed. She pushed the thought aside, focusing instead on the task at hand - unpacking her belongings and making this tiny apartment feel like home.
As she was unloading her books, the sound of footsteps echoed from the hallway, growing louder until they stopped at their door. A moment later, a tall, broad-shouldered figure filled the doorway, and Sarah looked up to see a handsome young man grinning at them both.
"Hey, Em," he said, his eyes lingering on Emily's exposed midriff.
"I came by to see if you wanted to grab dinner tonight."
Emily flashed him a smile, leaning against the counter with a casual grace. "Kyle, you know I can't resist your charm. But tonight's gonna have to be a raincheck. Me and the new roomie here are just getting settled in."
Kyle's gaze shifted to Sarah, and he offered her a friendly smile. "Hey, I'm Kyle. You must be Sarah."
Sarah blushed at the attention, wiping her hands on her jeans before extending one towards him.
"Hi, I'm Sarah," she said softly.
Kyle's hand enveloped hers, giving it a gentle squeeze. "Nice to meet you, Sarah. So, what's your major?"
She hesitated for a moment, still not used to the question. "I'm undeclared right now. I'm still trying to figure out what I want to do."
Emily rolled her eyes playfully. "Oh, sweetie, you've got plenty of time to figure that out.
College is all about trying new things, remember?" Emily said, giving Sarah a playful nudge. "But hey, maybe Kyle here can inspire you. He's a total jock, but he's got a brain in that pretty head of his too. He's majoring in Business, right?"
Kyle chuckled, running a hand through his dark hair. "Guilty as charged. But I promise, I'm not just all brawn and no brains."
Sarah smiled, appreciating his humility. "That's cool. I mean, I've always been more of an artsy type myself.
I love painting and reading, all that creative stuff," Sarah said, her eyes lighting up as she spoke about her passions.
Kyle nodded, genuinely interested. "That's awesome. I've never been much of an artist, but I think it's really cool. Maybe you could teach me sometime?"
Sarah blushed at the suggestion, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "I'd love to, but I'm still learning myself. I've only taken a few classes in high school."
Emily watched their exchange with amusement, leaning against the counter with her arms crossed. "Well, isn't this cute?
The new roomie and the jock bonding over their interests," Emily teased, her eyes dancing with amusement. "But hey, don't let me interrupt your little study sesh. I've got some things to take care of." She turned to Sarah, "You good here for a bit, or do you need help with anything else?"
Sarah glanced around the room, taking in the boxes that still needed to be unpacked. "No, I think I'm good. Thanks, though."
Emily nodded, then turned to Kyle. "Walk me out, stud?"
Kyle grinned at her, following her towards the door.
"Always happy to escort such a lovely lady," he said, flashing her a charming smile.
Emily chuckled, rolling her eyes playfully. "Smooth, Kyle. Real smooth." As they reached the door, she turned to Sarah. "Hey, if you need anything, just holler, okay? And don't worry about unpacking everything today. There's no rush."
Sarah nodded, grateful for her roommate's understanding. "Thanks, Emily. I appreciate it."
With a final wave, Emily and Kyle left the apartment, leaving Sarah alone with her thoughts once more.
She turned back to her unpacking, but her mind kept drifting to the brief encounter with Kyle and Emily's teasing words about college and new experiences. She couldn't shake the feeling of curiosity and excitement that seemed to linger in the air, as if Emily had left behind some unseen force that had awakened something within her.
As she hung up her clothes in the small closet they shared, Sarah's phone buzzed with an incoming call. She glanced at the screen and saw Ben's name flashing.
A warm smile spread across her face as she answered, "Hey, babe."
Ben's voice, filled with warmth and familiarity, greeted her from the other end. "Hey, Sarah. How's the new place?"
Sarah looked around the room, taking in the cozy space that was slowly starting to feel like home. "It's good, actually. It's small, but it's got character. And I met my roommate, Emily."
There was a short pause before Ben asked, "And how is Emily?
I'm sure she's quite different from you."
Sarah laughed, sitting down on her bed, which was still covered in half-unpacked boxes. "You could say that. She's... well, she's very confident, and she's gorgeous. I mean, I've never seen anyone so comfortable in their own skin. She's got this way about her, like she owns the room whenever she walks in."
Ben chuckled, "Sounds like she's going to be an interesting roommate. Just... be careful, okay?
I don't want you getting into any trouble," Ben said, his voice laced with concern.
Sarah smiled, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "Don't worry, Ben. I can handle myself. Besides, I'm not planning on doing anything crazy. I just want to make some friends and have a normal college experience."
Ben sighed, and Sarah could picture him running a hand through his hair, a habit he had when he was worried. "I know, I know. I just miss you already, and I want to make sure you're okay.
You know I worry about you," Ben said, his voice softening. Sarah felt a warmth spread through her at his words, grateful for his support even from miles away.
"I know you do, and I appreciate it. But really, I'm fine. And who knows, maybe Emily will rub off on me a little bit. I could use some of her confidence," Sarah said, laughing softly.
Ben chuckled. "Just don't go too wild on me, okay? Remember, you've got a boyfriend back home who's waiting for you."
Sarah smiled, her heart fluttering at the reminder.
"I won't, Ben. I promise. I just want to experience college life, you know? Make some friends, join a club or two... maybe even try out for the school paper."
Ben's voice filled with pride. "That sounds great, Sarah. I'm so proud of you for wanting to dive in and make the most of this experience. Just remember to call me whenever you need to talk, okay? And maybe we can Skype this weekend?"
Sarah's face lit up at the suggestion.
"I'd love that, Ben. It'll be like you're right here with me," she said, her voice filled with warmth.
They chatted for a few more minutes, catching up on the mundane details of their lives that had been left behind with the move. After hanging up, Sarah felt a renewed sense of determination - she was going to make the most of this new chapter in her life, just as Ben had encouraged her to.
She turned her attention back to unpacking, humming a tune under her breath as she worked.
The sound of laughter and music filtered in from the open window, a constant reminder of the vibrant life happening just beyond her room. Sarah found herself drawn to the energy, eager to be a part of it.
As she was hanging up her last dress, there was a knock at the door. She wiped her hands on her jeans and crossed the room to open it. Standing on the other side was a young man with a mop of curly brown hair and a friendly smile. He held out a hand towards her.
"Hey, I'm Sam. I live down the hall.
I saw you moving in earlier and thought I'd come by and introduce myself. I'm in the room right next door, actually," he said, gesturing towards the wall separating their rooms.
Sarah smiled, shaking his hand. "Hi, I'm Sarah. Nice to meet you."
Sam's eyes sparkled with warmth as he grinned back at her. "So, what's your major? Or are you undeclared like me?"
Sarah hesitated for a moment before answering, "I'm undeclared right now.
Sam nodded understandingly. "Same here.
It's kinda weird, you know? Everyone around us seems to have their lives all figured out, and here we are, just trying to navigate this whole college thing," Sarah said, laughing softly.
Sam chuckled in agreement. "Yeah, it's like we're all just faking it till we make it, you know? But hey, at least we're all in this together."
Sarah nodded, appreciating his perspective. "That's true. So, what are you thinking of majoring in? Any ideas?"
Sam scratched his chin thoughtfully. "I dunno, I've always been into computers and coding.
There's something about creating something from nothing that just clicks with me, you know?" Sam said, his eyes lighting up as he spoke about his passion.
Sarah nodded, intrigued. "That sounds really cool. I've never been much of a tech person, but I've always admired those who are." She paused for a moment, then added, "You should totally look into Computer Science or something like that. Who knows, maybe you'll be the next big tech genius!"
Sam laughed, running a hand through his curly hair. "Well, I wouldn't go that far, but thanks for the vote of confidence.
So, what about you? What are you into besides art?" Sam asked, leaning against the doorframe.
Sarah thought for a moment before answering, "I've always loved writing too. I mean, I know it's not as glamorous as painting or something, but there's just something about putting words on paper that makes me feel... alive, I guess."
Sam's eyes lit up with genuine interest. I've always wanted to try my hand at writing, but I don't have much of an imagination.
I can hardly come up with a coherent paragraph, let alone a whole story," Sam admitted, a hint of envy in his voice.
Sarah waved her hand dismissively. "Oh, please. Everyone has a story to tell. You just haven't found yours yet. And who knows, maybe you'll find it in one of your computer classes. Or maybe you'll write about code, like those tech manuals, but make it interesting," she suggested, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm.
Sam laughed, "Well, I'll keep that in mind. But enough about me, what are your plans for tonight?
"I didn't really have any plans..." Sarah said, looking around the room at the remaining boxes. "I was just going to finish unpacking and maybe order some pizza for dinner."
Sam's face lit up at the mention of pizza. "Oh, man, I could go for some pizza right about now. You mind if I join you? I can help you unpack too, if you want. You know, return the favor since you've given me some great advice already."
Sarah smiled, appreciating the offer. "Sure, that would be nice.
I could use the help, and some company wouldn't hurt either," Sarah responded, stepping aside to let Sam in.
Sam entered the apartment, his eyes scanning the room filled with boxes. "So, where do you want to start?"
Sarah pointed towards the stack of boxes by the window. "Those are mostly clothes and some books. I can handle those myself. But if you could help me with the heavier stuff, like the furniture and the art supplies, that would be great."
Sam nodded, rolling up his sleeves. "You got it.
Let's start with this one," Sam said, grabbing the largest box marked 'Art Supplies'. Together, they began to unpack, their conversation flowing effortlessly as they worked. Sarah told Sam about her high school art classes and her dreams of one day creating something truly meaningful. Sam listened intently, asking questions and offering encouragement, his eyes sparkling with genuine interest.
As they worked, Sarah couldn't help but feel a sense of comfort in Sam's presence. He was easy to talk to, and his laid-back demeanor put her at ease.
They laughed and joked as they assembled her Ikea furniture, the room slowly transforming into a home. As they finally stepped back to admire their handiwork, Sarah realized it was getting late, and her stomach was rumbling.
"Hey, Sam, you still up for that pizza?" she asked, pulling out her phone to order.
Sam grinned, "I thought you'd never ask. I'm starving!"
They settled on a large pepperoni pizza with extra cheese, and Sarah placed the order.
As they waited, Sam suggested they take a break and sit outside on the quad. Sarah agreed, and they made their way downstairs and out into the warm evening air.
The quad was alive with students, some lounging on blankets, others playing frisbee or shooting hoops at the nearby basketball court. Sarah and Sam found an empty spot under a sprawling oak tree and sat down, leaning against its sturdy trunk.
"So, what do you think of college so far?" Sam asked, watching the scene unfold around them.
"It's a far cry from high school, that's for sure."
Sarah laughed, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "That's an understatement. I mean, everyone seems so... free. Like they don't have a care in the world."
Sam nodded, his eyes scanning the crowd. "Yeah, I guess that's what college is all about. Figuring out who you are, what you want... being free to make your own choices."
Sarah sighed, looking down at her hands. "I just hope I can find my place here.
You know, fit in," Sarah said, her voice barely above a whisper.
Sam turned to her, his eyes filled with sincerity. "Hey, don't worry about fitting in, okay? College is all about finding your tribe, your people. And if you're genuine and kind, like you seem to be, then they'll find you."
Sarah looked at him, grateful for his words. "Thanks, Sam. That means a lot."
Just then, a voice called out from behind them.
"Hey, Sarah! Over here!"
They turned to see Emily waving at them from a nearby picnic table, where she was surrounded by a group of friends. She was laughing at something someone had said, her head thrown back, blonde hair cascading down her shoulders.
"Come on, let's go say hi," Sam suggested, standing up and offering Sarah his hand.
Sarah hesitated for a moment, then took his hand and let him pull her up. As they walked over to the table, Emily's eyes lit up when she saw them.
"Hey, roomie! And who's this handsome guy with you?" she asked, her gaze flicking between Sarah and Sam.
Sarah blushed slightly at the compliment, but Sam just chuckled and extended a hand towards Emily. I live down the hall, and I was helping Sarah unpack."
Emily shook his hand, her grip firm and confident. "Well, isn't that sweet? Welcome to the neighborhood, Sam." She then turned to her friends. "Everyone, this is Sarah, my new roommate.
And this here is Sam, her new friend from down the hall," Emily announced, gesturing towards them with a flourish. The group of friends greeted them warmly, and Sarah felt a wave of relief wash over her. Maybe making friends at college wouldn't be so hard after all.
"So, what are you two up to tonight?" Emily asked, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.
"We were just about to have some pizza delivered," Sarah replied, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "Want to join us?"
Emily's face lit up at the suggestion. "Hell yeah, I'm always down for some pizza.
But only if Sam here promises to share his with me," Emily said, playfully nudging Sam with her elbow. He laughed, holding up his hands in a mock surrender.
"Deal, but only if you promise to tell me all your deepest, darkest secrets," Sam countered, a mischievous gleam in his eye.
Emily threw her head back and laughed, her blue eyes dancing with amusement. "Oh, honey, you couldn't handle my secrets.
They're like a fine wine - aged, complex, and best savored over time," Emily shot back, a wicked grin spreading across her face. The group around the table laughed, and Sarah couldn't help but join in, captivated by Emily's audacious charm. "Hey, Em! Mind if I join you guys?"
They all turned to see Kyle approaching, a six-pack of beer in one hand and a smile that could melt icebergs on his face. Emily's eyes lit up, and she patted the bench beside her.
"Kyle, darling, you know you're always welcome. Grab a seat, and make yourself useful – open some of those beers while we wait for the pizza."
Kyle obliged, cracking open a can and passing it to Emily before sitting down next to her. He nodded at Sarah and Sam, "Hey, guys. Didn't expect to see you two hanging out with this one," he said, jerking his thumb towards Emily.
"She's... something else."
Emily rolled her eyes playfully at Kyle's comment, taking a sip of her beer. "Oh, lighten up, stud. I'm just keeping our new roomie here entertained while she figures out this whole college thing."
Sarah blushed at the implication, looking down at her hands. "I'm not that clueless, you know. I just want to make some friends and have a good time."
Sam chuckled, nudging Sarah's shoulder. "See, I told you.
She's just a normal college student, trying to find her way," Emily said, winking at Sarah. "And who better to help her than her sexy, smart roommate and her hunky neighbor?"
The group laughed, and Sarah felt her cheeks flush at the compliment. She took a sip of her beer, trying to hide her embarrassment behind the can.
"So, what's the plan for tonight, besides pizza and beer?" Kyle asked, looking around the table.
Emily leaned back, her eyes scanning the quad. "Well, there's a party happening over at the Delta house. Some of my friends are going.
You guys should come too," Emily suggested, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
Sarah hesitated, biting her lower lip. Parties had never been her thing back in high school, and she wasn't sure she was ready to dive into the college party scene just yet. But before she could respond, Sam spoke up.
"Sounds like fun. I'm in," he said, looking at Sarah expectantly.
Emily clapped her hands together, delighted. "Yay! It's a plan, then. We'll all go together."
Kyle leaned back, a smirk playing on his lips. "You sure you're ready for this, Sarah?
"Actually I can't go tonight, sorry guys. My boyfriends waiting for me to call him" Sarah said, her gaze dropping to her phone, where she had left the screen open to Ben's contact picture.
Emily raised an eyebrow, her lips curling into a playful smirk. " Already letting this boy back home ruin all the fun" she teased, nudging Sarah's arm. "Come on, it's college. You're supposed to be wild and free, remember?"
Sarah felt her cheeks flush at the suggestion, but she held her ground. "I know, Em, but I promised Ben I'd call him tonight. It's our first week apart, and I don't want to start off by breaking a promise."
Sam nodded in agreement, giving Sarah an encouraging smile. "She's right, Em. It's important to keep your promises, especially when it comes to the people you care about."
Emily rolled her eyes, but she was smiling.
"Fine, fine. I get it. Love makes you do crazy things, I guess." She turned to Kyle, who was watching the exchange with amusement. "You still up for going to the party, stud?"
Kyle grinned, standing up and offering Emily his hand. "Always, princess. Let's go."
"And what about you Sam, you coming"
Emily asked, looking at him expectantly.
Sam glanced at Sarah, then back to Emily. "Of course I'm coming" he said, flashing her a wide grin.
"Wouldn't miss it for the world."
Emily beamed at him, then turned her attention back to Sarah. "You sure you don't want to join us, roomie? It's gonna be a blast."
Sarah shook her head, smiling softly. "I'm sure. You guys have fun, though. And be careful, okay?"
Emily waved her hand dismissively. "Pfft, careful is my middle name, darling. Don't worry about us. We'll be just fine."
With that, Emily, Kyle, and Sam walked, leaving Sarah alone at the picnic table.
She watched them go, feeling a mix of envy and relief. While part of her wished she could join them, another part was grateful for the excuse to stay behind and call Ben.
She pulled out her phone and dialed his number, pressing the phone to her ear as she listened to it ring. Ben picked up on the third ring, his voice warm and familiar.
"Hey, babe. I was just thinking about you," he said, and Sarah could picture him sitting on his bed, his laptop open in front of him.
"Hey, Ben.
I was just about to call you," Sarah said, standing up from the picnic table and walking towards the quiet edge of the quad.
"I'm glad you did. I missed hearing your voice," Ben replied, his tone softening. "How was your day? Did you manage to get everything unpacked?"
Sarah smiled, sitting down on the grass under a nearby tree. "Yeah, I did. My roommate, Emily, she's... well, she's something else. But she helped me out a lot." "That's good to hear. So, what's she like?
This Emily?" Ben asked, genuine curiosity in his voice.
Sarah hesitated for a moment, trying to find the right words to describe her new roommate. "She's... intense. She's got this confidence, this presence, that just fills up a room. She's beautiful, too - long blonde hair, blue eyes, the whole package. And she's got this way about her, like she's not afraid to say or do anything. It's both intimidating and kind of inspiring, you know?"
Ben chuckled softly.
"She sounds like quite the character. I don't want you getting caught up in anything you're not comfortable with."
Sarah sighed, picking at the grass beneath her fingers. "I know, Ben. I promise I'll be careful. It's just... I want to make friends, you know? And Emily, she's already included me in some of her plans. There's this party tonight, and she wants me to go with her."
There was a pause on the line before Ben spoke again, his voice measured.
"You don't have to prove anything to anyone, Sarah. You do what feels right for you, okay? If you want to go to this party, then go. But if you don't, that's okay too. You don't need to impress your roommate or anyone else."
Sarah felt a warmth spread through her at his words, grateful for his unwavering support. And I appreciate that. But I also want to experience college life, you know? Make some friends, try new things.
Just promise me you'll be safe and call me if you need anything, okay?" Ben's voice was filled with concern, but also understanding.
Sarah smiled, her heart swelling with love for him. "I promise, Ben. I'll be careful, and I'll call you if I need anything. I love you."
"I love you too, Sarah. More than you know. Now go on, have some fun. Be a college kid," Ben said, his voice softening.
"Okay, I will. Talk to you soon, okay?"
"Sounds good.
Have fun, Sarah. I'll be thinking about you," Ben said, his voice filled with warmth and sincerity.
"Thanks, Ben. I'll talk to you soon," Sarah replied, ending the call with a soft smile on her face.
She remained under the tree for a few more minutes, watching the sunset paint the sky with hues of orange and pink. The quad was quieter now, most students having retired to their dorms or apartments to prepare for the night's activities. Sarah took a deep breath, inhaling the crisp evening air, and stood up, brushing the grass off her jeans.
She felt a sense of determination wash over her - she was going to make the most of this new chapter in her life, just as Ben had encouraged her to.
As she walked back towards her apartment, she couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy at the thought of Emily and Sam at the party without her. But she pushed the feeling aside, reminding herself that she had chosen to stay behind for a reason - to honor her commitment to Ben and to take things slow.
She unlocked the front door and stepped inside, the familiar scent of old wood and musty carpet greeting her.
The apartment was quiet, save for the distant hum of traffic outside. Sarah made her way to her room, flipping on the light switch as she entered. Her gaze fell upon the half-unpacked boxes still stacked in the corner, a reminder of the day's unfinished business. She sighed, knowing she should tackle them now, but her heart wasn't in it. Instead, she found herself drawn to the window, where she could see the party across the quad in full swing.
Lights strung up around the Delta house's porch cast a warm glow on the gathered crowd, their laughter and music carrying through the open window.
Sarah found herself drawn to the scene, her fingers tracing the cool glass as she watched. She could see Emily's blonde hair bobbing among the sea of bodies, her roommate's infectious energy radiating even from a distance.
Sarah's phone buzzed in her pocket, pulling her away from the window. She dug it out, her heart fluttering when she saw Ben's name on the screen.
Hey, just thinking about you again. Wish you were here to share this sunset with me. x
Sarah smiled, her fingers flying over the keyboard as she typed out a response.
Hey, I was just watching the sunset from my window.
It was beautiful - all pinks and oranges. Wish you were here to see it with me. Miss you. X
Sarah hit send, her heart aching with a sudden longing for Ben. She missed his warm smile, his gentle touch, the way his eyes crinkled when he laughed. She missed their quiet nights in, watching movies and sharing popcorn, their conversations flowing effortlessly like a well-rehearsed dance.
But she also knew that this distance, this newfound independence, was part of what made their relationship stronger.
They had promised each other that they would explore, grow, and experience new things during their time apart, and Sarah was determined to keep that promise.
She tore her gaze away from the window and turned her attention back to the task at hand - unpacking. With renewed vigor, she attacked the boxes, pulling out books, clothes, and trinkets, and arranging them in their new home. She hung her favorite paintings on the walls, transforming the once-bare room into a space that felt uniquely hers.
As she worked, she found herself humming along to the music playing softly from her phone, her body swaying gently to the rhythm. She couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment as she surveyed her handiwork, the room now feeling cozy and inviting.
Her stomach grumbled, reminding her that she hadn't eaten since lunch. She glanced at the time on her phone and realized that it was already past eight. The pizza she had ordered earlier had long since gone cold, sitting untouched on the kitchen counter.
Sarah decided to heat it up in the microwave, the hum of the appliance filling the otherwise silent apartment. As she waited, she poured herself a glass of water, her eyes wandering out the window again. The party across the quad was still in full swing, the music now pulsing louder, the lights casting a brighter glow.
The microwave beeped, pulling her attention back to the task at hand. She grabbed the steaming box and made her way to the small, wobbly table in the corner of the kitchenette.
As she sat down, she couldn't help but feel a pang of loneliness. The apartment was too quiet, too empty without Emily's vibrant energy filling the space. She took a bite of the pizza, the cheese stretching out in a long, gooey string before snapping back into the box. It was still piping hot, the pepperoni sizzling slightly as she chewed.
Sarah washed down the bite with a sip of water, her mind wandering back to the party across the quad. She wondered what Emily and Sam were doing, who they were talking to, what they were laughing about.
She imagined Emily, surrounded by a throng of admirers, her blue eyes sparkling with mischief as she regaled them with some outrageous story. She could almost hear Sam's easy laughter, see the way his eyes crinkled at the corners when he smiled.
Sarah sighed, pushing the thought away as she took another bite of her pizza. She didn't want to spend the night wallowing in self-pity; she had promised Ben she would have fun, and she intended to keep that promise.
She finished her meal, washing the plate and glass in the sink before drying her hands on a dishtowel.
She decided that she would call it a night.
Marie is