a's

t the thought of doing things without my parents' control. It felt strange, almost unreal, yet

ed in my throat as I took in the sight. My mind drifted back to Jalen. The thought of seeing him ag

and took a step forward. Just as I reached the entr

e going, clumsy!" I snapped, rubbing

bump. Besides, you're gonna get a lot of those here." He paused, squinting

ed. How did

ven know my n

"Let's just say I have my ways. Around h

one confident, maybe a little too sure of himself. He had that "wealthy-nerd-who's-not-really-a-nerd" look

uite popular,"

show you around." He gestured for me to fo

ied, holding up a folder, "but

hen added teasingly, "Oh, and that name you ca

l, that was my first impression of you, and t

r," he m

ow your room-and your roommate. Her name's Kelly. She's no

ntings on the walls and the carved sculptures that lined the corridors. It fel

tall and intimidating, carved from aged oak that seemed to have survived centuries

tiny room," I whispered under

snapped, frow

ng," I sai

o now. I'm not supposed to hang around here for too long.

ce shaky. "Um... do you happe

sked, looki

cheeks burning as flashes of ou

n," he said,

m empty. The idea of sharing a space with a total str

had a rustic charm-everything was made of heavy wood and co

top wandering to Jalen. The memory of his voice, his g

pillow to my chest, staring blankly at the ceiling that seeme

aking me jump. My heart raced-I knew who it w

whispered, ex

rackly. Great, I thought. The school isn't

se leave a message," I mutte

he door flung open. I s

firm and confident that the heavy oak door look

naged, my

you doing in my room?" sh

ur new roommate. I resumed t

h sarcasm. "Just so you know-stay i

uickly. "O

gain, leaving a heavy silence behind. I exhaled deeply, relief flooding my

ietly, eyes half-shut, when a soft knock echoed at the door. Curi

y eyes widened as