Elias

Today marks my first day of college. Everyone makes it sound like this big, exciting thing. New beginnings, new people, independence. But all I can think about is how much earlier I had to wake up to be on time for a place I’m not even sure I want to be. Most people wake up to alarms. Their phones buzz, their clocks beep, maybe their parents knock gently at their door. Me? I have a sister who treats waking me up like a contact sport. She barges in, rips off my blanket, and yells like we’re in boot camp.

But somehow, today, I beat her to it. I stretched, yawned, and looked at the time. 6:50 a.m. Still running late, of course. I was heading to the bathroom when my door slammed open. “Hey, gnome, get up. You’re gonna be late for your first day,” my sister snapped, then blinked. “Wait… You’re awake? Did you hit your head?”

“What? I’m not allowed to wake up early once in my life?” I asked. “Besides, I didn’t feel like being thrown out of bed again.” She narrowed her eyes. “Whatever. Don’t blame me if you’re late.” She turned to leave but paused. Her voice lowered. “Dad called Mom. He’s coming into town in a few weeks. Says he has business here.”

“Oh. Great.” I shrugged. “I’ll stay at April’s again. No big deal.” She didn’t reply. Just gave me a look and walked out. I didn’t linger on it. Not worth it. My dad and I have a long history of not seeing eye to eye—or at all. When we’re in the same room, he always finds something wrong with me. Every. Single. Time. So yeah, the less I see of him, the better.

A buzz pulled me out of my thoughts—a message from April.

April:

hi dumb dumb

don’t forget I’m picking you up today

don’t make me regret being your friend before 8 a.m.

Oh right. First day of classes. I tossed my phone on the bed and rushed to the bathroom—fast shower. No energy to do anything with my hair, so I threw on a beanie. Grabbed a dark blue hoodie, jeans, and headed downstairs. Mom was in the kitchen, pouring tea.

“Morning, Ma,” I said and kissed her cheek.

“Good morning, sweetheart,” she said with a smile. “Eat something before you go. You’re going to need it.”

“Where’s Cruella?” I asked, smirking.

“Elias.” Her tone was warning. She didn’t appreciate me calling my sister that. “She’s in her room. Talking to Brandon.” Just hearing that name made my stomach turn. Brandon, the ex. The guy who cheated on her while she was barely sleeping, trying to stay afloat in college. He keeps insisting that he wants another chance, apparently. I don’t get it. And honestly, the name reminds me of things I don’t want to think about right now. I shoved the pancakes into my mouth and texted April.

Elias:

I’m ready. Are you here?

April:

I’ve been outside for ten minutes

move it before i change my mind

Elias:

such kindness

I’m overwhelmed

I grabbed my bag and went outside. April leaned against her car, typing on her phone, completely unfazed by the early hour. Her blue Afro looked ridiculously perfect, like she’d been up since 5 a.m. getting it just right. Her caramel brown skin caught the morning light, and her silver eyebrow piercing sparkled when she looked up. “Hey, what are you waiting for? Get in,” she said, not even looking away from her screen.

“I was giving you space to flirt with your latest situationship,” I said. She gave me a look. “One of these days, you’re going to realize that I’m not broken just because I don’t settle.”

“Yeah, well,” I muttered as I climbed into the passenger seat, “I just think you deserve someone who treats you like you matter.” She didn’t say anything, but the sigh that followed said plenty. The ride to campus was quiet. Comfortable, but not without weight.

When we got there, I stepped out of the car and just stared for a second. This place was massive. Loud. Crowded. The overwhelming I pretend doesn’t bother me. April headed toward the main building, and I followed. We were walking through a sea of students when I suddenly felt arms around me. I nearly swung until I smelled the familiar scent of cologne.

Andrew.

I turned around and grinned. “You look taller,” I said as I tightly hugged him. “Or you got shorter,” he laughed and hugged me, burying his face in my hair. His black curls were half tied up, a few strands falling in front of his gray eyes. And there they were—those ridiculous pastel pink braces we dared him to get on our last day of high school. Somehow, they still suited him.

“You disappeared over break,” I said, letting go of him, but his hands ended up holding mine. “My grandparents don’t believe in technology,” he said, tilting his head to the side. “Their idea of entertainment is like black-and-white TV and crossword puzzles.”

April made a face and said, “I would’ve packed a survival kit.” I realized she had not seen him in a while, so I stepped aside so she could hug him, too. But as I moved, I bumped into someone. “Sorry,” and before I continued, I turned and instantly regretted it. Of course.

“Wow. Can I live one day without bumping into you?” I asked, already exasperated. William smiled that smug, slow smile of his. Why would you want to? I’m clearly the best part of your morning,” he said, crossing his arms.

“You’re the reason I need therapy,” I said, scrunching my face, and leaned towards Andrew, who was holding in a laugh.

“Still charming as ever,” he shrugged and looked at my friends and nodded, greeting them. And you’re still full of yourself,” I said and turned to my friends, and surprise, surprise, behind me, April and Andrew were holding in their laughter.

“What?” I asked.

“Nothing,” Andrew said. Just… this feels familiar already.”

“You two bicker like you’re married,” April added.

“Don’t even joke with such a thing,” I said, shooting her a look.

William just kept grinning. By the way, Emma asked me to drive you home today.” I blinked. What? Since when?” I said, turning my face to him, since this morning. He texted me. I figured it makes sense. We’re neighbors, remember?” I turned to Andrew and April. Did you hear that? I have to share a car with him.”

“Drive safe,” Andrew said with a smirk.

“Crash it,” I muttered.

“How is Emma, by the way?” Andrew asked, leaning closer, as our height difference meant he tended to lower himself a bit as if wanting to be at eye level with me, which is impossible for us. Emma, for anyone wondering, is my mom. She’s the kind of person who knows everyone and feeds everyone and insists you call her by her first name. he also, for some reason I’ll never understand, absolutely adores William.

“She’s fine,” I said. She made cake last night when she heard you would be back. You two should stop by later.” Both of them lit up at the mention of cake. We walked across campus until we reached the Liberal Arts Building. Our schedules were all different, so we would have to split up.

“At what time do you have a lengthy break between classes?” Andrew said, looking at his phone. Around 1 pm,” I said, checking the schedule I printed out. What about you?” he smiled and showed me his phone, at 12:45 pm. smiled, then turned to April, who was pouting, “Mine is not until 3 pm, and you guys have the same lecture then.” She groaned and pouted. Ill wait for you outside your class then El” He said leaning in showing me his schedule and most of our classes matched. I’m glad our schedules match and we can see each other before classes though” he said as he turned to April, “Right?” she rolled her eyes and turned around. Bye! I can’t afford to be late, love ya!” She waved and left the two of us.

I looked at Andrew, and he was already looking at me. “So… Guess I’m leaving then,” I pointed at my lecture room with my thumb over my shoulder. “It’s Professor Stamp, and you already know how obnoxious he can get if you’re late,” he nodded and smiled. Sure thing, El, see you later,” he said before shuffling my hair and walking backwards, waving, and then turned to his class. I waved and turned to my class. I followed the crowd and walked in. Everyone was pushing in; it was a packed class and felt like a can of sardines. Once in, I looked around the seats, and of course, only one was left.

And of course, William was sitting right next to it. “Must be fate,” he said, smiling and patting the seat next to him after removing the bag he had on the seat. Must be punishment,” I replied, flopping down on the seat at the table, refusing to look at him.