2-Back in the city
Alex's pov
It feels so good to be back in New Heaven. I got back yesterday and I couldn't wait to be here again.
I definitely missed this city over the summer, it's way better than back home, Holy Springs in Mississippi.
Here, I get to have freedom, free from my parent's demands, I don't have to hide my sexuality, I don't have to suffer with the religious stuff, the judgement and I can be my true self. Gosh, it's not that I absolutely hate my hometown per se but sometimes I wish I wasn't a Littlewood.
Who are the Littlewoods? The Littlewoods is my family. They are wealthy. My dad is a well-known lawyer and my mom is a fashion Icon. It's no wonder they are popular.
It comes as no surprise that I'm their first daughter Alexandra Littlewood and then there's my younger sister Victoria Littlewood.
She's starting University, well College, though she's studying this year it's back home, she follows my parent's rules and she does as expected. Besides, she has her boyfriend there already. I got to see her start her year as the school year started earlier back home in the south.
Anyways, yeah, there are advantages to being born into a wealthy family but at the same time no. I could never really do what I want. My parents only wanted and expected me to be perfect. Nothing other than what they want passes.
They are the perfect happy family and as I'm the oldest, all the pressure comes on me. They expect me to find a fancy husband soon and later on have kids. It has to be a good guy, not one that ruins the family's name. Gosh, if only they knew the type of friends I have...
Therefore, it's no surprise that they always made me go on blind dates. I hated every one of those. They have been setting me up with guys ever since I was 15. They don't have a random guy. They want a guy they like. They even forced me in the past to fake date people.
The problem here is that I don't like any of those guys. I'm not attracted to them, I'm gay, I like girls. So, none of those guys interest me.
I've always known that I'm gay. I've known since I was 13, ever since I gained the courage to go behind my parent's back and kiss a girl for the first time.
I never was able to date girls in my teens due to my parents' strict views but everything changed in the last few years.
A few years ago, I decided that I wanted to leave this toxic home. I knew I wanted to get as far as them as possible but at the same time, I knew my parents would never accept.
So, as crazy as it sounds, I started studying and working hard like crazy at the end of my junior year and my entire senior year, just to get into the prestigious schools. The best Ivy-League universities.
To no surprise most of them rejected me but one accepted me and I was so happy, it was Yale University.
I knew how nice that University was and that I would be far away from home. I know most people like to go back home frequently but I like doing the opposite, avoiding going back home.
Regardless, of my luck, my parents were overjoyed at the news. They were happy that their daughter was so smart. I'm not that smart, I just worked hard.
Through, as unfortunate as it is, I got accepted into a program I didn't like, all to please my parents and it is administration. Yeah, goddamn administration.
Why through? Even if I was studying far from home, they would have never accepted it if I got into psychology, which interests me more. I have to respect the family's values.
Regardless, that was a few years ago. Now I'm in the final year of my Bachelor's in administration at Yale University.
It was 3 years ago that I was brand new. New to this city and new to this way of life. I instantly liked living far away from my parents and the laidback attitude of New Heaven. For instance, it's not religious like back home and it's not as conservative.
Yeah, I did miss my friends from time to time but it was way better. I could finally be myself even if I study something I don't like.
Speaking of my friends, I mean my only best friend Leith, They are non-binary. I did have other friends at school but none of them were like them. They are more like me.
I do miss Leith from time but it's fine I have my new group of friends here and it's a misconception to say that I'm lonely. Besides, I saw them this summer with their boyfriend Kenton.
Regardless, it was 3 years ago that I arrived in New Heaven for the first time and started living in a dorm. It was something new but I enjoyed it. I was matched with a senior at the time and she helped me a lot. We aren't friends but we get along well. She wasn't from here either, she was an international student, a Brazilian.
I liked her a lot but not in the way I was attracted to her. I haven't seen her since she graduated but it's fine.
That year, I learned to be myself, to let go and do what I want. I cut my hair shorter, I started wearing cool design clothes, not necessarily what my parents wanted. I even got pierced for the first time. I got several others today but the first one was on my nose ring.
Today, I have 3 black ring piercings on my left ear, a line with two silver dots and another black chain on my left ear. Same thing on my other ear. I have another silver piercing on my navel and last year I got my first tattoo on my arm thanks to a special someone. It's a crown with a tongue.
It's a few to show my rebellion. It's not too much, not enough to freak my parents but it's nice.
Though I have to take them off whenever I'm back home so it's nice that I got them back on today, it gives me some style and makes me, me."
Other than that, there's another thing that came with coming to live in a dorm in New Heaven.
It's true that I'm wealthy and that my parents lend me money but I had to work to gain my own money.
So, a few days after I arrived here, I applied for a job at the bar restaurant called Queens. I knew I was still 17 at the time but it was a nice fit. I got the job and ever since then, I've been working there during my studies.
I still live in dorms as my parents don't want me to buy an apartment. They don't want to waste money on such things they say. I mean they pay for my tuition but still...
As I said earlier, yesterday I got back here after my summer break. It's mid-August and classes will start in the next few days. We are allowed to start moving into the dorms starting today so I instantly took the first chance I had.
Then, where did I sleep yesterday? Well, I have an important person here in New Heaven. Yeah, I have a girlfriend and her name is Madison but I call her Mad. We started dating last spring despite my fears of my parents finding out.
Yeah, she's only a year older than me, she's 22 so yeah every time we go into the bar, it sucks that she can legally buy alcohol but not me. Gosh, can my birthday come any closer?
Through this, my friends know that I like girls and about her. Everyone in New Heaven knows as I don't hide it here. It's back in my hometown they don't know.
What I like the most about Mad is that she has a motorcycle and how laid back she is. I find it so refreshing.
She's more introverted but I make her smile with my energetic mood.
She's also a tattoo artist, so no she didn't graduate from University. My parents would never approve of her but I like her, I'm in love with her.
She's the one who tattooed my first tattoo. She convinced me to do it and I don't regret it, it's nice.
Yeah, together we are two rebel lesbians.
Anyway, I missed her a lot. I hadn't seen her all summer long as I couldn't go see her. My parents wanted me home. I could've gone and seen her myself but my parents don't want me to have a car. So, we kept in contact but seeing her real life is so much better.
Last night, I slept at her apartment. She's lucky to have one. It's very neat and cozy, even if she is as chaotic as me.
I missed her so much. As soon as I arrived Madison came to pick me up at the airport with her motorcycle.
Gosh, another cool thing I wish I could have. It's so cool! I love the fresh wind on me and going into the busy city.
Back home, it's all southern and rural a bit, here it's an urban area, which makes sense since there's Yale University.
Regardless, this year is a big year not because it's my final year and I'm a senior but because this year I will have to accompany my new roommate. Yup, it's my turn!
Yeah, in our school, they decided that all new students will be matched with a graduating student so they get all the help they need. I love the concept and it helped me a lot in my first year.
Today, my new roommate is arriving. Apparently, she's from L.A and her name is Haneul Seong. Must be Korean. I can't wait to meet her! This year will be so much fun!
Anyway, this morning I already brought my things to my dorm. Yeah, my girlfriend Madison helped me bring my stuff.
I know she thinks it's lame that I live in a dorm but she gets it. She already finds it cool that I study at one of the most prestigious universities.
Even if it's that, she knows I see her out of school and I mostly stay at hers during the weekends.
Another thing she does is always pick me up from work on her motorcycle. Speaking of that, I started working again today. I worked the day shift, so the restaurant side. I do both depending on my availability.
I couldn't possibly work tonight knowing my roommate will arrive late in the afternoon, so that means soon and besides tonight every student will go to a chosen karaoke bar to get welcomed! I'm definitely going!
It's my duty to welcome that new girl! I can't wait to meet my new roommate! She's the one that will get to live with me. Of course, I can't wait for it. I wonder if she's pretty. Hmm, yeah being attractive is a plus. Ok no, I'm not looking to cheat on my girlfriend, I just like attractive girls, they are so good-looking. I'm allowed to look at girls. Mad won't hate me she does it too.
If my university does this kind of program with new students and seniors, with whom was I sharing my dorm last year?
For our second and third years, you either stay with a second year or third year. Luckily for me, I was in a second year and that's when I met one of my best friends Carla. She's Puerto Rican. I loved sharing a dorm with her as she was as lively as me. I find it sad that we won't be in the same dorm this year but it's fine, it's time for new experiences.
Nevertheless, I just finished my work shift and I'm waiting for Mad to pick me up. In the meantime, I'm chatting with some of my coworkers.
"I'm glad that you're back. We seriously missed you here." One of my coworkers says with a thick French accent.
As it was busy earlier, one of my favourite coworkers Emma, finally went on break.
Emma Champagne, she's French and she's the same age as me, 20. She used to study in one of the nearby universities but because she got pregnant last year, she had to drop out.
She has long chestnut brown hair and warm brown eyes. She ties her hair in a bun mostly for work. She's small, she's 5.1 ft and she's shy but she got used to being less shy around me. She had to! I find her cute but she doesn't swing that way.
"I missed working here and you too. More importantly, how are you? What did I miss?" She smiles.
"Not much but you did miss my petite rose, Eleanor." Awh! She must have grown so much
since I last saw her! She was a tiny newborn.
"Awh! She must have grown! How is she?" I smile brightly.
"She's healthy and happy, she's about 4 months old now. It's not easy raising her alone but I don't regret having her at all." I smile sadly knowing that her boyfriend broke up with her after the news and left her to raise her kid all alone.
"I'm glad to hear that. You totally have to show me a picture of her! I can't wait to see her again!"
"Yeah, wait I have plenty of them." She says with a thick French accent. I find it interesting.
She scrolls through her phone and shows me a picture.
Omg! She's so cute! My heart could melt! It almost makes me want to have kids! Ok, maybe not now but gosh, babies are so cute!
"She's so cute! Gosh, I can't wait to see that little bundle of joy again!" I say excitedly.
"If you want, this weekend you can come to take care of her."
"Sure! I'd like to!"
"That's good news as I will be busy working."
"Yeah..."
Then, another one of my co-workers gets in the back, Hannah.
"What are you two talking about?"
Hannah Champney, I like to call her Nana, she has Auburn hair and light brown eyes. She's 26 that I know and she's about the same height as me, 5.4 ft. As far as I know, she studied music. Indeed, she has the energy of a musician with her soft features. No clue what clothes she wears as we are always in our work uniforms.
I'm about to answer her when suddenly a familiar figure gets into the restaurant and I instantly know who it is, my girlfriend.
Madison Landers. She's so badass with her tattoos covering her arms, her crop top, black baggy jeans, cool sunglasses and dark makeup. She looks emo I swear but I call it rebellious. She has black hair styled in a wolf cut and her hidden eyes are a smokey blue gray. I love them. She's smaller than me by a few inches funny enough, 5.3 and she is quite attractive. She's a hottie. My hottie!
"It's your girlfriend right?" Hannah asks.
"Yes"
"Then, see you next shift," Hannah says.
"Bye Alex, passe une belle soirée." I smile at Emma's use of French.
"I will, I will! Bye, see you two next shift!"
I get out of the counter and head to my girlfriend.
"Hey, you're such a hottie today," I smirk.
"No sh*t, you saw me this morning but I'm glad to see you still find me hot." She smirks.
"Can't help it. I just can't get used to your hotness."
"Get used to it, then." She pretends to be annoyed but ends up smirking.
"OK, we should leave now. I want to be there when my roommate arrives."
"I don't get the deal but I guess I get it. I'll see you later."
"Nah uh, you'll see me after the karaoke night."
"Then you're sleeping at mine."
"Yeah, yeah. I can't miss such an opportunity."
"Good, now let's go."
————————
I thought my roommate would arrive soon but I ended up waiting an hour. Through, eventually she arrives.
Instantly, I notice her small Korean figure.
Haneul Seeong, she seems to be a small Korean, standing at exactly 5 feet. She has short black hair tied in a low-side ponytail and she has a fringe. She also has glasses.
She seems like a nerd but that's fine! Nerds are cute! Wow, so that's my roommate for the year? I better introduce myself now!
"Hey! Haneul Seong, right? I'm Alexandra Littlewood, call me Alex though. Gosh, I was dying to meet you! I'm your roommate and I was assigned to help you through the new journey of University life. I hope we'll get along!"
I come closer to her happy to meet her.
"Yes, I'm Haneul Seong. Back off, I don't intend to be friends with you." She says harshly. My smile drops.
What...? So this is the kind of roommate I'll have for the year...?
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