Lana said shyly, “I have something to confess, I was also at the Cup of Dreams ceremony. I deliberately waited around to see who else made it into Mercy Academy and just as I was about to lose all hope you showed up and I begged my father who’s a major sponsor of the academy to let me share a room with you. I promise you I don’t have any cruel intentions and I want us to get along, is that fine with you.”

“I’m fine with having a roommate but did you happen to see…”

“You mean that nasty ex of yours getting flattened by Professor Blythe,” encouraged Lana with a grin, “it was awesome. 

Azalea's shoulders sagged at least she didn’t have to worry about Lana being awkward over it. 

“When I heard him bragging about how he dropped you for your sister and that there was no way you could make it into Mercy Academy on your own. I felt like it was so disrespectful and the fact that your sister was encouraging him made me even more mad on your behalf. I’m an only child myself and I’ve always wanted siblings. That's what made me realize that some people don't realize what they got until they lose it, you didn’t deserve that.”

Not knowing how to respond, Azalea decided to just change the topic, “which bed do you want, “I’ll take the corner bed, I have a fear of insects crawling in from outside the window and pitching on me while I sleep.”the one by the window or in the corner?”

“Okay then, window bed it is.”

Azalea pulled her suitcase over to the bedside and pulled out some bedding and change of clothes for when she showered later.

“Seeing Azalea quickly spread her bed and fluff her pillows made Lana panic.

“Ughh… I knew I forgot to pack something. Now I’ll have to go to the mini mart to purchase toiletry and bedding.”

“I’ll come with you, my school bag tore yesterday and I’ll need to grab a replacement.”

“Sure, the more the merrier.” 

Used to being a loner Azalea wasn’t sure if she could handle Lana’s bubbly and enthusiastic personality. 

Lana was also very affectionate, she pulled Azalea into a bear hug then only gave her a second to grab her purse before Lana was dragging her out the door.

Aside from the hug she got from her father earlier this was the second time in ages she could recall being hugged.

When Lana hugged her by surprise, Azalea immediately stiffened, her personal space was invaded and she didn’t know how to react accordingly.

Feeling the warmth from another’s embrace even if it was platonic touched something deep within her soul. 

Used to being alienated thanks to Janet’s interference Azalea allowed herself to be pulled along by the animated Lana who hadn’t stopped talking since they left the dorm. 

“Hurry up.. Tomorrow is monday and classes will resume, so there’ll be a lot of people hanging out by the mini mart. We need to hurry before all the good stuff is gone.”

Students weren’t allowed to leave the campus without approval since it was in the middle of nowhere and far from any cities she assumed. 

The mini mart was the only neutral area at Mercy Academy where both conduits and sentries could meet outside of classes. 

It was heavily patrolled by the campus security and there were camera everywhere.

So it was not surprising that it was a popular hang out spot on campus. 

They passed a yogurt ice cream stand and without asking Lana purchased two single cones of the vanilla flavor and handed one to Azalea. 

“Thanks,” said Azalea.

As they hurried to finish the icy treat that had already started to melt even though the sun looked like it was about to set, the area outside was still sweltering hot. 

After wiping the excess off their hands with wet wipes they hurried inside the store. 

The mini mart was also called ‘The Hub’ and it sold everything legal that was beneficial to the students. 

Lana said, “I like the feel of this silk spread, what do you think?”

“Choose another color that red is too gaudy but I like the feel of the material; it's soft and breathable,” was Azalea’s opinion. 

Azalea found a denim dark gray school bag that suited her just fine and matched her aesthetics. 

They picked up some snacks and drinks that they could store in the mini fridge in their room. 

After their shopping hand carts were filled to the brim they joined the line and Lana forgot to pick up tissue so she left Azalea with the two baskets so she could quickly go and come. 

The person in front of them, a certain handsome brown eyed jerk turned around at the sound of Azalea’s voice. 

“Azalea?” he said while eyeing her baskets, startled he asked, “eating for two?”

Then he immediately regretted his choice of words because it made Azalea sound like she was pregnant.

“That’s my roommate's basket,” she responded, rolling her eyes.

Not that she owed him an explanation but she couldn't even remember his name, what was it again, Carl…Kyle.. Oh yes, Carlisle. 

She was feeling pretty lonely after turning sweet sixteen but no one threw her a birthday party because her birthday coincided with Spring semester exams. 

A month later they threw a birthday party to celebrate Janet’s birthday.

Even though it was supposed to be for both of them the spotlight shone on Janet alone. 

So not wanting to attend the birthday party without a date, Azalea signed up for ‘BlindCupid’ and met Carlisle and the rest was history. 

A history she wished could remain buried.

Even though things had kind of fizzled off after the birthday party Azalea had kept in touch with him.

Until one day Carlisle told her that hanging out with her was wasting his time that he could spend studying and prepping for early admissions to Mercy Academy.

She had managed to erase him completely from her mind until today.

“Azalea, what are you doing here..” asked Carlisle dryly. “Did you have your dad bribe the faculty so that you could follow me here?”