The Darkest Of Light (The Kings of Retribution MC)

I grab the bag and a bottle of water and close the refrigerator. Making my way to my bed I pull the note off and sit down to read it.

Dear Alba,

I miss you already. I know it’s been a long day, so I took the time to download Dirty Dancing along with the whole Fast and Furious saga, just in case you can’t sleep your first night away. Enjoy your movies and snacks. I’m so proud of you.

Love, Bella

I wipe a tear from my eyes. Why am I feeling so emotional over a bag of candy? I don’t care. My sister knew I would need a pick me up and I do. It’s overwhelming being away from home and starting a new chapter in my life. Even if it’s not really something I want to be doing. For now, the distance may be exactly what I need.

I’ll explore the campus tomorrow. The sun is beginning to set anyway, and it looks like I’m spending my first night alone.

I kick off my shoes, grab my computer and settle back on my bed. I wrap my blanket around myself and pull up the movie list and click play. A good movie is what I need to distract myself. I rip open my bag of cold chocolate-peanut butter goodness and prepare to get lost in another world.

A half bag of candy later I’m growing tired. Looking at the time on my phone it reads 8:45pm, so I decide to go take a shower. I grab my pajamas from my dresser drawer, just in case my roommate does show up late, and head to the bathroom. It’s not much to look at, but for now it’s mine and in a small way makes me feel good. Maybe I can do this. Maybe I am meant to be here.

With a slightly renewed outlook, I turn the shower on and climb in. I need to be more optimistic about my future. Make the most of this opportunity...for now.

Then my thoughts fade to a tall, dark-eyed biker. No matter what I try to do or how far I try to push all thoughts of him away, Gabriel finds a way to creep back into my heart-the very heart he crushed.

I go to grab the shampoo from the shower caddy and drop it when I’m startled by what sounds like the door to the bathroom clicking open.

"Hello?"

Slowly, I reach my hand through the shower curtain and grab my towel hanging from the rod and quickly wrap it around myself. Peeking out from the shower I notice the door is closed. Getting out, I walk over to the door and turn the knob opening it. Looking around I find no one there.

I could have sworn I heard the door open. Being alone is really messing with my head right now. I walk to the bedroom door while clutching my towel and making sure it’s locked and it is. I chalk it up to first day jitters and proceed to finish drying off before getting dressed and climbing back into bed.

My phone beeps and lights up with a message from my sister. I’m surprised she waited this long to check on me. Swiping the screen, I read her text.

Bella: I couldn’t take it any longer. How was your first day on campus? Did you make any friends yet?

I shake my head and text her back.

Me: It was ok. I didn’t explore today. Thanks for the candy. It was just what I needed.

Bella: Tomorrow is a new day. Love you, Sis. Goodnight

Me: Goodnight

I set my alarm for 6:00am so I can have plenty of time to find something to eat and explore the campus. Reaching over, I place my phone on my charging dock.

Before laying down I walk over and turn the bathroom light on, leaving the door cracked open slightly. I hope my roommate doesn’t get annoyed by this. I never sleep in the dark. I always need a light on. Always have. My sister is the same way. We’ve been like this since we were little. There aren’t many things I’m scared of, but the dark is one of them. I’ve not been able to get over it.

Climbing back into bed, I nestle down and grab my Kindle off the nightstand, knowing the only way I’ll be able to fall asleep without him is to read until my eyes grow heavy, closing on their own.

I awaken to the constant beeping of my phone’s alarm the next morning. Groaning, I unwrap myself from my warm blanket and turn it off. I’m not a morning person, but I drag myself out of bed anyway.

Digging through my clothes, I pull on a pair of black jeans and slip a loose blue tunic shirt over my head. I pair everything with some sandals and tie a low ponytail at the base of my neck. All I want is a hot cup of coffee, I’m not looking to impress anyone.

Grabbing my phone, I stick it into my back po

cket and slide my bag over my shoulder before heading out the door.

I already know from the campus directory I received we have a coffee shop nearby and they open early.

I head out the building and make my way to the opposite side of the campus. The morning air is crisp and the smells of summer are in the air. That’s one thing I love about summers in Montana—the smells. The smell of the pine trees mixed with oak and all the variety of flowers in full bloom.

I make it to A Cup of Joe Café and walk inside. It has a hipster vibe with lounge couches and chairs scattered throughout the place and low tables that sit either in front of or beside all the furniture. I notice all the outlet ports located at every section have a sign stating free Wi-Fi. I know right away that this place will become a place I frequent often.