“Sounds good,” I forced a smile, sitting on the end of my bed. I knew if I was smart I would’ve left without her. I didn’t need Thea complicating my life. But selfishly I didn’t want to have to face the crowded campus alone, so that’s why I agreed.
She got up and gathered her stuff before going into the bathroom. A moment later I heard the shower come on.
I sat back on my bed and grabbed my computer. I flicked through some old photos, marking ones I wanted to edit later.
An hour later Thea was ready to go.
I laced up my boots and followed her out the door.
The dining hall was as loud as a concert when we arrived. Although, a concert I would’ve enjoyed. This…not so much.
I grabbed an orange and a bowl of cereal—Trix, because those delicious things weren’t just for kids.
Thea and I sat at a table with a few other people. They didn’t acknowledge us, and we pretended like they didn’t exist. That was college for you.
I didn’t mind being ignored, though. In fact, I preferred it. I didn’t like having to fake being interested in conversation when I wasn’t. I was trying to make an effort with Thea, to at least keep things civil since we had to live with each other, but there was no way we’d ever be best friends forever.
After all, forever never lasts.
“So,” Thea started, taking a bite of blueberry muffin.
I raised a single brow, waiting for her to continue.
“Are you wearing that to the pool party?” She eyed my clothes.
“Yeah.” What was wrong with what I was wearing? I wasn’t going to swim.
She wrinkled her nose with distaste, but didn’t say anything for which I was thankful.
“I’m glad you’re coming with me,” she smiled genuinely, seeming to forget my clothing choice. “Parties like this aren’t my thing,” she sighed heavily. “They’re not really my brother’s thing either, but he has a part to play. At least that’s what he tells me.”
I pushed my bowl of cereal to the side of the table and started peeling my orange. “Do I get to meet this mysterious brother of yours?”
She laughed, flipping her curly strawberry blonde hair over her shoulder. “Of course.”
“You seem fond of him,” I commented.
“I am.”
Something told me those were the only words I was going to get out of her. She didn’t know, but those two words gave me a wealth of knowledge. They told me that her parent’s probably weren’t great. Either they were abusive or strict. Thea had obviously come to rely on her older brother. She looked up to him.
Sometimes I wished I had a sibling I felt like that with, but then after everything that happened to me I’m sure I would’ve pushed them away like I did everyone else.
I couldn’t bear to be close to anyone anymore.
Emotions were complicated and messy.
“Do you have any brothers or sisters?” Thea asked suddenly.
I shook my head and grinned. “Nope. I’m perfect. My parent’s had no need to reproduce a second time.”
Thea’s lips quirked into a smile and finally she laughed. “Wow. I didn’t know you had it in you,” she sobered. “You actually made a joke. I’m impressed. I’ll have to tell that one to my brother. He’ll argue that he’s the perfect one and I’m the pesky little sister.”
“I doubt that.” I might not have met her brother yet, but from everything she said it was obvious that they were close and he loved her.
We finished eating and headed back to our dorm so Thea could get ready.
The fact that she needed to primp again baffled me. She’d already spent an hour getting ready before we could get breakfast. I couldn’t fault her too much. Rachael had been the same way—concerned about having her hair perfect, her makeup done, and her clothes pristine. Rae didn’t give a shit.