A Prettier You

The beeping noise breaks through a dream I don’t want to end. In it, I’m inside Pride and Prejudice, matching wits with Mr. Darcy. Step aside, Elizabeth Bennett. Elizabeth Emerson has arrived! I was about to teach him to be free, spontaneous, and maybe share a passionate kiss that could lead to something heated and memorable. My apologies, Elizabeth Bennet.

The beeping resumes. Groaning, I crack an eye open. Stupid alarm.

“Silence that, or you’ll lose free coffee for a month.” My dorm mate, Alisa, groans while slamming a pillow over her head.

That snaps me awake. “You wouldn’t!”

“Try me,” she says, although the sound comes out muffled from underneath all that cotton.

Acting wisely, I reach over and turn it off. It’s early morning. The small coffee shop near Bardett’s campus belongs to Alisa’s family. That’s the only reason I make it to early classes. Caffeine is a necessity. Sitting up, I stretch mid-yawn, trying to wake up. Why did I sign up for an eight o’clock class? I know I’m not functional until at least ten. Finally, I swing my legs over the side of the bed and talk myself into standing. If I can make it that far, I’ve accomplished the first part of the day.

“Why don’t you live at home, where you’d never have to worry about my alarm waking you up? Your house isn’t far.”

Alisa removes the pillow and turns her head my way. “And leave you without the pleasure of my presence and unlimited amounts of caffeine?”

I nod. “On second thought, it’s always important to experience college life without the parents. I stand corrected.”

Last year, I met Alisa at a freshman party. She hadn’t signed up for dorms yet, and I was the lucky one who got a room without a roommate. A rarity that didn’t last long once we got to know each other. We connected instantly, and aware of the limitations of being at home, she quickly applied for my dorm. It’s been worth it for the endless amounts of caffeine she provides me, and I gained the best friend a girl could ask for.

“Good answer.” Alisa yawns widely as she stretches. “There’s probably no point in trying to sleep again. My dream is forever shattered. Just so you know, you totally wrecked the best date of my life. He was just about to find the single place on my body that would ruin me.”

I look at her with a raised eyebrow. “Should I point out how unrealistic that is? Most college guys I’ve encountered don’t care about rocking our world. It’s all about rocking their world. The days of booze and bed partners.”

“Always the pessimist, dear Elizabeth. It’s all about finding the one that’s willing to be trained.”

I don’t bother getting out of my sweatpants. Grabbing my hoodie from the back of my desk chair, I pull it over my Bluey cartoon-sketched t-shirt, which has seen better days. My little sister is a huge fan, and the shirt makes me think of her. During their midlife crisis, my parents spiced up their relationship, which resulted in a sixteen-year age gap between my sister and me. I was ecstatic to have a sibling. It took the limelight off me, and I always wanted someone to annoy. Ellsey turned four a few months ago and is enjoying giving my parents new lessons in parenthood. Hence, she’s my favorite little monster.

“Good luck with that. Let me know when you find him.”

She mumbles and waves me away as she loses herself in her cell phone and the list of guys she’s keeping tabs on. I roll my eyes as I quickly gather my things, tie my hair in a messy bun, grab my bag, and head out, sporting the hooded sweatshirt and comfortable Crocs over the Bluey socks my sister gifted me.

Coffee first, then history. As I step into the hallway, I check my watch and grin. I’m early—go me, I chant in my head.

Until I step outside. A steady rain is falling across campus. With the morning temperatures dropping, I know this will be a miserable walk. Taking a deep breath, I give myself a much-needed pep talk. Of course, I don’t have an umbrella. On the plus side, my wet, damp clothes may keep me awake this morning. I like history. It’s the morning hours I hate. This is my first day back on campus after moving back in, as we settle in for the fall semester. It’s my sophomore year. If this is an omen, it won’t be a good one. I shrug.

“I’ve always loved a challenge,” I remind myself.

That motto drives me forward into the falling rain. If only I had known the universe would take that challenge personally, I would have stayed in bed.