Chapter 1 finally
That single word breathed life back into my lungs as I watched my old life fade in the rearview mirror. High school was a circus of cruelty, a depression-filled nightmare I was happily leaving behind. New city, new school, new Emily.
I had it all figured out. No more being the "mean one." No more acting like a tough guy just to keep people from picking on me. I hated who I was back there. This was my chance to be better, softer, and make friends who actually liked me.
College was nothing like home. The first day, I met Ferry-loud, unproblematic, and incredibly nice. We clicked instantly. Then, I met my roommates: a vibrant girl from Jamaica and a funny American girl. For the first time in my life, I wasn't alone. I was part of a group.
But that night, the Freshman party almost ruined it.
I hated crowds. I hated the smell of stale beer and desperation. But my new friends insisted. Hours later, I found myself dancing, a few drinks in, actually enjoying the chaos. It felt like I was shedding my old skin.
Until I wasn't.
The noise became a headache. The energy felt overwhelming. I needed to escape.
"I'm heading back to the room," I shouted over the bass to Ferry, who waved me off, already engaged in another conversation.
The walk back to the dorm was dark and quiet. My heels clicked on the linoleum, a rhythmic sound that made the silence feel heavier. My head was buzzing from the drinks, and I just wanted my bed.
I wasn't looking where I was going.
Thud.
I walked face-first into a chest that felt like solid concrete. I stumbled back, grabbing my nose, looking up, and freezing.
What is this?
He was insanely tall, shoulders broad enough to block out the light from the exit sign. He was intimidating. Terrifying, actually. For a second, in my drunken state, I wondered if I was hallucinating, or if I'd walked into a statue. I was terrified to move, convinced this was some kind of sick, college-town creep.
Then, he spoke. The voice was low, smooth, and shockingly gentle.
"Sorry. Are you okay
He speaks? I looked closer, trying to make out his features in the dim hall.
"Hey," he said, taking a small step forward, his shadow swallowing me whole. "Where are you going?"
I couldn't help it. My old, panicked instincts flared up, but they were smothered by a strange, sudden shyness.
"Back to my room," I managed to stutter, my voice barely a whisper.
