Fallen For My Bully

Today was going to be my first day at Silvercrest University, where I had been admitted to study Business Administration and I was excited. I was excited because this was a new start— a fresh beginning from all the turmoil I had gone through these past few years. From what Tristan Reed and everyone else from Downstar high school put me through. As the car came to a halt, I sighed in relief. "We're finally here, Mom." I said, already reaching out for the door handle. "I can't wait to check out my room!" I exclaimed and she chuckled. She also got out of the car to help me with my boxes— there were a lot of them. Maybe too many. But after the miserable years I had spent in high school hiding behind dark sweaters and dull clothes, trying my best not to be noticed, I made the decision that college would be different. This time, I was going to sparkle. I wanted the old me back—the real me. The girl who loved parties, laughed too loudly when she was excited, walked with confidence, and always wore a smile. And this time, I promised myself that I would let no one get in my way. My mother and I took my boxes inside my residential hall "Majestic Hall," and when I grabbed the keys to my room from the front desk officer, I grinned at my mom. I couldn't wait to meet new people. I had chosen a university that was three cities away from home because I didn't want to bump into anyone from my high school. We entered the elevator and soon we were standing in front of my room. Room 204. I took a deep breath in, encouraging myself that this was going to be better than my past experiences. Noticing my panic, my mom placed a hand on my shoulder. "It's okay, honey. I am sure they are sweet people," she reassured with a smile and I nodded in agreement, pushing my fears back. I slowly opened the door and what welcomed me were smiling faces. The two girls inside the room were seated on a bed and they seemed to have been engrossed in a conversation before I walked in. One of them waved excitedly. "Oh my gosh. You must be our third roommate! Welcome!" She said, hurrying towards me with a bright smile. What a good energy! She had curly brown hair tied up in a messy bun and she wore a short gown that complemented her tan skin. "I'm Caroline," she said, extending her hand, then she gestured to the other girl on the bed. "And that is Maya." She introduced and the second girl gave me a smile. I felt relieved. They seemed friendly and non-judgmental. They were nothing like the people from Downstar high school. "Nice to meet you both. I am Lydia," I said, stepping inside and my mom followed with one of my boxes. Caroline's eyes widened when she noticed the stack of boxes behind us. "Whoa. It seems like you're moving in for life. You brought half a shopping mall with you!" She said dramatically and I laughed awkwardly. "Something like that." My mom placed the box on the floor and smiled at the girls. "Take care of her, okay? It's her first time being away from home." "We will," Maya replied then my mom turned to look at me, giving me a warm smile. "Bye honey, I will call you later today," She said, hugging me tightly, then she left. When the door closed behind her, Caroline suddenly clapped her hands. "Okay! Since the room is now complete, we should celebrate our admission into this school." She said excitedly. "Celebrate how?" I asked and she grinned mischievously. "There's a welcome party tonight near the hockey arena." Maya chimed in and the two girls giggled. Well, I could tell why coming from a high school where members of the hockey team were celebrities in their own right. But at the mention of hockey, something inside me tightened. It would always be remembered for creating dark memories in my life. "So are you coming?" Caroline asked, pulling me away from my thoughts and I nodded since I wanted to bond with my roommates. Besides, I had already decided to let nothing hold me back from fun. Not even the past. I and the girls discussed for a while, before they stepped out to go and do their hair for the party tonight. I declined going with them, finding mine good enough. I had just gotten keratin treatment and new highlights. Instead, I decided that I could use a shower. I spent time in the bathroom blasting music while bathing, and when I was done I put on my lingerie and was halfway through my nighttime skincare routine when I heard the door open. "Ooh, you guys are back. That was fast," I said, still facing the mirror as I rubbed my moisturizer. But no one answered. This was strange since Caroline was definitely not the quiet type. Frowning slightly, I glanced towards the door, but the words I had been about to say died in my throat. Because the person standing there wasn't Caroline or Maya. It was a tall guy leaning casually against the doorframe like he owned the room. Dark hair. Broad shoulders. The same cold, confident posture I knew far too well. My heartbeat suddenly slammed against my chest and my fingers tightened around the bottle of moisturizer. No. No, no, no. This couldn't be happening. He had a smirk on his face. A smirk I could recognize anywhere. "Well, look who it is," he said lazily and my blood ran cold. Standing in the doorway of my dorm room at Silvercrest University was the one person I had come three cities away to escape. The golden boy of Downstar High School and the bully who made everyone turn against me. Tristan Reed.