Her Favourite Distraction

“Sweetie, is that the last box?” my mum asked as Sha closed the car boot. “Yes, mummy, that’s everything,” I replied, forcing calm into my voice even though my stomach was twisting into nervous knots. “Okay, sweetie. I need to start heading back. You know it’s a long drive home. Call me if you need anything.” She pulled me into a tight hug. I hugged her back just as tightly, blinking hard to keep the tears from spilling. I didn’t want to cry. My mum was trying to be strong too, and I knew if I gave in, she would too. We’d never really been far apart before, and the thought of it made my chest feel unbearably heavy. After a moment, we pulled away. She walked to her car. “Okay, mum. I’ll call you. I love you so much,” I said, waving. “Bye, sweetie. I love you too,” she replied before climbing in. I watched the car drive away, slowly disappearing around the corner. For a moment, everything felt quiet, almost surreal. Then I looked around. Students were everywhere — hauling boxes, dragging suitcases, clutching class schedules, laughing with their parents, waving goodbyes like mine. And then it hit me. I was really here. College. A small tear slid down my cheek, but I quickly brushed it away. No one needed to see me like that. Taking a deep breath, I hoisted my box and walked toward the dorm. After double-checking the room number a few times, I finally found the door. Room 214. I took a deep breath and knocked. The door swung open immediately, revealing a blonde girl with bright blue eyes and an enormous smile. “Hey! You must be Amanda, my roommate! I’ve been waiting for you!” she said, practically dragging me into a hug. Blinking in surprise, I hugged her back. “Yeah… that’s me,” I said with a small laugh. “Come in!” She grabbed one side of my box and helped me inside. The room was already half-decorated. Her side looked like a Pinterest board had exploded — fairy lights, cute decorations, and a wall covered with Justin Bieber posters. I smiled. Someone was definitely a fan. She pointed to the empty side of the room. “That’s your space. We can decorate later. You must be tired from the trip.” “Oh, thank you. I really appreciate it,” I said. Suddenly, she clapped her hands. “Oh my God, where are my manners? I’m Isaa! I got so excited that I forgot to introduce myself.” I laughed. “Nice to meet you, Isaa. Thanks for the warm welcome.” We spent the next few minutes hauling the rest of my things upstairs. With her help, we arranged my side of the room. Mine looked simpler — no fairy lights, no decorations. Just a single picture of my mum and me taped carefully on the wall beside my bed. Isaa noticed it but didn’t comment. “Thanks so much for helping,” I said once we were done. “No problem. We’re roommates now, remember?” I smiled. Isaa had a way of bringing energy into a room without even trying — carefree, loud, and fun. Something told me we were going to get along. “So,” I asked, sitting on the bed, “what’s the plan for today?” Her face lit up instantly. “There’s a party tonight! The senior frat boys are throwing it. Literally everyone is going.” “Oh… that’s nice,” I said carefully. “You’re coming, right?” I shook my head. “Nope. I’m honestly exhausted. I just want to rest.” That wasn’t the whole truth. I wasn’t a party girl. Isaa stared at me dramatically, clasping her hands. “Please, Amanda! Come with me. You’ll have fun!” She widened her eyes, giving me the most exaggerated puppy-dog look I’d ever seen. I burst out laughing. “That does not work on me.” “Pretty pleeeease?” she tried again. I sighed. She wasn’t giving up anytime soon. “Okay, okay. I’ll come.” She screamed and jumped on me, hugging so tightly I nearly fell backward. “Thank you!” A few hours later, I had just finished showering and was getting dressed. I pulled on plain jeans, an oversized shirt, and sneakers — the only things I felt comfortable wearing to a party. Isaa walked out of the bathroom and froze mid-step. Her eyes traveled slowly from my shoes to my outfit. “Don’t tell me that’s what you’re wearing,” she said, her tone soft but dramatic. “What’s wrong with it?” “Oh, sugar… wait right there.” She dug through her wardrobe like she was searching for treasure. Then, triumphantly: “Voila!” She held up a black dress with a dramatic grin. “Try it,” she said. “I don’t think it’s going to fit,” I said, holding it against myself. “Just trust me.” I sighed and took it into the bathroom. A few minutes later, I stepped in front of the mirror. The dress hugged me perfectly — simple but stunning, highlighting curves I didn’t even realize I had. I just stared at my reflection. “Amanda! Come out already!” Isaa shouted. “Coming!” I walked out slowly. The room went quiet. Isaa’s mouth dropped open. “Wow.” She grabbed my shoulders, spinning me around. “Amanda, you look amazing! You’re going to have guys drooling over you tonight.” I felt my face heat up. “I don’t know… I feel kind of—” “Hot,” she interrupted. “Now sit. We’re doing your hair and makeup.” An hour later, we were ready. Isaa wore a black mini leather skirt with a white crop top and heels that looked dangerously tall. She looked incredible. We stood in front of the mirror, grinning at our reflections. “We look so good,” she said. “Let’s go.” The frat house was buzzing when we arrived. Music blared, colorful lights flashed, and people danced, shouted, and laughed, some already clearly drunk. Isaa grabbed my hand and dragged me to the bar. “Two margaritas,” she told the bartender. I leaned toward her. “Isaa… I don’t drink.” She smirked mischievously. “There’s a first time for everything.” She handed me a glass. I stared at it. “Mum forgive me,” I muttered, before taking a small sip. The burn was sharp, but tolerable. “Okay! I’ll be back,” Isaa said suddenly. “I just saw a really hot guy.” And just like that, she disappeared into the crowd. I found an empty chair and sipped my drink, watching the dance floor. My phone buzzed — a message from my mum: Hey sweetie, hope you took your inhaler. Did you carry your charger? Remember to pray your rosary every day. I smiled softly. Yes, ma, I replied. “Mum worries too much,” I murmured. “Hey, pretty.” The voice made me jump. A tall guy stood beside me, his smooth British accent carrying effortlessly over the music. “Sorry if I startled you. I just wondered why you’re sitting here alone.” “Oh… I’m just a little bored,” I admitted. “Well, I can keep you company if you’d like.” He sat down beside me. “My name’s Henry.” “I’m Amanda.” I shook his hand. Warm and gentle. “So, are you a sophomore?” he asked. “Yeah.” “That’s nice. I’m in my final year.” “Wow.” “If you want, I could give you a private campus tour sometime.” He handed me his phone. I hesitated, then typed in my number. As we talked, I noticed his red-orange curls and striking ocean-blue eyes — he looked almost innocent for a frat party. “You look bored again,” he said. “A little.” “Then let’s escape.” “Escape?” He grinned. “Let’s ditch this party and go for a walk.” I didn’t even hesitate. “Okay.” Outside, the air was cool and calm compared to the chaos inside. We walked slowly across campus, talking, laughing, teasing. At one point, he chased me after I jokingly called him “too sweet.” By the time we reached my dorm, I didn’t want the night to end. “So… this is where our night ends?” he asked. “Yeah.” “Thanks for the company. I had fun.” “Me too.” “Good night, Amanda.” “Good night, Henry.” Before leaving, he leaned forward and kissed my forehead gently. My cheeks warmed instantly. I watched him walk away. “He’s sweet,” I whispered. I kicked off my heels and collapsed onto my bed, feet aching, but heart full. College had only just begun, and somehow, I already knew things were about to get interesting.