All About Your Love

Chapter One

Nicole's Pov

"Mum! I'm gonna be late if we don't hurry up and get moving, and you know how antsy I get whenever I'm late for anything!"

I stared at the clock across the dining room and wondered why I was staring when Dad never actually collected the vintage clock from the repair man. My eyes roamed around the living room because I'm actually going to miss being around for dad's lasagna nights on Fridays at his place and mum's endless rants about how there's never a fifty-percent-off sale whenever she goes into her favourite lounge wear store.

P.S. I still wonder why she goes there all the time when there's never a discount sale. But oh well, who I'm I to judge when I spend all my money on romance novels from Old man Josh's bookstore? Pretty sure I'm one of the few people in Orange County that keeps the romance aisle alive. By the way what's up with everyone not adoring heart- swooning romance and chick flicks these days?

I'm having all these thoughts in my head as mum walks down the wooden stairs, looking all relaxed and a little lost.

"I'm sorry, Coley. I know how you get when you're late to anything, and yes—we're going to get there as fast as we can," she said, in that tone that made dressing up as the Tooth fairy in ninth grade less embarrassing.

“As long as we get there on time, everything will be fine,” I said, trying to sound casual.

Mum was getting her car keys, as I rushed into her arms one last time because I was really going to miss her while I was away from home. I wished Dad was here to drop me off with mum, but work calls I guess.

She hugged me so tightly whispering how much she was going to miss me, how much she was going to call. I'm trying really hard to hold in a tear from dropping because I cried enough while packing. I'm not going to ruin my perfectly drawn once—in—a—lifetime eyeliner wing.

in this moment, mum let go of me and we get into her SUV and drove off.

---

As mum drove towards campus, I took a deep breath. The smell of freshly cut grass wafted through the air, transporting me back to memories of family picnics and lazy summer afternoons. I felt nostalgia, knowing I'd miss these carefree moments with Mum.

We got into campus, my heart raced with mixed of excitement and nerves. I looked at my 'You Rock" tee shirt, blue shorts, and my favorite Converse. I've got this, I told myself.

Mum helped me with my bags and hugged me one more time before driving off, yelling about how proud of me she was on her way out. I waited until her SUV was out of sight. The sun cast a warm glow over the bustling campus as I stood outside the registrar's office, for my dorm room and ID, clutching my bag and trying to calm my racing heart. Her words still lingered in my mind: You've got this, Coley. I'm always a call away if you need anything.

Inside the registrar’s office, I collected my dorm key and ID. The assistant walked me to my room, and I knocked lightly before stepping in.

The door opened to the most brightest smile from the finest looking brunette girl I've seen. Well... Since prom when Heather dyed hers brown. For a moment, I was stunned because I expected to be welcomed with the most nonchalant reception ever, a freshman student could get.

I entered the room, I noticed that she had already picked and decorated her side of the room— pink bedding, framed photos, and pictures of who seems to be her boyfriend by her bed stand area.

I moved to the other side of the room, set my stuffs down... I went into the room a little more and noticed the brunette still looking my way with the same smile i was welcomed with at the door.

"Hi! I'm Ashley. Ashley Freeman. What's your name? Oh my gosh, I'm so excited to finally have a roommate buddy!" she said, excitedly

"Oh, I'm Nicole. Nicole Drey. it's a pleasure to finally be here." I responded.

I extended my hand for a shake and she pulled me in for a hug. We both lost our balance and fell onto my bed, giggling. We chatted about everything. From our shared love for romance novels, to our favorite TV shows. I knew from there on that I and Ashley were going to be the best of friends.

---

After unpacking, Ashley gave me a quick tour of the campus, filled me the ins and out of sorority houses to avoid. Which cafés to never go into unless I wanted food poisoning. She mentioned some girlies that were weird during the first campus orientation. And of course she filled me in explicit detail about all of the and oh, her crush turned high school sweetheart-turned-boyfriend, Elliott. That means I guessed correctly. She says that Elliott is in the next institution close by but they make it work .... And we were both shrieking and giggling, while she's filling me in on how it has been with her bundle of sweetness.. her words not mine, I noticed how her eyes sparkled when she talked about Elliott.

We get into campus, the smell of freshly cut grass and the sound of laughter and chatter fills the air, with students sitting in groups under trees and some moving to what seems to be their classes for the day, a girl with a dyed bubblegum-pink pixie cut hair and long dramatic lashes approaches us with the brightest of smiles.

"Hi Ashley! it's so nice to see you again," Bella said.

"Bella! Omg, hi! I love what you did with you hair!"

"Thank you so much. uhmm who's this?"

"Pardon my manners, this is my new roommate Nicole." Ashley gave me a warm smile, then smiled back to her.

"Hi Nicole." Bella said with a grin. "I'm Bella. I'm also in the literary Arts major, so we'll be seeing a lot."

"Hi nice to meet you," I said in the most awkward way, but thankfully it wasn't really noticed so I guess it's still a win.

While we walked around campus together, I listened to Bella and Ash talk about all things new and the groups, clubs, and majors that were rumoured about. Ashley filled me in on the latest scoop about the football team. Whilst they spoke I asked about the library and they both seemed excited about the library so we chatted away about books and there I got to know that Bella was not really a fan of romance like Ash and I.... By the time the day passed, my cheeks hurt from all the chit chats and laughter.

---

Ashley left a little later with Bella and I went in search of a spot to read. I was sat on a distant oak tree on campus. Away from wandering eyes and loud laughter even though distant isn't distant enough but it's still a little peaceful here. I knew in my hearts of hearts that this oak tree would be my favorite spot on campus. Although it was tucked behind the football field.

I could still see morning practice and the members of the football team who were running around with their shirts off. That was enough to indicate that fall was nowhere to be found here in sunny Boston. Although I'm certain they'd still be shirtless even if the weather dropped below zero. Apparently showing off one's abs trumped potential frostbite.

Peering up from my book, I quickly snuck a glance at the team. It was nothing more than a little peek. But it was enough to notice the groups of students that were lined up on the sides of the field. They were mostly girls.I had to give it to them. Getting out of bed early just to watch football practice? It took dedication. Plus, it wasn’t any stranger than getting up early to read in peace.

But honestly? I couldn’t care less about them. Books were safer.

I’d thought my love for romance novels would've died with my parents’ divorce. Instead, it made me crave them more. I was going through two books a week. I could not get enough. It was like, if love couldn’t exist in reality, at least it was alive in fiction. Between the pages it was safe. The heartbreak was contained. There was no aftermath, no shock waves. I mean, there’s a reason all books end right after the couple gets together. No one wants to keep reading long enough to see the happily ever after turn into an unhappily ever after. Right?

I jumped when I saw Ash too many missed calls and text on how she hopes I haven't forgotten about the English class happening right now!

The book fell off my leg and I picked it up quickly before the grass stained the pages green. I shoved my things into my totes before running crazily across the field, towards the building and into the hall where they were students rushing to make it to first period on time. Turns out I'm not the only one in this dilemma. It was kind of fun to watch. The freshman ran like their lives depended on it while the seniors rested lazily against lockers and door handles. I pushed past all of them winding my way to literature in English class. I don't like to be late not because I was a Goody Two-shoes or anything. Being late made me feel antsy and I despised the way people stared, like arriving a little late makes it open season for dirty looks or something.

“Morning, Mrs Bradford!” I called when I got to class, throwing my lecturer a friendly wave. She grunted, turning her eyes back to her computer screen. I smiled to myself. Some things never changed. I could always count on her early morning hostility.

I was at a desk in the back row, I returned to my book. The characters were kissing now, and I could love really make the world stop? Why did it make every female character feel alive? Wasn’t she alive before she met him? Or was she in some zombie-like, comatose state? How did love change that, and more importantly, why couldn’t I seem to get enough of this unrealistic crap?

My thoughts were interrupted when the two girls in front of me caught my attention. One was pointing to the door, the other was straightening the collar of her shirt while fluffing out her hair, and I knew something was up.

The door opened.

Chad Wells walked into class like the sun pouring through a window—slow and captivating. Time seemed to stop as he smiled at Mrs Bradford and made his way to the desk in front of mine.

I glanced at the clock to make sure it hadn’t. It was 11:42 a minute ago, okay it checks out, Just in case. I had to give it to this guy. I think he may be the one person who could blur the lines between reality and fiction. With that head of hair that was a little more gold than brown, effortless smile, altogether unwavering perfection.

It was easy to lose yourself in his bright blue eyes. He could have walked out of the pages of a book and materialized in front of me. It was no wonder half the student body was in love with him. Even the lecturers weren’t immune.

I thought if Mrs Bradford was blushing. Yuck. Now I was eyeing the navy-blue varsity jacket hanging off the back of his chair. It's like a flag, announcing who he was: Chad Wells. Captain of the football team scoff.

Just as every girl including the lecturer was swooning, I looked at the clock again to make sure time actually passed as everybody was "bedazzled," yep it's 11:45 now.

I couldn't help but notice a tall and slightly tanned looking with curly haired guy with hazel eyes that came in right after "golden boy".

For some reason, my heart skipped. He looked like someone straight out of a romance novel I’d definitely read.

And just like that, he piqued my interest.