After The BreakUp

Chapter Two

"I'm coming down now, Mother." "Please don't yell my name again!" As I walk down the stairs, I yell. Noah is sitting across from my mother at the table, staring down at his wristwatch.

His polo shirt matches the light blue of his eyes, and his blond hair is perfectly combed and lightly gelled.

"Good day, college girl." As he stands, he smiles brightly and perfectly lined. When I smell his strong cologne, he pulls me into a tight hug, and I close my mouth. Yeah, he sometimes goes a little too far with that.

“Hey.” I give him an equally bright smile, trying to hide my nerves, and pull my dirty blond hair into a ponytail.

"Honey," my mother says quietly, "we can wait a few minutes while you fix your hair."

I walk over to the mirror and nod in agreement. She didn't hesitate to remind me that I needed to have presentable hair for today. As a small farewell gift, I should have curled it the way she likes.

When my mother drops the keys into Noah's open palm, he says, "I'll put your luggage in the car. He gives me a short kiss on the cheek before leaving the room with his things, and my mother follows.

My hair looks better after round two of styling than it did after round one, and I give my gray dress one last lint roller pass.

The butterflies in my stomach dance around as I go outside and make my way to the car packed with my belongings, making me slightly relieved that I have a two-hour trip to make them go away.

I have no idea how college will be, and surprisingly, the thought that keeps running through my head is, "Will I make any friends?"

I wish I could say that as we drove, the familiar sights of my home state soothed me, or that a spirit of adventure seized me with each sign that showed us drawing nearer to Washington Central. But in reality, I was primarily lost in planning and obsession.

Even though I'm not sure what Noah was actually talking about, I can tell he was attempting to reassure and motivate me.

My mother exclaims, "Here we are!" as we enter the campus via a stone gate. I'm instantly taken aback by the magnificent stone structures, which appear just as stunning in person as they did in the brochures and online.

There are hundreds of people in the vicinity, including parents saying goodbye to their kids while giving them hugs and kisses, groups of freshmen wearing full WCU uniforms, and a few lone, lost individuals. Although the immensity of the campus intimidates me, I anticipate settling in after a few weeks.

My mom insisted on Noah and I going to freshman orientation together. The entire three hours, my mother maintains a smile, and Noah pays close attention, just like I do.

Before we leave, I want to view your dorm room. After orientation, my mother says, "I need to make sure everything is in order. Her disapproving gaze scowls across the outdated structure. She always sees the worst in situations. My mother perked up when Noah smiles, brightening the atmosphere.

"I can't believe you're a college student! College student living alone; she is my only child. She cries, rubbing behind her eyes carefully so as not to smear her makeup, "I just can't believe it. As we move through the hallways, Noah trails behind us carrying my baggage.

I inform them, "It's B22. We are in C hall." I'm fortunate to spot a big B painted on the wall. My mother starts to turn the other way, so I say, "Down here."

I'm glad I only took a couple of clothing, a blanket, and some of my favorite books so Noah won't have to carry too much and I won't have to unload too much.