After The BreakUp

Chapter Four

Because, after all, that is what it is.

Nate adds, "See you around, Tessa," and the group of three walk out. I took a deep breath out. To say that the recent moments have been uncomfortable would be an understatement.

The moment the door clicks shut, my mother screams, "You're getting a new dorm!"

"No, I'm sorry." I sigh. "It's all right, Mother." I try to keep my anxiety hidden. I'm not sure how well this will turn out either, but the last thing I want on my first day of college is for my controlling mother to cause a commotion. I try to persuade her and myself that she won't be around much at all anyway.

"Definitely not. We are about to change now." Her beautiful blonde hair, which is flipped to one shoulder but still has every curl in tact, contrasts sharply with the rage on her face. You won't share a room with someone who lets men in like that—especially those jerks!

She has gray eyes, and I first turn to gaze at Noah. Mother, just let's see how it goes, please. I beg you, please. The chaos that trying to get a last-minute dorm move would cause is beyond my ability to fathom. How embarrassing it would be, too.

My mother huffs angrily at the dark theme as she takes in the décor covering Steph's side of the room once more.

To my surprise, she spits out "Fine." But before I leave, let's have a brief discussion.

After listening to my mother caution me about the risks of parties and college men for an hour and using some language that is pretty unpleasant for Noah and I to hear from her, she finally moves to go.

She gives Noah a quick embrace and kiss before leaving the dorm and telling him that she will be waiting for him in the car, as is her habit.

He gently murmurs, "I'll miss having you around every day," and he enfolds me in his arms. I sigh as I sniff his fragrance, which I gave him for Christmas two years running.

Despite how many times I've grumbled about this smell in the past, some of the overbearing scent has worn off, and I've come to the realization that I'll miss this smell and the familiarity and comfort it brings.

I swear, wrapping my arms tightly around his torso and burying my neck into his, "I'll miss you, too, but we can call every day." I wish you were present for this year.

I like that Noah doesn't loom over me even though he is only a few inches taller than me. Growing up, my mother would make fun of me by saying that a man gains an inch for each lie he tells. I won't fight against her reasoning there because my father was a tall man.

The moment Noah presses his lips against mine, I hear a horn honking in the parking lot.

After laughing, Noah turns away from me. "Your mother. She never gives up. Call her tonight!" he shouts as he rushes out the door after kissing me on the cheek.

I take a moment to myself to reflect on his hurried departure before starting to unpack my bags. Soon, one of the small dressers will hold half of my clothes, which will be folded and hung in my closet.

The other half will be stored in the small dresser. The amount of leather and animal print in the other closet makes me cringe. In spite of this, I find myself tracing my finger over a dress that is made of some sort of metal and another that is so thin it almost exists.