Cole's POV:
Elina and I went back to university. She explained her plans for the rest of the summer. That was the whole time on the plane. I don't mind this, but I'm not interested. I have other things in my head. I feel bad for her sister. She and Zoe keep arguing. The problems will get worse when both of them are here together. I'm sure my girlfriend will make her life impossible. I spent only a week in their house. It was more than enough for me to understand everything. She was criticizing her sister for everything she was doing or saying. I don't know what the problem is. Zoe doesn't seem that bad. It's not like I have talked much with her. I should say that I started thinking about what she had asked me. I like Elina. Well, I'm not sure if I love her. That's why I think she is right. We don't seem much like a couple. I have seen dating people at university. They look better compared to us. I think our relationship is stuck in one place. It doesn't want to move. I want us to take a break, but my girlfriend won't like it. She will think that I'm breaking up with her. Maybe I should do it. I want to be with someone with who I can talk about everything. Also, I want to know that she will always be by my side when I need her. I don't know if Elina is that person. We are too different. Ben was right. I should break up with her. The question is how to do it. The last thing I want to happen is for her to hate me. I don't want to have more problems. I hope when Zoe comes here, things won't get more complicated.
Summer is ending soon. I have less than three weeks to enjoy it. I might think of something. Now I wish I had more friends. Ben is occupied with Annie. I don't think they are officially dating, but who knows? That is not my business. All I know is that I want to go out with people. Maybe I can find Zoe on social media. I don't have her phone number yet. I can ask for it when she comes here. Of course, I won't tell Elina. Otherwise, she will get jealous. That is the last thing I want to happen.
Currently, I am in my dorm. I have been trying to find Zoe on f*******: for half an hour. Who knew there were so many Zoe Monroe? All of them took their pictures from far away except for one girl. Sadly, it wasn't this Zoe. Honestly, one of them had a perfect biography online. Maybe this is the right one. Well, there is one way to find out. I will send her a message asking if she has a sister. If the answer is yes, I will ask a few more questions. That is to make sure she is the one.
Hello, I want to ask if you have a sister.
I sent the message and waited for an answer. I didn't expect it to be that fast. It looks like the girl was on her phone. This is the only thing I need to know from her.
Yes, I do.
Is her name Elina?
How do you know?
Because I was looking for you.
Do we know each other? I don't think I have met you.
For a whole week, you have been seeing me every day.
Cole? Is that you?
Yes. Hey, Zoe. Can I call you?
Sure.
- That way is better. How are you?
- I'm fine. How did you find me?
- It's not that hard. Well, there were many girls with your name.
- Really?
- Yes. You won't believe how many Zoe Monroe exist.
- Well, I never searched for myself. Why are you calling? Is there a problem?
- No, I got bored. My best friend is outside.
- Go with your other friends.
- There aren't many people at university now. Also, he is my only friend.
- For real? I thought that a boy like you would have many friends.
- Like me? What do you mean?
- You seem friendly.
- I am, but I want to be with people like me. I mean, with the same interests.
- Good luck with that.
- Thanks. How is your day going?
- Good.
- I see you are in the hammock again.
- Yes, that is my favorite place.
- I see. What book are you reading?
- I'm not reading.
- That is impossible. - I said, and she laughed
- It is. I'm listening to music.
- Can you share your playlist with me?
- It depends.
- On what?
- What will you do for me?
- I can help you with your studies when the university year starts.
- We have talked about this.
- Then what do you want?
- I want to meet the only friend you have.
- Now?
- Yes.
- About that.
I was about to tell her Ben was not here, but he came in. I guess it's her lucky day. I have no idea why she wants to meet him, but now it's her chance.
- I'm waiting.
- Ben, can you come here for a minute?
- Yes, sure. Why?
- Here is it.
- So you are his best friend.
- Yes. Who is asking?
- This is Zoe. Elina's sister.
- You are the devil's sister. - he said, and she laughed
- In full size.
- You don't look like her at all.
- Thanks. That was the idea.
- Is that a hammock?
- Yes, I am in the backyard. I like your T-shirt.
- Thanks.
- Do you want to know a secret?
- What is it?
- I have the same one.
- No way. Really?
- Girls can have good taste as well.
- True. Look, I have to go now.
- Already?
- Yes. See you later.
Zoe and I kept taking. That was until Elina came into my room. I have told her to knock before she comes here. Well, she doesn't want to listen. Now she wants us to go outside. I wish we could do something that I like. I tried to talk to her, but it didn't work. When something goes into her head, she won't give up. That is until it happens. I better end things soon.
Until the lunch break, I stayed inside. Elina can go out with whoever she wants. I want to do things for myself. I ordered food and watched a TV show. Soon, I heard someone trying to unlock the door. It's probably Ben. I opened the door and saw a girl.
- Hello.
- Oh, hi.
- Can I know what you are doing?
- I am going to my room.
- I'm sorry, but this is my room.
- What? The lady at the reception gave me a key to this room.
- Can I see it?
- Here you go.
- Check the number. You are for the next door.
- Oh, I'm so sorry. That won't happen again.
- It's ok. By the way, I haven't seen you here.
- That is because I transferred from another university.
- But you will be in third grade, right?
- Yes, I will. I only need to take a few extra classes.
- Can I know what you will study?
- I gladly will tell you, but I have many things to do with this room.
- I can help if you want.
- Really? I won't deny it.
- Then it's decided. I only have to warn you about one thing.
- Which is?
- If you see this girl, ignore her. - I said and showed her the picture of Elina
- Girlfriend?
- Yes. Maybe not for long.
- Problems in paradise.
- Something like this.
- Come in then. I have a lot of experience with this.
- Oh, I'm sorry.
- It's ok. I have moved on.
- By the way, what is your name?
- Chloe.
- I'm Cole.
- Nice to meet you, neighbor.
- Me too.
I helped Chloe with her room. She brought a lot of decorations. I won't lie that the rooms here are a bit boring. I mean, the walls are light grey. It's like we are in prison or military school. Well, when you put in a bit of color, everything changes. Chloe had many pictures of her parents and friends. She said this was what she valued the most. I appreciate it. After some time, I presented her to my roommate. Of course, he asked many questions. It won't be Ben if he doesn't do it. Luckily, she answered everything. So Chloe had problems with her boyfriend. They used to argue a lot. Also, she was doing everything he wanted. Maybe I should talk to her about that. After all, I have the same problem with Elina.
- Thank you for the help, guys. The room looks better.
- I like the little lights that you put around the bed. - I said
- I have the same ones at home.
- Good.
- Chloe, what are your plans for the rest of the day? - Ben asked
- Oh, I don't know. I planned to get occupied with this room. I had no idea I would finish this fast. Well, thanks to you two.
- We can go out if you want. I'm sure you are not from this town.
- No, I'm not. Cole, will you come?
- Thanks, but I have other things to do.
- Man, leave her alone. Stop doing what she says.
- It's not about her. I don't want to go out.
- If you say so.
Ben went out with Chloe. I walked back to my dorm. I saw Elina's i********: story. She was out with her friends. I checked my phone to see if Zoe was online. Sadly, she wasn't. Well, I will leave her a message. I'm sure she will read it.
Hey, what are you doing? :)
Reading.
You weren't online.
Yes, but my phone is next to me. I can see if someone is texting me.
Is there space on the hammock for me?
If you come, I might make you.
I wish I could.
What?
I'm kidding.
How is your day so far?
Good. We have a new neighbor.
What does this mean?
A new girl came to the university. She tried her key on my door. Ben and I helped her decorate her room. Now he is outside with her.
Why aren't you with them?
I didn't want to go. I'm not in the mood for that.
Did my sister do something to you?
No, she didn't do anything. Don't worry.
You don't sound happy. Is everything ok?
Yes, everything is fine.
If she makes you unhappy, you should leave her. Find someone who makes you feel the way you deserve.
Do you want to be that person?
No, thanks. I don't want to have a boyfriend.
Why? We don't bite.
I know. Let's say that I have personal reasons.
I see. Hopefully, someone will be able to change your mind.
I don't think so. I'm stubborn.
That is something I have noticed. I want to ask you something.
Go on.
Can you make me some plans for tomorrow?
Me? Why?
Because I'm bored.
You are the one with a girlfriend.
Please, don't remind me.
Go for a walk. It doesn't matter if you are alone or with some company.
I can do that. Something else?
Go and drink a vanilla and chocolate mixed milkshake.
Ok, sure. Thanks.
You're welcome.
I texted Zoe for a while. Why do I feel like she understands me better than her sister? With her, I can talk about everything. I know she won't judge me. I wish things were that easy with Elina. I'm not sure if this happen soon. I decided to listen to some music. Then Ben came with a smile, which quickly disappeared. I believe that something has happened.
- Buddy, are you ok?
- No.
- Why? Did something happen with Chloe?
- No, nothing happened.
- Then?
- I think I like her.
- So? Why do you have this face?
- Because I like Annie too.
- Oh, I see.
- I don't know what to do. I can't hang out with both of them. It's not fair.
- That is true. Why don't you go out with them separately to see which one you like more?
- I don't want to do something stupid.
- This won't be a date. Take them for drinks.
- No, I can't do it.
- Then what will you do?
- I will be honest. I make them meet and tell them the truth. Then I will go.
- What? What if you break their hearts?
- Trust me. They will be more heartbroken if they find out I am going out with both of them.
- I hope you know what you are doing.
- I do.
Ben and I talked about his problem. I don't know what to tell him. My only wish is that he won't hurt these girls. None of them deserves it. On the other hand, he is right. My roommate can't be with both of them at the same time. He plans to get distant from them. I don't know if this is a good idea. They can try to be friends. Well, I'm not sure if this will work. The reason is simple. You don't know how the girls will react. I would love to help him with that, but I have no idea how. Also, I have my problems. Elina is the main one. I hope that I will be able to tell her the truth soon.