Chapter 3
Genevieve
Lana drags herself through the dorm door around five-thirty, exhaustion clinging to her like her overstuffed backpack. Her tiny body is carrying a backpack that probably weighs half her weight. She sure can carry a lot despite her petite frame.
I’m a straight “C” student, while Lana’s a straight “A” student. She’s on a full-ride and treats school like it’s an Olympic sport. Meanwhile, I’m just trying to pass statistics without crying.
She told me if she hadn’t gotten the scholarship, she would have gone somewhere closer to her home in Florida. But if she did that she’d have to pay for some things out of pocket, whereas this scholarship covers everything; so Nebraska was the better choice.
Today she was in class and when she wasn’t, she was at the library studying. She does this every day of the week, except Sundays; when she gives herself a break. Her and I are so different, it’s funny how well we get along.
“Whatever plans you had for break, cancel them,” I say as soon as she walks in the door.
It’s not a request, it’s a statement. She’s coming with me whether she likes it or not. I know she doesn’t have any other plans. No offense to her.
“Oh great, what are you dragging me into now?” she says as she rips her backpack off her body and plops herself down on our uncomfortable couch that came with the room. “Please, just no robbing any banks. I wouldn’t be able to drive the getaway car fast enough. Plus, I don’t look good in orange.”
“You actually look great in orange,” I say, teasing, even though it’s true. “But no—no crime sprees. We are going to Colorado!”
Her face turns to face me so fast I think she’ll get whiplash.
She hesitates before saying, “Excuse me. We?”
“Yes, we silly! I want to go somewhere for fall break and I’m making you come with me. Everything’s already booked and paid for, so don’t worry about it.”
Her eyes get that look in them that says, you know I can’t afford to pay you back, and it’s true. I know she can’t and I don’t care about that. Her being my friend is enough, especially when I’ve never really had friends before. I finally have one that I can spoil.
“Don’t give me that face Lana, you’re coming with me whether you like it or not. We’re staying at a super cute little cabin and we can go skiing together,” I say.
Her green eyes widened. I can’t tell if she’s shocked or scared. Maybe a little bit of both?
“I... I can’t ski,” she admits to her knees.
“That’s okay, if you don’t know how. They have instructors at the resort that can teach you.”
“No it’s not just that. I’m afraid of getting on the lift. I can’t do it,” she admits.
My face forms the shape of an ‘O,’ but nothing comes out. I feel awful. I should have waited for her to come home so we could decide on a place together. It’s okay though, the resort is known for its luxurious spas and hot springs.
“Babe that’s totally fine, we can spend time at the spa. That’s my favorite part anyway,” I say reassuringly. How did I not know she was afraid of ski lifts? I guess it just never came up. “Plus, who cares if you can’t ski? We’re there for spa water and fluffy robes.”
“Are you sure? I don’t want to ruin your trip,” she says softly, biting on one of her nails.
“ Our trip and you’re not! I could go for a massage. It will be fun! Get excited!” I lean over the middle cushion and shake her tiny body to liven up.
Her face lights up and her smile grows. I stop shaking her.
“Okay, yea! Thanks Gen, you’re the best!” she says.
“Of course! Now let’s order some food and eat while we pack!” I say. “We gotta hit the road first thing in the morning!”
***
We’re each four egg rolls deep and two-thirds done with our sesame chicken and fried rice combo.
We love Chinese take out from Mr. Hui’s.
It’s been our go-to since the year started.
We have ‘Gossip Girl' playing on the TV, our favorite show to watch together. Sometimes we feel like the real life Serena and Blair. I’m tall and blonde while Lana’s short and brunette.
Even our styles kind of match the characters, as funny as it seems. The only difference is, we are stuck here in Nebraska instead of living in the concrete jungle.
But I prefer Nebraska anyway, it’s the simple life.
The good life. I honestly wouldn’t trade it for anything.
Just because I grew up in New York doesn’t mean I love it.
I think that’s actually why I hate it, because it’s all I know.
I want to discover somewhere different that I’m unfamiliar with.
I outgrew New York the second I outgrew my first pair of Jimmy Choos at age thirteen.
We’ve packed our pajamas and toiletries already. Now we need to get to the clothes.
Packing clothes: my favorite nightmare.
“What do you think of this coat?” I ask as I hold up one made of dark brown fur. It’s one of the first fur coats I created. After that, I became addicted to making them. I just haven’t made any since I moved in the dorms because there isn’t much space.
Lana’s eyes lock as they focus on the coat.
“Obsessed,” is all she says and that gives me the confirmation I need to pack it.
Perfect. I’m going to pack that one. I think I even designed a matching hat and bought boots to go with it. I’ll wear all of that with a bikini. It will look so different and chic. I know it sounds weird, but I have a good vision in my head.
Bikini, boots, and fur—totally unhinged, but in a high-fashion kind of way.
“There’s a hot tub, so make sure you pack bikinis,” I say while perusing my collection.
“Oooo, I love hot tubs,” Lana says.
“Same, babe!”
Ah ha! I found my favorite green bikini.
I hold it up like a trophy. It’s the best bikini - I swear - it’s like magic.
It makes me look so good every time I wear it, even after I’ve eaten a burger and fries or have just been tanning all day.
And if I’m going to be taking pictures for my Instagram, I need to look my absolute best.
“Okay, what do you think of this coat?” I ask while holding up a puffer jacket. It’s off white with black detailing. It’s cropped and oh so cute. It will look perfect with the tight, all-black onesie I have.
“YES!” Lana exclaims.
“Okay, perfect! Now show me what you’ve got.”
She’s been staring at her closet this whole time. I think she’s hoping it will magically grow.
“Well, I got my black bikini, my brown bikini, and uhhh that’s it,” she says, looking down at her feet.
I know Lana, she feels like she doesn’t have the ‘right clothes’ for this trip just because she’s comparing herself to me.
I’m lucky because I have all the clothes I could ever want; whenever something new I like comes out, I buy it.
Plus, I make my own clothes, so my closet is basically busting at the seams.
Lana, on the other hand, loves clothes, but doesn’t have the same luxuries I do.
I can’t imagine being interested in fashion and not being able to afford the clothes you want to wear.
But lucky for her, she’s roommates and best friends with me.
And I’m not greedy, so I let her borrow anything whenever she wants.
She’s just shy and hasn’t really taken advantage of that yet.
She only does whenever I force her to because I know something is going to look so good on her.
Like now. “I think I have the perfect coat for you!” I tell her.
Her eyes lift up and I feel them follow me to my closet.
I scan my clothes for what I’m looking for and then grab the black fur coat all the way in the back.
I hold it up in front of her, letting her admire the length and volume of this masterpiece.
I didn’t make it, but I happily purchased it.
“Gen, I couldn’t,” she says, staring at me in disbelief.
“But Lana, you have to. You don’t have a choice,” I shove the coat onto her arms, forcing her to accept it. She gives me a smile instead of speaking. I’m guessing she’s speechless. I love when I make her speechless, because for Lana that’s pretty rare.
“Look in my closet. You can borrow whatever you want.”
She gets up and throws her arms around my neck, rising to her tiptoes to do so.
“Thanks Gen! You really are the best, you know that,” I hug her back.
“Oh I know, babe,” I say smiling. “But thanks for making my head bigger.”
She takes the black fur coat off of the hanger and notices something, a tag I’m assuming. Oh great, now she really won’t wear the coat. I know her.
“Umm, Gen. What the fuck?” she says.
“What?” I say acting stupid. I already know what’s coming.
“You were really going to let me wear a coat that you’ve never worn before, and that costs more than my car?!” she asks.
“Don’t pay any attention to that. I want you to wear it. Pretend the tag doesn’t exist. It’s yours for the weekend.”
She looks at me like I’m actually insane and need to be medicated.
“Gen, I’d rather not owe you my firstborn. Thanks, but no thanks.” She hands me back the coat.
“Lana, put the coat on,” I say grabbing it from her, taking it off the hanger, and holding it up so she can put her arms through. She obliges, but I know it’s killing her. She feels bad, but also wants to wear it. Once it’s on, it’s just as I predicted: she looks fabulous.
“What do you think?” I ask while she’s facing the mirror.
I stand behind her, able to see directly over her because I’m that much taller.
“It’s beautiful but I can’t, Gen,” she says, trying to take the coat off. I place my hands on her shoulders to stop her.
“Lana, I will not take no for an answer. You will wear this, along with whatever else you want. No matter the price,” I tell her. She nods in hesitated agreement. I knew she would give in.
I always get my way.
***
Today is the day! Lana and I are up around 7:30 this morning and we are out the door by eight. We both slept in our heatless curls so getting ready fast was no issue.