Chapter Five
T he days following the party are a whirlwind of new experiences and responsibilities. Classes get into full swing, and Kelsey and I are busy adjusting to our schedules and trying to find a balance between academics and social life. Every morning is a rush of grabbing breakfast, hurrying to lectures, and trying to memorize the layout of the campus.
Our dorm room has quickly become our sanctuary—a place to unwind and share stories about our day. Kelsey’s enthusiasm for the theater group that she joined is invigorating, as she regales me with tales of auditions and rehearsals. Meanwhile, I find myself drawn more and more to the campus newspaper, where I joined up to meet people who share my passion for writing.
One afternoon, as we sat in our room with textbooks spread out before us studying, I lean back in my chair, stretching my arms. “This week has been such a slog. Who would have known freshman year would be so intense? I feel like we’ve hardly had time to breathe.”
“Don’t remind me,” Kelsey groans. “It’ll be fine, though. You’ve met a cute boy, I’ve seen many cute boys—I think we’re doing great.”
“I breathe out a laugh. “I suppose.” I look at the clock and groan. “Okay, I have a class.” I gather my books. “See you later?”
She was right. Despite the challenges, we were adjusting. Every day brought something new, and it was exhilarating and exhausting all at once. I glance at the clock and realize it’s almost time for my next class.
“I’ve got to run,” I say, quickly gathering my books. “I’ll see you later?”
“Definitely,” Kelsey replies. “Have fun!”
Halfway across the quad, I feel a familiar rush of adrenaline as I realize I am cutting it close on time. I quicken my pace, weaving through groups of students. Just as I turn a corner, I collide with someone coming from the opposite direction. My books and notes scatter everywhere.
“Oh no, I’m so sorry!” I exclaim, dropping to my knees to gather my things.
“Hailey? Is that you?” a familiar voice asks.
I look up to see Ryan crouching down to help me. His expression was one of surprise mixed with amusement.
“Ryan! I didn’t see you there,” I said, feeling a mix of embarrassment and relief. “I’m really sorry about that.”
“We have to quit meeting like this Hailey,” he says laughing, handing me a notebook. “No harm done, though. Are you late for class?”
“Yeah, kind of,” I admit, stuffing my notes back into my bag. “I was just on my way to my history lecture.”
“Let me help you carry some of these,” Ryan offers, picking up a couple of my textbooks. “We can walk together.”
“Thanks, that’d be great,” I say, feeling my face flush slightly. “I appreciate it.”
As we walk together, the conversation flows easily. I find myself feeling more at ease and less worried about being late to class.
“I wanted to ask you something,” Ryan says as we approach the lecture hall. “Would you like to go out sometime? Maybe grab dinner or see a movie?”
His question catches me off guard but in a pleasant way. I’ve enjoyed our previous conversations and find myself looking forward to spending more time with him.
“I’d like that,” I say with a smile. “Dinner sounds great.”
“Awesome,” Ryan replies, his smile widening. “How about this weekend? Saturday night?”
“Saturday works for me,” I confirm, feeling a flutter of excitement.
“Great. Here, put your number in my phone and I’ll text you to set up the time,” Ryan hands me his phone and type in my number before handing it back to him.
“Good. Great. I’ll see you later.” He starts to back away and go down the hall.
“Bye, Ryan. See you later,” I say, watching him walk away before turning to enter the lecture hall.
As I take my seat, I couldn’t help but feel a little lighter, despite the hectic pace of the day. Meeting Ryan has been a pleasant surprise, and his invitation has given me something to look forward to amidst the chaos of being new and away from home.
Later that evening, when I get back in our dorm room, Kelsey notices the smile I can’t seem to wipe off my face.
“What’s got you so happy?” she asks, raising an eyebrow.
“Ryan asked me out,” I rush to tell her, unable to keep the excitement out of my voice.
“Finally! That’s awesome!” Kelsey says, practically bouncing with excitement. “Tell me everything!”
I recount the story of our collision and how Ryan asked me out, while Kelsey listens with a wide grin.
“I knew it!” she says, nudging me playfully. “This is going to be great. We have to plan your outfit and I can help you do your hair!” she says excitedly.
“Thanks, Kels, that would be great,” I say, feeling the anticipation build. “I have no idea what to wear.”
“Don’t worry about that,” Kelsey said, jumping up from her bed. “I’ll help you pick out the perfect outfit. We need to make sure you look amazing.”
I laugh as she starts rifling through my closet. Kelsey has a knack for fashion and an eye for what looks good. I trust her judgment completely.
“How about this?” she said, holding up a cute sundress. “It’s casual but still pretty. Perfect for a first date.”
“I love it,” I say, taking the dress from her. “Thanks, Kelsey.”
“Now, let’s talk about your hair,” she says, pulling out a few hair accessories. “Do you want to keep it down, or should we try something different?”
“I usually keep it down, but maybe we could try something new,” I suggest. “We have a few days to decide.”
“Let’s curl it,” she says, patting the seat at her desk that she’s turned into a makeshift vanity. “You gotta look hot. Gotta keep him coming back for more.”
I laugh but I sit down at the vanity Kelsey has set up at her desk as she starts working her magic. As she curls my hair, we talk about everything that happened from the moment I left the dorm, to Ryan asking me out to when I made it back to our dorm. It’s moments like this that make me grateful for our friendship. No matter what, we always have each other’s backs.
“This is going to be so much fun,” Kelsey says as she finishes the last curl. “I can’t wait to hear all about it. You’re going to look amazing.”
“Thanks, Kelsey,” I say, looking at my reflection. She has done a fantastic job, and I feel more confident than ever. “There’s no way I could have worked this magic on my hair.”
“That’s what best friends are for,” she says, giving me a hug. “We’ll recreate it on Saturday.”
As I get ready for bed, the excitement and fantasies about Saturday night with Ryan, send butterflies into my stomach. Between classes, meetings at the campus newspaper, and planning our date, there was a lot to keep me busy. But the thought of going out with Ryan and getting to know him better keeps a smile on my face and a bounce in my step.
By the time Saturday arrives, I am more than ready for a break from the hustle and bustle. And as I get ready for my date with Ryan, I can’t help but wonder what the night will be like.