PAIGE
After another twenty minutes of coaching myself, I finally got out of the car and headed toward my empty apartment. I was grateful because nights of permanently sleeping in my car could have been my only option. I struggled with my bags as I trotted up the walkway.
“Hey, do you need help?” I heard someone say behind me. I turned around to see a girl I recognized from campus and also from the Cove. She held a bag of food in one hand and reached out to help me with one of my bags. “I’ve seen you before,” I said to her.
Her cheerful smile was very inviting. “I’ve seen you too, at the skating rink. It’s my boyfriend’s favorite place to cause havoc.”
I chuckled. “So, that was your boyfriend fighting a few weeks back?”
She smiled narrowly. “Yes. I’m Samara.”
“I’m Paige. Is your boyfriend a biker?” I inquired.
“Yes. He’s in the Zoo. Come on, let me help you. Which building are you in?” she asked, glancing around.
I pointed straight ahead. “There.”
“Me too!” she squealed. “I’m sorry. I don’t have many friends here. It’s my freshman year.”
We walked toward the building as we continued to talk. “Wait, you’re a freshman, and you have an apartment? You didn’t want the dorm life?”
She hiked my bag over her arm. “No, my dad preferred me to live off campus. He’s protective.”
“Got it. Well, this is me. Thank you, Samara,” I said as I turned toward my door to unlock it.
“I live right there.” She pointed across the hall. “If you need anything, I’m right here,” she said before turning toward her door.
Before she could open the door, it swung open. “Mars the muhfuckin star!” he greeted her. “Dio, what the hell happened to you?” she asked him as he kissed her, and she disappeared inside.
I was now curious whether the Zoo was who Braylen rode with. I remember seeing her boyfriend earlier today when I went to his studio, but I didn’t stay long enough to know if he was going to see Braylen.
When I entered my place, I tossed my bags to the side and plopped onto my futon. All I wanted to do was sleep. My phone vibrated, and for a minute, I thought it was my mother or brother, but to my surprise, I had a message on the Orange app.
I wasn’t sure how he found me, but the shit felt weird.
I didn’t even bother to respond further, so I closed the phone and focused on my computer screen.
When I noticed I had a message from the school, my stomach sank.
The last thing I needed was some bad news, only weeks before the semester was over.
I didn’t even bother to look; instead, I decided to play my game because at least in that world, I could control what happened.