Across The Hall

“… It is typical in much of Western culture that a person’s scent or smell is covered up. Usually people use such things as deodorants, colognes, and perfumes to mask one’s natural odor. However, in some cultures around the world, people have been socialized to prefer the natural scent of their friends and comrades over the smell of flowers and Ralph Lauren’s Polo Blue. To these people, the natural scent of a loved one is not something to be erased, but rather something to be cherished. It is used as a unique way of experiencing closeness to another individual. This is a classic example of how the notion of Olfactics, the study of the smells and how they are perceived, aids in our understanding of human communication.”

Dr. Stevenson uses his remote to click to the next slide. As Christen’s eyes survey the body of students in the lecture hall, she finds that their reactions are comprised of a mixture of both disgust and intrigue. Christen can’t help but smile to herself. These are the types of moments that make her realize that she loves her chosen area of study. She loves interacting with people and noticing how they react to certain aspects of life. She is fascinated not only with the human mind and how it works, but also the human spirit – the characteristics that make humans so very unique. People-watching is one of her favorite hobbies, and to be able to learn new information everyday about how to understand communication, how to solve the intricate puzzle of human interaction, always leaves Christen feeling satisfied.

“I like how you smell and all” a warm breath of air tickles Christen’s right ear, “But I still believe that deodorant is generally a good idea. Just FYI.” And there it is. Another thing that leaves Christen feeling satisfied. Christen turns her head ever-so-slightly only to allow her eyes to fall upon one of the brightest – and most mischievous – smiles that she’s ever seen. Tobin eases back into her chair as Christen shakes her head. How juvenile, yet… actually that’s just straight up juvenile.

“Says the girl who hasn’t washed her socks in three weeks” Christen points out with an amused grin.

“The team’s been on a winning streak lately, I’m not gonna risk jinxing it” Tobin explains as she closes her notebook as she hears Dr. Stevenson start to wrap up the lecture for the day.

“I’m pretty sure that only applies to the actual socks that you wear during the match” Christen teasingly reminds. Tobin shoots her a side-eyed glare, which causes a small giggle to escape Christen’s lips.

“So you have jokes, huh?” Tobin tries to reply with a straight face, however another one of Christen’s giggles causes her expression to soften.

“Just a few” Christen offers with a sly smile of her own. Tobin responds by bumping her knee against Christen’s before they both decide to turn their attention back to the front of the class to catch the end of their Comm lecture. Dr. Stevenson closes with a reminder that their next paper is due in two weeks, and within seconds students begin packing up for the class period. Christen and Tobin waste no time loading their notes into their backpacks, and soon enough, they join the stream of students on their way out to exit the building.

The two make their way down the steps and onto the walking path in comfortable silence. Tobin casually allows her left hand to brush against Christen’s right, and her fingers gently intertwine with the bright-eyed Cali girl’s. Christen doesn’t even flinch. The handholding has begun to be a frequent occurrence whenever she and Tobin happen to be walking in the same direction together. Which by itself also happens pretty often.

Christen pulls her phone from her pocket when she feels its familiar rumble of a text message notification. She unlocks her screen and suddenly stops dead in her tracks as she lets out an abrupt squeal. Tobin, who until this point had been blissfully day dreaming as she accompanied Christen down the walkway, is immediately rubber-banded backwards. She looks at Christen with slight alarm after being jolted out of her zoned-out state.

“What’s up?” Tobin asks as she notices the fact that Christen seems to be fully captivated by whatever she’s discovered on her phone. Christen’s smile widens as she finally wills herself to draw her eyes away from the phone in her hand.

“Julie’s flight just landed!” Christen gushes, filled to the brim with enthusiasm and ceaseless excitement. Tobin’s look of confusion gradually transforms to one of understanding as she lets Christen’s explanation sink in.

“Ah” Tobin nods as she tugs Christen forward by the hand to lead her to continue walking again, “Are you excited about that? I can’t tell.” Christen smiles even more at Tobin’s sarcasm. She can’t even get herself to formulate a witty reply because she’s so thrilled about her best friend’s arrival.

“I can’t help it!” Christen exclaims, giddily typing out a reply to Julie’s text. “Julie’s my first friend from back home to come visit me. And we’ve been through so much together, I can’t help but get excited. I mean, this is kind of a big deal.” Christen swings her and Tobin’s joined hands back and forth as she beams from the midfielder’s side.

“What kind of things have you been through?” Tobin asks, curiosity piqued as she elects for a firmer grip of Christen’s hand.

“Oh, you know, the usual stuff” Christen shrugs airily while glancing upwards, seemingly channeling a river of memories back into her mind. “Hard days at school, back-breaking soccer practices, tough break-ups, puberty. Basically all of life’s worst trials and tribulations.”

“So Julie’s really that great?” Tobin questions, her eyes locked on Christen’s content face.

“The greatest” Christen replies with and illuminating smile and without a millisecond’s hesitation. Tobin’s smile falters, but only for a moment before she wills another smile to her lips.

“I thought I was the greatest” she half-teases. Christen directs her eyes from the sky and back to Tobin.

“You are” she warmly reassures with a squeeze of Tobin’s hand, “Just in a different way, you know?” Tobin’s eyes meet Christen’s once again.

“Alright, fine, as long as I’m still the greatest” Tobin concedes with a grin. Christen smiles back at her, but the moment is interrupted by another notification on Christen’s phone. She draws her eyes away from Tobin as she chews her lip, and ecstatically taps out another reply. Tobin just lets her gaze go back in front of her as she guides Christen further down the sidewalk. Eventually, they reach the point where it’s time for them to part ways. Tobin slows the two to an easy stop. “And this is where I leave you” Tobin announces, “Are you sure you don’t want me to come to the airport with you?” Christen looks up from her phone and meets the midfielder’s eyes once again.

“You midfielders have extra practice today” she light-heartedly reminds as Tobin just shrugs beside her, “And besides, Kelley’s going to visit her dad while he’s here on layover anyway, so I’ll have her there as well.” Tobin nods along as she listens to Christen’s response.

“Alright, well can I at least have a good luck kiss before you go?” Tobin asks with an expression resembling that of the stereotypical puppy-dog eyes.

“Even for just a practice?” Christen questions, only temporarily denying Tobin of her sweet request.

“Especially for a practice” Tobin confidently confirms. Christen smiles and leans over to plant a kiss on Tobin’s cheek. However, right before her lips arrive to their destination, Tobin turns her head so that Christen’s lips land directly on her own. They share a small peck before breaking away.

“Well someone got more than they bargained for” Christen comments with a suspicious expression as she takes a step back.

“I’d say someone got exactly what they bargained for” Tobin corrects with a wink. “Tell Julie I say ‘Hi’” Tobin adds as she begins backpedaling away.

“Tell her yourself!” Christen calls after her. Tobin waves in response as more and more distance grows between the two. Christen waves back, checks her phone once again, smiles, and continues down the sidewalk.

“Flight 5515 to Vancouver is now boarding.”

Christen anxiously looks around the busy airport as swarms of people walk around her. She’s texted Julie a grand total of 26 times since she and Kelley arrived to the airport just 20 minutes ago. She’s let Julie know that she’s located in the waiting area. She’s let Julie know that she’s wearing a white Nike t-shirt and a pair of dark skinny jeans. She’s let Julie know that she sitting directly across from an elderly gentlemen who’s fallen asleep, and happens to be snoring with an intense vigor from what Christen only assumes is the result of being stuck in an airport for hours. And she’s let Julie know just how pain-stakingly impatient she’s growing as each second passes that she’s not reunited with her best friend from home. Just as Christen is about to send text number 27, she receives one of her own.

Jewels:  Are you going to stare at your phone all day, or are you going to come & greet your best friend who flew hundreds of miles to see you? ;)

Attached to the text is a picture of a nervous-looking Christen hunched over her phone. The picture was taken from what looks like just 20 feet away. After reading the text, Christen’s eyes immediately shoot up and find a bright-eyed Julie smiling in front of her. Christen springs from her seat and closes the distance between them.

“Julie!” she shrieks as she pounces into the open arms of her equally excitable friend.

“Christen!” Julie animatedly returns as she wraps her arms around Christen and swings the girl around so her momentum doesn’t knock the both of them over.

“I can’t believe you’re actually here!” Christen exhales into Julie’s shoulder as Julie finally lowers her to the ground.

“Me neither, this is wild!” Julie agrees once Christen is finally firmly on her feet again. Christen takes a step back and takes a moment to look Julie over.

“Wow, you look great. Better than I remember if that’s even possible” Christen compliments with nothing but a proud smile. Julie laughs and gives Christen her own once over.

“Thanks, you look great, too! Have you started doing something different with your hair?” Julie asks as her eyes continue to inspect her old friend. “And I don’t know how else to explain it, but you really seem like you’re glowing.” A twinkle forms in Julie’s eye, and Christen can almost predict what she’s going to say next. Almost. “You aren’t pregnant are you? Christen, don’t tell me you got yourself knocked up by some sleazy frat boy.” Ok, so Christen was expecting a joke, but she wasn’t quite expecting that one. Christen’s jaw instinctively drops.

“What? No! Julie are you kidding me? You know I’m not like that!” Christen exclaims as she tries to defend herself. Julies just laughs again.

“Calm down, Christen, I know you’re into girls. I didn’t suddenly forget that sophomore year sleepover when you made me watch Imagine Me & You three times in one night. I was just trying to get a reaction out of you. Which by the way, it was pretty easy. You haven’t changed a bit” Julie explains as Christen rolls her eyes and places her hands on her hips.

“And apparently neither have you” Christen critically points out with the shake of her head.

“What can I say? I’m as loveable as ever” Julie teases with a smile.

“Is that what Zach tells you?” Christen counters, only earning an eyebrow wiggle from her blonde partner-in-crime.

“Only when I don’t have him wrapped around my finger” Julie returns as she slings an arm over Christen’s shoulders.

“You’ve come a long way from worshipping the ground he walked on in high school” Christen comments as she takes Julie’s duffel bag from her other hand and starts walking her through the airport.

“That was a different time, the tables have turned now” Julie explains with a wink, causing Christen to chuckle from beside her. After a few more steps together, Julie speaks up once more. “And what about you? Has any cute girl caught your eye since you’ve been here? You never explained why you were glowing earlier, and if it wasn’t because of carrying some frat daddy’s baby, then it’s gotta be for some other reason.” Christen averts her eyes and suddenly panics under Julie’s prying gaze. Shit, what do I tell her? I mean, I’ve never actually told her about Tobin. Wait, I’ve never even mentioned Tobin to my best friend from back home? Not even once? Seriously? That seems impossible, but I guess I really haven’t if she’s asking now. Dammit, what do I even say? If I tell her it’s just a crush, she’ll want to go find Tobin and be my wing-woman and talk me up in front of her. But if she finds out that it’s more than that and that I’ve never said anything to her about it, no doubt she’ll be offended. Ugh, how did I get myself into this situation? How do I –

“Did someone say ‘frat daddy’?” Kelley asks as she approaches the two from Christen’s side. Oh thank god. Maureen, I’m so sorry that I’ve ever thought ill of you. You’re a true saint.

“Hey, Kels. How was seeing your dad?” Christen asks as Kelley pauses beside the two other girls.

“It was nice, he gave me some money for food and let me sit in the cockpit for a few minutes. Overall it was worth the trip over here” Kelley explains in her usual nonchalant, humorous way. “So is this the famous Julie I’ve been hearing so much about?” Christen smiles between her two friends and moves aside to begin introductions.

“Kelley, this is Julie. Julie, this is Kelley” Christen motions between the two of them. “I want to apologize to each of you in advance for whatever the other one will inevitably do.”

“You have so much confidence in us, Pressy. It really warms my heart” Kelley comments as she smiles and shakes Julie’s hand. “Seriously though, it’s nice to finally meet you. Blabbermouth over here hasn’t stopped talking about you for days.” Julie chuckles.

“Oh, so you already know me then?” Julie jokes, earning an approving grin from Kelley.

“Probably more than I should” Kelley discloses, receiving a small glare from Christen, “But the real question is if it’s all true or not.”

“Every word, I can assure you that” Julie returns with a cheeky expression. Kelley lets out a boisterous laugh while Christen looks suspiciously between her two friends. I should have never introduced them, this is just going to be a week of them teaming up on me. I can already feel it.

“You know what, Pressy? You were right, I think Julie and I are going to get along just swimmingly” Kelley announces.

“Well great” Christen deadpans as she can practically see the schemes starting to form in each of her friends’ heads, “Now if you two are done getting acquainted with each other, how about we leave this noisy place and get back to our nice, quiet campus.”

“It’s the beginning of Fall Fest” Kelley points out as the trio begins making their way to the airport’s exit, “Campus will be anything but quiet.” Both Christen and Julie nod their heads as they realize the truth in Kelley’s words. “And besides, if we don’t get you back to the room quick, Tobin might lose her mind being away from you for so long.” Shit.

“Who’s Tobin?” Julie asks as the sliding doors part for the college girls to walk through. “Do you guys have a puppy or something like that?” Kelley sends Christen a curious look before answering. God fucking dammit.

“Something like that” she simply replies as she and Christen lead Julie to Kelley’s car.

“Seriously Julie, did you pack a load of bricks?” Christen exhales as she struggles to haul Julie’s duffel bag up the final flight of stairs.

“Oh yeah” Julie sarcastically agrees as she and Kelley pause in front of the third floor entrance to wait for Christen to catch up. “I never leave home without my trusty brick collection. You never know when you’re going to have to repair a chimney or construct a barbeque pit.”

“Honestly I wouldn’t put it past you” Christen huffs once she finally arrives to the stairwell exit. She briefly sets down the bag before taking a few breaths to collects herself. Julie and Kelley just wait skeptically.

“Christen, I’m saying this as your friend, but you’re upper body strength could use some work” Julie points out as gently as she can.

“I know” Christen somberly agrees before she grips the duffle bag once more and determinedly hoists it from the ground. “It’s actually pretty pitiful how quickly my muscles have atrophied since the school year began.” Kelley, Julie, and Christen as press forward as the three meander down the third floor corridor.

“Are you sure you don’t want any help with that?” Julie offers as Christen begins to straggle behind the other two.

“No” Christen grunts as she peers down the hallway and notices that they’ve nearly arrived to the room. “You’re my guest, and you’ll be treated as such. Besides, we’re almost there.” Kelley is the first to arrive to the room. She pulls out her keys from the pocket of her sweatshirt and unlocks the door. She then pushes it open and flicks the light switch. The trio enters the room. Kelley flops down face-first on her bed while Christen sets Julie’s bag down beside her dresser. Julie’s eyes enthusiastically scan the room, taking in every detail from the pictures on the wall, to the chipped paint on the crumbling popcorn ceiling.

“Nice place you got here, guys. I’m really feeling the whole college dorm room vibe” Julie comments as runs a hand over the curtains and walks over to Christen’s side of the room. “And look at this! Christen, is this your desk? That’s so cool that you have your own desk!” Julie excitedly walks over to the desk and takes a seat in the chair. She starts rocking it back and forth, seemingly enjoying every squeak that escapes it.

“Yep” Christen nods as she takes a seat on the edge of her bed, “I found a wad of used gum in there and everything. This room came fully equipped with all of the best college amenities.” Christen’s comment solicits a muffled laugh from Kelley on the opposite side of the room.

“Seriously” Julies responds with a straight face, “This is really cool. I mean, you two have your own place, that’s more than I can say.”

“What do you mean?” Kelley asks as she rolls over to face the other two girls, “Do you not live in a dorm?” Julie shakes her head in the negative.

“I chose a school that was close to home, so I still live with my family and I just commute everyday” Julie explains. “It’s nice that I save some money and all, but sometimes I feel like I’m missing out on the college experience.”

“Trust me, Jules” Christen begins as she offers some comforting words to her friend, “The only thing you’re missing is creepy male floormates, and ridiculous quiet hour rules that are never obeyed anyway.”

“So you say” Julie returns as she looks over the room once again, “But I still think you guys are getting the better half of the bargain getting to live in residence halls.”

“I have two words for you” Kelley unenthusiastically contends as she props herself up with an elbow and looks Julie square in the eye. “Communal bathrooms.” All of the girls let out a laugh and nod in agreeance.

“Fair enough” Julie concedes as she surrenders hands to the air. Just then, the door to room 317 swings open and Kling comes strolling out.

“Hey what’s all the laughter about?” Kling questions as she nonchalantly wanders into the room. “You guys aren’t watching Sarah’s prank video without me, are you?” she beelines for Kelley’s bed and grabs at her phone in search for the notorious video.

“Yes, please come in” Kelley deadpans as Kling dejectedly returns Kelley’s phone, slightly upset that they video is not there. Kling looks away from Kelley and her eyes land on Julie. Her eyebrows scrunch in surprise.

“You’re definitely new around here” Kling acutely states as she gestures to the blonde.

“No, she’s been here all semester” Kelley mocks while rolling her eyes. Kling just responds by shoving Kelley’s shoulder and sending her the stink eye.

“I’m Julie” Julie chimes, breaking Kling and Kelley away from their intense stare-down. “I’m Christen’s friend from back home, I’ll be staying here all week.” Kling’s confused expression fades and she begins nodding in gradual understanding. “And let me guess, you’re Tobin?” Julie asks. Kling cracks out in a smile while glancing mischievously between Kelley and Christen before answering Julie’s question. Uh oh.

“Actually, no. I’m Meghan, but most people just call me Kling” Kling explains as her eyes peer toward the door to room 317. “Tobin is my roommate, I can call her over though.” No, no, no. Not yet. I need to figure out how I’m going to play this before introductions are made.

“I don’t know, Kling. That isn’t really necess– ” Christen begins, only to be ignored by the smallish defender.

“Yo, Tobs! Come over here, there’s someone who wants to meet you!” Kling yells for basically the whole floor to hear. Please tell me she didn’t hear that. Please tell me that she’s napping or listening to music. You know, something that would prevent her from coming over here. After a few moments, the door remains closed and Christen’s nerves begin to settle. Ok, good. She didn’t hear that, crisis averted. However, not a moment after the thought passes through Christen’s mind, the doorknob of 317 slowing turns and Tobin soon appears from behind the door. She’s wearing a blue Nike hoodie, and a pair of lose-fitting joggers. She brushes her damp hair to her right shoulder as she coolly crosses the hallway, and leans casually against the doorframe of room 318. Damn.

“I’ve been summoned” Tobin cheekily, yet smoothly comments as she peers within the room. She smiles when her eyes meet Christen’s, and Christen can’t help but allow a smile of her own to appear on her face. Wow, how can anyone possibly look that good after a training?

Julie slowly glances between Christen and Tobin as the two seem to take in the sight of each other. A process that seems borderline intimate, even to an uninformed third party observer.

“So you’re Robin?” Julie asks, causing Tobin to peel her eyes away from Christen and redirect towards Julie.

“Um, my name’s actually Tobin” she corrects as she shifts a little uncomfortably from her leaning position at the doorframe.

“Oh, right, of course!” Julie chuckles as she shakes her head at herself, “I swear I just said your name correctly a few seconds ago. My bad.”

“It’s cool” Tobin easily dismisses, “It happens all the time. You’re Julie, I presume?”

“Yep” Julies nods before turning towards Christen, “What, did you tell the whole campus that I was coming?” Christen just shrugs innocently as Julie giggles in return. After a moment, Julie faces Tobin once again. “So are you friends with Christen or Kelley?” Tobin seems to stiffen up for a brief moment before her eyes jump over to Christen. She looks a bit thrown off by the question.

“Uh, both actually” Tobin answers curtly, but with a half-smile. Her natural warmness appears to be fleeting as the conversation continues.

“That’s nice” Julie affirms warmly, “I’m glad to hear that Christen’s making friends here. Sometimes I feel bad that we’re so far away from each other that I can’t be here for her. Every once in a while I regret ever letting my best friend out of my reach. How am I supposed to keep an eye on her when we’re miles apart?”

“Aw, Jules, you don’t have to worry about me” Christen assures as her heart warms a little from her best friend’s admission.

“It’s not you that I worry about” Julie corrects as she glances back over to Christen. “I worry about all of the people out there who might try to take advantage of you. You’re too good for this world, Christen.” Julie and Christen smile at each other before Tobin chimes in again.

“I think Christen will be alright, there are a lot of nice people around here” she adds as she stuffs her hands into her pockets. Tobin glances over to Christen, who nods agreeingly.

“It’s the nice ones that you have to watch out for” Julies jokes while looking Tobin square in the eye. Christen, Kelley, and Kling laugh as Julie’s eyes stay focused on Tobin’s for just a beat longer. The action goes unnoticed by all but the midfielder.

“I still think I’m in good hands” Christen states as she begins to rub at her arms. Tobin appears to relax a little, however concern grows in her eyes as a pained expression crosses Christen’s face. Tobin opens her mouth to speak, but Julie beats her to it.

“What’s wrong, Christen? Are your arms still hurting you from earlier?” Julie asks, her voice laced with her own worry.

“Yeah, a little” Christen confirms as her thumb grazes over what she’s sure is a knot in her muscle. Tobin begins to push herself from the doorframe, but again, Julie is one step ahead of her and springs from her seat to place herself beside Christen on the bed.

“Here, I can massage them if you want” Julie offers as she already takes one of Christen’s arms without waiting for an answer. “It’ll be just like after old soccer workouts when we used to help each other rub the lactic acid from our limbs.” Tobin’s eyebrows furrow from her position in the doorway as her eyes follow every move of Julie’s hands running circles on Christen’s arm. “This is just like the good old days” Julie reminisces with a smile meant only for Christen.

At approximately 8:30 am, Christen wakes up to the blaring alarm on her phone, and discovers a lovely crick in her neck. Christen groans as she peels herself off of her makeshift bed on the floor. Which really is only a pillow and a blanket sprawled over the small patch of carpeting that separates Christen and Kelley’s beds. She willing volunteered for this sleeping arrangement the night before, insisting that Julie is her guest, and that she deserves the bed. It’s within Christen’s nature to be nothing less than a gracious host. However, her offer was not totally without self interest in mind. After all, Julie’s a renowned kicker. Which is great for playing soccer, but quite awful when it comes to sleepovers. With a few audible pops of some of her joints and muscles, Christen eventually makes it to her feet and silences her alarm.

“Is it time to get up already?” Julie’s groggy voice sounds from just a few feet away. Christen glances over to her bed to the sight of Julie in a cocoon of blankets, and her eyes barely cracked open.

“Not for you” Christen whispers as she hears Kelley flip over in her bed on the opposite side of the room, “I just wanted to get an early start in the bathroom before the rest of the floor wakes up.”

“Ok, so I can sleep some more?” Julie innocently asks as her eyelids already begin to droop.

“Yeah” Christen chuckles lightly as Julie snuggles even deeper into her blankety haven, “Go on back to dreamland. I’ll wake you up when it’s time.” Julie hums and Christen grabs her bathroom caddy before exiting the room. Once she gently pulls the door shut, she makes her way to the bathroom and starts to plan out her day with Julie. Where should I take her today? We could go get some smoothies or coffee later, maybe hit the dining hall for lunch so she can experience how the other half lives. And then maybe a tour around campus? Will she want to go to class with me? I mean, I don’t really think I can take her to Chem Lab, but my lecture classes should be alright. I could just send my professors a quick email to see if that’s ok. And then what? I guess I’ll have to check what events are happening on campus this week besides Fall Fest. Or maybe Julie will just want to chill and lay low? Am I overthinking this? I don’t know, probably, but I just want Julie to have a good time while she’s here.

When Christen walks into the bathroom, she discovers that it’s nearly empty, except for the sound of the water in a single shower stall. She’s content enough with this as it is. It always pleases Christen when she’s able to beat the morning bathroom rush. It’s a calming feeling knowing that she doesn’t have to be anywhere for hours, and that she can just take her time during her grooming routine. She just finishes splashing water on her face when she hears the showerhead turn off, and a pair of squeaky shower shoes make their way towards the bathroom exit. Christen dabs her face dry with her towel when she notices to figure near the bathroom’s exit. Before they leave, the figure does a double take, and decides to stop.

“Morning” Tobin warmly greets in her calm morning voice. She elects to brush her dripping hair over her shoulder and walk over to Christen near the sinks.

“Good morning” Christen kindly returns as she takes out her moisturizer from her caddy and squeezes some of it onto her hands. Tobin leans against the sink to her right and leisurely takes a long breath.

“So how was the rest of your evening last night? I really didn’t get to see you much” Tobin exhales before a yawn escapes her.

“It was alright” Christen simply answers as she begins to blot the moisturizing lotion strategically around her face, only before rubbing circles over each patch of skin. “We basically just got Julie settled in. She’s really excited for this week.”

“Do you have any plans yet?” Tobin questions as she picks up Christen’s moisturizer and mindlessly inspects the bottle.

“We haven’t really gotten that far yet. I want to do something fun, but I’m not exactly sure what Julie will be into” Christen explains as she continues to make sure that her entire face is covered in lotion.

“Isn’t she your best friend? I’m sure you’ll find something she’ll like” Tobin points out as Christen fixes her eyebrows, making sure that her facial routine hasn’t disrupted them.

“I mean yeah, but I just want this week to go well. If it does, then maybe Julie will want to visit more often, or maybe my other high school friends will decide to make the trip. I don’t know, I just feel like I need to give them a good reason to visit me” Christen discloses, suddenly feeling the pressure of making this week the best it can be. Tobin directs her eyes from the bottle and meets Christen’s eyes in the mirror.

“You’re their friend, isn’t that reason enough to come visit you?” Tobin asks genuinely. Christen shrugs but remains silent. She suddenly feels insecure as she casts her gaze to the ground. She can’t pinpoint the source of the feeling, but she knows that something within her seriously debates Tobin’s question. Is it? “But hey, you mentioned that you and Julie used to play soccer together, right?” Tobin asks as she becomes fully aware of Christen’s shift in mood. Christen nods sheepishly. “Alright, well how about you take her to the game tomorrow night? I promise to put on a good show” Tobin suggests with a playful grin. Christen looks up from the ground and meets her eyes again.

“You always put on a good show” Christen comments with a newfound smile.

“Well then it’s a pretty safe option, don’t you think? Besides, I can always use my good luck charm cheering me on” Tobin adds, feeling a slight wave of relief after succeeding to lift Christen’s spirits.

“Alright, fine, we’ll be there. But I expect a really good game out of you. I want to get my money’s worth” Christen jokes, earning an even wider smile from Tobin.

“You just get yourselves to the seats and leave the rest to me” Tobin instructs. Christen nods and Tobin looks back down to the bottle of moisturizer. “Hey do you mind if I borrow some of this? My skin is feeling kind of dry.”

“Sure” Christen consents as she hands the bottle off to her neighbor, “I wouldn’t wish dry skin upon my worst enemy.” Tobin takes the bottle, but hesitates to empty any lotion onto her hands just yet.

“So is there like an art to this or something? Because what you just did closely resembled war paint in my humble opinion” Tobin asks, scanning the bottle for any kind of directions.

“Well that just depends on what you skin is like” Christen skillfully explains, “Like usually the cheeks are fairly dry, but you also don’t want to ignore your T-zone.”

“My T-what?” Tobin repeats as her eyebrows furrow and her forehead crinkles. Christen just giggles and grabs the bottle back from Tobin.

“Here, it’ll just be easier if I do it” she finally declares as she pours some lotion on her hands and starts dabbing it around various points on Tobin’s face.

“I feel like a toddler having her mom put sunscreen on her at the beach” Tobin chuckles as Christen starts rubbing in the moisturizer. She ignores no detail, and makes sure to pay special attention to every feature on Tobin’s face.

“Funny, because I feel like a mom putting sunscreen on a toddler. But then again, this is you we’re talking about, so close enough, right?” Christen teases as she mindlessly bites her lip in full concentration. Tobin’s eyes instinctively wander to Christen’s lips.

“This feels nice” Tobin mutters in a soft voice, willing her gaze back up to Christen’s eyes.

“What? Not having dry skin?” Christen asks, still lost in the task at hand.

“No” Tobin clarifies as she reaches up and stills Christen by grabbing each of her elbows, “Your hands on my skin.” Christen pauses as soon as the words leave Tobin’s lips, and her eyes meet the soft brown irises just mere inches away from her own. She bites at her lip again, except this time for an entirely different reason. Her thumbs slowly resume stroking Tobin’s cheek bones, as the only sounds to be heard between them is their equally uneven breaths. Tobin begins to lean in, but is cut short when the loud sounds of flip flops echo in from the hallway.

“Christen?” a voice calls from just beyond the bathroom entrance. Christen jumps away from Tobin just in time for Julie to come walking into the room. “Oh, there you are. I wasn’t sure if you were still in here or not.”

“Yeah, Jules, I’m still here” Christen responds before beginning to rub at her sore neck. Her quick jump away from Tobin must’ve agitated her wound from sleeping on the floor. “What are you doing up? I thought you were still asleep” she asks with both confusion and slight anxiety. She didn’t see anything, did she?

“I couldn’t get back to sleep after your alarm, so I just figured I’d get up. I get spend more time with you this way” Julie explains as she walks over to the sinks to join the other girls. Tobin takes a step back as Julie reaches in between them to grab some of Christen’s toiletries. Julie glances over to Christen who still has a cautionary hand on her neck. “Did you get a stiff neck from sleeping on the ground last night? See? I told you this would happen. You should just stop being so stubborn and share the bed with me tonight. I know you’re trying to be the hostess-with-the-mostess and all, but come on Christen, it’s not worth being in pain.” Tobin’s jaw seems to clench at the mention of Christen and Julie sharing a bed.

“Julie, I love you, but sleeping with you means that I’ll become your personal kicking bag. It would just be a different type of pain” Christen half teases.

“Oh come on, you over exaggerate!” Julie counters, lightly jabbing at Christen with her elbow, causing Christen to laugh.

“Christen can stay with me” Tobin offers in a sheepish, yet ever-so-slightly determined voice. Christen raises an eyebrow while Julie just smiles appreciatively.

“That’s very kind of you to offer, Toby, but I’m sure we can figure something out. Besides, I came to spend the week with my best friend, it wouldn’t feel right not sharing a room together at night” Julie politely declines.

“My name is Tobin” Tobin reminds with a calm tone, however a twinge of annoyance inhabits her eyes.

“Tobin, that’s right! Ah, I’m so sorry, I’m usually so good with names!” Julie apologizes, though Tobin doesn’t entirely buy it.

“Right, well, I guess I’ll just leave you two to it” Tobin bids as she gathers her things and excuses herself from the bathroom.

“So have you given anymore thought into Fall Fest?” Sarah asks as she takes a seat in one of the empty chairs beside Tobin. Tobin’s eyes meander aimlessly around the dining hall as she anxiously stirs her fork around the mound of corn on her plate.

“Uh, I’m still undecided” Tobin distractedly replies as she leans to peer around Kling to get a better view of the buffet line. “I didn’t really enjoy myself last year.”

“As memory serves” Sarah begins with a knowing smirk, “You thoroughly enjoyed yourself until the purging started.” Tobin sighs slowly while remembering her drunken shame.

“Yeah, that last part is kind of what I don’t want to repeat” she explains, still searching the mass of students loitering around the large room.

“All you have to do is pace yourself this time” Ali explains, trying to lighten the midfielder’s mood. “You’re not an inexperienced freshman anymore, you know better now.”

“Still” Tobin continues, “It really wasn’t my kind of scene. I’m not super into partying these days.”

“Is Christen going?” Alex abruptly asks from across the table. Tobin glances over to her briefly, offering her suspicious expression, before her eyes continue their search.

“No, I don’t think so” Tobin curtly answers, her knee beginning to bounce impatiently under the table.

“Ah, now I understand” Kling comments smugly from her position diagonal from her roommate. “You don’t want to go unless the old ball and chain is going.”

“What? No, that’s not the reason. I’m perfectly capable of doing things on my own” Tobin denies, her voice grows a bit agitated.

“So if Christen was going, would you still opt out?” Sarah slyly questions as she pokes at Tobin’s elbow.

“I don’t know, it would depend on the circumstances I guess” Tobin shortly replies as she shakes Sarah’s hand away from her arm.

“Alright, so imagine that it’s Thursday night, and Christen shows up at your door. She’s wearing a very sleek, yet tastefully sexy black dress. You know, not showing too much skin, but juuust enough” Sarah starts to describe the fake scenario.

“Get on with it already!” Ali encourages from Sarah’s other side.

“Ok, fine. Geez Krieger, not one for details, are you?” Sarah quips before resuming her hypothetical scene. “Anyway, she knocks on your door all sad and mopey, saying that the only thing that will cheer her up is going to Fall Fest. But she refuses to go with anyone but you. What do you say?”

“I say you guys are ridiculous and that this would never happen” Tobin flatly refuses to entertain Sarah and the others even just a little bit.

“You still haven’t answered the question” Kling mischievously points out.

“And I’m not going to” Tobin sassily returns.

“Come on, Tobs, lighten up. You’ve been such a kill joy ever since Monday night” Sarah comments while giving Tobin’s shoulder a shake.

“I’m not going to entertain your childish little games anymore tonight” Tobin slightly bitterly proclaims as she casts her frustrated gaze down to the mashed corn kernels on her plate. Sarah slowly retracts her hand from Tobin’s shoulder, this time by her own accord. Tobin takes a deep breath to settle her temper before she looks up again only to discover a much anticipated sight.

Christen walks towards the table of soccer players while sporting one of her signature blinding smiles. Tobin’s eyes meet with Christen at the exact same time that the other girl sets eyes on her, and Christen’s smile grows wider. Tobin glances over to the empty chair on her left, and Christen starts in the direction of the chair. However out of seemingly nowhere, a blonde figure catches up to Christen, and points to the two empty chairs beside Alex. Christen hesitates, but eventually flashes Tobin an apologetic look before allowing herself to be redirected by Julie. Tobin slumps disappointedly in her seat as Christen and Julie arrive to the table. Christen introduces Julie and everyone immediately starts asking her questions to try to make her feel at home. Well, almost everyone. Kling sneaks a peak over at her roommate’s unintentionally obvious pout. Then Kling leans over to Alex.

“I think she’s given us an answer after all” she whispers as Alex glances over towards Tobin and nods in agreeance.

“You’re a wanker number nine!”

“Oh my god, Julie sit down” Christen orders in between the eruption of sporadic laughter that leaves her body as a result of her friend’s antics. She tugs at Julie’s arm until the blonde is safely seated in the stadium seat next to her. Julie smiles smugly as Christen works to collect herself, and the slightly annoyed parents and soccer enthusiasts finally turn their attention away from the disruptive pair.

“What? I thought you loved that line” Julie asks in faux-confusion as Christen just grins in return.

“I do” Christen points out as she angles her body back towards the pitch, “But some things should stay in the movies.” Julie knowingly beams back at Christen, and the two continue their endless banter as a whistle blows from the pitch several yards below.

A player from the visiting team clutches at her ankle as trainers and coaches jog to her end of the field. As the medical staff tends to the girl, both teams near their benches, using the pause of activity as an opportunity to have a strategic team discussion. When the coaches finish instructing their players, the girls take the opportunity to grab some water bottles and rehydrate. The injured girl remains on the pitch as staff members gingerly tend to her leg.

Tobin, Alex, and Kling group together as they drink water and wait for the player to be removed from the pitch. Which by the looks of it, it may be several minutes until that is a possibility.

“Man, what a game” Alex comments as she pitifully watches the player grimace when one of the trainers probes at her injury in an apparently painful spot.

“Seriously” Heather agrees as she walks over and joins her fellow teammates. “Like what the fuck did I do to get on that girl’s bad side?” she questions with sincere puzzlement as she jerks her head towards the direction of the spectator stands. The three remaining players pivot around to see that Heather is gesturing towards Christen and Julie. Tobin’s face falls flat.

“Don’t mind them” Tobin dismisses in a monotone voice, “They’re just having fun in their own little world. I’m sure it had nothing to do with you. Trust me, I’m fairly certain that the only people that exist in their world is each other.”

“Someone’s a little cynical” Alex gently retorts as she glances from Tobin, to Christen and Julie laughing together in the stands, and finally back to Tobin again. “But not totally inaccurate either.” Tobin dejectedly shrugs and half-chuckles in response.

“Now you’ve entered my world” Tobin quips with a hint of bitter defeatedness. Alex places a supportive hand on Tobin’s shoulder.

“They’re just excited about seeing each other after so long” Alex offers, trying her best to console her down-in-the-dumps teammate. “I mean, can you blame them? Just think of how miserable you’d be if you were apart from me for such a long amount of time. We both know that you wouldn’t last without your best friend by your side. Or you know, up the field from you, depending on the context.” A corner of Tobin’s mouth upturns slightly, seemingly affected by Alex’s gallant efforts to cheer her up. However, Kling still casts a suspicious gaze up towards the stands.

“I don’t know” Kling starts as cogs turn in her brain, “They still seem a little too close. I keep getting this weird feeling about it. Also, I met up with Moe earlier today, and she said that they went to the smoothie place this morning. She said they shared one and everything. It almost looked like they had some sort of relationship that was beyond friendly.” Tobin’s eyes quickly find Kling, and she’s asking a question before she even has a chance to jump to any other reasonable conclusion.

“Did they look like a couple? Like they’ve dated before?” Tobin asks with a certain amount of fever. Kling doesn’t seem to register her tone as she still nonchalantly inspects the stands.

“She didn’t exactly say that” Kling replies casually, “Just what I told you.”

“Well did she say anything else?” Tobin rapidly fires back, a sense of urgency and concern laced within her voice.

“Just classified, authorized personnel only, Macaroon Club information for our next meeting” Kling shrugs. Tobin slowly exhales, knowing that she’s not going to get anymore from her roommate. Alex picks up on Tobin’s newfound insecurity as she gives the midfielder’s shoulder a squeeze.

“Relax, Tobs. I’m sure you have nothing to worry about” Alex suggests. Tobin looks up into the baby horse’s baby blue eyes and finds her sincerity to back up her words. Tobin responds by nodding slowly and silently.

A whistle blows and the referee signals for the game to resume. The injured player hobbles off the pitch with the help of a team of medical experts. The crowd gives the girl a somber applause.

“Alright ladies, game faces on” Heather instructs as she throws on an intimidating one of her own, and sprints to her flank position on the opposite side of the pitch. Tobin and Alex share one more reassuring look before they both follow after Heather’s lead. When Tobin is back in position, she dares one more glance at the stands. Christen and Julie are leaned over Julie’s phone, completely tuned out from the game. Tobin just shakes her head and focuses her mind on getting back into game mode. Even if it takes more effort than usual.

After an easy victory against an ill-suited opponent, the teams disperse and players and spectators collect their belongings in order to leave the stadium. Tobin lingers along the side of the pitch, hoping a certain someone will come over to congratulate her on the victory. She bounces on her toes anxiously as she notices more and more people leaving the stadium at a high frequency. As she scans her eyes along the railing that separates the pitch from the stands, she notices only of few of her teammates and their family members remain. So far no one has come over to greet her – not even Cassie who, as it were, has been less consistent in her attendance ever since her little interaction with Christen several weeks back.

Tobin feels a smile form on her face as she remembers that day. She remembers how trapped she felt as Cassie was showering her with an uncomfortable amount of compliments. She remembers the guilt of not knowing how to respond without reciprocating Cassie’s level of affection. How she didn’t want to hurt the girl’s feelings, but didn’t want to give her the wrong idea at the same time. And then she remembers the pure shock she felt when Christen was suddenly throwing herself into Tobin’s arms. To Tobin, Christen hanging onto her so tight felt like she was holding a koala. She remembers the slightly embarrassed, yet pleasant feeling that washed over her as soon as the shock wore off. And she remembers the subtle displeasure she felt as soon as Christen relinquished Tobin from her embrace. When Christen smiled at her and took Tobin’s hand in her own, the midfielder’s breath hitched as her heart went aflutter. However, the way Christen described Tobin as her “girlfriend” was what really made Tobin weak in the knees. That moment felt significant to Tobin, it was like that was when a switch flipped. Like at that moment in time, the idea of her and Christen together didn’t seem like some far off dream, but an attainable reality. She’s cherished the memory ever since the day it happened.

“Tobin!” a voice breaks Tobin out her nostalgic daydream. Tobin looks over her shoulder and sees Alex, Kling, Sarah, Ali, and few other teammates waiting for her near the end of the pitch. “Are you coming or what?” Kling bellows from that tiny figure of hers. Tobin sighs dejectedly as she begins to reply, however a tap on the shoulder stops her just short. Tobin turns around and meets a pair of green eyes peering down at her from just above the railing.

“Aren’t you going to let me congratulate you first?” Christen sweetly asks as Tobin smiles shyly back up at her. Tobin peers around her neighbor and finds Julie nowhere in sight. She feels a little guilty for feeling happy about that. Emphasis on the words, ‘a little.’

“That depends on how you plan on doing it” Tobin wittily answers as her confidence restores within her. Christen smiles in return, narrowing her eyes slightly at Tobin’s suggestive tone.

“Well I was going to give you a hug” Christen airily starts as she leans her upper body over the railing, “I hope that isn’t a disappointment.” Tobin chuckles as she leans forward and lifts herself to her tip toes in order to meet Christen’s hug halfway.

“Not at all” Tobin exhales with relief as she rests her chin on Christen’s shoulder, “This is exactly what I needed.” They maintain the embrace for a few silent seconds before breaking away.

“Good, I’m glad” Christen warmly responds as she straightens up again, “Take a few too many hard tackles out there or something?” Tobin’s eyes subconsciously dart to the area of the stands where Christen and Julie were sitting during the match before she replies.

“Yeah, just a knock or two I wasn’t expecting I guess” Tobin shrugs before changing the subject. “So do you want to meet up in the parking lot? Or should I just save you a seat when the team gets to Signore’s?” Christen’s smile fades a bit as she begins to start nervously chewing her lip.

“Actually” Christen starts as she averts Tobin’s eyes and elects to gaze down to the ground instead, “I was thinking that maybe I shouldn’t go to Signore’s tonight.” Tobin’s face contorts slightly at Christen’s admission.

“Why the sudden change in plans?” Tobin asks, her voice nearly trembling. She clears her throat to regain her composure. Christen looks up apologetically as she gazes into Tobin’s eyes once again.

“Well I have Julie with me tonight, and she might feel awkward being thrown in the middle of the team like that. I just don’t want her to feel left out, you know?” Christen replies, her voice somber and filled with concern.

“Yeah, wouldn’t want her to feel left out…” Tobin echoes, dwelling on the irony of the situation. Christen reaches her hand across the railing and wipes a few stray hairs away from the edge of Tobin’s face.

“Is that alright with you?” she asks gently as she patiently awaits Tobin’s reply. Tobin observes Christen’s expression. The girl looks remorseful, and genuine in her concern for her friend’s feelings. As Tobin peers further into Christen’s eyes, she notices a pleading force escaping from her pupils. Tobin can tell that Christen is trying really hard to be a good host to Julie, while still being a considerate whatever she is to Tobin, and Tobin knows right away that she doesn’t have the heart to tell the girl no, even though she selfishly wants to.

“Yeah, it’s fine” Tobin simply responds with a neutral expression. Christen’s eyes light up ever so slightly, but she’s gracious enough to contain her excitement.

“Are you sure?” Christen hesitantly asks as she raises her eyebrows and cautiously glances to Tobin.

“Yeah” Tobin confirms with a nod, “You go and have fun with your friend, I’ll keep the team in line tonight.” Christen flashes Tobin a grateful smile.

“Thanks” Christen replies, “I’ll catch up with you later then.”

“Is that a promise?” Tobin questions playfully and hopefully. Christen chuckles and opens her mouth to reply, however her words are cut off.

“Christen let’s go! I chugged two water bottles during the game and you never showed me where the bathroom was!” Julie urges as she appears beyond Christen and beckons her up the stands with the vigorous waving of her hand. Christen peers up and over her shoulder and nods in Julie’s direction before gazing back to Tobin one last time.

“I’ll see you later” she bids as she starts walking backwards towards the stairs, “You played great by the way.” Tobin forces a smile on her face and nods in acknowledgement, unable to offer Christen a verbal farewell. She watches Christen walk all the way to the top of the stairs before Julie quickly grabs Christen by the wrist and briskly ushers the two out of the stadium. Tobin’s shoulders droop before she’s met with another unforgiving shout.

“If your ass isn’t over here in five seconds, tonight’s entire tab is on you!” Kling shouts from near the end line of the pitch. Tobin automatedly turns towards Kling’s direction and jogs over to rejoin her teammates.

Later that night, with a belly full of greasy pizza and the doughiest breadsticks that are so good they should be illegal, Tobin lounges on her futon while Kling styles her hair on the other side of the small dorm room. A light rain dances against the window, barely audible over the hum of the flat screen TV.

“Come on, Tobs. Get dressed, we’re leaving in fifteen” Kling instructs, her eyes never leaving the mirror on the back of the door as she runs a hand full of mousse through her brunette locks.

“I already told you, I’m not going out tonight” Tobin clarifies with a stern voice, glancing at the television as the meteorologist begins going over the night’s forecast.

“No, you said you’re probably not going out. That isn’t a concrete answer” Kling points out, still distracted by her ‘do as she creates a cloud of hairspray around her head.

“You want a concrete answer? Fine. I’m most definitely not going out. There, happy now?” Tobin expresses commandingly. Kling’s face scrunches as she works to get her hair perfectly coiffed.

“Seriously Tobin? You haven’t gone out with us once this week. What’s stopping you?” Kling asks, growing slightly exhausted by Tobin’s constant dismissal of her invitation to party.

“Dude, it’s raining” Tobin answers as she gestures towards the window and then to the TV screen, “I’m not going out in that.” Kling raises a suspicious eyebrow, but maintains her inspection of her own reflection.

“Why not? It’s just water. Just like being in a wet t-shirt contest” Kling nonchalantly replies, to which Tobin scoffs.

“Yeah, ‘cause I’m really the type of person to participate in one of those” Tobin deadpans, rolling her eyes in her roommate’s direction.

“I never said that” Kling declares as she reaches for her eyeliner on her desk and begins to apply it just above her lashes. “But you’ve never been opposed to the idea of watching.” Tobin responds only by throwing a pillow from the futon in Kling’s direction. It hits her in the back and causes her eyeliner to smudge. “Dude, what the hell?” Kling protests as she whirls around and reveals the askew black squiggle at the corner of her eye. Tobin doesn’t even attempt to suppress the laugh that escapes her. “You ruined my wing, it had so much potential!”

“I don’t know, Kling, I think the lightning bolt suits you far better” Tobin returns with a childish smirk. Kling angrily turns around and grabs a makeup remover wipe to clean up her mishap.

“You’re lucky its soccer season” Kling simmers as the dabs at the afflicted area of her face, “Because any other time of the year I would totally kick your ass for that.”

“Only if your tiny leg could reach it” Tobin quips, chewing at the inside of her cheek to prevent herself from erupting in laughter.

“You find yourself amusing, don’t you?” Kling glares at Tobin through the mirror’s reflection.

“More than anyone else in this world” Tobin confirms with a content smile and a punctual nod.

Kling grumbles to herself for the next fifteen minutes before she grabs her keys and tells her roommate to have a, ‘fan-fucking-tastic’ night. As endearing as it sounds, Tobin easily picks up on the remaining bitterness in the small defender’s voice. Tobin wishes her well before Kling offers Tobin the one-fingered salute while she elegantly leaves the room. Tobin chuckles to herself as her eyes drift back over to the TV screen. The meteorologist seems to be finishing up his forecast, however Tobin tunes in with just enough time to notice that a thunderstorm is set to hit the area within the next hour or so. She glances through the doorframe until her eyes settle on the door of room 318. The door’s been sealed all night, and now she wonders what’s going on behind it. That feeling of insecurity bubbles up in her stomach again, and she tries to prevent her mind from jumping to the worst. It’s harder than she imagines, and suddenly she feels the need to shut her own door and close herself off while she’s stuck in her current wave of vulnerability. Once she gets up and grabs hold of the door handle, she hears the faint clap of thunder, and suddenly her demeanor drastically changes. Instead of wanting to shut her own door, she eagerly yearns to open another. The one directly across from her. Her mind is no longer on herself, but on the girl on the other side of the wooden barrier that separates them. She has to make sure that she’s alright. Driven by concern, Tobin strides across the hall and knocks on the door.

After about fifteen seconds of no answer, Tobin tries again. The door opens on her second attempt, however the person who appears in front of her is not the one she expected.

“Tob-in?” Julie answers with a confused expression as she looks Tobin up and down.

“Yeah, Tobin” Tobin exhales as she impatiently places her hands on her hips. “Can I please speak to Christen? I need to know that she’s…” Tobin begins as she anxiously peers around Julie to try to get a glimpse of the person she came to see.

“Actually Christen just ran across the street to pick up some ice cream for us. I told her not to, but she insisted since she knows I can’t watch movies without it” Julie casually replies as a look of disappointment casts over Tobin’s face. “Is there a reason for your visit?” Julie eventually asks after a few moments of Tobin silently stewing in her thoughts. Tobin’s eyes redirect from the floor back to Julie’s.

“I uh, I just came over here to ride out the storm with Christen” Tobin explains, still trying her best to keep her composure in Julie’s indescribably aggravating presence. “I know she’s bad with storms, so I came to keep her company.”

“You know about the storm thing?” Julie asks with slight surprise. Tobin nods slightly before Julie continues. “Yeah, well, ever since the accident she’s always just a mess whenever they happen. I mean, I guess I can understand why, but it worries me why it’s still so bad for her. It’s been like –”

“The accident?” Tobin repeats, her voice raising in urgency and puzzlement, “What accident?” Julie’s eyes widen and she regretfully bites her lip.

“You know what, it’s really nothing. How about I tell Christen that you stopped by, and then you can just go on with your night?” Julie responds as she grabs the edge of the door and slowing begins closing it. Tobin’s hand instinctively reaches out and stops the door in its path.

“But… what about the storm? I can stay and wait until she gets back. I could – ” This time it’s Julie cutting Tobin off.

“Don’t even worry about it” Julies quickly dismisses, “I’ll take care of Christen. I have been since high school, so I’ve got it covered. Anyway, I’ll just take things from here. Have a good rest of your night, Tobin.” And before Tobin even knows what to say back, the door closes in her face. She takes a few steps back and stares blankly at the door. She’s not delighted in the slightest that this is the first time that Julie actually got her name right. No, only insecurity and isolation fill her mind. Nearing thunder grumbles in the distance.

Christen hurries down the remainder of the third floor hallway as the faint sounds of the approaching storm grow louder and more intimidating. She anxiously winds and unwinds the handle of the plastic grocery bag around her wrist as she approaches her door. Once she arrives before her cubicle-away-from-home, she feels a nagging force willing her to glance over her shoulder to the room directly across from her own. The door is shut, which is uncharacteristic, and Christen almost swears she can hear the faint bouncing of a knee against a desk. She only recognizes that distinct sound from the few times Tobin ever feels nervous or frustrated about a test in their shared Comm class. It’s a rarity, and the fact that Christen knows that they don’t have any type of assessment coming up causes her curiosity to increase. If that’s really Tobin, what’s got her so on edge? Maybe I should knock and find out? Christen’s eyes trace the closed door once again and a new thought pops into her head. But then again, the door is closed. So should I just leave her alone? I hope she’s alright… You know what? Knocking never hurt anyone, I can just check in and see–

A prominent crash of thunder causes Christen to jump and emit a small squeal. The door beside her opens only moments later and Julie steps forward.

“You alright, Christen?” Julie asks, a sense of worry dripping from her voice. “Maybe you should just come in the room.” Christen feels a pang of an unknown feeling well up in her chest as she looks over her shoulder again and stares at the door to room 317. Whether it’s longing, concern, or guilt, Christen can’t be certain. But the one thing she does know is that whatever she’s feeling right now isn’t pleasant in the least bit. While she’s stuck in her thoughts, Julie ushers Christen inside. She swiftly closes the door behind them and gestures down to the bag in Christen’s hand. “So what did you get?” Julie asks excitedly as her hungry eyes attempt to penetrate the bag. Christen flashes a confused expression before looking between Julie and her recent purchases before she understands the question.

“Oh, um, I couldn’t decide between chocolate cookie dough or brownie mudslide, so I just got both” Christen explains distractedly as she tries to regain her wits. Julie smiles proudly as she takes the bag from Christen’s hand.

“This is why we’ve been friends since Kindergarten” Julie declares as she already begins removing the lids from the pint sized containers of frozen dairy treat. Christen hums in agreeance when she feels her phone buzz in her back pocket. She reaches for it and finds a new text when she unlocks her screen.

Thunder Shirt:  Everything alright? I heard you out in the hallway. You can come over if you need to. I promise I won’t bite :)

Christen smiles as she reads it, however Julie is in the process of dragging her over to her bed and playing the movie she already had all cued up before Christen arrived. She hands the pint of chocolate cookie dough ice cream and a spoon over to Christen as the two settle in.

“I’m so happy we get to have a girl’s night again. It’s been too long since we’ve had a night of just you and me” Julie adds with a sincere smile as the opening credits begin to play. Christen half smiles back at her, nodding before looking remorsefully back down at her phone.

Pizza Thief:  Everything’s fine, thanks. Julie’s watching over me tonight, although I’ll admit cuddling into her side just isn’t as fun as with you…I wonder why…

A few minutes pass before Christen receives a reply.

Thunder Shirt:  Hmmm…I guess it’s a mystery.

Thunder Shirt:  I mean, I do have a really comfortable shoulder. All the girls say so ;)

Christen rolls her eyes as she skims the new messages.

Pizza Thief:  All the girls, huh? Is that who you’ve been hanging out with all week?

This time the dreaded bubble with the three bouncing dots appears and disappears repeatedly on Christen’s phone screen. It takes all of ten minutes before Tobin finally hits send.

Thunder Shirt:  Actually no. But they aren’t the only ones I haven’t been hanging out with all week…

Christen feels a flash of guilt run through the pit of her stomach. Julie nudges her playfully as she laughs at whatever funny thing just happened in the movie they’re watching. Christen doesn’t even look up to find out what it is.

Pizza Thief:  I’m really sorry about that :/

Pizza Thief:  How can I make it up to you?

It isn’t even ten seconds later before Christen receives a reply.

Thunder Shirt:  Ditch the blonde and spend some time with me tomorrow

Christen chuckles to herself. Leave it to Tobin to pull a joke out of thin air.

Pizza Thief:  You know I can’t just abandon Julie like that

Christen’s phone buzzes almost as soon her thumbs leave the keypad.

Thunder Shirt:  Just drop her off with a sitter. That’s what my mom always did when she got sick of me

Christen audibly snickers this time and Julie glances over with a raised eyebrow. She stares at Christen suspiciously before Christen waves her off.

Pizza Thief:  From personal experience, I think I can understand why your mom did that…

Thunder Shirt:  RUDE.

Thunder Shirt:  I’m telling your mom that you said that

Thunder Shirt:  I’m Stacy’s favorite so you’re in for some tough shit

Pizza Thief:  Oh my god, please don’t call my mom Stacy

Thunder Shirt:  Why? Are you jealous that I’m on a first name basis with her and you’re not?  >:D

Pizza Thief:  No, it’s because it’s weird how casual you are with my mom

Thunder Shirt:  Stacy said you’d say that…

Thunder Shirt:  Just wait til I tell Cody about this at poker night

Thunder Shirt:  Oh yeah that’s right, I forgot to tell you that I’m playing poker with your dad tonight

Thunder Shirt:  Your uncle Tom will be there too

Thunder Shirt:  So, you know, don’t wait up for me

Pizza Thief:  How the hell do you know that I have an uncle Tom???

Thunder Shirt:  Stacy told me about him when she called me last week. Dude’s wild.

Thunder Shirt:  Also, she wanted me to tell you to not forget to floss

Thunder Shirt:  You really need to call her more often, you know how she worries about you

Pizza Thief:  OH MY GOD

Pizza Thief:  STOP.

Thunder Shirt:  Only if you promise to spend some time with me tomorrow

Christen’s thumbs hesitantly hover over the screen as she wearily glances between Julie and her phone. She sighs before responding.

Pizza Thief:  If I say yes will you shut up?

Thunder Shirt:  Maybe…

Thunder Shirt:  Although I can think of a few better ways for you to shut me up ;)

Christen’s breath gets caught in her throat, and before she can control herself, she starts coughing. Julie glances over with a worried expression.

“Are you okay?” she asks, even more confused than she was before. Christen’s coughing fit dies down and she simply offers Julie a thumbs up.

Her phone buzzes again, but Christen knows better than to read another text right now.

Tobin doesn’t move as she stares down at the text.

She can feel the frustration bubbling up inside of her as she sits alone in her room on this Thursday night. It causes her checks to redden and her jaw to clench. Her knuckles turn white as her grip on her phone intensifies.

She glares at that damn text, thinking that maybe if she tries hard enough, she can will it away.

But she can’t.

And that really pisses Tobin off.

Kling enters the room and haphazardly tosses her backpack onto her desk. She goes to say something to her roommate, but stops in her tracks once she notices the midfielder’s menacing expression. She gently creeps over to the futon and glances over Tobin’s shoulder to read the text that imprisons Tobin in state of paralytic anger.

Unknown Number:  Hey Tobin, this is Julie. Christen forgot her phone in her room, but she wanted me to tell you that she can’t hang out tonight. There’s this movie that we’ve both been dying to see, but today is the last day it’s in theaters. Anyway, I hope you can understand. Have a good night!

“So your plans fell through I take it?” Kling gingerly inquires as leans away from Tobin’s phone. Tobin just shoots her daggers in response. Kling takes a moment to calculate her next few words, which in this moment, is probably a smart precaution to take. In all honesty, Kling is surprised that Tobin’s head isn’t currently spinning around. “Ok, I know you’ve said you’re not interested like a million times, but here me out –”

“I’ll go” Tobin curtly states.

“You’ll what?” Kling asks, caught completely off guard by her roommate’s quick response.

“I’ll go out with you and the girls tonight” Tobin emotionlessly clarifies. “That’s what you were going to suggest, right?” Kling blinks a few times, uncertain that she’s actually hearing what Tobin is saying.

“Well, yeah, but how come you –” Kling starts again, only to be interrupted once more.

“Fall Fest only comes around once a year. You said it yourself” Tobin flatly explains. “So what time are we leaving?” Kling hesitates before launching into her next question.

“Wait, I’m confused. You haven’t even so much as budged on Fall Fest all week and now suddenly you’re just– ”

“Kling” Tobin firmly projects. Kling stops speaking and lends her ear to Tobin. Tobin’s eyes flutter closed as she takes a deep breath to regain some composure. “What time?”

“Uh, around seven I think” Kling replies, still unable to shake her confounded shock. “I’ll text Alex to let her know you’re coming.”

“Great” Tobin exhales as she leans her head against the back of the futon while her eyes remain closed. “Just great.”

“Julie, I don’t know. I don’t think sending Tobin that text was the best idea” Christen sheepishly admits as she and Julie stroll down the campus sidewalk.

“What do you mean? Wouldn’t you rather spend some quality time with your best friend who came all this way to see you, rather than someone you get to see literally every day?” Julie asks as if the answer should be clear. The only problem is, it isn’t to Christen. She feels guilty about blowing off her plans with Tobin, even if it is just for the night.

“I don’t know, I guess” Christen wishy-washily replies as she anxiously stuffs her hands into the small pockets of her jean shorts. “But did you really have to lie to her?”

“Hey, you’re the one who didn’t want her to know that we’re going to this party without her” Julie points out, nudging Christen in the ribs. Christen shrugs off Julie’s elbow, however her words are what deliver the deepest blow.

This whole situation started earlier this afternoon when Christen made a small comment to Julie about feeling like she was missing out on the ‘authentic college experience.’ Christen hadn’t meant much by it, only that she felt out of place at school from time-to-time, but Julie took Christen’s admission to heart. It was then that she suggested that she and Christen go out to one of the Fall Fest parties tonight. Initially, Christen was opposed to the idea, but Julie has a way of with words. Honestly the girl could persuade the President of U.S. Soccer to give her a decent CBA agreement if she really put her mind to it. The girl is gifted. So next thing she knew, Christen was getting all primped and dressed up for her first college party, as Julie went on-and-on about the importance of pre-gaming (even though she could make an exception for Christen since this will be her first time experiencing alcohol… And because they both lack the ability to purchase alcohol on their own without a fake ID or an upperclassmen hook-up.).

So now that’s what’s led Christen to this very moment. A moment where she feels a little unsure, nervous, and guilty all at the same time. Her anxiety builds with every passing second that they get closer and closer to their destination.

“You know I couldn’t tell her what we were really doing” Christen pointedly explains as they pass house after house of college kids spilling out onto lawns in a sea of scattered solo cups and discarded beer bottles. “She hasn’t gone to a party all week, so obviously she isn’t too thrilled about the idea. How could I tell her that I was blowing her off for cheap beer and clumsy strangers?” Christen asks, her eyes wide and searching for an answer for herself.

“Why not?” Julie breezily asks, gazing coolly over to Christen. “She’s your friend right? Doesn’t she know that friends are allowed to spend time with other friends? Hell, look at you and me. I don’t get to see you for months at a time, but you don’t see me pitching a fit about it.”

“It’s not the same” Christen blurts out, not being able to properly think about her words before offering them up for Julie to pounce on. Julie raises an eyebrow.

“Oh yeah? How so?” Julie asks, almost as if she’s up to something that Christen doesn’t have the slightest clue about. Like she knows something, but she won’t say what. Shit.

“It’s nothing” Christen quickly denies, desperately trying to cover her tracks. Julie looks Christen over from the side of her eye before she smiles to herself and shrugs.

“If you say so” she somewhat too easily concedes. Christen’s tensed shoulders relax. Crisis averted. For now. Julie continues down the sidewalk for only a few moments more before stopping abruptly in her path. Christen nearly bumps into her as she does.

“What’s up? Why did you stop?” Christen innocently asks as she glances over to her friend. Julie jerks her head in the direction of a huge Greek house across the street. Christen follows Julie’s gaze and sees nothing but a crowd of people. The bass from the inside of the house bleeds crisply to the outside. A bunch of Frat boys gawk around a keg as a scantily clad girl does a keg stand in front of them. Stoners lounge lazily on the front porch, obviously not giving the slightest shit if the cops were to roll by. Over by the bushes, a handful of girls vomit into the branches as they take turns holding each other’s hair back, and alternate between rinsing their mouths out with water and more beer. Christen’s stomach immediately ties in knots, and she hasn’t even crossed the street yet. If that’s what’s going on out here, then what the HELL is going on inside?!

“Christen?” Julie calls out as she takes a few steps out into the street, “You coming?” Christen gulps hard and tries to summon the courage to go forward, however her feet stay planted firmly to the ground beneath her.

“I, uh… I-I um, I…” Christen stammers, fidgeting slightly as her eyes bounce from one unsavory image in front of her, to the next. Julie pauses and looks back over to her frozen friend on the sidewalk.

“What’s the matter? This is what you wanted, isn’t it?” Julie asks, again with that knowing glint in her eye. Christen’s thoughts race and suddenly she becomes too overwhelmed to care anymore.

“No” Christen finally answers in a small voice, “It’s not.” Julie nods and patiently walks back over to Christen’s side.

“Ok” she simply returns, “Then what is it that you want?” Again Christen’s thoughts bounce off of every corner of her mind, but eventually she finds that she only has one answer. The truth.

“I want to not feel so guilty” Christen exhaustedly admits as she runs a hand over her face. Julie places a supportive hand on her friend’s shoulder.

“About what?” Julie calmly encourages. Christen heaves a long sigh before drawing her hand away from her face and looking Julie directly in the eye.

“About lying to Tobin tonight. About neglecting her all week. About not telling you that she and I are…” Christen pauses as Julie just stares at her expectantly, obviously anticipating the next few words to leave Christen’s lips. “…more than friends.” Julie’s eyes slowly close and her head slumps forward. Shit, she’s mad. I never told her about Tobin and now she thinks I’m a terrible friend. I kept a secret from her and now she’ll probably hate me for the rest of time because we’re supposed to tell each other everything. Dammit Christen, you fucked it up. You’re one true lifelong friendship is now completely down the drain because you’re an idiot and forgot to tell your own damn best friend that you –

“Fucking FINALLY!” Julie exclaims as she shakes her head and raises it back to eyelevel. Wait, what the fuck?

“What… What’s going on right now? You’re not mad?” Christen hesitantly asks, her tone oozing with confusion. Julie just looks her in the eye and begins to chuckle. What the hell is so damn funny?

“No I’m not mad, I’m relieved!” Julie exclaims, still happily chuckling to herself. Christen’s blank expression remains as she tries to understand the words of her puzzling friend.

“Relieved? Why are you relieved?” Christen asks incredulously.

“Because you finally admitted that you and Tobin have a thing. Christ Christen, I’ve been trying to get you to admit that all week! I mean fuck, you almost let me take you to party before I got you to crack. Christen, you hate parties. Why the hell did it take you this long to just tell me that?” Julie explains as she wipes the tears from the corners of her eyes. Christen stands silently dumbfounded for a few moments before snapping out of her state of shock.

“What do you mean ‘all week’? What the hell are you talking about, Julie?” Christen questions, continually confused and increasingly frustrated. Julie sends Christen an incredulous look of her own.

“Me interrupting your private moments, taking you away from her whenever I could, fuckingpurposely getting her name wrong at every opportunity” Julie explains like it’s clear as day. “Didn’t you think it was a little strange that I was acting like that? Jesus Christen, I’m not an asshole. You could’ve spoken up. You were supposed to jump in and say, ‘Actually her name is Tobin, and oh by the way, we’re a couple now!’, but you never did.”

“I was afraid that you’d be mad at me for not telling you about her sooner! I was walking on eggshells all week just to spare your feelings!” Christen interjects as a passionate fury spews from within her. “I pushed my own wants aside this week so that I could be a better friend to you. I pushed Tobin, a girl I’m all kinds of crazy about, aside so that I could be a better friend to you! And then knowing how I felt about her this entire time, you go and pull all of that shit just because you wanted to hear it from my own mouth? What the hell is wrong with you?!”

“It wasn’t just because I wanted to hear you say it” Julie clarifies as Christen simmers beside her.

“What do you even fucking mean by that?” Christen snaps, growing entirely too impatient with Julie’s cryptic utterances. Julie takes a deep breath as she looks Christen earnestly in the eye.

“I wanted you to stand up for what you want for once” Julie sincerely admits, causing Christen’s eyebrows to furrow.

“What?” Christen huffs, though her pent up rage is noticeably dropping.

“Christen” Julie softly begins, “All your life, you’ve always catered to other people’s wants at the sacrifice of your own. You’ve always taken the bullet even though what you really wanted was right in front of you. As your friend, I can’t sit back and watch you throw away your happiness like that. I’ve ignored it for too long, and I refuse to do that anymore. Christen, if you find something – or someone – that you want, you have to go after it. Even if that means sometimes letting other people down, you have to look out for you own happiness. Because if not… you may lose it one day.” Christen peers deep into Julie’s eyes as she lets her friend’s insightful words of advice sink in. Damn… Julie is eloquent as fuck.

“I… I just don’t know what to say” Christen discloses, thankful for Julie’s brutal honestly, but at a total loss for words.

“You can thank me later” Julie answers with a small, sly smirk. “But for now, how about you just start off by telling me what it is that you want to do in this moment. “ Christen takes a second to consider it, but the answer suddenly becomes crystal clear.

“I want to go apologize to Tobin” Christen replies lowly, yet decisively.

“Alright” Julie easily agrees, “Let’s get you to her.”

“Whoa, Tobin watch out!” Kling warns as Tobin is just seconds away from stumbling into a side table of the house the group just walked into. She grabs hold of Tobin’s shoulders and steers her inebriated friend away from her dangerous path. Tobin glances over her shoulder and flashes Kling a lazy smile. “Honestly, dude, I thought you could hold your liquor better, but I guess I was wrong.”

“It’s not my fault that hat trick –” Tobin sloppily defends.

“Patrick” Alex instantly reminds as Tobin is midsentence and midway through the beer in the red solo cup in her hand.

“It’s not my fault that Patrick kept an open tab” Tobin corrects as she slings an arm over Kling’s shoulder. “How could I refuse the offering of a guy like that?”

“Because Patrick only does that on the off chance that he’ll get to sleep with you at the end of the night” Kling reminds as she shakes her disapproving head.

“Can’t blame the guy for trying” Tobin slyly comments with a smirk as she winks over to her shorter friend. Alex busts a gut laughing while Kling just rolls her eyes.

“How the hell did I get stuck babysitting tonight?” Kling annoyedly mutters to herself as Tobin and Alex amuse themselves with their own drunken conversation. She runs an exasperated hand through her hair as Kelley weaves her way through the sea of people once she locates her friends.

“Can you believe those junkies are blazing up out on the front porch? It’s like they’re asking for this party to get shut down” Kelley expresses once she reaches Kling’s side. She takes one look at Tobin before curiously looking back over to Kling. Kling simply nods to confirm that Tobin is in fact as hammered as she appears.

“What got into her?” Kelley asks, glancing down at her phone, “It’s only a little after nine.”

“Too much of Sherman’s cheap ass beer” Kling sighs as she wishes she didn’t have to be responsible for her unstable roommate on a night like tonight. “And the fact that something obviously happened between her and Christen.” Kelley’s eyebrow raises as confusion fills her face.

“That’s news to me” Kelley reports earnestly, “Christen hasn’t mentioned anything.”

“I think it just happened a few hours ago” Kling explains. “Like this morning Tobs was in the best mood she’s been in all week. She was whistling around the room and throwing wads of crumpled up paper at my head – which was annoying as hell, but I’d rather be dealing with that right now instead of this. Anyway, by the time I got back from dinner today, she got some sort of text about Christen from her friend Julie, and all of a sudden she went cold. I was shocked when she told me that she wanted to come out with us tonight. She’s done it a few times, but Tobs isn’t exactly a party animal.”

“You sure about that?” Kelley skeptically questions as she jerks her head in the direction behind Kling. Kling glances over her shoulder and notices both Tobin and Alex have snuck off and are now involved in a heated game of beer pong at a table across the room. Alex tosses a ball that lands perfectly in the cup at the top of the opposing team’s pyramid of solo cups.

“Alex Morgan has done it!” Tobin shouts as she scoops up Alex at the waist and swings her around in celebration. Alex dizzily stumbles and nearly takes out the table once Tobin puts her down.

“God dammit, now I have to deal with this shit” Kling groans as she remorsefully makes her way over to the table. “Fall Fest is supposed to be fun for fuck’s sake.”

“Tobin?” Christen calls out as she gently knocks on the door to room 317. “Tobin? I want to talk to you” Christen continues softly and she internally pleads the door in front of her to open. Silence is her only answer. “Listen, I want to apologize, alright? I know that blowing you off tonight was a total dick move, and I’m sorry about that. Truly, I am” Christen pauses once more in the hopes that she’s convinced Tobin even in the slightest to let her in. She is disappointed yet again. “Seriously? I just said ‘dick’ and ‘blowing you’ and you’re not even going to make a joke about it? Tobin, you’re not answering my texts and I just want to see you, alright? I just want to make sure that you’re okay and that you’re…” In a moment of courage, Christen reaches for the doorknob and slowly turns it until the door is giving way before her. Once she’s in though, she’s only met by a dark, empty room. “…not here.” Christen shoulders dejectedly slump.

“Christen?” Julie calls out from across the hall, “Everything going alright?” Christen sighs before turning around and strolling back into her own room.

“She’s not here” Christen explains with an obvious hint of defeat in her voice.

“Then we’ll just wait until she comes back” Julie easily replies as if it’s the only option they have of how to spend the remainder of the evening. Christen smiles, grateful for her friend’s level of understanding.

“Thanks Julie, you’re –”

“—the fucking worst. Honestly, the worst game of beer pong I’ve ever played in my life” Tobin slurs as she and Alex drop themselves onto an unoccupied couch.

“It wasn’t that bad!” Alex protests as her words jumble together.

“Dude, you made one shot at the beginning, and then that was it. That was all she wrote. Boom. End. Finito” Tobin exaggerates, only ceasing after Alex reaches over and lightly smacks her on the back of the head. “Seriously, stick to soccer because unlike beer pong, you’re actually pretty decent at that.”

“Oh yeah?” Alex counters, casting a mischievous eye at her equally intoxicated friend. “Well you should stick to complaining about how much you miss Christen. You seem pretty well-versed in that area.”

“What? I haven’t said a word about her all night” Tobin defends as she pulls a phone from her pocket and attempts to unlock the lock screen, though with little success.

“You didn’t have to, it’s written all over your dumb face” Alex points out as she reaches out, and pokes Tobin’s cheek. “Plus you’ve been checking that phone every five minutes, and the only people that you text besides Christen are all out with us tonight.”

“Well maybe if I could get this damn phone to work, I could start collecting more numbers and text more people” Tobin frustratedly deflects as she continues to punch her passcode into the phone’s keypad. Curious, Alex leans over and inspects the device in Tobin’s hands. “Work, damn you!” Tobin shouts, drawing a few startled eyes. Alex chuckles to herself.

“It would probably help if that was actually your phone” Alex knowingly replies with a shit-eating grin. Tobin’s eyebrows furrow as she flips the phone over and inspects the case. It has a big red cartoon apple with a smiley face on it. “So why did you decide to steal Sarah’s phone? You got beef with her or something?” Alex playfully asks. Tobin takes a few moments to think about it before a memory suddenly comes floating back.

“She left it at the bar in Sherman’s so I grabbed it for her” Tobin explains as she recalls the series of events from earlier in the night. “Ali was waiving around a pride flag and accidentally hit Sarah in the face with it. It came as a surprise, so Sarah had to dash off to the bathroom to tend to her wound. Some girls named Kealia and Rachel and their friends said they’d go and take care of her, so I think she’ll be fine.”

“Well as long as she’s alright, that’s all that matters” Alex concludes while Tobin pats around her own pockets in search for something.

“So then where the hell is my phone?” Tobin asks, suddenly frantic.

“Kling took it about three hours ago” Alex simply replies as she leans back into the couch. Tobin stops her searching and glares over to the forward.

“Then why didn’t you tell me that?” Tobin questions with a hint of annoyance in her voice.

“What? And miss the look on your face right now? No way” Alex chuckles as she tiredly rolls her head to the side and breathes a content sigh.

“You are something else” Tobin returns with the shake of her head before leaning over and reaching into Alex’s sweatshirt pocket. “Now give me your phone.”

“Why?” Alex swats her hand away just before Tobin is about to grab the cellular device. “So you can text Christen and tell her how much you miss her?”

“No” Tobin grumpily responds once she finally gains possession of Alex’s phone, “So I can text your mom and let her know how you’re using that athletic scholarship of yours.”

“Tell Christen I say ‘hi’” Alex quips with a wink before she’s back on her feet and bounding over to Kelley.

Christen is jolted out her trance as her phone vibrates in her hands. Julie just continues watching the movie, giving Christen the privacy to keep the contents of the text to herself. Christen’s heart races as she anticipates who it could be from. However when she looks down at her screen to identify the sender, a wave of slight disappointment washes over her. It isn’t until a few more texts come in the she remembers to actually read them.

A-morgs:  Chrostwn I misd tou ans I’msorty

A-morgs:  that I dont’ hve mu phime to telk yoi that myse;f

A-morgs:  But yeaj, I miss yoy ans I thoufgt yoi shoukf no

A-morgs:  Alex sayd pie btw

Christen looks blankly down at her phone’s screen as she tries to decode the string of messages. What the hell is Alex trying to say? She must be drunk off of her ass.

She lays her phone back on her lap, and tries her best to focus on the movie as she continually wishes that a certain someone will show up.

At about half past eleven, Christen gets her wish.

“Must be love on the brain!” a chorus of exuberant, yet immensely off key voices sing out from the hallway.

“For the last time, shut the hell up! Do you want Broon to bust us?” another voice hushes the other two.

“Nah, Broon loves us, she wouldn’t write us up” a different voice sloppily comments.

“I don’t even love you two right now” the first voice reprimands, sounding increasingly frustrated.

Christen shares a worried glance with Julie as she slowly raises to her feet. She silently asks her friend for permission to leave, potentially for the night.

“Do what you gotta do” Julie graciously allows, gesturing towards the direction of the hallway. Christen sends Julie one last appreciative smile before she crakes open her door and enters the corridor.

“Christen!” the chorus of voices ring out.

“Oh thank god, I think I was about to murder one of them” the first voice exasperatedly expresses.

“Kling, give me your hat” the second voice suddenly demands, noticeably less chipper than it was a few moments ago.

“Why?” the first voice asks with a skeptical tone.

“Because Broon will hate me if I throw up on the floor” the second voice answers.

“Alex no!” the first voice exclaims, “Give that back!” Two pairs of footsteps thunder down the hallway. “Alex! I swear to god!...” the first voice grows distant.

“I missed you” a third voice comments in a small, remorseful tone. A few moments of near silence pass.

“I missed you, too” Christen tearfully returns.

Tobin’s eyes reluctantly crack open as she’s met with a booming headache, and a ridiculously dry mouth. She groans as she rolls over on her futon, but the sight before her shocks her all together. Tobin gently pokes at Christen’s head that’s leaned against the cushion of the futon while the rest of her body is spread across the floor.

“Hey” Tobin whispers as Christen begins to stir, “What happened last night? Why are you here?” Christen’s eyes flutter open and warm at the sight of Tobin, despite getting hardly any rest.

“Those are some strange questions for someone who begged me to stay” Christen teasingly comments as she sits up a little straighter. Muscles in her back crack as she does. Tobin sits up and moves over to allow room for her guest.

“Here” Tobin offers as she pulls Christen beside her on the futon, “That floor cannot be very comfortable.” Christen nods and smiles appreciatively as she settles in next to Tobin. “So seriously, mind refreshing me on what I did last night to wake up with you alone in my room?” Tobin asks equally genuine and suggestive.

“Well, after a nonstop stream of ‘I miss you’s and your iron grip around my wrist, I figured it was probably best that I look after you last night” Christen explains as a smile grows on her face. Tobin’s eyes close as she breathes an embarrassed sigh.

“You know what, I don’t want to know any more than that” Tobin concedes as Christen chuckles beside her.

“Oh, so I guess I shouldn’t tell you about the little strip tease you decided to preform…” Christen continues with a neutral expression, but a surpressed laugh in her throat.

“I did not!” Tobin exclaims, absolutely mortified that Christen’s words may be true. “Shit! Yelling hurts. Fuck my head is so messed up” Tobin reveals as she rubs at her temples and pinches at the bridge of her nose.

“Ok, I lied” Christen admits as Tobin tries to give her a menacing glare, however it only turns into an amused smile.

“Real funny, Chris. Real funny” Tobin returns, reaching out to take Christen’s hand in her own. Christen smiles as their fingers interlace for the first time in what feels like forever.

“Although you did have a few choice words for Julie” Christen discloses. Tobin’s smile turns into a frown as she feels the guilt rising within her.

“I’m sorry, I’m sure I didn’t mean any of it. It was just that all week she’s been glued to your side and I just –“ Tobin begins before Christen jumps in and silences her.

“I know” Christen declares as she looks Tobin apologetically in the eye. “I know it came from a place that isn’t really you. And I know that I’m equally to blame. I need to apologize for neglecting you like that. It was stupid and I should’ve considered your feelings.”

“It’s fine” Tobin ensures with the squeeze of Christen’s hand.

“It’s not” Christen declines with the concise shake of her head. She looks into Tobin’s eyes once more. “But I realize that now, and I’m going to do my best from here on out to be better to you. You deserve better.”

“Ok” Tobin responds after a few silent moments of gazing into Christen’s mesmerizing green eyes. “I’m going to be better, too.” The two smile at each other for a little while longer before Tobin speaks up again. “So how is Julie by the way? Do you think she hates me now?”

“She’s fine, Kelley took her out for brunch” Christen explains with a small chuckle, “Although you may not be invited to her wedding after last night.”

“Her wedding?” Tobin eagerly asks, secretly searching for some information about Julie that’s been plaguing her thoughts for the past couple days.

“Yeah, it’s only a matter of time before her and Zach tie the knot. Those two are crazy about each other” Christen explains as blissful relief finally enters Tobin’s mind.

“Well I guess I can live with missing the wedding” Tobin breathes out, “I’ll be sure to send a gift, though.”

“After last night, maybe even two” Christen jokes as Tobin pulls her closer so that she’s tucked into Tobin’s side.

“So where did my bite-sized roommate end up?” Tobin asks, switching to a lighter topic.

“Taking care of Alex” Christen explains, “Baby horse spent most of the night throwing up in the bathroom. Don’t use the third stall for a while.”

“Damn, poor Kling. We really need to start being nicer to that one” Tobin comments as she remembers bits and pieces of how Kling looked after her last night. “I didn’t put you through anything like that, did I?”

“Well you did throw up a few times as well, and you stole my sweatshirt, but other than that you were alright” Christen reminisces as she brushes some of Tobin’s messy hair out of her eyes. Tobin looks down and notices that she is indeed wearing Christen’s sweatshirt. She brings the collar to her nose and slowly inhales as she eyes flutter shut.

“What are you doing?” Christen asks, confused yet amused.

“It smells like you” Tobin answers, opening her eyes again and directing them to Christen’s. “I like it.” Christen smiles as Tobin maintains her gaze and slowly leans in. When she just inches from Christen’s face, Christen blocks her by raising her hand to Tobin’s lips.

“I’m not kissing you until you brush your teeth” Christen tells, a playful giggle escaping her. Tobin just smiles back at her and kisses Christen’s cheek instead.

“Fair enough” she replies with a content grin.