Freshmen Fifteen

by Sheffield, Jasmine

I sniffle, wiping my nose. I hate crying, my nose gets red and eyes all puffy. Not that elegant cry you see the actresses have in most movies. Mine is that ugly Nettie in the Color Purple cry. “It was tough. Tanya’s parents have suggested she consider adoption. She’s heartbroken because she really wants to keep the baby.” I pause for a few minutes to wipe away a few more tears. “Her emotions are on overdrive.”

  “I’m sure they have good reason, Laila. Tanya is young and has the rest of her life ahead of her,” my dad says as he taps out the beat of Before I Let You Go on the steering wheel. The way he is jamming, I think he could be excited I’m leaving the house.

  Staring out of the window, I take note of each landmark. Passing the school, fairgrounds, and a few restaurants, I realize Fort Walton Beach has been good to me these past eighteen years. I’m going to miss my favorite spots, especially the beach and restaurants. I wish we could drive through Destin, that route is much more scenic.

  My parents are jamming in the front seat to some oldies. As much as I love these songs, I just can’t get into them right now. I read through old text messages, scrolling through my conversation with Josh.

  You said you were about to lose your virginity on graduation night... was my sister still a virgin until the Wharf? Now you understand why I was so upset, it only takes one time to get pregnant. If I could have stopped her from leaving, we wouldn’t be here.

  I feel bad for Josh, but I couldn’t give him the answers he wanted. My reply was short and sweet.

  You have to talk to your sister.

  Rolling down the window, I take in the cool breeze. I’m sure when we get to the Hill I’ll be dying from the heat and humidity. The cool breeze slowly puts me to sleep.

  “Wake up, Laila, we are finally here.” My mom taps my knee. As I focus my eyes, I glance out the window and see students and parents carrying boxes and suitcases from their cars.

  “Looks like this is as close as we can get. Ready to get out?” My dad parks the car. Looking back at me, he gives me a sympathetic look.

  “You mean we have to hike from here to Harris Hall?”

  “We?” My mom chuckles. “I’m going to leave the heavy lifting for you and your father. I’ll take a few bags and start unpacking them in your room.”

  After grabbing my keys from the dorm attendants, we take the first load of boxes to my new room. The halls are painted a warm cream, each door is maroon accented with gold numbers. I don’t smell the stench that lingered at the other dorm, but there isn’t a noticeably pleasant smell either.

  Room 215, home away from home. “Hurry, open the door. I’m excited to see your room!” My mom claps her hands.

  I open the door and the sunshine immediately catches my eye. The windows are almost bigger than the small room, which is bare, but at least dust bunnies aren’t in the corners. “Better than the dorm from orientation.” The twin beds are separated by two wooden desks, nothing lavish.

  My mom walks around touching the furniture. “After a few decorations, it will be nice. Now you and your father can go grab everything else.” She pats me on the back, scooting me out the door.

  On our way out, the elevator line is down the hall. “Come on we are strong, let’s take the stairs,” my dad says, grabbing my arm.

  I reluctantly drag myself along. Hopefully, the elevator will be available when we get back.

  Walking back, I spot a few guys dressed in maroon shirts with Moving Guy embellished on the back. I scan the crowd and find a few cuties to help my dad with my mini fridge and a trunk full of random decorations and school supplies.

  Dropping the fridge and trunk in my room, the guys ask me a few questions. “What’s your name? What’s your major?” They were firing questions quicker than I could answer.

  I started laughing. “My name is Laila and my major is journalism.” I ignore the other questions I missed and ask, “Moving Guys?”

  “We are in a service fraternity. Freshmen move-in is one of our events for the campus, but we have things throughout the year. You’ll see us around.” Before leaving out, they each shake my hand and personally welcome me to Lee.

  As I walk down the hall to grab the last box from the car, I see our shuttle driver from orientation. He stops me. After staring at me for a few minutes he says, “I remember you. How’s your friend? I remember you all begging me to bring you back from the party early because she was sick,” he says nodding his head.

  “Right.” I don’t want to spread Tanya’s business. “She’s good.” That’s all the info he needs to know. “How was the rest of your summer?” I hardly remember his name. How the hell did he remember Tanya was sick?

  “It was good. Went by too fast, but I guess I’m glad to be back. What’s your name again?” Good, I’m not the only one bad with names.

  “It’s Laila. Yours?”

  “Dwayne. Dwayne Simeon. I better get something in my hand before your dorm mother kicks me out. I’ll see you around.” He smiles and waves as he hurries off.

  I grab the box and head back to my room. My mom has already claimed my side of the room, next to the window. I’m sure my roommate won’t mind, besides she should have beat me here.

  My mom has almost unpacked all of my boxes. I guess that’s the least she can do. My dad and I are both sitting lifeless. Our shirts stained with sweat and my hair looks like I’ve walked through the misting machine at Six Flags. The fifteen-minute walk between the dorms and the car was brutal.

  “I think that’s the last thing.” My mom places a framed picture of Tanya and me on my desk. “That wasn’t too hard, even without any help from the two of you.” My mom puts her hand on her waist and shakes her head. My dad and I look at each other, then back to her.

  “At least your job was in the air conditioning. You can’t complain. I don’t sweat this hard when I exercise.” My dad wipes the sweat that has dried on his forehead.

  “Oh hush. I’ve worked up an appetite. Laila, what would you like for dinner?”

  “I’m fine with whatever. Almost too tired to eat.” I sit back in my chair and close my eyes.

  After wiping down quickly, we leave out in search for a restaurant. The dorm has settled a bit, and most of the Moving Guys are nowhere to be found. A peace has finally settled in the halls.

  Driving down Pensacola Street, we find this little spot called California Chicken Grill. It doesn’t seem to have too many cars parked in front, unlike almost every other restaurant we passed. We order our food from the counter, and then find a table while we wait for our number to be called.

  “I spoke with Mrs. Jones this week. I wanted to see how she was doing. I know it had to be hard for her to not be coming down here with Tanya.” Frowning, my mom looks away.

  “Yeah, I’m sure that had to be hard. I certainly wish Tanya was moving in on the other side of my room.”

  “Laila, whatever you do.” My mom stares in my eyes. “Please do not get pregnant in college. I’m sure Tanya’s pregnancy has been a dose of reality. She will miss out on so much.” She clears her throat. “College is such a good experience, we just want you to enjoy all of it.” My mom pauses and looks down at her hands. I try to change the subject. I’ve cried enough tears for both of us today.

  “Mom, I’m going to enjoy all the experiences of college. I just hope it isn’t this hot. I may miss a few classes trying to avoid the heat.” My parents laugh.

  “The heat didn’t keep me from class. But that rain, in Louisiana, you know it can be something else. I definitely stayed in when it rained,” my dad says, smiling at my mom, making her blush. I don’t even want to think about what they did while it rained.

  I hadn’t considered the fact that I’d have to run across campus in the rain. Heat and rain both will keep me in the room. Hope the professors are understanding.

  Driving back to campus, the closer we get, reality begins to hit me. My chest begins to ache and my eyes begin to blur. I can do this, don’t cry. I’m a college freshman now. They will only be a few
hours away. I take a few long breaths in an attempt to hold back my tears.

  “Laila, let’s make this quick. I don’t want to be in front of the dorms acting a fool. We will only be a few hours away if you need anything.” As if my mom read my thoughts.

  Our hug feels too short, but long enough for my tears to leave an imprint on my mother’s shoulder. I quickly hug my dad and turn to walk into the dorm. One last look over my shoulder and I see my dad helping my mother into the car.

  Walking to my room, I avoid making eye contact with anyone. I’d hate for anyone to think I’m a big baby, with my tear stained face. I wash my face and relax for a minute before texting Jennifer. She invites me over to meet her family. How rude of me. I should have texted her earlier and we all could have done introductions.

  Jennifer’s door is open, but I knock before just walking in. “Hey Laila. C’mon in. Meet my people!”

  I immediately spot a woman who appears to be her mother, from whom Jennifer gets all of her looks. Her mother is cocoa brown with not a wrinkle in sight. Her jet-black hair is teased into spikes, exposing her small neck.

  On Jennifer’s bed are two miniature versions of herself, only one is a boy. I turn to look at the father, who must have weak genes. Unlike the rest of the family, he has an espresso complexion and age hasn’t been as kind to him. His hair is salt and pepper and the wrinkles on his skin are like a road map.

  Jennifer walks over to me and gives me a huge hug. “Let me introduce you to my family.” As she points to each person, they wave and smile.

  “Nice to meet you all. Are you all getting settled okay in all this heat?” They all laugh, and Jennifer reminds me she is from Texas and this heat isn’t too bad but the humidity is nothing to joke about.

  Both beds are made up and there are pictures hanging on both sides of the room. “Where is your roommate?”

  Jennifer looks over at the other bed and shrugs. “I’m not sure, actually. When I got here earlier today, I saw there was stuff already unpacked but she wasn’t in the room. She left a cute little note letting me know she would be back on Sunday, and her name is Nicole.”

  “At least you know you have a roommate. I haven’t seen anyone yet so I may be solo.” I grin. “Which would be cool with me.”

  “Good for me too. If I get tired of my roommate, I’ll escape to your room.”

  I glance at Nicole’s pictures. “I wonder where she could be.”

  Jennifer’s mom chimes in, “Maybe at the hotel with her folks. Are your parents still here? I’d love to meet them.”

  “No ma’am, they headed back already.” My eyes begin to burn as tears start forming. I turn away to shake them away before they can escape.

  “We will be here until Sunday, if you need anything just let Jennifer know.”

  “Thank you.” I smile at Jennifer’s mom as I stand to leave. “I’m going to call it a night. It was really nice meeting you all.”

  Jennifer walks me a few steps to the door. “I’ll text you later.”

  Walking into my room, I’m thinking I’ll be greeted by a stranger. But still no roommate. Better for me, I enjoy my alone time.

  I call Tanya, and the phone only rings a couple of times before she picks up. “Laila! I miss you already. How is your dorm room? How’s your roommate?” Tanya sounds excited to hear from me.

  “Oh Tanya, I miss you too. I’m so sad you aren’t here unpacking your stuff. I actually don’t have a roommate yet. I’m thinking I may not have one. The dorm is much better than where we stayed during orientation. The real question is, how are you, missy? How are you feeling?”

  “I actually feel normal, outside of this nausea. I think I have more stress from the decisions I need to make and how quickly I need to make them. My parents said they would support me if I decide to keep the baby, but I’d need to get a job. You know it has always been my intention to go to school. I just feel if I keep the baby and get a job, I won’t have time for school.”

  “You have a wonderful support team though. Have you talked to either of the guys yet?”

  “Randy should be up on the Hill with you. He called yesterday. I had to ignore the call though. I’m not sure how I could explain that I’m not going to be at school this semester. As for Devon, he still hasn’t apologized for how he treated me after we had sex, and we’ve only spoken briefly a few times. I’m so hurt, Laila.”

  “Shit, thanks for reminding me about Randy. I’ll try my hardest to avoid him on campus. I’d rather not explain why you aren’t around. As for Devon, I’m sure you are extra emotional right now and it’s probably best that you decide things on your own before involving anyone else. I’d hate for you to make a decision based on someone else’s feelings.”

  Tanya sighs. “Enough about my issues. Why are you in the room this early, can’t hang?” She laughs.

  “This Tallahassee heat is no joke. We couldn’t park near the dorms to unload the car, so we had to hike from down the street with our boxes. I’m drained.”

  “Damn, I’m sure you are worn out. I’ll let you get some rest. Call me tomorrow.”

  “Talk to you later.”

  I lie down and shut my eyes, quickly dozing off.

  He whispers in my ear, “Spread your legs a little further.” His hand glides across my thigh as his teeth tug at my nipple. A low moan escapes my throat. My arms are wrapped around his neck. I spread my legs and the moisture is almost dripping down my thigh. I can sense the grin on his face as his hand explores...

  My phone vibrates and awakens me from my dream. I move my hand from between my thighs. Damn my panties are soaking wet. That dream had me hot and heavy and I couldn’t even see the guy’s face.

  Thank God I don’t have a roommate. There’s nothing better than pleasing myself. Although I’m a virgin, I’ve had plenty of orgasms. All self-produced!

  The text on my phone is from Jennifer.

  Are you ready to step out and meet some people? I can only stay in this dorm for so long.

  Before I meet up with Jennifer, I should change my panties.

  My first visit to the community bathroom of Harris Hall. Just like the other dorm, minus the stench. What’s up with the sterile white?

  A couple of girls in robes are leaning over the sinks; one is washing her face and the other is brushing her teeth. I speak to them before stepping into the stall, but neither of them look up from the sink. I overhear them talking about their roommates, too bad I can’t relate. But being solo in my room could have its advantages.

  We meet up on the steps of the dorm. Sweat is forming around my chest, and it’s nine p.m. This heat is no joke, and most of the girls are dressed accordingly. I’ve seen more ass cheeks than I’ve ever wanted to see.

  Jennifer eyes the next girl leaving the dorm with her three-inch shorts on. “These chicks around here are dressed to get it. I know it’s hot, but damn, wearing your panties outside is too much!” I can’t help but laugh.

  “I can’t blame them too much. It’s hot as hell out here. But if you ever catch me with shorts that tiny, make sure you turn me back around. There should be a shorts longer than your coochie rule.”

  “Don’t worry, I will make sure you aren’t out here selling it on the corner.”

  Jennifer laughs. “Do you remember the guys we met at orientation?”

  I nod my head. “I talked to a couple of them, and they said they were coming over to chill with us.”

  “That’s cool, not much else going on right now. What about the other girls from orientation? Have you seen or talked to them?”

  “Actually, I haven’t seen them but I know they are staying at the dorm across from the courtyard.” She points behind us. “There’s a freshmen welcome party tomorrow night on campus. We should go. We can probably find them and meet some other people. These dorms are cool but I can’t stay inside too much. We have to be active.”

  I laugh to myself. Jennifer reminds me of Tanya. I’m pretty sure we will get along well.

  As
we are sitting, waiting on the guys, I hear noise coming from around the corner. We turn to see a swarm of people coming towards us. As they get closer, we hear them chanting.

  “Look, here come the Greeks. This should be entertaining.” Jennifer is all grins as she sits and watches the guys get closer. The guys post up and start performing. Looks like a scene straight out of Stomp the Yard. All the freshmen girls are standing around, screaming, and clapping.

  I perk up and stretch my neck in the direction of the guys. The guys are sexy as hell. Seeing them, gets me all worked up again. Any one of them can be inserted into my dream. I laugh to myself as I turn to Jennifer. This chick is so into the show I think she forgot I was even standing here.

  Damn, there is Mr. Sexy himself. The guy from the orientation panel. I should have known he was Greek.

  I watch him march around the courtyard, not taking my eyes off him for the entire performance. When they are finished, the guys disperse and start talking to the ladies who are standing around, nearly throwing themselves to the wolves.

  I stand back and watch the madness. Jennifer tugs my arm and we move away from the crowd that has gathered in front of us.

  “Look at these girls, they look thirsty! I’ve never been the type to run after a man. We will wait until they approach us.” Jennifer scans the crowd, then sits back and crosses her legs.

  I agree with Jennifer completely. But just as we are waiting, our bodyguards pop up. What great timing.

  “What type of sausage fest is going on over here? The Greeks are out tonight aren’t they?” One of the guys looks around, smirking.

  “Ah don’t hate. That will be you in a couple of years!” I nudge him in the side. “What’s up? How was the move-in?” It’s a shame, I hardly remember any of their names. I should do much better. I’m sure they will be around us often.

  One of them didn’t seem to like that comment. “Hell, not me. I’m Me Phi Me.”

  The other guys just ignore my comment, and joke about how hot it was today. Jennifer talks to the guys as I check around to see if I can find Mr. Sexy. I can’t find him in the crowd but I’m sure I’ll meet him in my dreams. Thank God I don’t have a roommate yet.