Changing Tunes (2 page)

Suitcase in hand, my head held high and a deep breath, I slam the trunk down on my very new and very expensive car; a gift from my father. I remember the moment he gave me the keys. In his very matter of fact voice he said, “Here’s the keys to your new Lexus, don’t wreck it; I will be unable to accompany you to college. I have a meeting I can’t miss, but I trust you will be just fine.” Not a question but a statement; something I’m used to.

Glancing around, I see parents everywhere, hauling luggage. Most are grasping onto their son or daughter with all of their might and tears in their eyes as they drop their babies off at college. I notice several students looking horrified at the display of affection, but others actually seem sad to see their parents go. That feeling is alien to me. I couldn’t wait to get away and start anew. Thinking of new makes me think of Miranda, my partner in crime; or used to be. For a brief moment, I think of calling her and seeing if she is faring any better than me. But the thought quickly fades as I realize I honestly don’t have anything to say to her, and how awkward it would be; I don’t do awkward.

Coming back to reality, I walk with a confidence I don’t quite feel, but show anyway because that’s the ‘Davis way’. “Never let them see you look weak,” as my father would say. I straighten my head, shove my designer sunglasses back up my nose, and fling my long blonde hair over my shoulder with my hand.  I throw on my confident face and move towards my living quarters for the next year. I feel looks from people as I walk by—and by people, I mean guys. Some guys are flying solo, some have girls with them, and some are in a group with other guys. It doesn’t matter; I certainly don’t discriminate. I throw a smile or two, as I walk by and continue my strut. I’m certain I dressed perfectly for my first impression. Clad in short cutoffs that show my long, lean and tan legs and a pair of wedge sandals to make my legs look like they go on for miles. I’d thrown on a very tight white tank top that shows the perfect amount of cleavage. I am well aware of what I look like, and I use it to my every advantage. Hell, I’ve got it; why not flaunt it?

As I walk into the apartment building, I shove my sunglasses onto my head, let my eyes adjust to the light and pull out the letter stating what hallway and room I am in. I’d requested an apartment to myself, but apparently those are only for upper classmen. I don’t know anything about whom I will be rooming with, just that my father paid for the apartment for the entire year. I continue my trek down a hallway, nearing where my room is supposed to be, when I hear a whistle. I stop, turning to where the sound originated from and spot a very nice looking guy, smiling as he leans against a doorframe, showing no shame in having been caught. He walks over and holds his hand out to me.

“Hi, I’m Austin.” He introduces himself with a southern drawl. He’s tall, blond, tanned, and toned from the looks of his arms.

Oooohhh, now he could be fun.

I flash my signature smile at him. “Ashley.” I grasp his outstretched hand with mine and he instantly brings it up to his lips and kisses it, still maintaining a smug smile.

Releasing my hand he says, “Well, Ashley, if you need anything—anything at all—don’t hesitate to seek me out. I live right here,” he points to the door behind him.

All of a sudden I hear a loud female shriek, “Austin!”

“Uh oh, busted,” I hear Austin grumble and watch a guilty look creep up on his face.

I turn around and see a pretty, but pissed off, brunette stampeding her way over to us. She stops, looks me directly in the eye and says, “He’s taken, so get your paws off of him!”

Okay, I can fully admit, in the past, it wouldn’t have mattered to me whether a guy was taken or not, but this time it’s all on him. I can’t be blamed for this. I’m a couple of inches taller than her and looking down, matching her look for look, I spout off, “You may want to keep
your
man on a tight leash, then, since he hit on me, not the other way around!” I turn around to make my way to my room and see a small crowd has formed from the banshee shrieking her head off.

Great.

Way to ace my first impression at college. This is what I need to avoid. Reminder to self; just don’t talk to anyone. It will be so much easier that way.

I peek at Austin, to see how he’s faring, and notice his tanned face quickly turning bright red. Who knew someone so tanned could show such embarrassment? He begins to pull her away and I hear him say, “Baby, I was just being friendly.”

I shake my head.  I can’t help the smirk that pops up and continue down the hall, looking for 220C. Several guys and girls are watching the scene with rapt interest, and I can still hear Austin mumbling apologies to his girlfriend. I feel the eyes of the others watching me as I pass, but I don’t pay them any mind. I walk with purpose, showing no interest in the scene behind me—as if it never happened.

I stop at a door with a small chalkboard hanging beside it. On the chalkboard is written
Mac and Ashley’s Room
. It’s swirly and very girly, with a couple of smiley faces around it and a heart. Who the hell am I rooming with? Mary fucking Poppins?

I just set my suitcase down to pull out my key when the door swings open, startling me, and I drop my keys. Standing in the doorway is a petite, pretty brunette, possibly of Puerto Rican heritage.  I tower over her like a giant. She’s smiling and puts her hand out, but quickly changes her mind and throws her arms around me. I stand as still as a statue.
This is awkward
. She pulls back and squeals, “I’m so glad to finally meet you. I wondered when you were going to get here. I’ve been waiting on pins and needles. We are going to be the best of friends! I can’t believe it, we’re in college.”

“Do you ever stop talking?” I growl.

For just a moment her smile falters, but just as quickly, it’s returns to full strength. “I’m sorry, I just get so excited. I guess I really should have introduced myself first. I’m Mackenzie, but everyone calls me Mac.” She leans down and picks up my keys, handing them back to me.

“Thanks,” I say dryly. “Ashley.”

“Your stuff arrived already, and I had them move it over to the room on the left. I hope it’s okay; they’re the same rooms, but the window opened a little easier in the one on the right, and sometimes, I need fresh air.”

Ignoring her window comment, I glance around and walk to the door of the room she indicated would be mine. I open the door and see my boxes of things did, indeed, arrive. “It’s fine.”

The room is simple, a stark cream with boring brown carpet—nothing special, just a room. A room that symbolizes a couple of things I’m not willing to admit to myself quite yet.

Sensing I don’t want to talk, Mac says, “Okay, well, I guess I’ll let you get settled. Holler at me if you want some help.”

For the first time, I acknowledge her comment and realize something myself. This is a new beginning. Some place no one knows me, or what’s happened to me, or who I am.

I make eye contact with her, use her name and muster a small smile, “Thanks, Mac,” hoping my eyes convey I actually mean it.

She nods her head and leaves my room, closing the door behind her.

I find the box marked bed linens, pull them out and make my bed. As soon as the bed is made, I take my shoes off and lie down. The moment my head touches the pillow, I let sleep take me.

I wake to a soft knock on the door and notice it’s pitch black in my room. I manage a garbled, “Come in,” and Mac enters. Light seeps into the room when the door opens.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to wake you, but I figured you’d be hungry and wondered if you wanted anything to eat? I went to the store while you were sleeping and stocked the refrigerator, so there’s a lot to choose from. I made some dinner, if you like chicken stir-fry. You’re more than welcome to some.”

I’m surprised for a moment. I’m not used to anyone being so thoughtful and thinking of me. I take a moment too long analyzing and Mac quickly turns to leave saying, “Or not. I’m sorry.”

“Mac, I’ll be out in a minute; thank you, and yes, I like stir-fry.”

She briefly turns back to me, a smile surfacing on her face, before she walks away. A feeling of calm washes over me as I realize I liked seeing her smile, and it was really nice having someone do something for me, without any expectations. I vow to be nicer to Mac, and truly use this experience as a second chance. I don’t have to be close to Mac, but I can be nice to her. With that determination, I walk into the small kitchen area and smell the stir-fry that smells heavenly.

“This looks great!”

“Hopefully, it will taste better than it looks.” She grabs a couple of plates and dishes out our food, setting them on the table. We sit down and begin eating in silence. It tastes incredible.

“This is really good,” I pronounce, looking up at her, a pleased expression on her face as she continues to eat. Figuring a conversation would be better than eating in awkward silence I ask, “Where did you learn to cook?”

“Hands down, my dad. He’s a really good cook. My poor mother can’t cook worth a lick, so my dad’s always been the cook in our house.” I sense the fondness she has for her dad as she’s speaks about him. “My dad really loves cooking, and my mom hates it, so it all works out. Do you cook?”

I snort out a, “Hell no. I’ve never been taught, and we had people who did that for us. Plus, my father would have a conniption fit if his daughter were cooking in a kitchen. He’s got higher expectations for me.” I quickly back track, realizing how that came out. “He just sees…” Instead of making an excuse, I call it like I see it. “He’s a snob,” I laugh out and Mac laughs with me, and I’m glad I didn’t hurt her feelings. It quickly dawns on me that I care whether I hurt her feelings, or not. It’s a very strange feeling, another one that I’m not used to, either.

“So,” Mac drawls out. “What do you want to do tonight? How do you feel about getting out of here? I heard there’s several parties going on around here at a number of the dorms and apartments.” Her eyes shine bright, and she looks giddy and excited at the prospect of us going out together. And for whatever reason, I don’t want to tell her no.

“Sure, why not?”

I don’t have anything else going on at the moment, so what do I have to lose?

Mac jumps up, “Awesome, and I’ve got the perfect outfit.” She runs to her room, and starts sorting through her closet.

I walk to my room and heave my suitcase on my bed, throwing it open. I rummage through, trying to decide on what I should wear tonight, when I hear Mac walk in. I turn and see her in a cute, short summer dress and a pair of high espadrilles. “Very cute.” She looks pleased and begins to look at the choices I’ve pulled out, spotting my cowgirl boots.

“These are fantastic, Ashley. You need to wear these, but with what?” She places her finger on her lip, gently tapping it in deep concentration. I’m a little in awe she noticed my boots. I love these boots, and they go everywhere with me. I’d already decided I was wearing them.
This girl’s got good taste
. Mac pipes up, “I think the shorts you have on actually will look awesome, but maybe this with it instead of the tank?” She lifts up a sheer cream floral blouse that shows off some of my back and is lower in the front. I have to wear a thin strap cami underneath it, but it will look great with my boots and dress up my shorts.

“Okay, give me a couple of minutes to dress and touch up my make-up, and we’ll go.”

She squeals and leaves the room, shutting the door behind her. I shake my head, wondering if I’ll get used to that, and begin to get ready. I’m already doing things I wouldn’t normally do. I would have never thought on my first night I’d be going out with my roommate. I didn’t anticipate even liking my roommate. I had meant to be standoffish and a bit of a bitch, but I find myself unable to avoid liking her. My mind wanders as I fix my make-up. I need to find a guy tonight; someone who’ll suffice, just for the night. Someone who’ll make me feel good, and who’s not attached to anyone else. I’ve been down that road before, and I’m not doing it again.