Chapter One
Campus Life
Campus is deserted this early in the morning. As I eat up the brick pavers filling the road through the middle of campus, I can’t help but fall further in love. At this time of day, brick buildings glisten in the sunlight, and the green grass lining the pathways is inviting. I know I’ve made the right decision to transfer to Washington State University.
Running down a steep hill as I return to my apartment, I can’t help but think about how much my life has changed. Two days ago, I lived at home with my family. With two other kids in college, my parents encouraged me to attend our local community college because my scholarship money would last longer. I’d been able to keep my high school job, live at home, and save money. I made a few friends at school, but I was in high school all over again. It didn’t take long to realize I needed a change.
When my sister, Katherine, announced her engagement to Ben last winter, I decided to transfer. My parents encouraged her to move home while she finishes her student teaching. Since their wedding’s in December, Ben’s moving in afterward. Don’t get me wrong, I love Katherine, and Ben will be a great brother-in-law, but this means we’re back up to six in our household. Although it’s a big house, it’s perfect timing for the change I need.
After my run, I stretch again before taking a shower. Anticipating a scorching-hot day, I wear khaki shorts, a green t-shirt, and sandals. I pull my hair back into a loose ponytail before gathering papers to meet with my academic advisor. I quickly eat breakfast before walking to the French Administration Building.
As the evening cools, I eagerly return to campus to see how my schedule flows. On the way home from my self-guided tour, my phone rings. My heart rate picks up with excitement. Caller ID shows it’s my sister, Katherine.
“Hey, Kate. How are you?” I’ve been anticipating her call. Knowing Katherine, I’m sure she’s dying to know everything. I can’t help the smile that spreads across my face.
As expected, she takes a deep breath and eagerly pumps me with questions. “So, how’s your new place?”
“Great, I…” I start to say, but she interrupts before I can answer.
“What’s it like? Describe everything and don’t leave anything out,” she rapidly spits out, causing me to laugh.
I pause for a moment, biting my lower lip, thinking of where to begin. “Well, it’s a one-bedroom, furnished apartment right off the edge of campus. It’s perfect. There’s AC, and the double bed’s actually comfortable.” I fill her in on the specific details of my apartment. With each detail I add, she seems to have two or three questions in return.
I chose a one-bedroom apartment because I get up early and study late. I don’t require much sleep. Five or six hours tops, then I’m wide awake. Thanks to my siblings, I’ve heard enough horror stories about roommates to easily convince myself as well as my parents, to live alone.
“Did you meet your advisor?” she asks when she’s exhausted the topic of my new apartment.
“Yeah, this morning. She’s really nice. I’m taking eighteen credits. Oh, guess what? I’ve been accepted into the education program.” I’m beyond excited. Being a transfer student and only a sophomore, I had worried I’d have to wait until next year to start my required classes.
“That’s awesome. What are you taking?”
I look at the schedule in my hands and prattle it off to my sister. She’s eager to hear about my classes, until I mention geology.
“I thought you’d completed your science requirements,” she states, making it sound like a question.
“So did I,” I sigh in frustration. “Apparently, I’m one credit short for my lab requirement, so I have to take another class.”
Kate moans conspiratorially. “That’s sooo frustrating.”
“It is,” I agree, “but it’ll be over this semester.” Attempting to sound more enthusiastic, I add, “I’m still on track to get my reading and ELL endorsements. Oh… And you’ll never believe this… I can minor in Italian of all things, if I take a class or two.”
“That’s good, but crazy.” There’s a brief pause, then she asks, “So, what else did you do today?”
Holding in my excitement, I calmly state, “I got a job.”
“You’re kidding.” Her voice raises in disbelief. “You’ve only been in town one day. How on earth did that happen?”
“Well… At dinner last night, there was a sign in the window. I filled out the application and brought it back.” Still trying to sound casual, I take a deep breath and exhale slowly. “She called me while I was at The Bookie buying textbooks.” Knowing Katherine, she’ll have plenty to say after this tidbit of information.
“You’re kidding?” She surprises me with her lack of commentary.
“I interviewed this morning and was offered the job before I left,” I state, sounding kind of smug, rather than as relaxed as I was hoping.
“Wow.” She still sounds surprised. “Where at? I mean… What will you do?” she sputters.
I can’t control my enthusiasm any longer. I finally let my excitement show as I explain, “It’s at an Italian restaurant downtown, called Antonio’s. It’s right off Main Street. I’m a server, which means I will deliver food, once it’s ordered… I start tomorrow!”
“Al, that’s amazing!” Katherine sounds like a proud mother. “You have the best luck! I’m so happy for you!”
Switching the focus of our conversation, I ask Katherine about her wedding plans. We haven’t talked about them in the past couple of weeks, so there’s bound to be an update. I’m one of her four bridesmaids. Like the typical bride, there’s always something new to divulge.
Katherine gushes in detail about picking out tuxes, making it sound like a chore. I take this opportunity to let myself into my apartment and make dinner. I respond at the appropriate times, so she won’t realize my mouth is full or think I’m not paying attention. She gives me the full update on the flowers, photographer, and DJ. Unfortunately, she seems a bit overwhelmed, even for Katherine. And she’s as high strung as they come.
All of a sudden, Katherine gasps, drawing my attention. “You’re coming to the bridal shower, aren’t you? The bachelorette party’s afterward!”
“I’ll be there, Kate.” Wondering why she needs to ask. I’m her sister, after all. I can’t help when, “Why?” comes out of my mouth.
Knowing exactly what I mean, she begins, “Well…” She hesitates as if not sure what to say. “I just thought… Now that you’re working, you might not make it,” she sighs as if a huge weight has been lifted. I picture her visibly relaxing through the phone and shake my head. Katherine always overreacts, but once things are off her mind, her feathers don’t stay ruffled.
“No worries, Kate. I talked with my manager. I’ll be there.” I shake my head in disbelief. I can’t believe she’d think I’d miss her big day. God, I hope this wedding doesn’t turn her into one of those crazy brides.
“Oh, that’s amazing!” Katherine sounds relieved. I can hear in her voice how important it is for me to be there.
“What are sisters for?” I tease. Changing to a solemn tone, I state, “You’re turning, you know.”
She hesitates for a moment before asking, “What do you mean?”
“You’re on the verge of becoming a crazy bridezilla!” I accuse as I let out a snicker.
Giving her the reality check she needs, Katherine’s silent for a moment, then humbly states, “Thanks, Al. I know I can count on you to keep me honest.”
“It’s what I’m here for,” I say sarcastically and continue to chuckle. She’s horrified by the thought of becoming one of those brides who freak out over every little detail. Her best friend did that last summer, and Katherine hated it. Though she still loves her friend, she’s vowed never to be like that. I whole-heartedly intend to hold her to it.
We say our goodbyes as I take my dish into the kitchen and clean up after myself. I put my leftovers in the fridge and wash the dishes. Hopefully, she doesn’t take my bridezilla comment too seriously. I can’t handle the next four months with her obsessing over negative details every time something she doesn’t like happens. I love her dearly, but when she’s freaking out, she’s horrible.
I spend the rest of the evening unpacking. I hang some pictures and organize my bedroom. I go through my bags from The Bookie. After pulling everything out, I curiously look at some of my textbooks as well as other reading required this semester. To pass the time. I pick up Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor and begin reading. I’m surprised at how fast I devour it. My thoughts linger on this book as I fall asleep.
After my morning run, I venture to the laundry room of our apartment building and run a load. Just as I put clothes into the dryer, a tall, slender girl walks into the room. She’s wearing a navy pair of capris and a turquoise V-neck tank top. Her light-brown hair is tied back in a loose knot. She plunks her large, yellow laundry bag and detergent onto the floor near the washers on the other side of the room. She sways to music heard through her earbuds without any knowledge of my presence. I make a point to close the door to the dryer quietly, hopefully alerting her to my presence, but not startle her. I’m unsuccessful.
“Oh.” She gasps loudly, due to the music blaring in her ears. “I didn’t see you there.” She takes out her earbuds and sorts her bag of laundry into three different machines.
“Sorry for startling you.”
She smiles and shrugs. “That’s what I get for not paying attention.” She lets out a light laugh. “I’m not used to anyone being here so early in the morning. This place is usually vacant at this hour.”
“Oh.” I shrug, not knowing what else to say.
“I’ve lived here just over a year. It’s the best time to come, especially when classes start. Never come in the afternoon. You’re better off going downtown to the laundromat after three.” She gives me a warm smile. Her first reaction was just because she was startled, not that she wanted to be alone.
“Thanks for the advice. I’ll keep it in mind. I’m usually up pretty early.”
“No problem. Are you new to WSU?” she asks, pronouncing it Wazzu.
“I arrived Tuesday.”
“That’s awesome. You’re a transfer student?”
“Yeah, I went to community college last year.”
“Welcome.” She encouragingly smiles. “I’m Sophie Reynolds. I live in that apartment.” She points to the one upstairs about three units away from this room, halfway to mine.
“I’m Alex.” I extend my arm in the direction of my apartment. “I live there. It’s nice to meet you.”
“What’s your major?” she asks as she puts detergent in her last load.
“Elementary Ed. What’s yours?”
“Poly-Sci.” She loads quarters into each machine before starting them. “Are you getting settled?”
“I’m getting there.” I shrug. “My parents arrive this weekend to help me finish getting settled, since they couldn’t bring me over.”
“That’s nice of them.” Sophie smiles, then she adds, “I’m getting coffee while these wash. Wanna join me?”
“Sure.” I smile. I have nothing else to do, and it’s a relief to meet some of my neighbors. “Let me get my purse.”
“Great. I’ll take this to my apartment and meet you in a few minutes. We can walk down the hill, or drive. It’s up to you.”
“I’m fine either way,” I reply, not knowing where the coffee shop is. I know I have four hours until work, so there’s plenty of time, no matter what we decide.
“Okay, we’ll walk.” She gathers the rest of her things and heads toward the door. “See you in a few minutes.”
What a relief to finally have someone to talk to. Sophie seems friendly enough and who knows, it might be fun. I quickly gather my things to take to drop off. I change into a pair of sneakers, not knowing how far we’re walking. I quickly pull a brush through my hair and tie it back from my face.
Sophie walks into the courtyard as I arrive. “Great timing.” She smiles. We cross the parking lot toward one of the dorms. Orton Hall, I think.
“Thanks for inviting me.” I match my pace to hers, and we walk down a small path toward a dorm. “How long have you been here?”
“Oh, I’ve been here all summer, working and taking a class. It’s my junior year, so I’ve been in Pullman two years so far. I’m originally from Everett.”
“I’m from Tumwater. Where do you work?”
“Right here, actually.” She grins and points to a small building between two dorms. From the sign, I see it’s a daycare. “I work with the before and after-school kids. We held summer camps during the day.”
“I love kids. Do you work many hours during the school year?”
“Since it’s open from seven to six, I get between twenty to thirty hours each week. It changes depending on my class schedule. Will you work while you’re here?”
I clear my throat and grin. “Um… I was offered a job yesterday.”
She looks encouragingly at me. “That’s awesome. Where at?”
“A restaurant called Antonio’s.” I make it sound like a question rather than a statement.
“Wow, that’s amazing. How’d you get a job so soon?”
I eagerly explain, and we spend the rest of our walk talking about my day yesterday.
As the door to Starbucks opens, a burst of cool air escapes, saturated with coffee beans. A few people are scattered about, but it’s not too busy. Sophie approaches the counter and orders a vanilla latte. Then she waits for her latte at the other end of the espresso machine. As I step up to the counter to order a chai Frappuccino, a group of guys walk in.
“Hey, Sophie,” one of them calls out in a friendly tone.
“Josh!” she exclaims. “When did you get back?”
“Monday. How was your break?” I hear him reply as I pay for my drink.
Once receiving my change, I turn in their direction and see the one who’s apparently Josh, the tall, lanky blond, wearing tan shorts and a blue Polo shirt, reaching out to hug Sophie. The three other guys with him continue their conversation in the line behind me. Sophie picks up her drink and explains the different camps she helped with this summer. I walk to the other end of the espresso machine to wait patiently for my own drink, as they continue to chat with one another.
After a moment, my drink is ready, and I walk toward them. There’s a break in their conversation, and Sophie gestures toward me. “Oh!” she gasps. “How rude of me. Alex, this is Josh. Josh, Alex.”
Josh smiles as he reaches to shake my hand. “Josh Andrews.”
“Alex Manning.”
“Alex just transferred. She lives in my apartment complex.” She smiles toward me, rolls her eyes, and lets out a little giggle. “We met this morning doing laundry,” Sophie interjects before anyone can say anything else.
“Nice to meet you.” Josh returns a warm smile.
“You, too.”
Josh walks to order his drink since the three others he came in with are finished.
“Do you want to sit for a few minutes?” Sophie casually asks.
“Sure.” I shrug, taking a sip of my drink.
She walks over to a table for four that has an identical one next to it. She sits at one end closest to the other table, and I sit across from her. After a few minutes, Josh and his friends walk toward us.
“Can we join you?” he casually asks.
“Sure, Josh,” Sophie replies.
As they sit at the table next to us, Josh introduces his friends, “This is Vince, Gavin, and James.” He gestures toward them, but not to anyone specifically, so I’m left not knowing which name belongs to whom.
Simultaneously, I hear three different versions of “Hello,” from distinctly different voices.
“Guys, this is Alex Manning.” Josh gestures to me.
“What are your plans today, Soph?” Josh continues.
“Well… we’re in the middle of laundry, so we need to finish it soon, but other than that, not much.”
“Want to head to the Dunes with us?”
“Sure, what time do you want to leave?” Sophie asks before taking a drink from her latte.
“Around one?” Josh questions toward his friends. They each nod in agreement.
“Sounds fun. Can you pick me up?”
“Sure,” he replies to her, then looks at me apologetically, “You’re welcome to come, too, Alex.”
“I’d love to, but I have to work,” I say with regret.
“Maybe next time,” he sincerely states.
“Thanks,” I reply, wishing I could’ve gone to see more of the area.
We visit for a while before the dark-haired one in the green t-shirt stands. He hesitates before saying, “Hey, guys? If we’re picking Sophie up by one, we’ve gotta move.” He flashes a gorgeous smile apologetically to Sophie and me.
Until he stands, I hadn’t realized his height. He’s easily six foot three. When everyone joins him, I foolishly smile when I realize how little I’m paying attention. He isn’t the only tall one here. None of them are under six feet.
After saying goodbye, Sophie and I return to our laundry. Sophie explains, “‘The Dunes’ is a place to swim on the Snake River.” She insists I go sometime. “So, how long do you work tonight?” she asks.
“I think until eight.” At least that’s what the manager said.
“That’s not bad. I love the food there.”
“I’ve only tried it my first night in town.” I chuckle, continuing to fold a shirt. “It’s definitely something I won’t mind being around.”
Sophie lets out a loud snort. “Well, it would suck if you hated the food you had to serve!”
“Yeah, it would,” I agree.
As I finish putting the last of my clothes into the hamper, Sophie giggles. “This was fun. Let’s do it again sometime.”
“Yeah, it was. Thanks for inviting me.” It’s nice to know at least one person on campus.
“Hey, I’m going to Spokane tomorrow. You’re welcome to come.”
“I’d love to, but my parents arrive in the morning. Maybe another time?”
“Sure.” She pulls out her phone and asks for my number. I rattle it off, and I receive a text.
“Call me if you want to hang out sometime,” Sophie offers.
“Will do.”
* * *
After spending the weekend with my parents, I’m exhausted. I show them all around campus, where I work, and places in Pullman and Moscow. They fell just as in love with the Palouse as I have. Our favorite sightseeing adventure was at the WSU’s Bear Center. I had no idea bears were being researched on campus. It’s highly entertaining to watch grizzlies play like kittens, rolling over one another down the hill as they played with the research students.
As expected, Mom goes overboard with groceries. I swear it’s as if she’s shopping for all six of us back home, rather than just me. Fortunately, most of the things she bought are non-perishable, so I can store them. She knows I love cooking and doesn’t want me to go without.
Being nervous about my first day of classes, I spend more time than usual choosing what to wear. After some speculation, I choose a pair of khaki shorts and my favorite blue scoop-neck tank top. I double-check my bag to ensure everything’s there and pick out an outfit to wear jogging in the morning.
Lying in bed that evening, I can’t help but think about tomorrow. I’ll admit, I’m nervous about what my professors and classmates will be like, but it’s not too overwhelming. I can’t wait to see what happens.
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