Mismatched socks

Renée - Chapter 2: Lesbi honest

A week has passed since Sophia visited me in my dorm. She is avoiding me. Whenever I see her - in the library, the hallways or in the cafeteria - she walks away. For a moment I thought that maybe I made a new friend. Turns out I haven't. I blame Colin. I know it's not his fault, but it is easier to blame someone else.

Gladys leaves the room, probably off to her boyfriend where she spends every night. I lay on my bed and stare at the ceiling. Colin is in a class, and I probably should study. Instead, I take my phone and scroll through Instagram. I click on the search bar and type 'sophia'. The second person in the list of names has a profile picture that looks like her. sophia.appleton.botticelli. I click on follow.

The door opens and Colin walks in. 'Ever heard of knocking?' 'Ten minutes ago, you texted me: "I am bored. Help me.",' he says and drops his books on my desk. 'You should study,' Colin says and sits on my bed next to my feet. 'That will only please my mother,' I say. 'Ren,' Colin says stern.

I look back at the ceiling. 'We'll make a deal,' Colin begins and gets my attention. 'You study for the rest of the day and go to your class. And we will throw a Halloween party.' I sit and look at him, considering. 'With costumes?' 'With costumes.' 'Okay,' I say and get up. I take my books and start my laptop. Colin laughs and shakes his head. 'You better start planning that party,' I say with a big smile. I don't like a lot of people in the same area, but I do like a party. Especially when there are costumes.

***

Later that evening I walk past the food in the cafeteria. I'm not really hungry. I just take an apple and water. I turn around and bump into a girl with two blonde space buns. 'I'm sorry,' I apologise. 'Oh, it's fine,' she says and smiles a little.

'You're Renée?' she asks. 'Yes. Do I need to know you?' 'No, no. I'm Sophia's roommate, Elise,' she says. 'Oh.' I look at my feet. 'She's ignoring me,' I say. 'I know. That's why I was hoping to run into you - but not literally,' she chuckles.

'So, what did I do wrong? I thought it was all fine, but apparently not,' I say. 'You didn't do anything wrong. She's just embarrassed about something she said,' Elise says. 'Then what did she say that she would be this embarrassed to talk to me?' I ask surprised. 'I knew she was exaggerating,' Elise mumbles.

'She said something about taking you to Italy one day?' I nod. 'Yeah, well she's embarrassed about that because she thinks it gave the wrong signal.' 'Oh, I didn't think anything weird of that, I thought it was nice. I thought I made a friend,' I say. Elise smiles softly.

'Why is she so upset about giving the wrong signals?' I ask with a frown. 'That's not for me to tell,' she says. 'Enjoy your sober diner.' 'Thanks.' Elise walks away. I eat my apple and drink my water.

***

On my way back to my room I see Sophia walking a few meters before me. 'Sophia!' I say loud enough so she can hear me. She turns around but doesn't look at me. 'Are you okay?' I ask. 'Yeah, yeah, of course I am,' she says rubbing her arm nervously. 'Good, then you don't need to ignore me anymore,' I say with a crooked smile.

'Elise talked to you, didn't she?' I nod. 'I thought it was nice, your comment about taking me to Italy. I didn't think anything weird of it,' I say. 'Oh, good,' Sophia says relieved with a smile.

We talk about little stuff we see on our way to my dorm. 'So, Colin and I want to throw a Halloween party next weekend,' I say. Sophia looks at me. 'You are invited,' I say with a little smile. 'And Elise too.' 'Really?' She asks surprised. 'Yes! And it's with costumes,' I say with a big smile now. 'Otherwise, it wouldn't be a Halloween party,' Sophia laughs.

'Where will this party be held?' Sophia asks after a while. 'Mine or Colin's house,' I say. 'And how are we getting there?' 'The bus, taxi, my brother's car... it's only a half hour drive,' I say. 'Then why are you living on campus?' 'To avoid my mother,' I say coldly. 'Is she that impossible?' she asks. 'Yes.'