Over the next few weeks, Demi and Odell really got to know each other. Not just because she cheered for him during all of his games, but because they spent a lot of time together much to Ariel's dismay. They helped each other with homework from their general education classes, ate dinner together, worked out together, and really just became the best of friends. Odell was really feeling Demi but he could tell that she wasn't up for any type of relationship so he didn't want to make her feel like he was pressuring her into anything, so he kept his feelings to himself.
"You don't talk about your parents much. Everyone is excited about parents' weekend coming up but you're quiet," Odell said after Demi had convinced him to go with her to get some frozen yogurt. She had been alone in the dorm room and even though she had a lot of friends on campus, she didn't talk to any of them or hang out with any of them like she did with Odell.
"Well my parents aren't coming. You remember when we first met and you said were surprised that I lived in New York but didn't go to an Ivy League?"
"Yeah..."
"That's why they're not coming. They didn't want me to come here because they want a doctor or a lawyer or even a ballerina. And I don't wanna do any of that stuff. LSU offered me a cheer scholarship which is the only reason why I'm here because my parents refuse to pay for my schooling as long as I'm doing something they don't like," Demi explained for the first time in forever. She never talked to anyone about her parents, like exactly who they were and the type of lifestyle she lived back home. She couldn't even call that place home. Her parents supported her until she got a brain of her own and decided that she didn't want to be a neurosurgeon or anything else like that.
"That's tough. I'm sorry that you don't have your family to support you. Have you talked to them? Are you gonna go home for the holidays?"
"I haven't talked to them since I've gotten here. And if I go home for the holidays I'll basically be forced into marrying this rich snob that's been wanting me as his trophy wife since middle school. I'll probably just stay at a hotel or something, I don't know," Demi responded, dropping her eyes down to her cup as she released a deep breath.
"Look," he tapped her arm so that she would look up, "if you need some place to stay for the holidays, you're more than welcome to stay with me. My mom will love having another girl in the house and you can meet my little brother," Odell offered as Demi tucked a piece of hair behind her ear.
"Really?"
"Yeah, really. You know you're one of my best friends, right?"
"I know now. Thanks Odell. Really, thank you so much," Demi said as she wrapped her tiny arms around his huge frame. He wished they could be something more. He wished that she was looking for something more than just a best friend, but for right now, he had no problems with just being there for her in every way that she needed him to be.
"DEMI! Are you going to the party tonight? You know everyone's gonna be there!" Tinsley exclaimed as she bounced up to her after one of their afternoon classes. Demi hugged her books closer to her chest and shook her head.
"Tins, you know I'm not much of a partier," Demi responded as Tinsley playfully rolled her eyes.
"You haven't been to a single party all year. Plus, Odell's gonna be there," Tinsley teased as Demi giggled.
"And why would I care about that?"
"Because that boy is totally in love with you. You've got him wrapped around that little pinky of yours," Tinsley said as Demi shook her head.
"I don't know what you're talking about. But I'll think about the party, Tins. No guarantees though. I'm swamped with homework and we still have practice," Demi reminded her as Tinsley nodded before walking off. Demi took the short trek to her dorm as she thought about what Tinsley had said.
