F•R•I•E•N•D•S

F•I•V•E

Kennedy

It's three 'o' clock and I'm currently rolling my last suitcase up to my room. Thankfully, I had talked my Dad out of getting me my own room; I always wanted a roommate.

He did, however, got me a room on the top floor with a view, overlooking the entire campus of Illinois Central University.
It was supposedly one of the top rated universities in state, and had amazing programs for the arts.

After taking the elevator up and walking into my room, I dump my suitcase onto the bed furthest to my right, the one I've chosen.

Our room was not tiny and cooped up like the average dorm room you'd see on television, but we didn't have separate bedrooms either.
It was more like one large room with two single sized beds on opposite sides.

There were no decorations or color whatsoever which excites me because I'd have a great time turning this bland place into a masterpiece.

As I looked at my watch again, the time showed that only fifteen minutes had gone past the hour so I decide to take a walk, to get to know the place better.
With cellphone in hand, I leave my new room and quickly make my way outdoors.

The sun was extremely blazing, making me feel like a tuna casserole in the oven; nevertheless I welcomed the warm, sunny weather.

There were clusters of people either hanging out on benches, or sitting on blankets on the emerald shade grass. Birds raced against each other in the cloudless trap sky while their song filled the open air.

I continue to scan the waves of bodies until a blonde haired girl sitting on a towel all by herself caught my eye.
She seemed to be bored, picking at her nails while crossing and uncrossing her legs restlessly.
Now seemed as good a time as any to make a friend so I walked the short distance over to her, before introducing myself.

"Hi, I'm Kennedy. Mind if I sit with you?"

She looks up at me, a kind smile gracing her face.

"Sure, why not. I'm Flora."

I take a seat beside as we talk for a few minutes. I learn that she's a freshman as well, and lived an hour away from here. She loves pets and ice cream and I could tell from the honest, passionate way she talks that she's a sweet girl.

As I begun to tell her about my life, her eyes make wide saucers as she takes in my words.

"Did you say Banks? As in the celebrity NBA player Gerard Banks?"

"That's my Dad," I chuckle nervously.

I dislike the way people get when they find out I'm the child of a celebrity. The obvious sucking up, the constantly using my name as some trophy; I was sick of it all.

"That's so co-"

"Who the hell is this?" A disgusted voice asks from behind us.

We turn to see a short tanned girl with blue highlights in her brunette hair. Her arms were crossed and her nose scrunched up as she looks at me pointedly.

"Tara, she's-"

"What the hell is that on her face?" She interrupts yet again.

She refers to the bright birthmark beside my eye, contrasting greatly to my dark skin. It was little but still noticeable and I'd hated it since I was a child.

"Tara chill, she's cool," Flora debates on my behalf.

I stand, knowing quite well when I've worn out my welcome.

"It's okay Flora, I have to go anyways. See you around," I wave her off while rolling my eyes at the rude girl known as Tara.

The sun was loosing its warmth as cool breeze blew stray leaves around, telling me that the big ball of fire was soon about to begin its descent.

Instead of continuing my stroll, I decide to head back to my room for awhile.
Once I was out the elevator doors and in front of my door, I realized it was wide open and someone was unpacking their suitcases in one of their drawers.

As I walk inside, shutting the door behind me, she turns around with a startled expression on her pale face, one hand clutching her chest.

"Oh my gosh I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to scare you," I apologize.

"I-it's fine. I'm too jumpy for my own good," she chuckles awkwardly.

She had hair the color of copper, an orangey-brown shade to it. Oval glasses sat on the bridge of her nose and silver braces lined her teeth.
The sea kelp colored orbs she looked at me with were soft and timid as they bore into mine.

I give her a warm, sincere smile, sticking my hand out in greeting.

"I'm Kennedy by the way," I introduce myself.

She takes my hand in hers, returning my smile with a shy one of her own.

"I'm Everly. It's nice to meet you."

"Nice to meet you too roomy."

We go through other formalities before she returns to unpacking her last suitcase.
I simply lay on my bed texting Ben, who was making sure I was safe, before suggesting we find something to eat.

"Hey Everly, do you want to get dinner with me?" I ask leaning on my forearms.

She's silent, no doubt debating on wether to stay and pack or tag along.

"Umm, I think I'll stay. I should get settled in you know," she responds.

I'm a bit disappointed because I would have loved to get to know my new roommate better but nonetheless, I text Ben and tell him to meet me on the first floor of our building.

Sliding effortlessly off my firm bed, I slide my feet in my boots before grabbing a little purse with my wallet, keys and cellphone inside.
As I head over to the door, opening it halfway, I throw a farewell over my shoulder.

"Catch you later then."

As I prepare to close it, mind set on appeasing my roaring stomach, a voice halts me before I can make another move.

"Wait!"

Everly calls out and runs to meet me at the door.

"On second thought, I guess I'll come," she says looking everywhere but at my eyes.

"Great! Let's go."

We walk in step all the way down to the first floor and find Ben already waiting where he said he'd be.

A thick dark coat adorns him, making his shoulders look undeniably broad, and complimenting his Hershey's kissed skin tone.

"All set?" He asks me in that bass voice of his.

"Yeah, this is Everly by the way. She's my new roommate," I introduce the two as she extends a shaky hand to him.

"My pleasure," he greets.

A tinge of red graces her cheeks as she quickly looks away from him and runs her palms up her forearms.

Ben simply looks at me when she isn't looking, eyebrows almost hidden in his hairline.

"Someone's got their work cut out for them," he mumbles under his breath.

Rolling my eyes I lead the way on our scavenger hunt for food, with the two in tow behind me.