This is the moment you've all been waiting for ... Or not. Nonetheless, enjoy it.

A few hours earlier

Okay, basically I had a plan. It wasn't
exactly a plan per se, more like a bunch of self-stated promises though I needed to group my endless thoughts under some sought of category. Apparently, we humans tend to put things into groups so that we don't go nuts, so my need to categorize the storm in my head that I call my thoughts were normal...Surprisingly.

Most plans in movies went exaggeratingly wrong, were we in a book or movie? I hope not...Let's just say I still have my theories and speculations.

The choice was between calling it a plan or mission impossible so I chose the former, obviously trying my absolute best to stay optimistic.

Despite my regular overthinking self, it was a simple plan. A plan that would involve dates with Catalina, watching classic movies, becoming prone to college stereotypes by drowning myself in work, and miraculously getting a girlfriend.

Simple right?

The plan that I formulated in my mind countless times which included going over the negatives and making sure there were no glitches, went down the drain the moment I stepped out of my mom's lemon-colored minivan with clothes that went against my entire persona.

I was disgusted with myself, I couldn't believe that I mirrored the men that were plastered all over fashion magazines.

I blamed Janine for being the reason why my college experience consisted of girls, heartbreak, and tears though that is the future, the present being...

"Red! I packed some condoms in your suitcase. It is only for safety and maybe the plastic things would give you some type of inspiration to get some action. You should thank my great fashion sense for being the reason why you might come out of college, a new man." Janine ranted but instead of her focus being on me, her eyes scanned the front of the campus, her expression representing a surveillance camera on spy search mode.

Why did she have to mention things that make me resemble the color of Hellboy?

I couldn't restrain the blush that spread across my cheeks, it happened a lot along with the fiddling of my hands and the cherry shade that washed over the tips of my ears.

A reaction I normally received when my old relatives would make ridiculous accusations about my love life when my sister would mention uh ... Making love and most importantly, when I would see her.

"Red, are you going to tell mom that Janine is scouting out older guys again, or must I?" Bree reckoned, amused as she jumped out of the car, carrying the bag with poked in holes in her hands. It was mine and Bree's mission on the ride here, to create a safe way to transport Catalina into my dorm room undetected.

I chuckled and walked over to her, "I did it last time Lil' sis. I'm afraid that If I do it again, she might find a way to change my personality as she did to my clothes and hairstyle."

It was true and I was secretly sure that Janine planned our whole car break down catastrophe just so I could change into my new handpicked clothes.

Yesterday, on our way to Taramont, we spent the first hour singing '100 bottles of milk of the wall' or rather mom, Bree, and I sang while Janine complained about her eardrums begging for us to stop. Halfway through the trip, the car began to erupt into strange farting noises until we stopped in the middle of the road.

Jeff, a kind enough man offered to drive us to a mechanic since we were in the middle of nowhere but I had my suspicions about him, having watched way too many movies in my life. Some may call it paranoia, I confidently call it, my personal spidey sense.

I offered to sit in front even though every two seconds, I grew more and more anxious, waiting for him to chow at our body parts.

As a way of protecting everyone, I told Jeff that I took marshall arts lessons when I was ten. What I failed to mention was the fact that I went home crying with a bloody nose after my first lesson and swore that I would never step foot in that vile place again.

Jeff, the sing-song bald Santa Claus looking man had the nerve to bring up sparring techniques that sounded like a foreign language to me. In short, I had made a fool of myself which was nothing but the usual.

At the mechanic's, Janine accidentally spilled oil all over my clothes, her excuse was being blinded by the abs of the volunteers that worked at the place.

I actually believed her until only a few seconds passed before she handed me clothes that rendered to be completely alien to me.

The minivan took a day to repair so we stayed at some local motel until we ended up at our final destination, Taramont University. It looked exactly how the website portrayed it to be and even though I was freaked out that I missed my first day, the overwhelming feeling of a fresh start carved a permanent goofy smile on my face.

"Red honey." Mom's sweet voice brought me out of that flashback moment as she walked over to me with teary eyes and a faltering smile, "Are you sure that you want to take all these boxes to your room alone? I mean we can all help and -."

"Mom, if it means you risking your job even further then yes, I am sure. That boss mode monster looking manager of yours is always threatening to fire you so go. Also, I don't want something as silly as driving me to college being the cause of losing your job. Besides, it's only three boxes and a suitcase anyway." I conceded softly as I looked down at my mom, she shook her head causing blonde strands to escape from her bun, then smiled softly as she pinched my cheeks.

"Why are you so kind and your other two sisters complete tiny monsters?" Mom gushed then soon chuckled as she bombarded me into a tight hug that once again seemed to cut off circulation.

Before I could open my mouth, to let loose screams of almost death, Bree joined in on the hug and I instantly ignored how I couldn't almost breathe if it made them happy then so be it.

"Not going to join in on the hug Janny?" I probed, ignoring how my voice sounded more like staggering breaths as it escaped my mouth. I kind of sounded like Darth Vader. Cool.

"Yeah yeah, I mean it's not like I'm going to miss you always warning me not to kill those little bugs or how you helped me with my homework when I struggled," Janine replied softly with the pitch of her voice slightly highering at the end as she joined in on the hug.

I couldn't stop the beam of happiness that rose to my iris's. I knew that she cared. When she was in a happier mood, I was so gonna tease her over the phone.

"Okay guys, we best leave Red to go on now before I cry even further,'' Mom mumbled and once her eyes connected with my face, she sniffed once more.
Before they all left, Janine was the last to get in the car as she apparently had to tell me what nagged on her mind.

"Red just remember that being nice will get you nowhere." She stated and pointed behind me. Once I turned my head, I was met with two girls who couldn't stop staring at me with indescribable emotions in their eyes. I was confused, did I look funny?

I knew these clothes that Janny made me wear looked ridiculous.

"Girls like them wouldn't go for you if they found out you have an obsession with sci-fi movies and truly are a nerd inside behind your good looks. Try to keep that all on a down low, kay?"

Janny's words made shelter on the corners of my mind longer than I thought it would and I found it sad that my sister believed that I needed to change myself completely to find love.

Will no one ever really like me for me?

"Red, don't listen to shit face's words. You are unique which couldn't be said for Janny who tries to be like every other status-obsessed girl." Bree smiled at me behind the car window as they drove off.

I shook my head as I couldn't stop the small chuckle that passed through my lips. Bree was a sweet girl really and she proved that by having to undergo mom's bad language lecture on a 4-hour trip home.

I sighed, for a split moment just standing still and appreciating what I had. I actually had a family that cared, and even though it only lasted three months, I couldn't be happier.

Catalina's meowing from inside the bag provided an escape from my jumbled up thoughts. With narrowed eyes, I sharply turned my head from left to right, making sure that no one spotted the grey kitten nuzzled up inside my bag.

Now how am I going to get all of these boxes inside my dorm room?

●●●●●●●

"Thanks but you don't have to. I can move them myself." I beamed with a smile on my face at the two beautiful kind girls who offered to help move my boxes.

Their names were Rose and Michelle and from our conversation, I have learned that they are sophomores at Taramont, both studying law. It hasn't even been a full hour yet and I already started to make friends.

A few moments ago, after I attempted to move two boxes at the same time, my feet somehow attracted tons of trip-causing objects. I fell over a small rock, which caused most of the new clothes that I received from Janny to unfold all over the cemented floor.

The blonde and brunette instantly ran up to me, offering to help. They seemed nice as bright smiles never left their lips and they always laughed at everything I said. I'm definitely sure that they have some back problems because they tended to walk with their chests pushed out a lot...

Rose twirled a strand of blonde hair around her finger and held onto my upper arm, her long nails gripping into my skin slightly as she fluttered her eye latches and grinned, "But Red, this school's all about kindness and uhm ... magimity?"

I crinkled my eyebrows in confusion then instantly smiled when I got what she meant. "Oh, do you mean magnanimity? The act of being noble and generous towards-."

I was cut off by Michelle's rough tug on my other arm. I yelped and looked down at the pretty curly-haired girl whose smiled reminded me of the IT clowns.

"Yeah, that whatever. How about we get all your stuff to your dorm room then we can have some fun?" Michelle inquired with a sing-song tone in her high-pitched voice. I nodded with a toothy grin and began picking up one of the boxes while balancing the bag with Catalina in my other hand.

My eyebrows were knotted together as I tried to concentrate on not tripping once more. "Sure, what do you guys have in mind? I read through Taramont's website and saw this cool library that I want to check out. They have books on rocket science." I voiced with eagerness.

I wondered if I looked funny again as the nebulous look the two girls expressed towards me made me gulp under pressure.

I had the urge to scratch behind my neck but my hands were full.

"Uhm, I m-mean that a-as a j-joke... Why would I want to spend hours reading about rockets anyway?" My voice lowered and I looked down feeling as if a gloomy cloud situated above my head. I sighed as they nodded their heads and instant smiles graced their lips once more.

Maybe Janine was right. I mean they were pretty and I wanted to get a girlfriend so why not?

I just hoped that I didn't have to change.

"So yeah, there's this party at one of the frat houses this weekend. You should definitely come. You should also take me with you." Rose remarked with a squeaky voice. I could feel her stare deep into the side of my head, it felt like she was invisibly forcing my head to turn towards her gaze with some weird superpower.

I chuckled awkwardly and shook my head, "Rose, I don't know. I'm not a party person. Could we do something else please?"

"But Red!" She wailed and latched onto my arm causing me to almost stagger back. I knew that once I get to my dorm room and let Catalina out, she was going to have revenge on me. I wouldn't be surprised if I woke up tomorrow with all of my clothes ripped into shreds. Classic Catalina.

Rose somehow, in a matter of seconds had tears pulled up in the brim of her eyes. I frowned with uncertainty. Did I do something wrong? Did I say anything offensive? If I did, I really didn't mean to.

She sniffed and my heart tugged at the knowledge that I made her sad. "I-I just b-broke up- Oh g-gosh this is hard to s-say... My boyfriend dumped me and he always treated me like trash! I guess I'm naive, thinking that you were different from any other guy. You wouldn't wanna make me go alone to a college party right?"

"I'm really sorry about the breakup. I'm sure you didn't deserve it. If it makes you happy then I'll go to the party with you." The moment I finished the sentence, Rose's eyes morphed back to their original state, even the gleam of sadness disappeared and it was immediately replaced with one of satisfaction.

I didn't worry about it too much, people experience moments of vulnerability a lot and as quick as it comes, it can go. Basically one of the many lessons I've learned from my life.

We managed to get to my dorm hall in the next few minutes and in that time duration, I listened to Rose and Michelle's drama with open ears.

I turned towards them with my words filled with gratitude, "Well here's dorm room number 24. Thank you, I really appreciated your help. Are you sure you guys want to help carry the rest? I'm sure I'll man-."

The loud banging of them dropping my suitcase and one of my boxes on the floor cut me off. "Yeah, we are sure you'll manage, goodbye." Michelle blurted, Rose nodded along to her friend's words with a smirk sketched on her lips. The two both waved slightly before walking away.

They were nice and seemed kind, no one has ever offered to help me like that out of the blue. It felt refreshing. Shaking my head with a goofy grin, I was seconds away from opening my dorm room before it slammed open in front of me.

For a moment, I considered that I finally had the force then I saw a guy give me a murderous glare and my star wars dream became trampled upon once more.

"Look, dude." The guy rolled his eyes and ran a hand through his curly brown hair, "I'm not in the bloody mood for senior pranks. I might be a freshman but I can - Who am I kidding? I have the fighting skills of Coleman Trebor." His voice sounded familiar.

My eyes widened. I awkwardly turned around, trying to find this senior guy that he spoke about then I realized...

"There's only one person I know who uses Star wars references other than me! Are you LukeSky45?" I exclaimed. I couldn't believe that I met with one of my closest gaming friends for the first time in person.

I knew his voice sounded familiar. His real name was Daniel and instead of recognizing me, he shook his head, while uncertainty washed over his features.

"How did you know that?" He spat and crossed his arms, "Wow, I guess my older bro was right. Seniors really go the extra mile to make your life suck but stalking dude, really? Wait, why the hell am I talking back to you? You definitely have it in you to make my life a living hell...You know what? If I'm going to go down, I might as well go with a bang. If you do anything to me, just know that one day, you'll be working for me, that and you are stupid."

I burst out laughing which seemed to catch the attention of a few girls in the hall, they all giggled like crazy. I waved awkwardly in return. I really needed to know if Janine or Bree didn't secretly draw a clown on my face when I fell asleep in the car...

I looked back at Daniel who looked both irritated and scared. "Dude, I can't even tramp on a flower. I'm pretty sure that I won't harm you. Besides, we swore an oath of allegiance on that game, we played. Galaxy of death?"

"No way." Daniel refused while shaking his head in the process, "You can't be Red Austen. That's impossible. I know Red for about two years now and no, just no. You can't be him. You too, no offense man, you look like some ego obsessed douche. The Red that I know, well his definitely not you."

"Have you ever seen a picture of Red," I queried, chuckling as it was strange talking of oneself in the third person. Daniel shook his head, still oblivious to the truth.

Before any of us could continue, the bag in my hands began to ruffle and shake. Catalina grew restless and I had to get inside my room before I get reported for breaking one of the rules, animals on campus are strictly forbidden.

"Daniel, I need to get inside now. Catalina i-."

"Oh damn, it is you. Wow, I guess I have to stop stereotyping. Get in here and free your cat or whatever."

●●●●●●●

It was now about a quarter past midnight and I grew more and more restless by the minute. I couldn't sleep which couldn't be said for Daniel and Catalina who were both in a deep dreamful state.

Catalina betrayed me today by cuddling on Daniel's bed by his feet. I wondered if mine smelled or something though the betrayal never stung less with the thought.

Despite questioning my cat's loyalty towards me, my day has been great and I never would have guessed that I was such a social guy if I hadn't stepped through the doors of Taramont.

My entire day has consisted of social interactions which I surprisingly enjoyed. From the talk I had with the lovely receptionist who gave me permission to take today off since I just arrived to the many people I befriended, I just knew that my plan was set in stone.

I learned that it was easy to talk to people when they didn't look down on me. I guess Janine's makeover worked after all.

I didn't want to phone Janine and tell her that she was right, a change of wardrobe and hairstyle definitely set me in the right direction but I refused to shy away from who I really am.

I'm a guy who finds unique hobbies to be the most interesting.

I'm a guy who would do anything to stop even the evilest person from crying.

So when numerous girls asked me about my hobbies, I didn't lie, in fact, the truth escaped my lips. Truth be told, some discreetly walked away but there were some who stayed.

Daniel still believes that I somehow killed the real Red Austen and I am some fake, taking his place or something. It was funny, witnessing his endless amount of theories. He couldn't believe that I am the weird nerdy guy he perceived me to be. I could understand that.

I was finally forgetting her for real.

Finally.

That short victory on my side lasted for a few moments before the door was kicked open, awakening both Daniel and Catalina.

In instinct, I sat up and peered at the group of buffy guys who barged into our room. They had black masks covering their faces while their clothes mirrored the incognito look as well. My eyes widened in curiosity. Was I really about to become a part of some initiation? Cool.

"Wake up boys!" A loud gruff voice escaped the mouth of the guy standing in front. Shrugging, I left my bed and walked over to them though not before throwing a tank top on first.

Daniel looked frightened but I watched enough movies to know that you can't escape the pure embarrassment and shame from this college experience so why not welcome it with a smile.

"So what are you guys going to force us to do? Run around the campus naked? Tie us to the football poles?" I asked, secretly hoping that Catalina would stay put and not make a noise.

The leading guy chuckled and patted my back roughly, "You're funny but you won't be smiling for long. Take this." He handed me a bottle of red-colored spray paint, another guy turned towards Daniel, handing him the same.

"You definitely would love spray painting the hair of this babe." He stated, laughing while his friends did the same.

They directed us to the different girl's room and suddenly, second thoughts joined the battle in my mind. I was totally fine with completing the initiation if it only included me but having someone else in expense was a line I would not cross.

Before I could object, they somehow managed to unlock the door beforehand and push me inside. I flinched as they banged the door behind me loudly, hopefully, the sound didn't wake the girls up.

Sighing sharply, I turned around and was met with darkness. I fumbled with my phone in my hand. Luckily, I grabbed it before coming out here.

I switched on my flashlight and wondered how I was going to get out of this without spraying some girl's hair, without being the reason why someone feels violated tomorrow morning.

With a steady heartbeat, I followed my weird gut feeling to walk towards the left side of the room. I noticed a girl laying in the bed, ruffled between a ton of sheets and blankets. Her hair was spread along her pillow while her arms were wrapped securely around another pillow. I smiled. She was a cuddler.

Wait...

Umber colored hair. Smooth slightly tanned skin. A very familiar permanent frown.

Shoot. The next thing I knew, I was touching her cheek.

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Heyy❤
I hope everyone enjoyed chapter 7!! I know everyone expected Red and Pierson to finally see each other but I couldn't fit it all in one chapter.

This chapter was supposed to come out sooner but writer's block decided to visit me. Luckily, I was able to finish this!!

Anyway, this chapter allowed us to get to know Red a little better and how he begins to adapt to his really new college life.

Hopefully, the next chapter would be soon.

Until then
Charnay Marie