DAISY

I looked around the hallways, feeling disoriented. With my schedule and keys in hand, I searched signs that would give me any idea on where to go next. I had just come from freshmen orientation, when everyone left to go find their dorms. A half an hour later I was still clueless and couldn't help but think that I have just made myself more lost than I originally was. I passed by people who weren't with me in orientation, which caused worry to fill me. Had I gone the wrong direction?

Groaning in frustration, I pulled my small map from my jeans pocket. It had been of no help to me at all. The red guidelines were supposed to lead me to the girl's dormitory, as I have assumed. But for some reason, there was no differentiation between the girls and boys dormitories. A block away from the college was our residence campus. It consisted of four large and fancy buildings that looked slightly old with brick walls that had green vines running up it. The main office was situated on the far end, and if I wanted to have someone guide me, I would have to request a tour guide which would take me forever, seeing as I was already lost and probably couldn't even find my way to the main administration office.

I passed a large foyer which led to numerous room doors with numbers on it. I sighed, seeing as I finally found the dorm rooms. My eyes searched for 176B but the first door which was slightly opened had the number 34A written on it. I grimaced, thinking of how I would have to pass the first floor and somehow managed to find my dorm room even when there were numerous others. I would never make it in time for the night. It was already past four pm and by the looks of things I wasn't getting far on finding my dorm anytime soon. I slumped against the wall in defeat, pulling my large suitcase with me. Many people littered around the hallways and foyers, some were even leaving their dorm rooms and some were returning. I contemplated asking someone for directions, but I was afraid to interact with stranger.

"Need some help, girly?" My gaze snapped towards the female voice, to see a gorgeous girl with dark black hair and purple streaks in it, looking at me expectantly. She was wearing dark clothes with purple on her attire now and then. I decided that I would call her Purple, seeing as she liked the color.

"That would be nice." I smiled in appreciation, pushing myself off the wall.

"You're a freshman. Me too." She said, flashing me her new set of keys and schedule.

"That's awesome. So, you know your way around here?" I asked. Considering she was a freshman too I didn't see how she would know where to go.

"Of course. I've come in early July for the tour they gave us. Weren't you here?" She rose a brow.

"No." I frowned, remembering the day I received the email for the tour, but couldnt make it. I should have probably made the effort to come, it would have resulted in me getting somewhere instead of having been lost for the past half hour. I felt so dumb, watching other people walk freely with a destination in mind. Surely, I wasn't the only one who missed the tour, right?

"Well, what's your dorm room number?"

"176B." I answered.

"That's on the second floor," she chuckled. "What are you doing down here?"

"I couldn't find the stairs." I flashed her a sheepish smile.

She laughed and motioned for me to follow her. I dragged my suitcase with me, rushing to keep up with her steps. We passed numerous dorms with inappropriate engravings and graffiti on it. I shuddered when I noticed someone drew a large penis in red on the center of one of the brown wooden doors, whose paint was already chipping. This college wasn't exactly great, but it was affordable and looked to be a comfortable place to be. Besides, it was the first college to offer me a full scholarship and I couldn't wait any longer for any other colleges to respond to me. I wanted a fresh start and I wanted it soon.

Purple and I walked in silence after we reached the middle floor. People were laughing around the hallways and pushing each other around when suddenly everyone was enveloped in silence. I wondered why and glanced around to see if I could find any commotion but found none. Then I realized where everyone's eyes were trained.

They were looking at me.

I nervously pulled on the sleeves of my long-sleeved top and tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. I tried to avoid everyone's gazes but couldn't help it when my cheeks heated up. I hated attention. I hated being open to someone and giving them access to read me and possibly predict my life story. It made me feel weak and vulnerable, and I never wanted to feel that feeling often.

"Why are people staring?" I asked softly towards Purple.

She sent me a funny look before shrugging. "Don't you see? People like you don't usually come here. I guess you're a sight to look at."

"But why?" I asked in confusion.

"First off, you're wearing pink and white. You look like Barbie without the blonde hair and blue eyes. Your suitcase is pink too and I don't think you have noticed but this isn't your usual college. People here are dangerous and mean. When they see fresh meat like you, they prey on it." I shuddered in fear.

"What about you? You're a freshman too?"

"That's different. I mean, just look at you. Have you seen yourself? You are the definition of easy and fresh meat. You're disorientated, small and pretty. That's all people see. Besides, no one fucks with me. My family name has that reputation."

I nodded, trying to process her words. I felt relieved when we rounded a corner, out of the sight of the people who were staring at me. My heart was beating loudly in my chest out of nervousness. But luckily that slowed down.

After two minutes, Purple and I arrived at our destination. Dorm room 176B. The college theme color was dark grey and navy blue, matching its aura perfectly well. The doors, or my dorm room door, was painted half black and half grey, with all sorts of demons, skulls and strong language imprinted on it. I stared confused at the chapped scratchy paint that was already peeled off. The door was originally wooden brown, but someone had vandalized it, which made it look creepy. I sighed shakily and wiped my sweaty palms on my shirt. I was scared and nervous all at once. This was a big place and I knew no one. This was supposed to be my fresh start, I was supposed to be stronger than I originally was. Yet, I felt like the same scared little girl. With loneliness and fear consuming me all the time.

"Come on now Pink, I'm sure you know what a key is, and what exactly it's used for," Purple said, smirking with her hand on her hip. I almost wanted to laugh when she called me Pink. I guess I wasn't the only one giving people colors for nicknames. I sent her a small smile instead of replying, grateful that she helped me find my way. Retrieving the key in my bag, I pushed it into the keyhole, twisting it left a few times. After the indication that it was unlocked, I pushed the crank handle down and pushed the door open with a creak. The other side of the door was now perfectly revealed, allowing myself and Purple access inside.

The dorm looked exactly the way I expected it to. The walls were cream-colored and bare, with one large window covered in plain curtains on the right side. Two single beds sat in the middle of the room, with a few feats separating them. Each bed had a bedside table with a lamp. Other than my bare bed, one was already covered in sheets and blankets which was a mess. I assumed it was my roommates doing, who I had yet to meet. I just hoped she was a pleasant girl who I could relate to.

As I walked over to my bed, the polished wooden floors creaked under my feet. I was grateful enough, seeing as the room was bearably spacious and the single white door on the left side seemed to be a bathroom. Adjacent to the door was another door, but this one was brown and smaller, so I assumed it was the closet. Two separate wooden desks were either side of the room, with a chair beneath each one. One desk was empty, and the other had books, pens, and binders sprawled across it most messily. I was doubting a girl shared the other half of the room seeing as it was so untidy. I imagined a girl to be tidy, but then again, I was just being sexist.

The books looked untouched, ashtrays were laying around with cigarette buts in it and beer bottles on the window sill. I frowned, thinking about how I would have to establish some rules with my roommate. Smoking and drinking were most unpleasant, and I couldn't stand the smell of it.

"Thank you for showing me the way," I said gratefully towards Purple, before slumping down onto the bed that looked unused. I was exhausted from dragging my suitcase around everywhere since the morning. It should be passed four pm by now.

"No problem. Do you want to join me and my friends for dinner? I think we will be heading to the movies afterward." She offered, leaning against the door.

"Uh, that's okay. I think I'm just going to rest for now."

"Oh, come on, we have a week before classes. You can rest all you want at that time."

"Uh...okay." I agreed, feeling unsure. It wasn't because I was truly that tired, I was just afraid. I wasn't planning to make friends in my fresh start, but what was I thinking? I couldn't be alone forever. I couldn't go about the day without speaking to someone or possibly becoming their friend. How would I survive such loneliness? I would go insane.

"Come on then. You can pack later." She smiled encouragingly.

I breathed a deep breath before nodding, hoping that I could finally make a friend that wouldn't betray and hurt me in the end.

I had spent dinner awkwardly with Purple and her friends. Weirdly enough, she decided that it would be fun if I called her Purple and she called me Pink. I had no idea what her name was, but I was sure I would find out soon. Her friends were nice, I guess. I mean, they acted judgmental towards me and tense, but you couldn't judge a book by their first chapter, right? I loved thinking the best of people and giving them a second chance.

That was if I would ever meet those people again. They seemed nice enough.

I was walking back to my new dorm, hoping to get most of my unpacking done by tonight. I had declined to go to the cinema with them, and by now it was past six already. As I walked in the direction of the residence campus my body knocked harshly into another. I groaned dizzily, glancing warily at the source. Books were sprawled out on the ground surrounding the girl and me. I stood up hastily and helped her collect her books. I almost toppled over at the amount but shrugged it off.

"I'm so sorry," I blurted helplessly. Bumping into her was my fault and unintentional.

"No, it's my fault. I should have seen where I was going." She said in a soft voice.

I frowned and looked at the girl. She was pretty. She had strawberry blonde hair, hazel eyes, and fair skin. She was wearing a long skirt, a knitted jersey and a pair of flats.

"I'm Penny." She suddenly said, sheepishly sticking a hand out.

"I'm Daisy." I smiled and shook her hand.

"Wow, that's a really pretty name." She gushed.

I nodded cheekily. "I know."

She chuckled. "Daisy, so what brings you here?" Penny asked.

"Here as in the middle of the streets or here in this college?" I asked.

"Here as in this college." She answered. I shrugged as we began walking across the pavement in the direction of the campus.

"I live closer." I partially lied. In a way, I did live closer, but I only came here because it was my fresh start and the first college to give me a full scholarship. I wasn't going to tell Penny that I came here to escape my past life and forget about the life that I was dreadfully and unwillingly living through.

"Really? I live close too." She chuckled.

"Oh." I hummed. "So, did you have any friends already?" I asked.

"Yep, they'll be here next week though." She answered cheerfully.

"Not to be rude or anything, I swear, but you seemed like someone that keeps to themselves rather," I said sheepishly. Wow, it really did sound rude when I said it out loud. Stupid, Daisy. Therefore, I could never make friends.

"I do, dont I?" She smiled causing relief to flood me that she did not seem offended. "Though, these guys are the best. We've been a group of best friends since high school."

"I wish I had that," I muttered barely audible.

"Huh?"

"Oh, nothing." I gave her the most genuine smile I could muster. I didn't feel so good anymore remembering high school. God, it was awful. I cringed mentally at the memories. It was easy to say, I had experienced the worst high school life ever. No friends, slight bullying and loneliness.

"Want to grab a coffee?" Penny asked suddenly.

"That's okay. We are already here." I declined politely.

"No, silly. I mean in the cafeteria." She said, referring to the large cafeteria in the center of the residence campus.

"Oh, sorry." I chuckled.

I might have made two friends on my first day, but instead of feeling ecstatic, I couldn't help but feel afraid. I wasn't the average person you became friends with. I came with baggage and problems. I came with lies and secrets, secrets that I wasn't willing to share.

"I will see you. . .?"

"Tomorrow." Penny finished, smiling widely. I returned the friendly gesture while getting my key ready.

"Oh, just remember my dorm room number is 156B."

"Sure. Were on the same level."

"Awesome! Bye." She waved. I waved back and watched her retreating figure disappear down the hall. I sighed, resting my forehead against the wall. I didn't plan on making friends, I thought no one would bother speaking to me at all. My regular plan was to get through my fresh start unnoticed. I guess that went down the drain when I bumped into Penny, literally. Now she spoke about her friends and all, causing me to wonder if I wanted to meet them. What if I got too attached and they betrayed me as everyone else did? I never wanted to go through that again.

I pursed my lips, turning around. I needed rest and I needed it now. When I entered the dorm room, I heard a shower running in the background. I mentally cheered, ecstatic that there was a shower in the bathroom. Assuming it was my roommate, I planted a huge smile on my face in excitement to meet her. I sat down on my bed and removed my sling bag before placing it on the bedside table. It held my phone, savings account card, money, and schedule. Everything important to me was in that small bag.

In my past life, I had to find a job at fifteen already. Otherwise how else would I have survived? Luckily, I found this amazing lady that had enough money in her pockets to last a lifetime. She had two little kids that needed babysitting and fetching from school. I used to handle studying, the pressure of my senior year, applying to colleges and a job all at once. It got me through life for two years, until today when I moved from my old home. I left Mrs. Clarkson a lovely note, thanking her for giving me a job. I've managed to save up in my savings account and apply to this college. I left my old home without telling anyone. I wondered if Cassandra noticed I was gone, or if the rest of those delinquents did.

I was cut off my thoughts when the bathroom door suddenly opened. I stood up, ready to greet my roommate. But instead of seeing a girl, a boy walked out instead. I was too shocked to say anything, so I physically took a step back in utter surprise. It wasn't that I was immune to guys, I was just uncomfortable around them and shy. His chest was on clear display, dripping with water and sliding underneath the white towel that was wrapped around his waist.

Oh, dear god, I thought in absolute surprise as my eyes lingered on his chest.

I gasped loudly in humiliation, feeling ashamed that I was so openly ogling him and that I might have gotten the wrong dorm. Was this 176B in the boy's dormitory? But my dorm key had worked. . .

Gulping, my throat felt extremely dry as my eyes traveled up his chest towards his face. Shocking green eyes stared back at me. The most beautiful green eyes. They were like a forest - dark and mysterious. He had the face of an angel, with a jawline so perfectly structured and a defined nose. Messy and dark hair fell slightly over his eyes, and two dark rings were in his ears, complimenting the black ring in his lower lip. I was about to apologize for getting my dorm room wrong because he seemed genuinely surprised to see me when he opened his mouth.

"Who the fuck are you?"

My mouth gaped open in disbelief when his beautiful face morphed into a scowl. I was at a loss of words but slowly tried to force myself to say something in return.

"I thought this was my dorm room. My dorm keys worked."

"Well, clearly it's not since I lived here on my own for the past year." I tried not to ogle at his arms when he crossed them over his perfect chest. Oh good, Jesus.

"I-I'm sorry." I stuttered out an apology, feeling bad for intruding on his personal space. Was this one big joke? I swear the lady at the main office specifically said that this was my dorm. Why would the key work anyway? And why was I in the boy's dormitory when Penny lived here too? Were the dorms. . .mixed?

Feeling horrified at the possibility that I might be this boy's roommate, I searched my jeans pockets for my schedule and other necessary papers that concerned the living arrangements. I pulled out numerous folded papers. It messily fell to the floor causing the sexy male specimen standing a few feet away from me to roll his eyes. I blushed in embarrassment and bend down to pick them up. One paper was a pink colored page and I immediately knew that it was my dorm papers, as I remembered the lady handing them to me. I unfolded it and let my eyes search the paper hurriedly, growing nervous in the presence of an unknown, half-naked male. By the block that said 'roommate,' there was a small dash before it said: 'Olivia Waters'. My roommate was a girl, so I must have been in the wrong place. However, it also clearly stated 176B which was exactly what this dorm room was.

"Are you. . .Olivia Waters?" I asked, feeling dumb afterward for asking him that question. I mentally facepalmed.

His dark green eyes narrowed. "Do I look like a fucking 'Olivia Waters' to you?"

"I don't know. People change their genders these days with the gender fluidity they use at the-" I stopped myself immediately, seeing his eyes darken dangerously.

Way to go.

"I'm just going to. . .go." I turned around and rushed towards the door when he began walking towards me. I squeaked in fear when a hand latched around my wrist, halting me in my steps. My back collided with his chest and I froze up, feeling all sorts of shivers racing down my spine. Fear, nervousness, and excitement. How on earth did he get here so fast?

"Are you insulting me, little girl?" He asked lowly, his voice near my ear.

"No." I denied shakily. I have never had such male contact before. I was never interested in the guys back at home. They were rude, rowdy and enjoyed toying with my feelings. That was why I steered clear of that type of drama.

"Well, take your things and fuck off before I make you."

I turned around and gasped at the little respect he had towards girls. I was frightened at first, but I couldn't let someone speak to me in such a manner.

"Hey! This is my dorm room too."

"I have to get dressed unless you want to fucking watch me while I do so."

"Can you stop swearing? It's unattractive."

"Is that why you couldn't stop staring at me?"

I flushed red. "No!"

"Get out. We can solve this when I'm finished dressing and your stalker eyes aren't staring me down."

"I wasn't-" I began in outrage. "You are the most disrespectful and rude human. What a waste of a good face?"

He smirked slowly. "So, you admit that my face is a good sight?"

"Ugh, you-"

"Hot specimen? Sex god?"

My eyes widened in disbelief. "No, infuriating being!"

"Get out." He said again, but this time an amused smile played at his lips.

"I will- I will be back." I forced out, my cheeks unbearably hot. I left my suitcase to stay, before slowly trudging backward, my eyes watching his every move. He sent me a mocking wave. I tried to ignore his hard and perfectly sculptured chest and the tattoos that lined almost every inch of his skin.

I pulled the door handle to close the door, but before I left, I just couldn't help myself, I had to wipe the smug look off his face.

"And by the way, you do look like an Olivia." I giggled when his face morphed into anger. I shut the door quickly, feeling excitement rush down my spine. Not waiting for his next move, I rushed down the hallways, hoping to find the main office to try to solve this horror of a problem.