Ally's pov:

After dinner, we were finally able to head to our dorm rooms and freshen up for the night.

Safe to say, as soon as I got back, the first thing I did was crash on my bed. The thought that I was in California early this morning, and New Jersey a bit before an evening made me beyond exhausted.

And to add to that, the welcome week activities that I had during the remaining hours of the day.

How in the world am I still awake from all that?

Although I always like showering at the end of the day, I almost wanted to make an exception this one time and catch up on sleep instantly.

Hint, almost. I know that I am probably filthy right now. Between the activities and sitting in the hot sun for two hours on those bleachers, I am in no way, shape, or form going to sleep knowing that I stink.

"You can shower first if you'd like, that is if you think you'll be able to keep your eyes open." Claire jokes as she watches me from her side of the room. I probably do look quite ridiculous; I am half standing and half flopped over on my bed.

Must be a pretty interesting perspective on her part.

"Are you sure? I feel bad taking it first, I'm not the quickest showerer. Especially when I'm tired, I tend to zone out and stare at the wall for a good part of it." She chuckles as I find myself rambling.

I do not function well when I'm tired, let's just leave it at that.

"I don't mind, plus I slept the whole car ride here this morning, so I'm not that tired yet." She says, hopping up on her bed and pulling out her phone.

"If you insist," I say, before grabbing my stuff and heading towards our shower. I'm so glad that I won't have to share a bathroom with the rest of the floor. Even though it costs a bit more money, I decided that sharing a bathroom with only one roommate would be worth it.

Plus, it's not like I am paying for my college expenses anyways. My parents insisted since they had the money too. I always disliked relying on my parents for every little thing, but I knew they wouldn't take no for an answer.

They would have found a way to pay for it anyways.

It shouldn't bother me, but it's just hard to think of myself as independent when my parents have handed me everything on a silver platter. For some reason, it makes me guilty.

Once I am out of the shower, I quickly blow dry my hair, get dressed, and step out, only to find Claire missing.

My first thought is that she went to Zoe and Sophia's room, but after asking in our group chat, I find that she isn't there, and Claire's phone is actually on her bed.

Where could she have gone?

If she's like me, then she couldn't have gone too far. I never go anywhere without my phone, and if hers is here, then maybe she's still on the floor.

Just as I'm about to look for her, the door opens, revealing Claire. She had a wide smile on her face, as she looks at me.

"Where did you go? And why are you all happy?" I ask, confused by her sudden excitedness.

"When you were in the shower, I heard a bunch of commotion outside our door. There were a group of girls talking about a frat party that is happening tomorrow night. It will be our first real college experience!!" Claire says, clapping her hands excitedly.

Oh wow, I didn't realize the parties would be starting so soon. I thought they wouldn't start until at least the first week of classes. It's crazy how quickly things are happening.

"What type of frat house will it be?" I can't help but ask. I've heard that there a many frat houses around the campus. Some are safer than others...

"I didn't ask, but a frat is a frat so..." Claire shrugs her shoulders, pulling out her phone to probably text Zoe and Sophia the news.

Not that I am against the idea of going to the frat, but I get a bit nervous about not knowing where or what specific frat house we will be going to. I'm the type of person who likes to know the details of everything before I go out and do it.

Taking a deep breath, I decide to push the thoughts of the frat of my mind and focus on getting some sleep instead.

I'm making the whole frat idea a tomorrow problem.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Are you sure this will be safe?" Zoe asks, taking a sip of her orange juice while listening to Claire make the plans for tonight.

It was the next morning, and we were all at the dining hall eating breakfast before starting day two of welcome activities.

Today was a lot more chill, consisting of touring the campus and later the club fair. I was looking forward to the club fair because maybe I could find something that would spark my interest there.

A good start in finding a major.

"I'm sure it will! There will be plenty of other students around us, and, we will have each other. If we stay together the whole time, nothing could possibly happen." Claire states, dismissing Zoe's concerns.

I sit there silently, not knowing who to agree with. Although I agree with Zoe's concerns, I also think that if the four of us were to stick together the whole time, then it should be alright.

Plus, after sleeping on it, the whole idea of being normal and going out partying excited me.

I can't wait to tell my sister.

She is going to lose her mind once I tell her that I'll be going to a frat house.

"I guess you're right, but we have to promise to be by each other the whole time," Zoe says, looking at the rest of us as we nod our heads.

Claire and I promise quite quickly, but Sophia's silence makes us to our heads towards her with questionable looks.

"Sorry," Sophia awkwardly laughs, rubbing the back of her neck, "I think I'm going to sit this one out. You guys go and have fun though."

"What, no!!" Claire spits out, throwing her arms up in the air.

"You have to come or else you are going to miss out on all the fun!!" Zoe whines, shaking Sophia's arm in protest.

"We would feel bad going without you, plus, you would be all alone," I say, not understanding why she would rather sit this one out.

Honestly, it's either go out or sit back and do nothing. There's only so much you can do in a small dorm room.

"It's just not my thing. I don't like loud and crowded places, especially when everyone is drunk." Sophia says, shrugging her shoulders.

"But you seemed excited about its last night, what changed?" Zoe asks, making us confused.

"I just didn't want to seem like a party pooper," Sophia says.

"aww Sophia, you aren't a party pooper," I say, putting my hand on her shoulder.

"Well...." Claire mutters out, making Zoe and I give her a look.

"It's okay guys I want you to have fun tonight. Maybe I'll tag along some other time."

"Then why not tonight? How about you just go this one time, and if you don't like it, then we won't make you go out with us again. That way, you know you won't be missing out on anything." Claire insists, making Zoe and I turn back towards Sophia.

I mean, her words seemed fair to me. Plus, Sophia could enjoy her night, and I would make it my best effort to make sure she does. I'm sure if we four are together, we could make our own fun.

"I don't know..." Sophia drags out.

"Why don't you just think about it, and give us an answer later?" I reason, not wanting to put her under pressure.

"Okay, I'll think about it." Sophia gives us a small smile. We drop the subject and continue our breakfast with the random conversation, getting to know each other a little bit better.

Once we finish, we head outside and join a group to start a tour of the campus. It's a lot bigger than what I remembered. I toured this school a little less than a year ago with my mom and sister.

I just remember instantly falling in love and wanting to know more and more about what the school has to offer. I think that was the moment my mom and sister realized that this was the school, for me, and nothing they could say or do could get me to change my mind.

I'm going to have to make sure to call my parents and sister tonight to let them know how it's going so far, and the friends I made.

They are going to be so happy.