I arrive on time at Professor Jimenez's office and am thrilled when she accepts my homework. I notice Topher's office door is closed as I make my way back through the building and I childishly make a stank face as I pass it.

When I start sluggishly making my way back to my dorm room, I hear my phone ringing and am pleasantly surprised when I see it's my mom. Her greeting is warm and cheery when I answer the phone and she's just who I needed to hear from after lashing out at Topher.

"Hi, mom!" I answer back, trying to feign an enthusiastic attitude.

"You busy?" She asks.

"No, I'm just walking back to my dorm room. What are you up to?" I ask her and it's nice to hear her voice as I make the long walk back.

"Oh, I am on my way to a meeting for the Children's Hospital. We have an event planned for Friday so I'm just finishing up the details."

"Sounds like a normal day then."

"Yes it is, but listen I was calling to give you the details for parents' weekend next weekend. Your dad and I are going to drive your car out to you so we thought we'd leave Thursday morning and drive until we get to Phoenix and then head out from there Friday morning. Does that work for you? I know you have class until the afternoon so we thought we'd plan to get to Pepperdine after your classes are out." I am just about to reach my dorm room when I see Liam looking delicious in a pair of gray jeans and a tight navy crew neck waiting for me at the tables in the common area. He grins as he points to his sweatshirt that I'm wearing and I give him a dramatic eye roll. I go to sit on his lap and lay into him as I respond to my mom.

"Yeah mom, that's fine. I think all the parent stuff is on Saturday so it won't matter what time you get in on Friday."

"Okay and what about the sorority stuff? Will you know what house you are pledging for before then? I'm guessing they'll want a check shortly after."

Liam glances at me and I hesitate before answering my mom. I knew I was going to have to talk about this to him today anyway so I say, "I have a meeting this Wednesday about rush week and then it officially starts Monday. Ballots will go out Friday, so I might have an idea of what house I'll be in by the time you guys get here and then yes, what the financial situation would be."

"Okay well, I'll check on you throughout the week but let me know if anything changes or if I need to grab anything you left behind to bring to you. Have a good day sweetie, love you."

"Love you too mom, bye," I click off the phone and release a long sigh while I stay cuddled into Liam's chest. I try to exhale all of the bad stuff and inhale my favorite familiar scent. He tucks a wild blonde piece of hair behind my ears and kisses my forehead.

"Ellie, in all the time I have known you I don't think I have ever seen you look so comfy in public." I laugh as he wraps his arms around me to hold me in place.

"I woke up late this morning and I had barely enough time to brush my teeth let alone pick out a decent outfit. Today has already been quite the day," I say, not trying to hide my annoyance.

"Well, I'll try and make the rest of it better for you. How about we go get Pinkberry and discuss this sorority stuff?" Liam suggests and I'm relieved at his good mood. He is ready and willing to talk to me about it and it's even better if I get frozen yogurt out of the deal.

"That sounds amazing. Let's go," I tell him as I break away from my comfort zone and grab his hand to pull him off the bench. We swing our hands as we make the short walk to his car and my mood has already improved by the time we get to the froyo shop.

I decide I need multiple flavors of yogurt and a pile of candy on my creation. Liam goes simple and I can never understand how he enjoys plain froyo and fruit. He pays for our creations and we find a comfortable spot at a table outside. I slide my sunglasses down my head and onto my face before quickly digging into my treat. Liam and I are quiet for a few minutes and then I take a break from shoving my face to address the issue at hand. I stick my spoon into the bowl and bite my lip before starting my spiel.

"So Liam, as you know I would like to rush for a sorority. I already have one in mind and the informational meeting is this Wednesday. With that said, I have gone over the policies and have read that there is no hazing or bullying allowed in any of the sororities. This is a strict policy that all sororities must abide by so if your reason for me not joining is that, then you have no worries." I give him my best doe-eyes as he licks his spoon and he nods his head as he listens to my words.

"Okay, so no hazing is allowed anymore. That's good to know. Now, what about fraternities? And parties and living in a house that doesn't allow after-hours visitors. At least at your dorm I can come and go as I please," he questions and I grab onto my spoon again before answering.

"I know that all sororities have a brother frat house, but that just means we coordinate activities with them. I'm not required to attend any parties because I'm still underage- technically I'm still a liability. And you will still have your place, so even if you can't come and go at my place, I can still come and go at yours. I don't think I'm required to sleep in the house every night," I reply and I see Liam processing my answers. He doesn't look convinced but I have him being open-minded about it more than he has ever been and that's something.

"Well, I guess it doesn't hurt to go to the informational meeting. I just don't want to see you become a mean girl or be forced into activities that can damage your reputation. I can see this means a lot to you, so I'm trying to be open-minded about it. You just have to promise me that you'll stay level-headed and never succumb to the bitchy sorority brats." I finish my delicious concoction and drop the spoon into the empty bowl. He has his spoon lingering on his lip as I reply, "I promise Liam. I will be nice and pleasant. You will bring me back down to earth if my ego ever gets too inflated." He laughs and tosses his cup into the trash next to us. He reaches across the table to grab my hand and he pulls it up to his lips to plant a soft kiss on it. All the stress of the morning has floated away and I'm glad the sorority stuff wasn't the issue I anticipated. I toss my trash away and Liam swings an arm around my shoulders as we walk slowly to his car. My heart flutters when I think about how happy I am to be in Malibu with Liam. His dad showing up was a bit of a curve ball but I truly think it's just made us closer.

I tuck my head into his torso as we walk and I know in my heart I can't let him go to Virginia.