3| A breath of fresh air from the past that never left.

The kind guy turned roommate shoots me an apologetic smile. "Excuse me!" I screech not bothered by my unladylike voice.  

What did he say? ROOMMATES.  I have roommates. 

I don't give him a chance to answer as I quickly rush to a corner, pulling my phone out.  I press the emergency contact number and place it near my ear. 

How could he not tell me...

"Ro, what-" He begins as I roll my eyes in annoyance.  

"Explain, Cece." Never in my life, I expected my only best friend to do this to me.  The idea of roommates wasn't terrible nor was the roomie being a male.  

He could've just given me a heads-up.  

He chuckles making me frown.  "Relax, Ro.  Let's take a deep breath, huh?" He gently states as he counts the numbers and the two of us take deep breaths to calm me down. 

I overreacted, didn't I?  

I let out a long sigh as my nerves settled.  I lean against the wall holding the phone in place.  "I looked into those boys, Ro.  They're good kids.  It'll be easy for you to adjust there without any trouble.  Your job offer is waiting in your mailbox." He keeps it brief and short like he usually does. 

I hum in agreement as I wrap my mind around it when I groan.  "For the love of God, what do you mean by those boys...how many of them are there?" I can't believe this man. 

He laughs heartily, not fazed at my whelming emotions.  "Four. You'll meet them now." I pout as I try to come up with excuses to get out of this awkward situation.

"You will be fine with them, Ro.  I'll take care of everything else.  Don't give up yet.  I miss you." I smile getting up from the floor.  

I can do this.

The tall boy is still at the door.  His eyes meet mine as the corners of his lips curve.  "Let's do this again, shall we?" He stretches his hand out and I place my smaller one.  

He invites me inside and I see my suitcase relaxing in my new house.  The interior of the house takes my breath away. I shoot him a small smile.  

He must think I'm crazy.  

The door opens wide as we step inside. I gasp in surprise as my eyes threaten to bulge out of my sockets at the interior.  It manages to pull me into a trance.  Everything is up to my taste which I didn't realise I had.   

As soon as I put on fuzzy slippers at the shoe rack area, the first thing I see is the crescent-shaped pastel couch lying majestically in the spacious hall.  A huge television hangs on the stand opposite the couch.    A half-turn staircase overshadows it as my head tilts up taking in the small chandelier fixed on the ceiling.  

"You like it?" I snap my head meeting the gaze of the tall blonde.  I nod my head vigorously amazed by his taste.  

An unfamiliar male chuckles as he looks over my shoulder.  I turn around to meet the oddly familiar blue eyes.   He is tall like the blonde but he's got that tanned skin and hawaiian look. 

"I'm Ashton and that's Dennis.  Pleasure to meet you finally." He stretches his hand out as I place mine and shake hands.  

These boys have huge palm sizes like Cece.  

Dennis clears his throat as he gives a water bottle. "Make yourself comfortable, Miss Carson." My smile widens as I sit on the couch joined by the boys who sit on the bean bags.

Miss Carson, eh?

"So, what do you think?" Ashton pipes in curiously.  "It's wonderful, I love this place." My gaze trails towards the sophisticated kitchen beside the balcony.  

God, this place is awesome.  

The boys grin and I must say, they haven't creeped me out at the least.  Cece's right as always.  My shoulders relax as I make myself comfortable on the couch.  

Maybe...maybe this place could be my home.

*

A knock on the door interrupts my call with Cece.  "That's my cue, Ro.  I'll see you soon."  Tears prickle the corners of my eyes as I force a smile on my face.

His gaze turns soft as he smiles. "Talk to you soon..." My voice breaks as I press the end button not letting him see me as a mess.

He did a lot for me and I couldn't disappoint him.  A single tear trickles down my face as I harshly wipe it off taking deep breaths.  I can't have a breakdown right now.  

The knocking on the door makes me snap from my train of thoughts.  I can do this...My feet touch the floor as I make my way to the door.

"Dinner?" Ashton grins as his eyes stay focused on my face.  I weakly nod and close the door behind me.

It's peaceful here. 

My senses heighten at the delicious aroma swirling in the kitchen that makes my stomach growl in anticipation.  I flush in embarrassment as Ashton chuckles at my body's obvious excitement.  

Dennis is nowhere in sight as I sit on a wooden high rise stool.  The black marble counter could easily pass as an aesthetic café or diner.  It's quite cozy, comfortable and simple.

Ashton places a plate full of creamy lasagna.  The corners of my lips twitch as my eyes devour the masterpiece.  He must be a really good cook.  My fingers twirl the fork through it before I take a small bite.  

A variety of rich flavours explode in my mouth as the lasagna practically melts away down my throat.  My eyes meet Ashton's curious orbs as I give him a wide smile as I feast on my food.

"It's so good, Ashton.  You have a god's touch." I gush as I enjoy my food earning a chuckle. "I try..." The corners of his ears turn red as he runs a hand through his hair.  My grin widens as I laugh at his boyish charm.

We spend the next two hours talking about random things and laugh cracking lame jokes.  Surprisingly, we have a lot in common.  

"Dude, that's gross.  How did you even end up in the ducts..." I giggle awkwardly as I tuck a hair strand behind my ear.

His eyes widen as he stares at me expectantly.  "I might've thought it was a place for hiding." I whisper the last part as he roars into laughter.  

He's the same age as me which is really cool.  He just has this comforting presence that is quite soothing and it's been a long time since I've ever felt this happy.  

I just made a friend, didn't I?

* * * * *