Chapter 10

chapter ten

Quinn

I have a pounding headache as I drag myself out of the twin sized mattress that is supposed to be my new bed for the next four years. The smallest room ever, with a stranger I've known for a few days, isn't my idea of home. That's what you get when you choose a college based on your ex-boyfriend's choice, and that college is ten hours away from home where you know not a single soul.

I didn't realize when I signed up for classes that I have early classes nearly every single day. I'll endure it because that's what I'm used to, but it will suck. This whole situation might suck, but I refuse to let Grayson be the reason I decided not to come here. This is a great school, even though it wasn't my first choice, and I do think it will be good for me to get away from home for a while. Figure out who I am, you know, all the things that eighteen year olds need to do.

Groaning, I drag myself out of bed and pull on my typical jeans and sweatshirt combo. It's the first weekend of September so it's not too cold, but it's 7am, so I don't expect it to be warm either. I slide a brush through my blonde hair, and sigh when I realize it's much shorter than it was a few weeks ago. I needed a change so cutting my long hair up to my shoulders seemed like the right thing to do.

"You have early class?" My new roommate, Ava, groans into her pillow.

"Unfortunately, what about you?"

She sits up a little, her eyes barely open, "Not until 9:45. American Lit."

"I have that one, too," I sigh. "They say that class is impossible, at least we will suffer together."

She smiles, "Yeah, true."

I grab my backpack and water bottle, then head out the door. Ava seems sweet. I only met her a few days ago, so I'm not ready to make the call on our friendship, but so far so good. It will be nice to have someone I know in one of my classes.

Campus is huge, and I don't really know my way around yet, so it's a good thing I left with plenty of time to spare. I finally make it to my eight o'clock class and the room is basically full. I find a spot in the back, and my stomach turns when I see Grayson sitting a few rows down.

He's between some guys that look like total meat heads, and his phone is in his hand while he is typing away. Probably messaging my ex-best friend that decided to throw away girl code and go to prom with him. So much for our ten year friendship.

Bitch.

I find a seat just as the professor starts his lesson, going over the syllabus and rambling on and on about successful study habits. I take notes on my computer and my heart sinks when an iMessage from Grayson comes through.

Grayson

Glad you got moved in okay, if you need anything let me know. I know things are weird between us but I still care, Quinn.

What. The. Fuck.

What the hell does that even mean, let him know ? I feel my heart race, and a lump form in my throat. He doesn't just get to slide in like the last four months didn't happen.

Fuck all the way off, Grayson.

I slam my computer a little too loud, causing a few heads to turn my way, including Grayson's. I look away, refusing to give him the attention he wants. There, I sure showed him.

"You okay?" The guy next to me whispers, looking at me over the rims of his glasses, while still taking notes.

"Yes, yeah. I'm sorry."

"I'm Remington," he scribbles on the edge of his paper, "people call me Remi."

I pull the paper closer to me and respond, "I'm Quinn. People call me Quinn."

He smiles at me, pulls his paper back and continues scribbling down pertinent information. When class is over, everyone rushes out as fast as possible, but before I can shove my laptop back in my bag, Grayson is standing in front of me.

"Quinn, don't be like that. I know you're mad at me but we both know that you need me."

I glare at him, and continue shoving shit in my bag. I'm not even responding to that, maybe he will just walk away.

"Come over tonight. Let's just talk," He adds, reaching for my arm before I jerk it away.

"I don't think she wants to talk, bro."

Remi is standing next to me, glaring at Grayson, almost like they know each other.

"Shut up, Remington. You're about as useless in this conversation as you are on the field."

I can sense the tension as Remi's jaw tightens. I feel like he's either going to punch him or walk away, but instead he grabs my bag and nods to the door. As I walk past him, he cuts Grayson off, and wraps his arm around my shoulder.

"Is Collins a friend of yours?" He asks, leading me down the steps.

I sigh, "Um, no. Not anymore."

"He your ex?"

"Yup," I say, popping the p dramatically. "It's complicated."

"Well, it's alright. He won't bother you in class anymore. I think you bruised his ego a bit."

I smile at him, "Well, that's not hard to do."

"Oh, I know. I've seen him on the football field. When things don't go his way, everyone better watch out before they drown in his tears."

The six-foot something guy towers over me, and his demeanor is charming. I like him. I like how friendly he is. It's no wonder Grayson is threatened by him, but I'm not so sure I'm attracted to him like that. We both laugh and Remi heads to his next class and I head to mine.

My phone pings and I stare at another message from Grayson.

Grayson

Stay away from him.

I shake my head, and leave the message unopened. I'll be damned if I give him the satisfaction of a response, let alone a read receipt.

This time I get to class earlier, and find a seat near the front and throw my bag into the seat next to mine, saving it for Ava.

"I know what we should do tonight," she proclaims, plopping into the seat. "Let's go to Voltage."

Ugh. Voltage is a bar in the middle of town where everyone goes because they will serve you alcohol even if you're underage. I haven't been since we got here and I didn't have any plans to go. Ever. I haven't heard a single good thing about it.

"Why?" I ask, "People say it's gross."

She smiles, glancing across the room to a guy, and waving shyly. She turns back to me, "He invited me, and I can't go alone, Quinn, please. You are my roommate, so isn't there like some unspoken rule where you have to go with me?"

Her rambling is cute, and no I don't want to go, but I do need friends. Ava seems like a good potential friend. So, as much as I want to say no, that I'd rather peel paint off the wall than dodge drunk idiots, I agree.

"Okay, I'll go."

She all but squeals, hugging me. "See, we are gonna be best friends!"

I want that, especially because the only person I really know here is Grayson, and right now, I'm wishing I didn't know him at all.