"I honestly don't know why my mother made Martin drive us. It's such an inconvenience for him. She could just let us drive my car here. The movers already have all our stuff in our dorms anyway. It's not like we're royalty and we need an escort or something." Regina fussed as she fiddled with the strap of her black Celine bag. She recalled her mother telling her to get rid of her nervous tick, but since her mother was not there to scold her she fiddled away.
"Nonsense Ms. Mills., I know your parents would feel a lot better knowing that I made sure you arrived safely. And I am glad to do it." Martin, her driver, assured her.
"Martin's right, Regina, she just wants us to get here safe," Mary Margaret replied grabbing ahold of Regina's fiddling fingers, "And remember, Aunt Cora wants you to stop doing that. She's coming next week before school starts and she will call you out for doing that if she sees it and pounce on me in the process for letting you keep doing it. God knows we don't want an upset Cora."
Regina rolled her eyes as she smiled at Mary Margaret recalling the many times growing up that her mother would ground her for something she did and ground Mary for being her accomplice. As she looked down at Mary Margaret's identical crème colored Celine bag that Mary Margaret's mother had awarded both of them the day of their high school graduation, Regina saw that Mary Margaret was now the one fiddling with the strap of her own bag. A snicker escaped Regina's smile and she retorted "Okay so, let me get this straight. You have me holding back my fiddling and making me bottle up my nerves, but you can fiddle in addition to what it seems almost rip that strap off the bag AND shake your leg like there's an earthquake happening?"
"Hey, don't look at me. My mother is not Cora Mills so I am in the clear. I can fiddle away." Mary replied as her eyes were glued to the car window.
Regina did not reply to Mary Margaret's comment but did the same as her and stared out of the car window on her side. Taking in the sight of greens, browns, yellows, and reds from summer coming to an end and Fall slowly making itself known. The cold wind caused leaves to dance about the cement road, their hues of amber, reds, faded greens and burnt orange shined like gold flakes against the sun. It was as if the leaves were happily welcoming them with sprinkles of gold to the start of their journey. The sight of them calmed Regina's nerves as they approached their destination. Both girls sat in silence, admiring their own side of the view until Mary Margaret broke it with a question.
"Regina," she started, "do you think it'll change us? College." she asked staring at her best friend as her eyes had become glassy.
Regina quickly scooted over to her side with a small smile, trying to comfort her. She was always protective over Mary Margaret, Regina was only a few months older than her, but nevertheless she saw her as her little sister. Mary Margaret was a sweet girl, always loved to help others, timid at times, but always friendly to all and never the confrontational type. Because of her giving nature, she was often taken advantage of, and that was when Regina would step in, fist clenched and ready to punch whatever boy broke her heart or whatever girl was a snob towards her. She wrapped her arm over her shoulder as they both stared into Mary's side of the car window.
"It's going to change us for sure, I think. But I doubt it will change our friendship. If anything I think we will be closer. I mean come one, we are stuck with each other after summer before junior year in Miami and that iguana." Regina recalled bursting out laughing as Mary Margaret followed.
Every summer Regina would go visit her father and mother's sides of the family. Some of her dad's family either lived in New York or Miami and the rest in Puerto Rico and Cuba. Every summer without fail, she would spend 3 weeks in Miami or Puerto Rico and another 3 in Italy with her mother's side of the family. Her parents were very adamant about always going to visit family as they always told her that the bond of family was important. Some summers Mary Margaret would join her depending when Mary Margaret's family vacationed. That summer, Mary Margaret had just returned from Scotland and it was just coincidence she came back a few days before Regina would leave to Miami. Regina would mostly fly alone, and her parents would join them when they were able to as their job was very demanding. But they always made sure to make time to make memories with their only daughter. Regina's parents had only been able to spend a week in Miami this year. The visits were always spent with constant parties at different family member's houses, dancing and food were the main events among constant joyous yelling and laughing. On the last night before she and Mary Margaret were supposed to return to New York, Regina's cousin Fabio introduced them to weed. Regina and Mary Margaret had been hanging out on the apartment complex rooftop looking out into the night sky that glistened over the slow moving waves. Fabio had found them and had asked them if he could join them, and they obliged. Fabio casually took out his blunt and began smoking it and Regina and Mary Margaret gave him a confused and surprised look. Confused as to how a 16 year old boy was to have connections to get weed and surprised that he was so casual about it. Fabio explained to them that he suffered from epileptic seizures and the weed was medicinal.
He offered them some, Mary quickly took first dibs. Although seeming sweet and innocent, Mary did have a bit of a wild side to her. Regina, hesitated at first but once Mary hinted at her to stop being such a scary-cat she went ahead and tried it. After a few minutes all 3 were relaxed letting the weed take over their senses and laughing about silly nonsense. At one point they had sneaked down to the apartment and snatched a bottle of Don Julio tequila from the party and went onto the beach, running through the shore and laughing uncontrollably. All three obviously intoxicated from the tequila and weed mixed into their system. At one point the moon reflected upon Mary's skin and Regina commented that she looked so pale like Snow White. Mary then commented that Regina looked like the Evil Queen since her hair looked as black as night like a hooded figure trying to give Snow White the poisoned apple. Regina then started chasing Mary across the beach, yelling she was going to cut her heart out and feed it to the iguana that was casually hanging by a cement beach table observing them. They had ran off so far that they did not realize that Fabio was gone nowhere to be found. Regina received a text a bit later from Fabio saying he had gone back to the apartment and joking they were too crazy for his own good. Both girls had been out of breath and the humidity from the Florida summer was getting to them. Mary, still being high and pretty tipsy, prompted for them to go skinny dipping. Regina, still high and tipsy as well, happily agreed and began to take of her clothes. Once both girls were stripped they ran into the water giggling and yelling as the water embraced them. They stayed in the water for a while and then just began floating and singing David Bowie and Beyoncé songs. A weird mix, but it was normal to them, as their taste in music ranged. Regina, mostly being the music lover, listened to different genres. As they night drew on, and the temperature began to drop, they got chilly and the weed and alcohol was soon out of their system. They had seen a police car pull up, probably on patrol. The policeman yelled over to them to get out of the beach as the beach was closed overnight. Regina and Mary ran out of the water quickly hiding being the cement table where the iguana had been hanging out the whole time. Regina joked saying that the iguana was their protector from all the evils of the world. Which then had Mary laughing as she attempted to put on her clothes. "Iguana Fred. Yeah, that's your name!" Regina whispered as the iguana looked towards her. The Iguana kept eyes locked on Regina as it delivered a perfect poker face. Both girls laughed and quickly put their clothes back on, running towards the apartment complex, sandy legs and wet hair dripping throughout the moonlit beach.
A moment passed as they continued laughing and reminiscing about that night.
"Alright young Ms. Mills and Ms. Blanchard, we have arrived." Martin called out from the driver's seat. Their laughs subsided as both girls turned their sights to see the school. They had only been there once before, to meet with the dean for the admissions interview. The school seemed like a dream then, now, as freshman college students, it was frightening but with a hint of excitement traveled through their Goosebumps. Both friends held onto each other's hands tight as the 2017 Black Jaguar XJ came to a complete stop, in front of Apley Court freshman dorms. One of the most luxurious freshman dorms in all of Harvard University. Being of an extremely well off family, this was a common thing. Their parents ensured that they would be in the same dorms, knowing how close the girls were they would need it if they were going to survive their freshman year.
"Ready?" Regina asked Mary with a smile.
"Can we take a few shots of tequila before we leave the car?" Mary jokingly suggested.
"Grow some, Mary." Regina replied as she stepped out of the Jag.
She wore a brown corduroy skirt that reached her mid-thigh with a black, off the shoulder long sleeve shirt that was tucked in, along with her favorite black ankle boots. Both garments hugged her in all the right places, accentuating her curves and giving just enough tease to keep you wanting more. As Regina took Martin's hand and began to step out of the car, she felt the cool breeze sweep up through her legs and thighs. Contrary to most people, she loved the cold. And growing up in New York, she was accustomed to having the wind caress her bare skin during the cold weather. As Martin helped Mary out of the Jag as well, Regina noticed that his eyes had become glassy.
"Martin, is everything okay?" she asked placing her hand on his shoulder.
"Yes, Ms. Mills. It's just..." Martin, started with his voice cracking, "I have seen you all off to your first doctor's visit days after you were born and all the ones after that. I drove you to your first day of preschool, middle school and high school. I drove you to your prom, homecomings, and all over 5th Ave on your crazy shopping sprees. And now, you are here finally, in Harvard, starting your life. It's just... I have seen you all grow up right before my eyes, and I couldn't be more proud of you both." He finished with a tear rushing down his face as he cupped both young girl's cheeks sweetly. He cleared his a handkerchief he had in his suit pocket.
Martin was a tall, thin man, in his late 40's at this time. Always dressed in his best suits ever since Regina could remember, and always carrying a handkerchief, because he would say that just what gentlemen do. He had been hired on by Regina's father to attend to all his daughters needs when it came to transportation. Martin had become a second father to Regina, her confidant of sorts. Whenever she wanted to escape a fight she had with her mother or father, when she had gone through a breakup, or even when she just wanted to escape reality, her and Mary climbed onto the Jag and Martin drove them off to wherever they wanted, within the New York City limits of course. Now, for the past 18 years Martin had been a constant in her life. And it hit her that he would not be there for her anymore. As tears rolled down her cheeks followed by Martin's words she reached over to embrace him in a tight hug.
"I will think of you every day, Martin. Thank you for always taking me away when I needed it most."
"Oh, Ms. Mills, I will take the next plane if need be whenever you need a drive. You just say the word and I am here." he said as he voice cracked.
As they let go of each other's hugs, Martin sweetly wiped Regina's tears away with his handkerchief and then made his way towards Mary.
"Oh Little Ms. Blanchard. You stay glowing and radiating as you always have been." he sweetly said as he whispered "Make sure Ms. Mills doesn't stay in her books too much. Make sure she lives a little in her 4 years here, eh?"
"That's going to be a little difficult Martin," Mary replied chuckling, " I'll probably have to call you so that you can help me drag her away from her books and school work more than I care to admit."
"Hey, I have ears you know, that can hear you!" Regina glared at the both of them.
Mary and Martin chuckled and he handed both girls their bags.
"Thank you once again Martin." Regina give him a last embrace before he made his take to the car.
"I will be in Boston for the next week, taking a bit of time off." He said as he got in his car, "Do not hesitate to call me if you are in need of anything. I am a phone call and quick drive away."
Mary and Regina waved goodbye to Martin standing there for a moment as they watched the Jag disappear as it turned a corner. They both turned staring up into the old Victorian style building. Both hands held tight, they took the first step and made their way into Apley Court.
As they walked inside they took a moment to admire their home for the next year. There was a luxurious lobby with a marble main staircase that lead up to the five floors of Apley Court, not including the basement, which housed a huge common room with ping-pong table, a cozy TV room, vending machines, laundry machines and dryers.
"Okay, so we are supposed to check in with the RA first. Her name is Malina Draco." Regina said as she read her dorm assignments letter.
The RA lived in the 2nd floor, so they made their way up and knocked on the door that had a plaque with gold engraving that read "Resident Advisor".
"One second!" they heard a voice shout from inside.
A few seconds later a tall, blonde with piercing blue eyes opened the door.
"Hi! What can I help you with?" She asked as she stepped out of her room. She wore skinny jeans, a black fitted top, black ankle boots and a gray pea coat. She had golden curls that rested sensually on her shoulders and her plump lips showed a deep red lipstick and her dark mascara brought out the blue in her eyes.
"My name is Mary Blanchard and this is Regina Mills." Mary started smiling, "We're new freshman, our dorm letter said to come meet you so you can show us to our rooms."
"Oh yes, I remember now. First off, introduction, my name is Malina, Mal for short." Mal started as she began to walk down the hall "Your movers came in about 2 hours ago dropping off all of your things. Let me show you to your room." Both girls noticed how sensual her walk was, she seemed to be like a goddess as she strutted down the hall, hips swaying in tow.
"So you're going to be in the second floor, just 3 doors down from mine. This is a 3 bedroom suite so you will be having to share with another girl who will be arriving tomorrow." she informed them as she opened the door to their suite.
Their boxes were scattered about the entrance of the suit to what seemed to be a small living room. Across from the entrance was a window that stretched from one side of the wall to the other. It looked out to the street where you could see a couple trees and the building across the street. To the left side of the suite there were two bedroom doors and to the opposite there were two other doors one a bedroom and the other the bathroom.
Both Regina and Mary thought the suite was so cute and were sure that Eva Blanchard would sweep in and start decorating it once she came in a few hours.
"Aunt Eva is going to go on a decor frenzy setting this place up Mary," Regina remarked.
"You two are cousins?" Mal asked.
"Sisters, actually. Well, we're not blood related but, our parents work in the same hospital, and they are very close friends. Both our moms got pregnant around the same time and we have been raised side by side all our lives. So practically sisters." Regina explained.
"Oh that's so sweet. What hospital do your parents work in?" Mal asked, "Sorry, I'm just nosy."
Both girls smiled and Regina responded. "My mom is a cardiothoracic surgeon and my dad is an anesthesiologist and Mary's dad is a general surgeon at Mount Sinai in New York."
"Wait, Mount Sinai? And your last name is Mills. Is your mom Cora Mills?" Mal asked as her face began to glow.
"Yes." Regina replied knowing what came next and preparing for the bucket load of questions that were about to be dumped on her.
"Holy shit, your mother is a nuero-god." Mal paused for a moment then said, "Wait, okay, I'm not going to fan girl all over you about your mom. Trust me, I get it. Famous relative. Everyone all around you and all they want to do is talk about your mom. Yeah, I get it a lot with my dad but instead it's all the air headed girls that want to be famous and sign a modeling contract and get suddenly discovered." Mal stated sarcastically.
"Who's your dad?" Regina asked.
"Jefferson Madd. Fashionista extraordinaire and sassiest gay man you will ever meet." Mal's response was filled with a hint of pride for her father and another hint of sarcasm. She in reality loved and respected her father, but she could not help but love the sass and spunk that he carried himself with.
"Jefferson Madd? Wait, isn't your last name Draco?" Mary stated curiously.
"Yeah, I'm adopted. Dad didn't want to wait for the "right person" to come along to start a family so he decided to start his own. He adopted me when I was born and my younger siblings Ava and Nicholas who are twins when I was 2 and they were newborns. So they are your age now, starting college." Mal explained as she leaned against the entrance of the suite and the girls began to move their boxes into their designated rooms.
"So are siblings are coming to Harvard?" Regina asked as she placed a box labeled "Regina's Books" in her room.
"No, Ava is just like dad, into fashion and all. So she is starting at Pratt this year and Nicholas is at MIT. He's the techy one."
"And you?" Mary questioned.
"Me, I am way off from them. As you can tell, I am a Cora Mills fanatic. I've been watching surgery videos since Youtube was invented, and even then spent most of my time in the library reading bio books all day. I'm double majoring in Chemical & Physical Biology and Human Developmental and Regenerative Biology. I'm on my junior year so, I am almost done."
"Shut up, I'm double majoring in those too." Regina explained.
"Well, going after your parents footsteps, huh? I've got some competition then." Mal replied with a sly smile.
"Watch out, Regina isn't your average freshman. This girl has brains for days." Mary said proudly.
"Do we have a genius on our hands, Mary?" Mal smiled slyly towards her.
Regina glared at Mary, waiting to see what her response would be. They both caught eye contact and Mary knew Regina was feeling uncomfortable. Regina didn't like people talking about how much of a smart person she was. It made her remember of how all the kids in school would tease her for always getting perfect grades, and always having her nose in a book, of always learning and always asking question. All the kids thought she was a snob and a show off, but not Mary. As much of a non-confrontational person that Mary was, she would always stand up for Regina, she would defend her, timidly, but she would do her best. Then Regina would have to defend Mary from the bullying she would get from defending Regina, on top of defending herself.
"I'm not a genius." Regina said as she continued to get boxes.
There was a moment of silence after Regina's statement. Mary understood Regina's silence and Mal didn't think anything of it. Regina kept moving their boxes into their rooms when Mal decided to break the silence.
"Anyway, we will have time to get to know each other more later on. For now, just settle in alright? I've got an RA meeting so I'll be out all day and back around 6pm. If you guys have any questions just text me. Let me get your numbers."
As the 3 girls exchanged numbers and Mal headed out, Regina turned her Pandora to the David Bowie station and both started opening up their boxes. After an hour or so unpacking Mary had decided to take a break and looked up some of the events going on in the Harvard Student Facebook Page. Regina, liking her space tidy and organized, so she continued unpacking as to not waste any time so she would be done by the time she would go to bed.
"Regina, there's a party going on tonight at one of the frat houses! We have to go!" Mary exclaimed as she got up from the hardwood floor to show her the event.
"Alpha Sigma Phi? What kind of frat is that?"
"Does that matter?" Mary asked in frustration. "Apparently this frat throws the best before fall starts parties!"
"Party?" a familiar voice said near the entrance.
"Mom!" Mary exclaimed as she walked over to greet her mom with a hug.
"Hello, sweetheart!" Eva Blanchard said sweetly to her daughter. As she let go of Mary's embrace she walked over to Regina, extending her hands out to embrace her.
"Regina, sweetheart, how are you?"
"Hi Aunt Eva. I'm good." Regina replied with quick hug. "How was your drive?"
"Oh just horrid! I cannot be boxed up for too long. Three hours does not do my pores any good." Eva said with the most graceful tone. She was a beautiful woman, porcelain skin, sweet pink lips, and hair as dark as night just like Mary. She always carried herself with such poise and grace, almost queen like. Although Eva did not have a career of as big as Leopold Blanchard, her husband, or Regina's parents, she had her own interior design business that kept her quite busy. Of all the parents, Eva was the one who spent most of her time with the girls, she took them on day trips, museum tours all over New York, and was mostly in charge of their daily schedules. Regina grew up seeing Eva as a mother as well, always admiring the love and time that she gave to Mary. A hint of sadness always was found when she saw how Eva was always there for anything Mary needed, it always made her think of her mother, wishing Cora was there just like Mary had Eva.
"This is the last time I get a driver from an outside company. Your mother almost strangled the man for taking a wrong turn for what I believe was the 20th time!" Eva explained laughing.
"My mother?" Regina asked with a confused look. She was informed she would be coming in a week not today.
"Oh my, I wasn't supposed to say anything! It was supposed to be a surprise!" Eva gushed as she covered her mouth.
"Where did you park?" Regina asked with a glitter appearing in her eyes and a smile that she could not take away.
"Right out front, but-" before Eva could finish her sentence Regina darted out of the room to find her mother. She ran down the flight of stairs, not caring how loud her footsteps were. She opened the door to go outside and she saw her mother standing next to the car talking on the phone. Her hair in perfect voluminous curls, she wore a fitted black pencil skirt, a burgundy silk top that was tucked in her skirt, along with black Louboutins and a black pea coat covering her from the cold weather. Her mother stood there, full of the poise and elegance Regina had always seen in her.
"Mama..." Regina said softly with a smile smeared across her face, as a tears began to try and escape her eye.
Cora turned and smiled as she saw Regina. She told the person on the phone that she would call them back in a few minutes and hung up. As she turned to face Regina who was about 15 feet away from her she said with a smile "I told your Aunt Eva to keep it a secret. Let me guess, she couldn't help herself?"
All Regina could do was smile as she saw her mother standing in front of her, it had been a month since she saw her. The last time was before her parents left from Miami. Cora had been at different conferences all over the country lecturing on her new trial on what she called the "CM Method" that had been a success. Regina had been away from her mother for an entire month and she hated it. Without hesitation, she ran desperately up to her mother and embraced her in a tight hug that lasted for a few minutes. Both just wanting to feel each other's presence after what like seemed a lifetime.
"I've missed you so much mama." Regina said as her voice cracked, her head resting in the crook of her mother's neck. Almost as if taking in the scent, because who knew when the next time would be that she saw her.
"So have I, my sweet girl." Cora replied softly. Cradling the back of her daughters head with one hand and the other wrapping it around her back.
After a few moments Cora wiped the tears off her daughter's cheeks.
"Now, we are Mills women, and we Mills women do not cry in public. But only this once I'll allow it." Cora said with a smile as she herself had Regina wiping tears from her cheeks.
All Regina could do was roll her eyes and grin at her mother. "Can we for just this once cut with the formalities mama? We are not at a Mills family dinner."
"I know my love, it's just habit you know." Cora replied cupping Regina's face, "Now, where is this dorm of yours? I am sure your Aunt Eva will already be on the phone with her assistant picking out the color scheme and who knows what else. She'll probably be wanting to demolish the bathroom and add in a miniature boutique. I mean, who needs a bathroom when you have an endless supply of Sunday luncheon hats, right?"
Both Mills women laughed as they walked into Apley Court. Both wrapped around each other's arms, making sure to be as close as possible. It was uncommon to see them like that in public, there were specific rules of behavior for families like the Mills and the Blanchards. They were families descended from old money, and old money came from very private small circles where there were different rules as to how a lady and a gentleman should act. The Blanchards were a bit more lenient in that respect, and they were known for that and no one seemed to mind. But for the Mills family, it was a demand. Regina never really understood why but as her mother always said, "Mother knows best." But for just this once, knowing that no one was around, they could break that rule and be just mother and daughter for a small walk.
As they made their way up to the dorm room, as expected Eva was on the phone with her assistant while Mary looked on Pinterest for decor inspiration. Both Cora and Regina gave each other a knowing look when Eva mentioned something about adding a boutique section somewhere in the already small living room.
"Alright Eva, I think we can worry about decor later on today. I am sure the girls need help putting all their things away." Cora said.
"Oh Cora dear, doesn't being back here bring back memories? It feels like it was just yesterday." Eva sighed.
As they all unpacked Cora and Eva shared stories of their time in Harvard. Of their favorite classes and most memorable times together. Both mother's gave the girls advice for their 4 years at Harvard. It was a sweet moment they shared together, as if a sort of parting ceremony, their final test on their journey to become woman. After a few hours of working, it was 9pm and both Cora and Eva were extremely tired and in need of sleep. They all decided to meet the next morning for brunch to discuss the week's plan and start setting up their rooms. Cora and Eva went back their hotel and Regina and Mary Margaret had started getting ready to go to their first college party.
"Regina, this is so exciting! Our first college party!" Mary Margaret exclaimed as she curled her her long black locks.
"Okay Mary, relax." Regina commented as she stood against Mary's doorframe.
"You're ready so fast?" Mary asked in astonishment, "Honestly, how is it that you always look so good and can get ready so quick? I mean, come one, look at your hair, it's all curled and perfect!"
Regina wore a black skinny jeans, a loose thin white shirt and a black leather jacket, along with her curls shoulder length hair. She had decided to go simple with her makeup but just add on red lipstick for pop. She always liked to keep her make up simple, never really going farther than her red lipstick. As Regina chuckled at Mary's comment she took the curler from Mary's hands and she began to curl the locks that were a bit too far back for Mary's reach.
"You're planning to get plastered tonight aren't you Mary?" Regina stated.
"Regina! I am a Blanchard, we don't get plastered. But if I do, please stay close."
"How is it that you are at times the most timid person I know, but give you some alcohol and you become coyote ugly?"
"I have no idea what you're talking about Regina." Mary said trying not to make eye contact with Regina with a smile on her face.
"Yeah, sure." Regina said rolling her eyes. "Alright Ms. Blanchard, you are all set to go and drink yourself through freshman year."
Mary gave Regina a look, Regina knowing she did not like her comment.
"Oh by the way, Ms. Mills, how is your dear boyfriend Daniel doing? Have you spoken to him at all?" Mary quipped in return.
"Really, Mary?"
"Yeah, I said it. I've got sass too you know?" Mary smirked at Regina. "Now come on, let's get plastered!" Mary said as she grabbed Regina's hand and they both headed out.