A/N- Yay, update! I would have posted this earlier but I was on holiday with no internet so I couldn't!

Thank you Ashley Sky for helping me with what the American school/college system!

Disclaimer: the only rights I own is the right side of my body!

TRIGGER WARNING: Brief mentions of suicide, depression, anxiety and anorexia. If this could affect you in any way please don't read!


"She's such a b***h!" Emily cried out, comforting Lea after her friend had explained loudly to everyone that number 4's girlfriend had been in his room.

"And he wasn't even there!" The enraged 16-year-old told us for the sixth time. It wasn't like she ever had a chance with the guy, he was 18 and has been dating the same girl since he came here. I think her name's Samantha or something, it starts with an "S" I'm sure. Apparently Lea couldn't see how that he probably didn't know her name and was definitely not interested in her.

Most of the girls working with me are younger, looking for a part time job because their parents are giving them more responsibilities, but for me it's a different story. I'm nearly nineteen and it looks like I'll be staying at the same job for at least a year or two. "But Marina, how come you're stuck as a maid at student halls for a college you could be attending?" I hear you ask- or at least Naveen did. My dad was always mentally unstable, with a long history of depression, anxiety and anorexia, but he told my mom he was better so she could follow her dreams. She always wanted to be in the army. Her grandpa told her the stories of when he fought in the Second World War, so when all the other little girls wanted to be singers or actresses- she said she'd be a soldier. My parents met at a young age, and even though they never told me- I've always know I was unplanned. So with a baby to tie her down, the army would have to wait for my mother. Then my dad got really ill again, unable to look after me alone, so she waited some more and waited again when Ella was born. My dad thought he was holding her back, so he pretended to get better, and she believed him. Before we knew it she was away in Afghanistan, leaving us behind. She wrote a lot, but I didn't see my mom again after the day she left. It wasn't long before dad killed himself; as we thought he was getting better, he was getting worse- and mom dying was the end. Ella and I were adopted by an aromantic woman who wanted children but didn't want to deal babies. Adelina is really nice, but she doesn't really know how to deal with kids. Ella depended on me, and always will I think- she was the one who found her father strung from the roof with a rope strung around his purple neck at age three.

Ella is why I have this job. It pays really well for the work, and I certainly put in a lot more effort than anyone else so I usually get the bonus. I could easily attend this college if I had enough money, but for now I've just to save. There's no time for friends, no time for distractions, no time for... Him. The boy from room 8. I'd seen him at the same time everyday for a four days now, and we just talked and joked for at least an hour at a time- but today I was busy and went to his room two hours earlier.

"Marina!" He says, grinning and striding towards me. I feel myself blush as I smile shyly at him, all eyes falling on me. No one ever talks to me.

"Hey," he smiles- now standing next to me, "you didn't come round to my room today! I was waiting for you!" Now I was definitely blushing.

"Oh, uh, yeah. I was busy, I did your room earlier. Sorry." I stammered, not used to the attention my co-workers were giving me, but Naveen didn't seem to be bothered.

"Oh, okay then. Never mind- what time do you finish work? We could go get coffee or something?" Crap.

"I'd love to, but I finish at eleven on Thursdays, and that's a bit late for coffee. Maybe another time?"

"Sure. What time do you finish on Fridays?"

"Don't you have friends to hang out with on a Friday night?"

"Why would I want to be with them when I could be spending time with someone better?" Naveen replies with his stupid sideways smirk.

"Half past four" I blurt out before I can change my mind. Naveen's smirk transforms into a full grin.

"Great! I'll see you tomorrow." Then turned on his heel and left.

Isabel and Connie came rushing towards me. They were two of the nicer girls.

"Did he just WINK at you?" Connie said as more of a statement than a question.

"Of course not" I mumbled, knowing full well he did. I learnt pretty quickly that Naveen was a joker and had a very flirtatious sense of humour.

"He DEFINITELY did. Isn't he in room 8?" Isabel asked.

"Yeah" was all I said in return. "Excuse me I need to see someone in the kitchens". Wishing I had my hair down to hide my blushing face, I began briskly walking past everyone I trying to keep the dumb grin off my face, but to no avail.


A/N- Sorry if this is a bit rubbish!

Massive thank you to everyone who reviewed, followed or favourited the first chapter! I love you all!

[Ashley Sky, Marina3Eight, I wish I could be Number Five, I'm Number Eleven :for reviewing!]

[Ashley Sky, Marina3Eight, TehPanda :for following!]

[Ashley Sky, Marina3Eight :for favouriting!]