For disclaimer, please see chapter one.
Two days later, another Larkhall University hopeful was sitting in her room when her father knocked and came in with her mail.
"Nikki? You got a letter from Larkhall University. Do you want to open it now?" David Wade, Nikki's father, asked, barely masking his excitement.
"Sure Dad, why not?" Nikki took the envelope from her father, sat down at her computer, and read the letter. "I got in," she stated with hardly any emotion.
"Jeez, Nik. Calm down please," David replied sarcastically. "You don't seem to be too excited about this. What's up?"
"I actually knew about it yesterday." Nikki finally smiled at him.
"What? How? Why didn't you tell us?"
"First question: what?—I knew yesterday. Second question: how?—my roommate emailed me to let me know who she was. Third question: why didn't I tell you?—I knew you were just as nervous as I was so I thought I would have a little fun." Nikki smiled at her father mischievously.
"Smartarse." He replied, tapping her on the head with the envelope. "So let's see the email then."
Nikki opened the email from Helen and allowed her father to read it.
From: roommate
17-July-2001
Nicola
Hi. My name is Helen Stewart and I have just found out that we are going to be roommates during our first year of University. I just wanted to write and tell you something about myself. You already know my name. I am from Scotland, born and raised. I am a little nervous about going to school in London, but I shouldn't get on your nerves too much. Anyway, what about you?
I look forward to hearing from you.
Helen
P.S. Sorry if I ruined the whole surprise of the acceptance letter.
"She might have to be careful. You always were a sucker for accents." David said slyly.
"Be that as it may," Nikki replied as she playfully hit her father on the arm, "I don't intend on jumping her bones when I first see her. Besides, she is probably straight, but I am fully prepared to tell her that I'm gay before we move in. Then it is her choice whether or not she stays."
"Well, I'll leave you to it then." David stated, standing to leave the room. "I am going to tell your mother the good news and go to the store. You need anything?"
"'Can you grab me some Coke?"
"Ok, I'll see what I can do. I'm proud of you Nikki." He said and left the room.
"Ok Miss Stewart, let's see what I can tell you."
From: hnstewart roommate
19-July-2001
Helen
First, please call me Nikki. My parents only call me Nicola when I am in trouble or am being a smartarse, which I should warn you, I have a light tendency to do both. Anyway, I am originally from London. I'm living in the student housing to try and get a sense of independency. There is one very important thing I think you should know about because it may change your mind about living with me. I'm a lesbian. I will completely understand if you wanted to change room assignments, but I just wanted to give you enough time to that.
If I don't hear back from you, I will understand.
Nikki
As Nikki sent the email she felt herself slightly nervous, but also relieved. She was nervous because she hated being rejected just for being open and honest about who she was. She felt relieved because of this honesty. She hated going into a situation without knowing as much as she possibly could, so she always tried to volunteer at least some information about herself.
As she was contemplating her thoughts, she was brought back to reality with a familiar monotone female voice.
"You've got mail"
She opened her mailbox, surprised to see it was from Helen. "Well, that was fast." Nikki thought.
From: hnstewart nkwade Your revelation
19-July-2001
Nikki
I had a feeling I wouldn't be using Nicola for long. To me it sounded far too proper, lol. Anyway, why should I be bothered by the fact that you're gay? I am sure that it doesn't affect your overall personality and I am not one to judge people I barely know. So, no, I won't be needing to change my housing assignment, but thank you for being so considerate. Anyway, I have some stuff to do and I hope to hear from you soon.
Helen
Nikki was pleasantly surprised. She hadn't been expecting a full dismissal, but not full acceptance either. Maybe this year won't be so bad. She thought to herself.
From: nkwade hnstewart No Subject
24-July-2001
Ok, Helen, as it looks like we are going to be around each other a lot for the next year, tell me about yourself. What you look like, what you do for fun, that sort of thing. And no, I am not trying to figure out if you are my type. I just want to know more about the person I will be living with, that's all.
Nikki
From: hnstewart nkwade Info
2-August-2001
Nikki
Sorry it took so long for me to respond. I have an issue talking about myself. For some reason it always seems like I am bragging in some way. Somehow, though I knew that you wouldn't let me off the hook with "average" as a description. So I will just tell you what my friends try to tell me. Anyway, I am about 5'3" with shoulder length brown hair. My eyes are green most of the time, but it all depends on my mood. I am stubborn as hell and have been known to have a bad temper when I get mad, just to warn you. I read a lot when I am not busy with work or school or friends, mostly George Elliot, Virginia Woolf, Jane Austen, the Brontes, and lots of others. Other than that there isn't much to tell. What about you? Same questions only add one. Do you have any brothers and sisters?
Helen
From: nkwade hnstewart Info
7-August-2001
Well, now that I know a little more about you I can honestly say that I am more comfortable about the whole situation and you're right I wouldn't have let you get away with "average" as a description. I also know who I will be asking to grab things out of the lower cupboards as you will be closer than me. J/k. Anyway, I am a towering 5'11" with very short dark brown (almost black) hair. My eyes are brown, but also change depending on my moods. I read when I'm not busy too and a lot of the same authors as well. I actually have an older brother, Jack, but I don't see much of him, and I also have a younger sister, Alex. Anyway, any siblings on your end?
N
From: hnstewart nkwade Nothing in particular
11-August-2001
N
I am actually an only child, but don't worry I am not a spoiled brat. At least I don't think I am. Feel free to check me if I start acting like that please. I've always hated having to deal with that stereotype.
H
P.S. Any special requests for food? I'm going shopping next week when we move in.
From: nkwade hnstewart Info
15-August-2001
H
I don't think I will have a problem with you being a spoiled brat. You seem way too down to Earth. Anyway, no special requests here. I can pretty much eat whatever is put in front of me. So, good luck packing, have fun shopping, and I will see you next week.
N