Disclaimer: Stephanie Meyer owns all of Twilight and the characters in the series belong to her. I did however, have a total of SEVEN official and unofficial roommates my first year of college. Thank God I also had my own bedroom...


Stevens Court and Rosalie's Castle

7:53pm

When I called her, Sue was upset that Alice and I couldn't come to dinner, but made up promise to have lunch with her and Leah in two weeks when she had to visit Seattle again. "Oh, next time will be better anyway, it'll just be a girl's day"

I told Alice the story about the pot and she laughed, saying that I was unreasonably paranoid about Leah. "You're acting like she's going to put an evil spell on you so that you smell like cow manure around cute guys. For all you know she's over it."

"When I was eight we had to play together and every time I was winning in Apples to Apples she would start chanting under her breath. I'd start losing and Leah would just laugh.

"Wow, now I know what to do when I don't want to clean the bathroom. I do know some Wiccan magic you know." Alice giggled as we walked into the common room of Building K, which was actually a game room next to the laundry room on the first floor next to the stairs that led to our suite.

There were about 100 chairs set up and it looked like we were the last ones to come in. There was a girl speaking already and the only open seats were in the front row, in front of her, go figure.

As we sat down the speaker, a tall blond, abruptly stopped speaking and glared at us. "You're late. As the female Building Adviser for Apartment K I'd like it if you two girls would get here at a proper time in the future. I doubt that everyone else here appreciates the interruption."

"Uh, we're actually a few minutes early. I guess you must've started a little earlier than what was on the note. But, sorry everyone." Alice turned to give an apologetic smile to everyone else that was here. I glanced behind me and nobody really seemed affected by our entrance and turned back around to our building adviser. She looked pissed as she cut her hazel eyes at Alice.

"When everyone else is already here and has been so for at least five minutes, I start talking, so you two are late."

"Well that's not our fault. You deciding to start early doesn't make us late so I guess you're to blame!"

Alice folded her arms across chest and matched the blonde's stare. Somehow I don't think that a death match with our RA would end well for us.

"No worries, you're here now, ladies. Next time could you try to come a little earlier, though? Rosalie's motto is, 'the sooner you start, the sooner you finish.' We'll just catch you both up on the little that you missed." The guy next to Rosalie, the RA, was a blond to; his hair was long and sandy and pulled into a ponytail. He was wearing a dark brown leather jacket with what looked like flag patches sewn on it. He had an accent but I couldn't place it; it could've been Southern or Midwestern, I couldn't tell.

"Garrett Jones and Rosalie Hale, building advisors of apartment K for the 08-09 school year. Like Rosalie was saying when you walked in, parking is assigned by building, you get first dibs on a spot based in how early your completed the university vehicle registration in the summer. Parking rules go into effect tomorrow on midnight, the official beginning of the school semester"

"Dammit," I heard Alice mutter under her breath. I had my registration finished the day they sent the email about on-campus parking and got a letter in the mail a few days after saying that I had it completed. I guess Alice didn't do hers as soon as I did; it did take her weeks to reply to me when we found out that were going to be roommates.

"That's right folks, as I said before I was interrupted; parking rules will be enforced by me and Garrett. Sign-up for that will happen after this meeting and before we speak to any freshmen residents.

"Secondly, any parties must be approved by Garrett or me. We need to have an approximate number of attendees. There is a 'no alcohol' rule enforced on campus but since mostly grad students and upperclassman live at Stevens there are some provisions depending on the ages of the people living in the apartment. If you're caught giving alcohol to under 21s, you'll be fined up to three hundred dollars per person." There were cheers from guys behind us and groans from a few girls, Rosalie ignored it.

"Trash is another subject. There are trash cans all over the grounds at Stevens Court, use them. If we get too many complaints from the groundskeepers EVERYONE, including us get fined. The dumpsters are in the parking lots, I'm sure everyone knows where they are, no leaving trash outside of your apartment door for the courtesy of your next-door neighbors."

"If we get complaints from your neighbors and have to make a visit, we can give you a fine of our choosing. I don't want to have to walk up three or four flights of stairs because of garbage so do yourself and me a favor and just make sure the complaints are kept to a minimum"

"I bet she doesn't want to walk because she looks like she lives in heels. I mean seriously who wears shoes like that just for a twenty minute meeting?" Luckily Alice's comment seemed to go unnoticed. I glanced at Rosalie's shoes, and entire outfit for that matter, and she was a bit... showy. The girl had on what looked like four or five-inch heels that were covered in rhinestones or crystals, skin-tight deep purple jeans and a thin white lacy blouse. I guess I'd be pissed to if I got dressed up and then had to go deal with someone else's garbage.

After a few general rules on noise, guest parking and the laundry and game rooms, Garrett and Rosalie both pulled out papers. "I'll be calling names and you'll be going to Rosalie to decide your parking spot. If you're not a freshman and don't need a parking spot you're free to go and have a good night guys." with that about a half of the people in the room left.

"I'm going to get the worst spot ever, I just know it. When did you finish your car registration Bella?"

"In June, when they sent out registration emails, you?"

"Three weeks ago. This sucks, my poor car will hate me." I wanted to goggle at Alice's dramatics but after about four names I heard Garrett say my name. Alice looked even more miserable as I stood up.

When Rosalie looked up to me she rolled her eyes and huffed through her nose. "Isabella Swan. You're lucky." There was a map of our building with green highlighted spaces on certain spots of the diagramed parking area. "Initial and date the green spot you want and I'll give you your parking pass that you keep in your car at all times. If it's not there you'll get towed."

There were no spots taken by the stairs that led to our apartment so I took the nearest one to our staircase and went to sit by Alice. Ten minutes later we were the only ones two left and Alice could finally pick her spot. "But that can't be the only space left! You really expect me to keep my car next to a dumpster? Why can't I park here," Alice pointed to somewhere on the map.

"You can't park there because the non-highlighted spaces are for the other buildings. You should've had your papers in sooner." Rosalie had a smug look on her face; she was enjoying Alice's protests. Garrett looked like he wanted to stay out of it all. "Even if I wanted to there's nothing I can do for you. The parking lot is already at capacity and you're lucky you got this space as it is. Believe it or not other people in Steven's Court turned their registration later than... July 28th. Take your spot and be happy."

Alice looked at me and walked back to our seats. I looked around just as the building advisors were packing up. "So I guess we're the only freshman in Building K?"

"WHAT?" Rosalie looked towards me and Alice. "You two can't be the only ones." Instead of a look of surprise on the blonde's face there was irritation.

"I'm going to get these parking forms down to the main office Rose." Walking past the two of us, Garrett whispered 'good luck' and was out of the door in a hurry. This wasn't going to be good.

"Ok let's get a few things straight, girls." Her eyes were narrowed and arms were folded as she faced us, "I am not you mother, sister, or friend. Don't expect to be able to turn to me when you get stressed out in your introductory courses or when you boyfriend breaks your heart. I don't care about your minuscule issues; I have my own priorities so I suggest you find your own healthy way of coping. Second, you two are the only freshman in the building. If you fuck up, I look bad and I never look bad. Finally, you don't want to be on my bad side. There are rules to be followed; housing's rules and my rules. If you don't follow them you risk my position. I don't want any complications with either one of you. You aren't home any more so it's time to be adults." Without waiting for any comments from us, Rosalie walked quickly and gracefully to the back door, "Welcome to Steven's Court, ladies," and with that she was gone.

"Was that serious?"

"Yes, Alice, I think it was." The silence of the room was quickly filled with Alice's laughter and my muffled giggles.

Eventually, after our laughing, we made our way back to our apartment. After saying good night to Alice and plopping on my bed, that now had sheets that I could sleep on, I realized exactly how tired I was. I reached for my phone and checked my email- nothing. I expected that, but the confirmation hurt a bit. I was still embarrassed about sending that email only to have it be ignored. I was sure he had gotten it. Was I wrong this whole time… was I a fling? The not knowing was the worst part. In my mind I told myself that even if he said 'sorry, Bella, can we just be friends, sorry if I led you on' I would be fine. I just wanted an honest reply.

A text interrupted my internal thought.

Hey B! I'm going to a later party tonight. Wanna come? Cute guys and drinks ;) – Ang

I looked at the time on my phone, it wasn't even 10pm and I was beat.

I'm soo tired. I've been up since 4 and JUST got a chance to sit down. Raincheck? – B

Oh boooo :( I haven't seen you in forever. We're def having lunch tomorrow. I'll text you whenever I wake up – Ang

Sorry. ttyl – B

I heard my phone ping soon after but couldn't move to read whatever message I got. All I felt was my body shutting down as sleep wrapping itself around me.

10:16am

"Wake up, Bellaaaaa"

"Wha-"

"It a beautiful morning, time to get up!"

"What's going on"

"It's Sunday silly, let's seize the day!" Was this what I was going to be living with? Didn't the Lord rest on the seventh day?

"Give me a minute." I squeezed my eyes tightly as Alice left my room, closing my door behind her. A few minutes later, the dream I was trying to re-enter was soon forgotten as music, and Alice's voice, blared through my wall

I got a pocket, got a pocketful of sunshine.

I got a love, and I know that it's all mine.

Oh, oh whoa

Do what you want, but you're never gonna break me.

Sticks and stones are never gonna shake me.

No, oh whoa

Was this serious? How can someone that tiny be so awake. I looked to my alarm clock, 10:21. Well, I'm never going to get back to sleep, I might as well be productive.

To her credit, Alice was right about it being a beautiful day. She must've opened my blinds before waking me up so there was plenty of natural light coming in. Summers in Washington were really pretty in general, but on the rare day that there were no clouds in the sky at all, it was really breathtaking. The courtyard outside of my window was full of green trees and the lawns were manicured perfectly. Seattle wasn't as green as Forks but this was still a great view.

I walked to the bathroom to brush my teeth; it felt like something decided to take residence in my mouth. After cleaning out the tub I went to get a towel and my shower caddy so I would bathe. After showering and throwing on some clothes, I went to the kitchen to find food. Alice glided out of her room in dark purple jogging shorts and a matching gold and purple tank top just as I reached the fridge.

"Isn't it beautiful outside? I think I want to go for a run, you wanna come?"

"No thanks. I think I just want to hang out today before classes start tomorrow. I have to go pick up my textbooks and I'm supposed to have lunch with a friend today, anyway."

"Oh… well, have fun with your friend. I'll see you later if I don't get back before you leave." Alice's eyes turned down at me words. She looked a little disappointed.

"Alice, you're more than welcome to come. Angela's nice; you two would get along great"

"Really? I don't want to intrude or anything." Alice's eyes were wide and hesitant.

"No, not at all. You'll love Angela. I'm sure you two will really get along. If you want to, we can go get our books together and meet up with her."

"Well, ok. I just don't want to be in the way"

"You won't be, trust me. I want you to be friends with my friends." I really did mean that, too. Alice was nice. She was in a new place without anyone familiar, just like I was when I moved to Forks. Seeing her being nervous about being in the way was really surprising, considering how bold she was yesterday.

Alice walked into her room to change as I texted Angela about Alice coming to lunch with us. Hopefully Angela would be up and ready by the time I done getting my textbooks. The bookstore would likely be packed. Thankfully, I preordered everything I needed so all I had to do was pick them up.

Driving to the University Book Store was easy enough, navigating through it was another story, though. There were parents with their kids and confused looking students walking around with book lists. I didn't even know where to go to pick up reserved books and all the attendants were busy running back and forth trying to help different sets of customers.

"Alice do you have your book list?"

"Book list?" Alice's tone reminded me the time I asked Charlie what he wanted for dinner after he caught the end of an Animal Planet documentary I'd been watching. A cheetah had taken down a gazelle and Charlie had this glazed over look of awe and surprise. I looked over and Alice's eyes were focused on free-for-all in the bookstore.

"Yeah… you know, to see what books you need for the semester."

"Oh… No. I guess I should have one of those, right. Maybe I can just wing it. I know what classes I have."

"Do you know what class section you're in? Some classes might have a different book list."

"Oh, well I guess I'll have to come back tomorrow. Do you have your book list?"

"I preordered everything I needed. I just need to find out where to go to get them."

"I guess I should've done that… Hey, look there's Garrett!"

"Hey girls," Garrett had on a purple University Bookstore shirt. "Can I help y'all with anything? I'm coming back on shift now."

"Hi. I just need to pick up the books I pre-ordered."

"I'm headed that way now, I can help you. How was your meeting with Rosalie last night?"

"She's a bitch," Alice, now completely out of her haze, blurted out without hesitancy.

"Naw, she's pretty ok, she just has a lot on her plate being an RA. She's actually an okay person to hang out with once you get to know her."

"I won't hold you to that. I'm going to go look around Bella."

"She's a firecracker, huh." I turned to see Garrett smirking and shaking his head at Alice's retreating form.

"Who, Alice? Yeah, it'll be something to get used to."

"Rose really is a pretty cool person."

"She didn't seem that way when she was telling us not to come to her if we ever needed any help. She seemed more like a prison warden than anything."

"Trust me, everyone has their own story." I looked at Garret confused as he walked behind the counter of the staff desk. I was having a hard time believing that my new RA had a legitimate reason for acting so impolite. He simply smiled at me winked.

After getting my books, thanks to Garrett, I found Alice in the biography section, trying to decide between Coco Chanel and Gianni Versace. Walking out of the store I called Angela to see about lunch. She sounded like she had a huge hangover and said she wasn't coming outside until the sun stopped being so bright. I told Alice and we decided to just find somewhere to have lunch that was close by. We decided to just head back to Stevens Court and order a pizza.

Alice said something about planning her first day outfit and ran into her room after inhaling three slices. I got my books together for tomorrow. I tried to put thought into what I would wear tomorrow but there wasn't too much to choose from.

I picked up Pride and Prejudice, it was the only thing I hadn't reread this summer and it was so east to get lost in it, before I knew it the sun was down. After I took a shower there wasn't too much to do so I checked my email… again. Seeing 'No New Messages" made my throat tighten up and I felt the urge to curl up into a ball and wallow in my embarrassment. I didn't do that though I settled with lying in bed and allowing a few tears roll down the side of my face.