Raven opened her door and set down her bags, a bit ruffled from climbing so many stairs. She looked around the room which was now void of any other human.
At least I get to choose my territory first.
She thought and peeked in the two bedrooms available and took the one with a better view, then set down her bags there. Her dorm room was already furnished with the basics: a sofa, TV, stove, microwave, mini-fridge and a small dining table with chairs. Both bedrooms had a simple bed, one closet and a desk with an office chair and lamp. The two room doors faced each other in the small hallway and at the end, door that lead to the bathroom which Raven found to be clean. She checked her phone and found two messages: one from her mother and one from her best friend. She became sleepy from the 2-hour drive from her hometown to Gotham since they had to leave early to avoid traffic. Robin had picked her up in his old beat-up car that morning and they were alone since Bee and Cyborg had already traveled on their own a week ago. Bee wanted to go earlier to adjust and familiarize herself with the places and Cyborg wanted to start scouting for a gym. Of course, it was obvious Cyborg just wanted to spend a little more time with his girl before they were a city apart from each other.
The drive was silent and full of tension and Robin fidgeted slightly due to the awkwardness. Raven on the other hand, felt the same but chose not to let it affect her so much. She wasn't aware at that time why she had felt so nervous to be around him, like a bad hunch something didn't feel quite right between them. They had attempted conversation but it always seemed to die out or went to the wrong direction like topics about college or high school memories. To both of them, it felt rather bittersweet since talking about these memories only seemed to remind them that that part in their lives were over and it was time to move on.
Robin had dropped her off at her dormitory first then drove off to his. After setting down her bags, she started unpacking: placing her clothes in the closet, organizing her books on the shelf, setting up her laptop and putting up some of her posters she brought with her from her old bedroom. After a quick shower, Raven dressed in fresh clothes and suddenly remembered she had text messages to reply. She grabbed her cell phone from her bed and the phone's menu lit up. She had the two unread messages from Robin and Arella and a missed call from Robin. Raven's brows went up but opened her mother's text first.
Raven, dear. I suppose you've arrived at your dorm? How are things? Have you met your roommate yet? Call me!
Raven had to smile at her mother's impatience. She decided to text her back instead then clicked the dial button on Robin's name. After 5 rings, Robin's breathless voice could be heard.
"Hello Rae?" Raven raised her eyebrow.
"Uhm… Hey Robin. I'm not interrupting anything, am I? You seem pretty out of breath there." Robin understood what she was implying and quickly rushed out his reply.
"N-no! Of course not! I was just helping my roommate carry the refrigerator up our dorm. It was real heavy." Raven smirked and could tell that a blush was creeping on her best friend's cheeks at that very moment.
"O.K. whatever you say. So, what's up? You called 30 minutes ago."
"Oh yeah, Cy dropped in about an hour ago. He's having some early supper with Bee at this pizza place they discovered and was wondering if we'd go with. I said I'd go if you would. You know, don't wanna be a third wheel."
"I see."
"Yeah… So, you comin'?"
"Sure."
"Alright. I'll be there in 10 minutes."
They simultaneously hung up their phones and sure enough, 10 minutes later Raven saw Robin's familiar blue chevy pull up to the dorm building's parking lot. A minute later, she was in the passenger seat listening to her best friend talk about how Bruce had gotten him the suite dorm room and his roommate.
"Don't get me wrong, I mean I appreciate all the extra space and all but I'd rather I didn't get the extra attention, you know? Be treated like all the other college kids who have to live in their respective crappy dorm room." Robin commented, a tad bit bitter about the ordeal since his father didn't mention it to him beforehand and had to pass by all the jealous stares from the other guys who lived in their building.
"That's easy for you to say Robin. You don't have to live in a crappy dorm room. Just be thankful you got a suite." Robin sighed.
"I guess your right again, Rae."
Robin smiled at her as he turned a corner to a red light. Raven grinned back and stared out her window. Five blocks later, they arrived at a pizza parlor that had a sign in bright bold letters that said Mama's Pizzeria. The duo walked in and quickly found the booth Cyborg and Bee were already seated at.
"We already ordered for you guys. I hope you don't mind, we got your usual faves anyway."
Raven nodded while Robin thanked Bee.
"Yo, Rae! How's it goin' at your dorm? You met your roommate yet?"
Cyborg asked while ruffling Raven's hair affectionately. Raven scowled.
"Fine."
"Come on, I at least expected a little more enthusiasm than that."
"It was mighty fine." Raven answered with a fake cheerful voice that didn't exactly suit her. The rest laughed and engaged in casual conversation; the usual talk about college, high school memories and just random things. Minutes later, their orders arrived and they munched while talking. Raven and Robin ate with gusto, having missed lunch and exerting effort in unpacking their things. It was only 6PM when Raven waved good bye to her friends in Robin's car and walked up to the 3rd floor to her room. Finding the door unlocked, she realized she would have to face her roommate now.
Well, better get this over with. If she's a bitch at least I know I won't be the only one.
She thought to herself then opened the door. The living room was filled with small boxes and a single roller bag that had bat stickers on them. Letting the door close behind her caused a loud slam and a girl poked her head out of the bedroom door opposite hers. Her eyes widened a bit and a sly grin graced her pale face. Stepping into Raven's line of vision, it was revealed she had bright pink hair pulled up in pigtails and strange amethyst eyes. Raven's brows shot up even higher up her forehead as the girl walked up to her and extended her hand for the girl to shake.
"I'm Jinx! Sorry for the mess, I'll clean that up in a few."
"Raven. And that's ok."
They shook hands and Jinx bought a thumb to her mouth, emulating a thoughtful expression as she looked Raven over. Raven scoffed then Jinx smiled up at her.
"Hey, don't get it the wrong way! I love how you dress! I think we'll get along just fine, Rae. Can I call you that? Rae?"
Raven sighed, walking past the smiling teen and to her room.
"Whatever."
"Ok, cool!"
Jinx's cheerful voice trailed off as Raven closed the door. Her roommate was slightly annoying, but at least she didn't seem like a total airhead. Besides, her taste in clothes weren't that bad either although the pink hair seemed too drastic for Raven.
Still, better than a Kori type…
She thought and kicked off her boots and pressed the on button on her laptop. An hour later, there was a knock on her door followed by Jinx's tentative voice.
"Hey, Raven? Uhm… Listen, can I come in?"
Raven sighed and seemed to think it over. Jinx knocked again and called her name.
"Okay. Come in." Jinx stepped in and smiled. She was dressed more fashionably this time, in a black leather dress, purple and black leggings and heavy-looking boots.
"You want something?"
"Well, the thing is…" Jinx trailed off and after a minute of silence, Raven realized she would have to prod the girl for her to continue.
"What?"
"Uhm you see, I heard about this sick party going on at this huge mansion just a 30 minute drive away from here and I was wondering if you'd want to come along with me."
"Oh. I'm not really big for parties, Jinx. So no thanks." Raven turned to her laptop and missed the disappointment in Jinx's face.
"Actually, it would be really cool if you'd come with me Rae." Raven turned to face her once again.
"Like I said, not one for parties. Can't you ask your other friends to go with you?" Jinx's cheeks turned to a faint color of pink and Raven realized she had struck a chord.
"The thing is… I don't really know anyone yet. Just you."
Jinx looked down, fidgeting with the purple hem of the large bat-like collars sewed on her dress. Raven appeared to be thinking about the situation and Jinx stood there awkwardly, waiting for her response.
Well… It's not like I have much to do anyway. And I guess a tiny amount of alcohol won't hurt, and certainly beats a boring night in front of the computer. Besides, this would be a chance to know my roommate better. We are going to be living together for the next four years… Wouldn't hurt to at least be civil, she can help me in return sometime…
With this in mind, she reluctantly told the bright-colored girl she would go.
"But if the party sucks, I'm leaving. Oh and you owe me one."
Jinx yelled a triumphant "Yesss!" and quickly nodded at Raven's terms. She told her to be ready in fifteen minutes then promptly walked out, muttering something about fixing her make-up. Raven pulled open her closet and grabbed the first thing her hands touched which was an old short black dress. She hastily put it on and stepped in the boots she discarded by her door earlier that evening, grabbed her bag and walked out to the living/ dining room.
"Yay! Let's go."
"I hope you don't expect us to commute. I just arrived today and don't know the bus routes nor do I want to waste money on a cab."
"Oh, don't worry about that Rae! I've got a ride."
Raven followed her to the basement parking lot to a small scooter parked in the motorcycle area. She handed Raven the extra helmet and turned the engine on. A minute later, they were on their way to the party. Riding in a scooter did have its benefits; the small frame easily let them slip through the traffic and they arrived 10 minutes earlier than they had expected. It was only 9pm but the party looked like it was nearing its peak. It was no surprise since it was a college party and most college kids were trying to attend to all the parties they could before school actually started. But to the girls, they were mildly surprised it would actually be that grand since they were new to college life. Jinx parked between a red pick-up and a sports car and locked their helmets.
The two girls walked towards the front door which was open. A few people were on the front lawn, holding up small cups filled with beer, engaging in conversation. They received a few looks until they reached the entrance. A hip-hop song was blasting through the speakers and some of the crowd was dancing in the crowded space. There were some balloons floating and the smell of beer immediately stung Raven's nose. Somewhere in the far left of the lobby, guys in varsity jackets were downing kegs accompanied by rowdy cheering. By an ice sculpture, some punch was served with the usual party food, pizza and peanuts. And by the window stood a couple making out, seeming completely oblivious to their surroundings. It appeared like a typical party from high school and while Raven wasn't fond of them, she went to them with her friends enough to know what went on.
Jinx let out a nervous laugh and smiled apologetically at her and then motioned for her go follow her to the table where the food was. She handed Raven a cup full of punch and Raven sniffed but couldn't tell if it was spiked or not. A few songs later, a ginger boy walked up to them started a conversation but seemed to be interested in Jinx. A song later, they decided to dance which left Raven alone.
Raven looked around her, taking in the different kinds of people that were crammed in the mansion. She found the music annoying and was starting to sweat due to the crowd. She felt uncomfortable and decided to go outside to have a cigarette. Raven sighed, wondering just what the hell she got herself into.
Thank you for reading~
