Jennie's POV
The rest of the weekend goes quickly and I manage to avoid seeing Lisa. When I head out early Sunday to go shopping, I leave before she can come to the room, and I return after she's apparently left.
The new clothes I get fill up my small dresser, but as I put them away Lisa's obnoxious voice plays in my head: You know we are going to a party, not church.
I suspect she'd say the same about these new outfits, but I've decided that I am no longer going to be going to parties with Wendy, or anywhere that Lisa may be. She isn't good company and bickering with her is exhausting.
Finally it's Monday morning, my first day of college classes, and I couldn't be more prepared. I wake up extra early to make sure I can take a shower—without boys around—and not be rushed. My white button-up shirt and tan pleated skirt are perfectly ironed and ready to be put on. I get dressed, pin my hair, and put my bag over my shoulder.
I'm about to leave—about fifteen minutes early, to ensure that I won't be late—when Wendy's alarm goes off. She hits the snooze button, but I wonder if I should I wake her. Her classes may start later than mine, or maybe she isn't planning on going. The idea of missing the first day of classes stresses me out, but she is a sophomore, so maybe she has it under control.
With one last glance in the mirror, I head to my first class. Studying the campus map proves to have been a good idea, and I find my first building within twenty minutes. When I walk into my freshman history class the room is empty, save one person.
Since this person obviously cares about being on time, too, I sit next to her. She could be my first new friend. "Where is everyone?" I ask, and she smiles. Her smile alone puts me at ease.
"Probably running across campus to barely make it here on time," she jokes, and I instantly like her. That's exactly what I was thinking.
"I'm Jennie Ruby Jane Kim" I say and give her a friendly smile.
"Jisoo Gibson," she says with an equally adorable smile as the first one. We spend the rest of the time before class talking. I find out that she's an English major, like me, and she has a girlfriend named Yeri, Jisoo doesn't mock me or miss a beat in our easy conversation when I tell her that Kai is a grade below me. I decide now that she is someone whom I would like to see more of. As the class begins to fill, Jisoo and I make a point to introduce ourselves to the professor.
Afterward, as the day continues, I begin to regret taking five classes instead of four. I rush to my British Literature elective—thanking God it's the last class of the day—and barely make it on time. I am relieved when I see Jisoo sitting in the front row, the seat next to her empty.
"Hey again," she says with a smile as I sit down.
The professor begins the class, handing out the syllabus for the semester and giving a brief introduction about himself, what led to him to become a professor, and his excitement for the topic. I love that college is different from high school and the professors don't make you stand in front of the class and introduce yourself or do any other embarrassing and unnecessary things.
In the middle of the professor explaining our reading lists, the door creaks open and I hear myself groan as Lisa stumbles into the classroom.
"Great," I say under my breath sarcastically.
"You know Lisa" Jisoo asks. Lisa must have quite the reputation around the campus if someone as sweet as Jisoo knows of her.
"Sort of. My roommate is friends with her. She's not my favorite person," I whisper.
As I do so, Lisa's green eyes lock on mine, and I worry that she's heard me. What would she do if she had? But, honestly, I don't care if she did
—it's not like she isn't aware that we don't care for each other.
I find myself curious about what Jisoo knows about her, though, so I can't help but ask, "Do you know her?"
"Yeah . . . she's . . ." She stops talking and turns slightly to look behind us. I look up and see Lisa sliding into the desk next to me. Jisoo stays quiet for the rest of the class, keeping her eyes focused on the professor the entire time.
"THAT'S ALL FOR TODAY. I will see you all again on Wednesday," Professor Hill says and dismisses us.
"I think this will be my favorite class," I tell Jisoo as we walk outside, and she agrees. But her face falls when she realize Lisa is walking next to us.
"What do you want, Lisa?" I ask, giving her a taste of her own medicine. It doesn't work, or I don't have the right tone for it, because all she seems is amused.
"Nothing. Nothing. I'm just so glad we have a class together," she says mockingly and runs her hands through her hair, shaking it and pushing it up on her forehead. I notice an oddly shaped infinity symbol tattooed just above her wrist, and she lowers her hand as I try to study the surrounding ink.
"I'll see you later, Jennie" Jisoo says, excusing herself.
"You would find the lamest kid in class to befriend," Lisa says as she watches her go.
"Don't say that about her; she's a sweet girl. Unlike you." I'm shocked at my harsh words. She really brings out the worst in me.
Lisa turns back to me. "You're becoming more feisty with each chat we have, Jane."
"If you call me Jane one more time . . ." I warn and she laughs. I try to picture what she would look like without her tattoos and piercings. Even with them, she's very attractive, but her sour personality ruins her.
We begin walking along back in the direction of my dorm and get about twenty steps when all of a sudden she shouts out, "Stop staring at me!" turns a corner, and disappears down a pathway before I can even think of a response.