Chapter 3

Author's note: Moving day has arrived! This one is only from Nick's PoV. Happy reading

15th September - afternoon

Nick

I finished loading the bags in the car and I can't believe how much stuff I've packed, it looks like I'm moving away.. oh.. I guess that's what's happening though. I don't think I quite processed fully what this means.

'Hey Nicky. Are you ready to go? Have you got everything?' Says mum looking for her bag.

'Yep, I think so..? I just need to say bye to Nellie and Henry and then I'm good to go.' O walk over to them, they are looking quite sad. I think they know I'm not just going away for a holiday and that I'm not going to be around that often.

'I'm going to miss you both! I'll see you very soon and I'll bring you back treats and new toys,ok?'

At the mention of treats Nellie and Henry come forward, their tails wagging and they both lick my face.

'hahaha ok ok, I love you too. Charlie will come around later to feed you so you'll have to give him extra cuddles from me too, ok? '

The drive up to Leeds took around 3 hours, I'm tired but excited to see the campus. I've already come to see around but that feels like ages ago.

Whilst mum parks the car I walk in to get registered and find out where my room is going to be.

'Hello, I'm Nick Nelson. I'm starting my first year at Uni and I've signed up for accommodation in the student Hall!'

'Welcome Nick. I'm Leah, I'm in my second year studying history and I'm helping out with orientation week.. so let me just print you some things and see where your room is..'

Leah hands me a timetable of the two weeks of orientation before lessons starts and then they keys to my room.

'So the key is for your room. All bedrooms are privates but you're going to share the kitchen, bathroom and a living area with 3 other rooms. You'll share with both boys and girls. You're in block C, second floor room 2-4.

The fob key is to open the building block door, you won't need it during the day but if you come back after 11pm you'll find the doors are going to be locked so be sure to take it with you if you go out partying.

Ok, I guess that's it… wait I need to take your picture and print you your uni card.'

Before I can even adjust my hair she lifts a portable webcam from her laptop and clicks.

She hands me the card and I look at the pic.

'ohhh my god, I look awful. Can I not re-take this?'

'Err no…sorry! But for disclosure I think you look very cute.'

'Hem.. ok.. thanks'

Was she flirting? I hope she doesn't think I was flirting with her. I better find mum and get my stuff up to my room. I hope there is a lift since I'm on the second floor.

Mum and I find my room, it's quite bare and simple but spacious enough.. The only downside is there is a single bed. So I guess Charlie and I will have to squeeze together when he comes to visit, but I can think of worse things than snuggling up to Charlie in a small bed!

I get settled and look around the place. I can't see any of the other people I'm sharing the communal areas with so I guess they haven't arrived yet or they are out.

Mum and I go out to grab an early dinner together. She's going to stay the night in a bed and breakfast in town and then drive back home tomorrow morning.

'So do you like your room? The communal areas seem nice and much clearer than I expected it'

'Yeah I do. Looking forward to meeting the people I'm sharing with. Tomorrow there is a tour of campus and also one of Leeds apparently and then a party in the halls that evening. Should be fun!'

'You sound very excited! I'm glad you decided to choose Leeds Uni. I know it's going to be difficult being apart from Charlie - and I'm going to miss you too. But I love that you didn't take the easier route and you have chosen something for yourself. I'm so proud of you baby!'

'Oh mum, thank you!'

I give her a big hug. I'm going to miss my mum. Am I weird? Usually 18 year olds going to college can't wait to get away from home and their parents but mum has always been there for me..always accepted me.

Mum drives me back to campus and we say our goodbyes.

'Ok Nicky, here you go. You've got your keys right? Tomorrow I'm going to drive off quite early as I need to work in the afternoon so I'm not going to be able to see you. Please don't forget to give your mum a call sometimes, yeah? And be careful, don't drink too much, and go to your classes. Oh And make friends and have fun yeah?

Ok I think I cover all the bases'

'I will Mum! I love you'

I give her a big hug and walk back to my room.

As soon as I open the door my phone starts vibrating. I check the screen and a smile spreads to my face. Video call - Charlie Spring ❤️

'Hi'

'Hi❤️'

'Yep. I just got to your house to feed Nellie and Henry and I went up to your room. I just wanted to wrap around your duvet but.. this was much better'

He moves the camera down a bit so I can see he is already wearing one of the sweaters I left him.

'You look adorable'

'So.. am I going to have a tour of the place or not?'

I show him around the place a bit, pointing out the different things..

'...and as you can see you have the place of honor on my board - I love this picture of you… and this is the bed! It's only a single unfortunately but I'm sure we can fit together ehehe'

'I can always lay on top, you know!'

'I like the idea!'

We kept on chatting for ages until we both almost fell asleep.

'Hey baby, are you going to be ok walking home? You almost fell asleep there.'

'Hmm.. maybe I can just sleep here, it smells of you and plus I can have cuddles with Nellie and Henry.'

'Will your mum be ok with that? I don't want you getting into more fights with her?'

'I might have already told her that Henry couldn't be in the house by himself since so eventually she said yes. I need puppy cuddles tonight'

'Good night, I love you!

'I love you too, Nick'

'Oh! I was actually talking to Nellie and Henry… but yeah I guess I love you too ahaha'