Page 49 of Under His Protection
“If you don’t mind, that would be great. I’d appreciate the company.”
We leave the science building together and head for the dorms.
Like before, Andrea and I walk together, chatting on the way, while Christian trails behind us watching videos on his phone.
When we reach my building, Andrea walks up the steps and opens the front door. “Can I come up and see your room? I want to see if it’s the same size as ours in Milton. I heard Faulkner’s rooms are larger than ours.”
“Sure, but there’s not much to see.”
Andrea and Christian follow me up the stairs to my floor.
“You do know these buildings have elevators, right?” Christian asks as he starts panting after two flights.
“It’s just one more floor,” I say, chuckling at him.
He laughs. “Are you a glutton for punishment?”
“No. I’m trying to get my steps in.” I pat my belly. “I can already tell I’ve gained weight since school started.”
“Haven’t you ever heard ofthe freshman fifteen?” he says. “You’re supposed to gain weight when you start college. We all do. Food is everywhere on campus.”
“I’m the one who should be getting my steps in,” Andrea says, patting her belly. She’s breathing pretty hard. To Christian, she says, “Dude, remind me to take the stairs more often.”
“Don’t worry, babe,” he tells her. “You’re perfect just the way you are.”
When we reach my floor, they follow me to my room. “Here it is.”
“Well, show us,” Andrea says, gesturing for me to open the door.
I unlock the door and open it. “Melissa? It’s me, and I have a couple of friends with me.”
But there’s no reply. She’s not here.
I step back to let Andrea and Christian in. Fortunately, our room is almost always tidy. There aren’t any pairs of underwear lying on the floor or discarded take-out containers piling up on the desks.
“Your roomisbigger!” Andrea says. “Don’t you think so, Christian?”
He glances around. “Definitely.” He glances at our two closet doors, which are currently closed. “You don’t have your own bathroom, do you?”
I laugh. “No, those are both closets.”
“You each get your own closet?” Andrea asks.
“I’m guessing you don’t?” I ask, amused by her reaction.
She shakes her head. “Next term, I’m going to see if I can move to Faulkner.”
“What about me?” Christian asks, feigning offense. “You’d just up and leave me?”
“No, silly. You’d move over here, too. Then we can pal around with Haley.” She glances one last time around the room. “Which bed is yours?”
“This one.”
She spots Ellie reclining against my pillow. “Cute.”
“Ellie is my emotional support elephant. I’ve had her since I was little.”
“Don’t laugh. I have a stuffed hedgehog named Winnie on my bed. We definitely should be friends.” She holds out herhand. “Give me your phone, and I’ll give you my contact info. If you ever want to do something, let me know.”
