"I don't need to babysit your friend," I said with a sarcastic tone, rolling my eyes.
"Does he always talk to people like that? In a rude way?" I asked James, ignoring my irritation. I could feel my frustration starting to rise.
"James, please don't act like I wasn't trying to talk to you." I couldn't help but feel frustrated, wondering if it was because of James's silence, my dad's pettiness, or Nic's cold attitude that was getting to me—most likely it was Nic's attitude.
"Hey, take it easy, Feisty. You didn't say much when he was around earlier," he said in a low voice.
"First of all, I never agreed to the nickname 'Feisty.' Second, 'chill' and 'feisty' cannot exist in the same sentence because I'm definitely not feisty.
Lastly, please repeat what you just said, but this time, speak clearly." I said, looking at him intensely.
"I didn't agree to you calling me 'Jamsie,' and 'Feisty' is sticking around, so you'll just have to live with it. Forget about the last part of what I said; I know you heard me," he replied playfully, a smug look on his face then I hit him hard on the arm.
" ouch, you see, Feisty"
" Forget about that. Does he really talk to people that way, or does he have something against me? I mean your brother. "He better answer me this time, or...
"You saw it for yourself."
"That's not a proper answer, James."
"I understand he's cold, but he's actually not much of a talker."
"If you say so, but he looked at me strangely, as if he was annoyed by my presence."
"That's just in your head. Let's get you to your dorm," he said carelessly, helping me carry some of my bags.
"Did you move out of your home, Anne?" Yes, I did. I definitely don't want to go back there. I'm finally feel free from a lot of nagging from my dad.
We got the key to my room, but it was a hassle carrying my things up to the second floor. After that, I texted Zina my dorm and room number. I'm in a different dorm because my dad wanted one with single rooms. He didn't want me to stay with my friends, claiming they would be a distraction.
I opened the door and thought that staying by myself might be worthwhile. The room was quite spacious, featuring a queen-sized bed, a study area, and plenty of shelves that I plan to utilize. It was painted in beige, with white shutters and brown and white cushions. However, it could use a bit of black and purple; my belongings will help achieve that. I love every shade of purple along with black.
"Goodness, I hope there's a balcony," I murmured as I approached a door near the mini kitchen. There it was. I swung the door open and let out a joyful squeal. Some greenery would be perfect for this area, and the tea table set could use a good clean. The chairs could also use some comfy pillows.
" What a breathtaking view, Anne! Your dad really knows how to splurge, doesn't he?" James remarked, stepping outside to join me.
"Oh, I bet he'll call any minute to tell me he got me a cozy room where I can unwind and read in peace," I replied, a smirk on my face. Just then, the sound of the door closing snapped our attention back into the room.
"James, you left the door open!" I said, glancing back as we stepped inside, curious about who had just entered.
"Anneeeeeeee!" Zina squealed, rushing toward me for a tight hug.
"Wow, your dad really knows how to spend his money!" she exclaimed, her eyes wide as she looked around. James shot me a look that clearly said, "I told you so."
"Good thing your dad said you can't share a room with us! Otherwise, we wouldn't have such a cool hangout spot," she said excitedly. "I should FaceTime Oprah!"
"I guess I'm invisible..." James replied.
"Oh, James, or Jamsie, I didn't see you there!" Zina said with a smile as she walked over to him. It's always like this with them; they either tease, flirt, or argue.
"Oh, you did see me, Zee." James moved closer to her, but I stepped in between them before the teasing would escalate.
"Okay, you two, let's not start this again. If you're so thirsty for each other do it somewhere else. This is my room."
"Ugh Anne, that's gross!" Zina said, making a disgusted face. I cut off James before he could respond.
"Um, James, you mentioned a party. It's today, right?" I asked then Zina cut in eagerly wanting to change the subject.
"Yes, the freshman party! We are going, right, James?"
"Of course! It starts at 7 PM. Let's meet back here when you're both ready, and we can go together."
"Awesome! Anne we need to pick your outfit—we've got to look absolutely breathtaking for those college guys, right?"
"Zina, we'll do that after I get settled in. But you've got to help me out, okay? James, you can head out now; it's officially girls' time!"
"Absolutely! Girls' time, James—time for you to go!" Zina chipped in with a playful smirk.
"We'll definitely be hanging out more, and you know I won't let you off the hook next time, Zee," James said with a grin as he made his way out.
"You really don't have to poke at him every single time you see him,"
"Come on, Anne, cut us some slack! He can handle it, and honestly, he loves the banter!"
" Okay, you both love the banter. We could call Oprah when we want to pick our outfits."
"That's a fantastic idea! You know she's still in the piano competition and has been practicing frequently. Her dad is really hoping she wins, so she probably won't be able to pick up our call due to her practice schedule. I'll message her on it though."
"Sounds good! Now, can we tidy up this room?"