Bree went into the house, mute, and met Ashley, who came and held her hand. It was able to distract her for the meantime.
"Hey, Bree. You dropped your mom off. That's great. Come and see what I did for your room."
Bree skipped along and then saw what Ashley had done.
It was beautiful. It was bright with newly added floating lights. AI mechanized. Soft and flowing like little fireflies with extraordinary lighting.
"Oh my God!" Bree cried, her eyes widening and her hand flying to her mouth. "This is beautiful!"
"It's a surprise." Ashley said. She was proud of what she had done for her roommate. Proud of the reaction she got. She stood there, her sharp eyes glistening in the light. She was glad.
"Oh Jesus, they're making your eyes sparkle, Ashley. You should put it everywhere in the house. My God, Mom should see this."
Bree was already digging her hand into her pocket, hungry to snatch her phone out. Ashley followed suit, and they began to take pictures. They took pictures of each other, and soon they were laughing.
Ashley suddenly paused.
"Hey, I guess we can throw a party here one of these days."
"Oh, yes. Please. And, uhm, can I touch them?"
"No." Ashley laughed. "They float out of reach."
"Oh my God, I've never been near them before. I used to see them in hotels. It has a remote, right?"
"Yes."
Ashley hurried to grab it from the bed while Bree watched as the little orbs parted for her and then began to dance and float around in slow motion.
Ashley hurried back to Bree and handed the remote to her.
"Here. You can also change its shades if you like. There's summer, winter, autumn, and spring."
"Oh my God...." And Bree instantly began to navigate each key on the remote's screen, her eyes wide with wonder while Ashley looked around. This was the most beautiful adornment she'd ever seen in her life.
She then turned to look at Ashley, the humble and mysteriously beautiful lady who was making her stay on her first day worth it.
"Thank you, Ashley. Thank you so much."
"Oh, don't mention it, Bree. I just wanted to make your day bright."
"You've made me so so happy. Can I hug you?"
"Of course!"
And the two girls ran in for a friendly hug. And when they pulled back, the two ladies were laughing.
"Hey, do you want to get more info about navigating campus and New York? Then we can play some games?"
"Oh. Yes, please!"
And they hurried to sit on Bree's bed.
Soon, Bree was lost in Ashley's explanations.
★★★
★★★
"Spread your legs fast." He growled hotly into the girl's ear. "It's going to be quick."
He was clearly in a hurry.
"Uhm, Alejandro...."
"Shut the fuck up! I'd buy you whatever it is."
"Listen to me, Alejandro. I want this too but there's something we need to talk about!"
"Karliana.… Fuck you." He spoke in a calm and level voice, but he was greatly pissed off. So, he stepped back.
"Alejandro. Just listen to me...."
"Shut the fuck up. We've been fucking since you could, and you're only expected to do as I say till I fucking get outta here. I thought we agreed to that...."
"Alejandro, I fell in love with...."
"You are so stupid to go that route. I'm cancelling the contract in court tomorrow."
"No, please. I'm not thinking right. It's so hard for me...."
"And I don't care."
Alejandro was beginning to snatch his shirt to leave when Karliana hurried and grabbed his arm.
"Alejandro! Fucking listen to me!" She growled, frustrated. "I'm not scared of you like everyone else around. We've been doing this shit together...."
Like the wind, Alejandro stepped back, grabbed her by the back of her hair, and flung her backwards on the bed.
"No one will be shameless enough to make you worth anything. We had a contract. It's over now. Go fuck someone else. You aren't worth a dime."
Clearly, Karliana's face had ashened with fear and shock. She couldn't say a word but watch Alejandro. She wouldn't have ever believed this could happen. What was going on in her life? Why had she let emotions instantly destroy the littlest contact she could get from this man?
Alejandro left, and on the way, he began to grab a cigarette and the electric lighter in his slacks' pocket. He looked extremely annoyed and ignored every look that came his way. At the same time, he was lighting up his cigarette. Sucking in smoke from the cigarette between his teeth, he dropped a way too large tip at the hotel's counter and strode off, more graceful than a cat, attracting the best of attention the whole walk down to the private garage he'd rented. But he didn't mind.
★★★
★★★
The newly made roommates sat before the large TV doing a dress-up game on the screen.
"We have to win, Ashley, but I'm lost for what to pick from the wardrobe. There are a few more minutes left." Bree cried frantically.
"Just relax. We'll do it. For real, you've got a good eye for choosing."
"Oh, really?"
"Yeah."
The two ladies kept choosing. Bree laughed along the way, and Ashley blushed. They talked about things, joked, focused deeply on the game, kept joking, and soon they were dancing in victory.
Bree was comfortable hugging Ashley now, and in fact, she began to jump.
"I can't believe we'd be number one on the leaderboard. I'm so happy!" She said, pausing in the jubilation.
"Yeah. Me, too. Drop me that money, nigga."
"I feel like taking a stroll. Also, I need to find a church around campus for tomorrow."
"Okay, that's a great idea. I'll take you around. I've got a little car."
"Wow, really?"
"Yes."
"Is it the same one in the garage?"
"Yes."
"Jesus!" Bree exclaimed. "That's not a little car. I literally thought it was someone else's. It's beautiful."
"Oh...." Ashley said and blushed slightly. "Thanks. And yeah, let's drive around this evening."
★★★
★★★
Brielle stopped to get two bowls of ice cream. She hurried into the mall, grabbed what she needed, put it in a basket, and went to the counter. There was a short queue. So, she waited.
Bree stood behind a blonde and was taken aback when he moved back and stepped on her toes.
"Aw!" Bree cried as he instantly turned around to look at her. She looked up and saw a kind and attractive face that was hidden behind rimless glasses. His eyebrows were raised in remorse.
"Oh, fuck, I'm sorry."
"No, it's fine." She giggled.
"Come here then." He beckoned and made Bree, who looked shy, step forward in line.
Bree handed her basket over and turned to tell him THANK YOU while she smiled, but he didn't see her do that because he was handing his card over to the artificial cashier, who had calculated instantly with non-human speed and precision. Bree was shocked at the handsome stranger's act but wasn't sure how to react.
She looked to and from the cashier to the stranger but was mute till she got her receipt and baggage.
She stepped out of the way, but she didn't leave.
Bree watched him watch the artificial cashier, her smile not leaving her face. She was overwhelmed with gratefulness and joy. She really couldn't wait to thank him. And finally, he got his baggage and saw her.
"Hey, girl. Are you waiting for me?"
"Thanks for the ice cream." Bree said and began to walk forward.
And together, they walked towards the exit door.
"You just saved me cost, sir. God bless you."
"Sure. You're welcome. Are you an alumnus?"
"Yes, it's my first year. First day."
"Wow. Same here."
"Oh, really?"
"Yes. What's your course?"
"Language communications."
"Digital science."
"Oh, great. You're into the artificial things thing too?"
"Yes, you can say that always." He replied, laughing. "I'm Shawn. And you?"
"I'm Brielle. You can call me Bree."
"Wow. That name fits you super for a girl with non-makeup yet wild beauty."
They were outside now, and Bree couldn't help but blush and dip her head shyly.
"Thanks."
"We might share some classes, though. Guess I'll see you again then." Shawn said.
"Sure."
"Bye."
"Yeah. Bye."
They dispersed, and Bree hurried to get in Ashley's grey sports car that sat there glistening in the evening sun.