Why is it her, of all people?
What are the chances?
Do I have to relive the shame from the bathroom again?
Breathe. Whatever. If I have to die then I'll die.
Move. Lecture's starting.
"You're new here, right?"
Say something, Sophie. Don't freeze.
"Yeah. Sophie."
"Niamh."
That sounds familiar. Ah—Haley mentioned her in the kitchen.
But it doesn't look like she recognizes me. Thank god. Or does she? No way anyone forgets something like that.
"You know, I've been looking at you—"
Wait, what? Looking? Oh fuck. No. Here it comes...
"And you look familiar. This morning bathroom? That was you, right?"
She noticed. Of course she noticed. Act calm.
"Yeah. Sorry about—"
"Nah, don't bother. People say my boundaries are kinda nonexistent. It really screws with your personal space when you grow up with four siblings."
That's seriously fucked up. No way it's normal. But maybe it is, for her...
"Hope that's cool with you. Since we're neighbours and all."
Is she actually worried what I think? Can't tell if that's sweet or terrifying.
"I mean—yeah. I'm fine with it. If that's how you are..."
"Ha ha. You are cute."
W-what? Why is she calling me that? Is it normal to just casually drop such a bomb? Maybe it is, I don't know anymore...
Do people really smile like that? Feels like I'm staring at the sun.
"These seats are brutal, huh? Pretty sure my spine's folding in half."
Right. Focus on chairs. Not her mouth.
Just nod, Sophie. Don't mess it up. Maybe you are capable of a chit-chat after all. Maybe it's even nice. Like, no pressure. Now say something back. Something totally normal. Casual.
"One time I had a pinched nerve from sitting. Had to spend the next two weeks in cat-cow pose."
Great. Very casual piece of my past shame. Good job, Sophie.
"So you're into yoga, hm? Cool thing to do. My ex always thought I was into that since I am so bendable."
Huh? Bendable like—in bed? What else could that mean? Shit. My cheeks are heating up. Why is it always like this around her? My shame meter's off the charts. Oh yeah, totally no boundaries. I wish I could be that shameless.
Play it cool, Sophie. Don't escalate. You don't even have experience in that department...
Gods, why didn't I just get a boyfriend back in school? At least I'd have something to compare. Or fake some confidence.
"Our breakup was actually funny. Once I chanced upon him fucking my cousin. She's an obnoxious bitch so he must still be suffering with her."
"…What's so funny about that?"
"She took the strap and pegged him instead. He looked like someone unplugged his soul mid-thrust."
What. The. Hell.
That's not a sentence you prepare for. Is she joking? She has to be joking. Right?
Nope. That grin's real. I can't unsee that image in my head. Sophie, you are a pervert!
"Hey, don't blank out. It's just a joke. My sense of humour is as vast as my boundaries."
"I love teasing innocent girls. No offence but 'virgin' is written all over your face."
No. No no no. So that's how I die. RIP Sophie. Social death achieved.
Say something. Anything. God, my throat won't work.
"Is it that obvious?"
What does that even mean. Why admit it, damn it. Kill me now.
"Told you, you're cute. Looking like it's the end of the world from such nonsense. Don't worry, I'll take it with me to the grave."
"R-Really?"
"I might be shameless, but I'm not a liar."
Phew. Alive. At least for now...
"Good morning, students. Let's check attendance."
"Abernathy, Louis?"
***
"God, that lecture nearly killed me."
She's not wrong. I barely heard half of it.
"You're a bad influence on me. Always radiate try-hard energy. Professors sniff it like blood."
Do I? Is it that obvious?
"Haley! Got a stray with me. Be nice."
Nope. Nope. Abort. Why are we walking toward the loud one? She'll force-feed me again. I'm gonna swell like a balloon if this goes on!
"Hey, Sophie! Nice to see you again. Did Niamh already tell you we share the room?"
Oh. Somehow that makes perfect sense.
"No, she didn't mention."
Shit. Almost blurted out I've met her in the bathroom earlier. You really want another shame trip, don't you, Sophie?
Why is she staring at my tray like that? Oh no. It's coming...
"You don't eat enough."
Really. I knew that was a mistake. Should've run the moment I saw her.
"I—"
Say something. Lie. Blame a diet. Anything.
"Give me that. You're getting real food today."
She just took my tray. She took it! Who does that?
"She's like this with everyone. Don't take it personally. Or do. She gets off on it."
I don't know if that makes it better or worse. Both of them have some loose screws in their heads. But who am I to judge...
She's coming back. Brace yourself, Sophie.
"Eat."
Is that an order? Am I supposed to salute?
Okay. Fine. It's good. Actually, it's really good. The vegetables have flavor. The drink's not too sweet. Even the meat isn't dry. 4.5* out of 5. Perfect score if no carrots.
And its gone. Only the carrots remain. God. Did I really just delete this meal like that? And I'm not even bloated? What magic is this?
"Seriously? You stopped there?"
Please don't make a thing of it. Please just ignore it. I wish I could close my eyes, and when I open them the carrots are gone.
"Mmm."
What? How? They are really gone.
"I love carrots. You're missing out."
"Niamh, I've told you many times, ask before you take somebody's food! Sophie, you alright? Want me to share my carrots with you?"
Hell no. She's seriously asking me that?
"N-no, thanks, Haley. I'm already full. It was delicious."
To think I imagined Niamh as a cat earlier. Not a chance. She's definitely a rabbit. The one who's out of the cage. Free-spirited... stealing my carrots without asking. Thanks, I guess...
"You're coming Friday."
What? That didn't sound like a question just now.
"Floor welcome party. Everyone shows up. We start in the block kitchen. It's a rule."
No way that's a rule. She's lying. That has to be a lie.
"There will be drinks, games, drinking games..."
Oh no. I'm so not ready for this!
"Don't worry. You'll survive."
Why does that sound like a threat?