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Veronica Sawyer-Lopez was seventeen and an incoming freshman in college. Skipping her senior year of high school and graduating only after three years, on August 20th she’s moving into her dorm on a Friday before her classes start on Monday. “Please, try to make friends dear.” Her mother, Mary, said to her. “Even if it’s just with your roommate, I want you to be social.” Her mother's hands were cold as they attempted to run through her curls, giving up and deciding to focus on one section and lightly tease it. “I will, Mom, I’ll try.” Veronica wasn’t keen on talking to others, she had one friend throughout high school, Betty Finn. But she’d known Betty since diapers, and now Betty’s a senior in high school while Veronica’s moved on to college. Maybe that was why her mother wanted her to make friends so bad, the only one she’d had wasn’t with her anymore.
“She’ll be fine, mi hija is smart enough to be here, she can make friends.” Her dad, Huego, wrapped a heavy arm around Veronica and squeezed her. She didn’t like physical contact, but who knows when she’ll see them again. She ended up at a school in Ohio: Westerburg University. She’s from Pennsylvania, but thankfully she got a free ride so the out-of-state tuition wouldn’t bury her in debt. Her home was about three hours away, a drive they’d only made two times before this: one for a college tour and the other for orientation. This is the third, and who knows when the fourth will be.
“I’m sorry we can’t help you unpack, your father has work tonight and-” “It’s okay, really. You guys have helped a lot, thank you.” Goodbyes were never hard for Veronica. She’d let her mother squeeze her for as long as she needed and would listen to her father's ramblings in Spanish before they left the dorm, and for once in her life Veronica let out a breath that felt like freedom.
Unpacking wasn’t hard, but finding out where to put everything was. Hanging up hoodies, folding pajamas, and sliding her shoes under the tall loft bed, she was done in about two hours. It was quiet, she didn’t want to listen to music or watch the TV her dad gifted her, once her bed was made she climbed up her step stool and decided to get comfortable. It was weird, being the first to move in. Her roommate would also be moving in today, and Veronica thought she’d be beaten to the room since she was farther away. But she remembered her roommate lived about thirty minutes away, so leaving as early was unnecessary.
She’s not sure how long she stayed in bed, scrolling through Pinterest before the electric unlocking of the door sounded. It was like an instinct to sit up, not wanting to give the impression of laziness. “Oh em gee, hi! It’s so nice to meet you!” The bubbly voice wasn’t what Veronica expected, but the words made her smile show a bit.
“Hi, Zahra,” Veronica said, getting down from her bed, trying not to look uncoordinated. “It’s nice to meet you too.” She balanced on the balls of her feet for a second, watching as her new roommate who she assumed to be her mother and sister helped her bring stuff into the room. “Do you need any help?” While she didn’t want to seem too intrusive, it felt wrong standing and doing nothing. “You’re good, considering you’ve already unpacked everything I know you must be tired. Especially after a three-hour drive.”
Zahra’s words surprised Veronica, mainly because she remembered how long the drive she had was. That meant she paid attention and somewhat cared, just like she did. Zahra’s family helped her unpack, a luxury Veronica kind of wished she had now considering she was done in half the time. She did feel like she was intruding when they said their goodbyes, seeing how Zahra’s mother attempted to hide the sadness in her voice.
Once her family was gone, Zahra sat on her bed across from Veronica with a smile so wide you’d think it’d split her face. “I can’t believe it, I’m in college! This is… I can’t even explain it.” Zahra’s sigh was happy, a breath of fresh air similar to the one Veronica let out earlier. “I know, three years of high school and now I’m here.” “Oh, I forgot you graduated early, smart cookie! I can’t believe I’m a year older than you.” Veronica could tell what kind of friendship this would be. Zahra would be the talker, and Veronica would be the listener.
She was okay with that.