I'm here, I made it. I feel an itch to call Zen, and inform him I'm safe in my room at last. Instead, I sit anxiously on the edge of my new bed. Thin and springy, I mentally high five myself for remembering my mattress topper. "A good night's sleep is a priority in college." My father told me while shopping for essential supplies. The room seems cozy, wine colored carpet covers every floor except the bath/shower rooms. Cherry wood trims the edges in the entire dormitory complex.
I glance at Kat, my dorm mate, who appears to be falling asleep. "Hey! Wake up, let's explore!" I playfully shout while shaking her awake. Kat opens her eyes and smiles, "Okay, fine, there is a coffee shop down the street. Let's start there." her voice was groggy.

We walk into Lava's Java coffee shop and wait patiently in line. The place packed. "So, is this where everyone hangs out around campus?" I ask Kat.

"Basically yes, basically no." she shrugs, "The dorm students hangout here because it's so close. But most students here live in Greek Village, the area of campus reserved for sorority and fraternity houses. I thought about pledging once, but I like the secluded feel of my tiny dorm. Then there are the ones who live off campus in their own apartment." Kat gets to the counter and orders a cappuccino for us each. We take our coffee and find an open couch to sit on. Sipping our coffee, I prod, "What does everyone do for fun?" I ask.
Kat dramatically gestures her arms around, "This is New York City, baby. Anything you could ever want to do, you can do it. But, college is expensive. So broke bitches like us hangout here at Lava's, our dorms, or go to parties at Greek Village."
A cute guy sitting on the couch opposite of us looks up from the laptop perched on his legs. "If you're looking to have fun tonight, there is a party at Omega Pi tonight." The corner of his mouth perks up, creating a dimple. I look up from my cup and eye him curiously. His navy blue hoodie covers a black tee shirt with a Greek symbol. It plays peekaboo behind the jacket's zipper.
I turn my attention to Kat with a questionable glance.
"What do you think?" I smile shyly.
Kat takes a sip from her cup. "Sounds fun, but of course we'll need to give you a little makeover. This is N-Y-C. Those sorority bitches will eat you alive if you show up in that farm girl outfit." She coughs out a laugh along with Laptop Guy. I look down at my faded clothes, the same ones I'd worn to high school. Worn jeans, white tank top under a red flannel shirt. My cheeks turn pink with the sudden sting of embarrassment. How did I plan and pack for New York City and not think about a new city wardrobe? "Okay, I think I have to agree." I laugh, still wanting to shrink into the coffee shop couch.
"We should get going." I down the last of the delicious coffee and return the ceramic mug to the bin next to the counter labeled: Please return mugs here. There are no real coffee shops in West Brooke. Only the little diner Zen's parents own. "I still haven't unpacked my bags yet." I say to Kat.
We thank Laptop Guy and head back to our room with butterflies in our gut. Two hours later, and my belongings are where... Well where they belong.
I tear a strip of tape with my teeth to hang a poster of a dainty tea cup that sits beside a pink rose being drenched in rain, the cup overflowing with water. "Are you ready for a makeover?" Kat asks with a terrible attempt at a southern accent.
"Almost." I say, reaching the top of the poster. Jumping down from my bed, I laugh."This should be fun. Are you good at this sort of thing?" I ask. I've always been fairly good at doing my hair and makeup, it's always been fashion that wasn't my forte. Kat tears through her closet and reveals a beautiful little black mini dress with black lace hanging from the bottom. It reminds me of a dress my friend Audry let me burrow once for a New Year's party but that one was gold. A sting of guilt hits me as I realize I haven't called Zen. "Wow, it's a little shorter than I'm used to. Are you sure you don't mind me wearing it?" I hold the hanger and let the fabric sway.
"Yes, I'm positive. You look like you can use a change. Besides, I'm wearing this." Kat pulls out a red mini dress. I take the black dress and my beauty supplies to the shower room.