Chapter 54
As we finished our meal, Camilla and I gathered our belongings and headed out of the cafeteria. "Time to pack up and head out," I said, smiling.
Camilla nodded, rolling her eyes. "I'm looking forward to getting out of here. But I'm not looking forward to going back to my room."
"Why's that?" I asked, curiosity piqued.
"My roommate," Camilla said, her voice low. "She's...interesting. Let's just say she's got a strong personality."
I raised an eyebrow. "Oh? What's she like?"
Camilla leaned in, a conspiratorial look on her face. "She's gay, and she's always flirting with me. It's getting old."
I chuckled. "Well, maybe she's just really friendly?"
Camilla playfully rolled her eyes. "Friendly? She's got a crush on me, trust me. Anyway, let's go pack up and get out of here."
As we walked, Camilla muttered under her breath about her roommate's antics, making me laugh.
*
*
*
As I walked down the corridor with Camilla, her frustration was palpable. "I'm telling you, Sarah, my roommate is relentless.she's always batting her eyelashes, touching my arm...I'm like 'girl,I'm straight,get the hint!!" she said, exasperated. I chuckled, my eyes crinkling at the corners. "That's insane. I'm lucky to have a room to myself."
When we reached my room, 205, Camilla trailed behind me, taking in the cozy space. "Wow, you really do stay alone. I'm green with envy!" she said, her gaze lingering on the tidy room.
I smiled, gesturing to the space. "Yeah, it's nice to have some me-time." Camilla flopped onto my bed, her hair spilling across the pillow. "I wish I had this kind of space. My roommate is sucking the life out of me."
I sat down beside her, offering a sympathetic ear. "You can always vent to me about it. Or...want to room with me?" I suggested, surprising myself with the offer.
Camilla's eyes widened, her face lighting up. "Wait, is that even an option?" I grinned reassuringly. "We can discuss it when we get back from this trip. No worries now."
Camilla let out a squeal of delight, bouncing up and down on the bed. "Yuppy! I'm so stoked I met you, Sarah." I smiled, feeling a connection with her. "Me too, Camilla. Me too."
*
As I trailed behind Camilla to her room, the tension was palpable. Room 207 was just a short walk from mine, and I couldn't help but notice the contrast between her cramped space and my solitary haven. Upon entering, her roommate sprang up from the bed, a look of incredulity etched on her face.
"Seriously?" she exclaimed, her eyes darting between Camilla and me. Camilla's response was curt, her gaze fixed on the task at hand. "Please, I don't have time for your jokes."
The roommate's expression crumpled, but Camilla remained unfazed, her movements swift and efficient as she gathered her small bags. The air was thick with unspoken words, the silence between the two women a palpable force.
With her small back pack hung on her shoulders,Camilla turned to me, her eyes sparkling with a mischievous glint. "Ready to head out?" she asked, her voice a welcome respite from the tension.
I nodded, and together we slipped out of the room, leaving the drama and tension behind.
I glanced at my wristwatch, noting the time - almost eleven. I thought to myself that the organizers had mentioned we'd be moving out by twelve, so we still had some time to spare. I turned to Camilla and suggested, "Hey, let's head over to the meeting point. It's supposed to be outside where the buses are waiting."
Camilla nodded in agreement, and we walked together towards the designated area. As we stepped outside, I spotted three buses parked in a row, their engines rumbling softly. A crowd of students was gathering nearby, chatting excitedly and fidgeting with their bags.
"Looks like we're all set to go," I said to Camilla, nodding towards the buses.
She smiled, her eyes shining with anticipation. "Can't wait to get going! This trip is going to be epic."
As we stood in line, Camilla's eyes sparkled with mischief. "Let's make a plan to grab the window seats," she whispered, her voice barely audible over the chatter of the crowd. "I'll spot for you, and you can sprint back."
I raised an eyebrow, my skepticism evident. "How are we going to pull that off? It's line by line, no rushing. We can't exactly dash to the front."
Camilla's face fell, but her determination remained. "I don't know, but I really want that window seat. It's my favorite spot."
I chuckled, understanding her preference. "I'll think of something, but let's play it by ear for now."
I couldn't help but be charmed by Camilla's bubbly personality. She was a talkative, and I loved her energy. As we chatted, I realized that I was actually having a blast. When she first approached me, she seemed calm and reserved, but once she opened up, her true personality shone through.
I was thrilled to have found a friend like Camilla, someone who didn't judge me or try to impress me. We clicked, and our conversation flowed effortlessly. I was grateful to have a female friend, someone who understood me without needing words.
As we waited in line, Camilla's chatter filled the air, and I found myself laughing and smiling more than I had in a while. Our friendship was still new, but it felt like we'd known each other for years. I was excited to see where this new connection would take us.
--- ---
Na Yeon emerged from the car, her eyes darting across the scene before her. The buses loomed in the distance, their engines purring softly. A flicker of panic danced across her face as she exclaimed, "Oh no, the buses are here already!" In a flurry of movement, she snatched up her luggage and hastened towards the building, the wheels of her suitcase rattling against the ground.
Moments later, Na yeon reappeared, her blonde hair now tied back in a neat ponytail, a water bottle clutched in her hand, and a small bag slung over her shoulder. The panic had given way to a calm determination.