Chapter 1: The Start

~“Cause you stop my heart. I can’t focus on anything.”—Melanie Fiona.~

Opening Theme Song: “You Stop My Heart” by Melanie Fiona.

BLAZE

“I’m almost there, Blaze.”

Melissa Jones’ breathless whisper pulls me from my daydreaming. She’s grinding against me, her thick black hair cascading over one shoulder.

The afternoon sun filters through the cream curtains, casting a golden glow on her damp skin. She bites her lip, a satisfied smile playing on her face.

Her smile turns into a look of pure pleasure as she lowers her lips to my neck. I almost wince. “I’m so close.”

I roll my eyes. ~Just finish already, for crying out loud~. I’m starving and the campus cafeteria usually runs out of burgers by one. This is taking forever.

She’s writhing, moaning, lost in her own world, while I sneak a glance at my watch. Her kisses are wet and awkward, but she’s too caught up to notice my groans are as fake as her ass.

12:55!

I let out a hiss and she lifts her head. She’s moving faster now, and if she keeps this up, I swear she’ll break my ribs.

“Did you just suck your teeth, baby?”

I force a smile. “Nope, that was a moan.”

She grins. “Mm, really?” She throws her head back, moving her hips like a pro.

I’m bored out of my mind, and my stomach is growling. I check my watch again.

1:00 p.m.!

No way.

“I gotta go,” I say, grabbing her bare thighs and pushing her off me. She tumbles off the bed with a yelp, and I stifle a laugh.

~Oops.~

She looks confused as she rubs the back of her head and climbs back onto the bed. “Where are you going, Blaze?”

“The cafeteria,” I say, pulling on my jeans. “I’m hungry.”

She gapes at me.

“Want anything?” I ask, not really caring about her answer, as I pull on my white T-shirt.

I frown when I see her lipstick stain on my sleeve. “Damn it...”

She narrows her eyes at me, chewing on her lip. “I can’t believe we were just having sex and you were thinking about food the whole time. The rumors are true. You’re an asshole.”

I roll up my sleeve to hide the stain and give her a smirk. “Well then, I’ll see you around, yeah?”

I head for the door as she frowns. “That’s all you have to say?”

I turn to look at her, walking backward and waving my hands around.

“All of this? Too much drama for me. I can’t handle women’s emotional meltdowns. I’d rather not stick around for it.”

“You’re a jerk.”

“Better to be a jerk than a wimp.”

“Ugh!”

I chuckle as I turn back to the door, hearing her scramble off the bed and follow me.

She peeks her head out the door, her naked body hidden behind the wall. “Can we do this again?”

“Mm. Maybe.” I barely glance over my shoulder and she scowls, her eyes widening when she sees her boyfriend coming up the hall.

I laugh, looking back at her, but the door is already slamming shut as she hurries back inside. ~Damn, I should have stuck around a little longer.~

Her boyfriend—Leo (definitely not Leonardo DiCaprio)—is a nerdy guy with a receding hairline and a patchy beard.

I don’t get why he insists on wearing those fake loafers with diamond-patterned socks.

He looks like an extra in a 90s movie; the kind of guy who’s only there to make the scene look busy.

The reason I just slept with his girlfriend isn’t just because she’s been eyeing me since freshman year.

It’s mostly because her boyfriend hates me for reasons only he knows, and maybe one of them is that I have all the girls here wrapped around my finger.

He, on the other hand, has to blow his entire allowance on roses and designer gifts just to get laid.

I’m not sorry for being charming, and it’s not my fault he doesn’t realize this is the twenty-first century.

“Hello, Leo.” I smirk at him and he glares back as I walk past.

I hum a tune under my breath as I continue down the hall, satisfied knowing what kind of underwear his girlfriend wears. What better revenge is there?

I admit, I can be pretty vindictive and manipulative most of the time.

The rest of the time, I’m on my best behavior because I want something from someone.

I’m used to getting my way, so if I don’t, I’ll do whatever it takes to change that. And by whatever, I mean anything from mild to cunning to downright dangerous.

I’m obsessed with control and having whatever I want. If I don’t get it—which is rare—then all hell breaks loose.

I know I’m messed up. I’m okay with that.

Leo stops and turns to watch me. Feeling his gaze on me, I can’t help but smirk.

~He’s just asking for trouble, isn’t he? Well, I’ll give him exactly that.~

I wave a hand in the air. “Oh, and tell your girlfriend I said thanks for the sex!”

I can’t help but grin, picturing the shocked look on his face. He starts to spew a string of curses, but I’m laughing too hard to care.

If this is the reaction I get, I’d sleep with his girl every day.

“You jerk, you little shit, you won’t get away with this! You’re going to pay for touching my girl, you crazy bastard!”

I laugh even harder, pointing to my throat. “You’re going to hurt your voice. Cool it.”

He’s seething, and I swear I can see steam coming out of his ears. It’s a hilarious sight. I shake my head and walk away, disappearing around the corner.

HARMONY

“And here we are, Homewood University. Oh, Harmony, I’m so proud of you.” My mom leans over to kiss my head, and I give her a small smile.

High school is behind me, and now I’m about to start a whole new chapter. I’ve been studying for this day for half my life, but I still don’t feel ready.

I hate change, and even though I know it’s inevitable, I can’t shake the anxiety that’s coursing through me.

Homewood University is huge. It’s like a park, with sleepy red-brick walls that are kind of intimidating.

The grass is a beautiful green, but that big fountain in the middle, with the statue that looks like Mary Magdalene, is more creepy than sacred.

The campus has a Georgian feel to it, but it’s still modern. It’s mostly charming; maybe that’s why my mom insisted I come here.

“You’re so smart, so bright.” She pinches my cheeks, and I wince, making her laugh even as her eyes fill with tears.

She sighs, playing with her wedding ring. “Who’s going to watch ~Girlfriends~ with me now?”

She’s being dramatic; I only remember watching that show with her once. ~Once!~

“Eli could.” I suggest, trying to lighten the mood.

My joke falls flat as she lets out a sharp breath.

“Eli is only six, Harmony.” She runs her fingers through my hair. “Come home on the weekends.”

“Okay.”

“And no drinking, no sex, no boys—”

“Mom, I know,” I interrupt her, cringing at the word ‘sex.’

I’ve never had a boyfriend, and honestly, the idea doesn’t excite me. I’ve seen too many girls crying over lost love, and I decided I didn’t want to be one of them.

She sighs, tilting her head and pursing her lips.

I try to smile, hoping to lighten the mood. “It’s just college, Mom, not the army. Don’t worry.”

She nods. “I know.” She kisses my cheek, and I subtly pull away. Her constant affection is making me feel like a toddler on the first day of kindergarten.

I get out of the car and step onto the hot pavement, the wind whipping my black curls around my face.

I squint in the bright sun as I open the trunk, and my mom comes around to join me.

“I packed everything you might need. Toothbrush, hairbrush...”

I grab my suitcase, almost falling over as I pull it out of the trunk.

~Jesus, what did my mom pack in here? Rocks?~ Knowing her, she probably packed the whole house.

I sling my duffel bag over my shoulder as she closes the trunk. “If I forgot anything—”

“I can get stuff if I need to. There’s a mall down the street.”

“No, you should call me if you need anything.” She shakes her head. “I don’t want you wandering around. You don’t know anyone here.”

~I think my mom forgets that I’m eighteen.~

“Yeah, Mom, but it’s just the mall. Plus, I can ask someone to go with me.”

She tilts her head, putting a hand on her hip as she looks at me. I can’t help but laugh.

We both know I would never ask someone to go with me. I’m not exactly a social butterfly, and my mom being overprotective doesn’t help.

“Okay, be careful. University can be a scary place,” she warns, and I nod.

Ever since my dad died when I was twelve, I’ve spent most of my time with my mom. So, me going off to college isn’t something she’s looking forward to.

Being alone in our house is her biggest fear, but at least my little brother Elijah will be there to keep her company. That’s a relief.

“Good luck. Do you want me to come with you?”

I shake my head, turning to face her. “No, I’m good. I’ll call you.”

She nods, tears welling up in her eyes again. She’s so emotional. “Okay, Harmony.”

I smile as I turn away, dragging my heavy suitcase toward the big building. I hear her car start, and I turn to wave one last time as she honks her horn and drives away.

As soon as she’s out of sight, I let out a nervous sigh. Being in a new place and not knowing anyone is terrifying.

I’ve been sheltered my whole life, and my mom even thought about homeschooling me after kindergarten.

My dad didn’t agree, saying it’s more dangerous to raise a child to be naive than to let them be free.

And now here I am, free, and all I want is to go back to my safe little cocoon.

This place feels enormous, and I can’t help but feel like a tiny David surrounded by a sea of Goliaths. I’m petite and short, but these kids seem larger than your average college students.

It’s probably just my anxiety acting up. I take a deep breath, unzipping my suitcase to grab my inhaler from a small pocket.

I wrap my lips around the mouthpiece, pressing down on the canister as I take in a deep breath, then exhale through my nose.

I put it back in my bag, biting my lip as I notice a group of boys staring at me as they walk by.

My face flushes with embarrassment and I quickly look down, tilting my head so my thick, curly hair hides my face.

~I wish I was back home.~

I straighten up and start dragging my suitcase across the pavement. My anxiety whispers in my ear, telling me everyone is watching.

Students are scattered across the green lawns, laughing, chatting, just being normal college kids.

Hiding behind my hair, I sneak a peek through the gaps, and thankfully, no one seems to notice me.

Well, that’s a relief. It’s all in my head.

I manage to make it to Grayson Hall—my assigned dorm—without any human interaction, and honestly, I couldn’t be happier.

My aversion to social interaction left me with only one friend in high school, Callum Gale.

We became friends in ninth grade when we were paired up for a chemistry project. Our shared interest in atoms sparked a strong friendship, but it’s a shame he won’t be here with me.

He got accepted to a different university; Homewood doesn’t offer his chosen major.

As I check my dorm number on the email Homewood sent me, a group of boisterous boys rush past me, laughing loudly as their deep voices echo off the walls.

They’re so...~big.~

One of them nearly knocks me over, but sends me an apologetic smile as I awkwardly move to the side, pressing myself against the wall to give them room.

They continue their loud conversation as they disappear down the hallway, and I let out a breath I didn’t realize I was holding.

Are all college guys this rowdy? Good thing I’m not really into boys or I’d be seriously disappointed.

I finally find my assigned dorm room, Room 805, and I can’t help but smile. It’s the little things that make me happy.

And by little things, I mean things that only my mom, my brother Elijah, my late father, and Callum would understand. They’re the only people I really know.

I push open the door to reveal a room that’s seen better days. There’s a small desk with a stack of old books, a tiny double closet in the corner, and a door that I assume leads to a bathroom.

A small window sits above a bunk bed, and I realize my roommate isn’t here yet.

That’s fine by me. Hopefully she won’t show up until after I’ve gone to bed, so I can avoid any awkward introductions.

I toss my bag onto the bottom bunk and quickly tie my hair up in a messy bun. I grab a broom from the corner, wrinkling my nose at its worn-out bristles.

The outside of Homewood University is impressive, but the inside is a different story.

The ceiling paint is peeling, and there are cracks running down the walls. This place is in desperate need of a makeover.

Considering my asthma, I grab a face mask from my bag and tie it over my mouth and nose. Thank goodness my mom is a neat freak who never forgets to pack a face mask.

I start sweeping the room, squinting as dust fills the air. I’ll be living here for the next four years—if it’s not clean, I’ll go crazy.

The door suddenly swings open and I freeze as someone rushes in, quickly taking the broom from me. “No, let me.”

I look up to see a brunette with a friendly smile. Her skin is flawless, and her eyes are a unique mix of blue, green, and gray. It’s unusual.

Her smile widens, showing off her perfect white teeth. “Sorry, I got here before you. I should’ve cleaned, but my annoying cousin insisted on having lunch with me.”

I pull off my mask, hiding my small smile as I move to the bed while she starts sweeping. I put the mask back in my bag, and she notices my inhaler among my clothes.

She frowns. “Do you have asthma?”

I nod, and she sighs. “Oh. I know what it’s like to have a health issue. I know a few people with problems like yours...well, not exactly like yours, but you get what I mean.”

~Do I?~

I look away, unsure of what to say. I don’t know her, so talking about my health feels a bit awkward.

She seems to notice my silence and puts a hand to her forehead, laughing nervously. “Oh, I’m so sorry, am I being too nosy?”

I shake my head. I don’t want her to feel bad because of my awkwardness. It’s not her fault I’m socially awkward and can’t hold a conversation.

She smiles again and I let out a sigh of relief.

“I can tell you’re not much of a talker.” She leans the broom against the wall and turns to me. “But I promise you, after a week here, that’ll change.” She laughs.

I force a smile and pretend to be busy, refolding my already folded clothes and putting them back in my bag. ~I’m so weird.~

“You’re a freshman, right?” She raises an eyebrow as she sits down on the bottom bunk.

I hear the mattress squeak under her weight and wonder how many people have slept on it before me. ~Maybe I should take the top bunk?~

“Yeah, are you?”

She gives her head a little shake. “No, I’m a sophomore. My roommate moved out, which is why you’re here now.” Her grin is infectious.

“Oh.” I nod in understanding.

“Oh, right! I almost forgot!” She’s practically bouncing with excitement, and I glance up to see her grinning from ear to ear. “We’re having an orientation night tonight.

“A few sophomores, juniors, and seniors will be giving you guys—the freshmen—some insider tips about the school. It’s like a survival guide. It’s kind of a must-attend. We can go together.”

~Or not.~

“Uh, I’m not really into social events,” I tell her, trying to sound polite.

Her grin widens, and I wonder if I somehow agreed to go instead of declining.

She pretends to be shocked, pressing her hands to her smooth cheeks and dropping her jaw. “Wow, she finally responds with a full sentence.”

I can’t help but giggle at her joke, shaking my head, and she chuckles, brushing her hair out of her eyes. “I’m just messing with you. Will you come?”

“Will there be a lot of people?”

She scrunches up her nose, thinking, and half-smiles. I take that as a yes. “Uh, maybe.”

I chew on the inside of my cheek, squinting my eyes, considering. The thought of being in a crowd makes my skin crawl.

“My cousin will be there,” she adds quickly. “He’s a sophomore too, so he’ll make it less awkward. Trust me.”

I purse my lips, still not convinced. I hate being around people; I prefer being alone. If I could live in a cave, I’d be perfectly happy.

But this is college, right? And she did say it’s mandatory. The last thing I want is to miss out on important information because I’m an introvert.

I’ve always been determined not to let my quiet nature interfere with my education. Besides, if it gets too overwhelming, I can always come back to the dorm.

“Okay, I’ll come,” I finally agree, and she lights up.

“Great. By the way, I’m April.” She stands and extends a hand with perfectly manicured nails.

Her nails are painted pink with tiny diamond studs all over. I find myself admiring them as I take her hand.

“Harmony Skye.”

Her eyes widen, and I’m not sure why my name would cause that reaction.

“Seriously?”

I nod, and just as I’m starting to feel self-conscious, she speaks again.

“That’s such a cool name. I love it. Harmony Skye.” She rolls it around on her tongue, smiling in admiration. “It’s got a kick to it.”

I can’t help but smile. “Thank you.”

No one has ever said they liked my name before, and the compliment has me feeling on top of the world. As Callum always says, the things that make me smile are something he’ll never understand.

Maybe this roommate situation won’t be so bad after all.

“So, tonight it is then!” She wiggles her eyebrows, looking genuinely excited.

I’m more confused than ever. What’s so fun about an orientation?

^~”Sometimes we can only find our true direction when we let the wind of change carry us.” —Mimi Novic.~^