IT’S OVER

“Come on in Vanessa,” Antonio said as he used his hand to usher me in.

I walked into his home and the house felt warm and cozy.

“You have a nice place,” I said as I picked up a black vase and admired the inscriptions all over it.

“Oh that, Blair got it for me on our third year anniversary,” He replied with a smile.

“How thoughtful,” I said with a bit of sarcasm.

How could she buy him a vase for their anniversary, I thought to myself. For a man like Antonio I would give him the world.

“Here is your room Vanessa,” He said as he opened the door to a beautiful bedroom painted in pink with pink bed spreads and sheets.

“Omg, thank you Antonio,” I said as I threw my arms around him to give him a hug.

“A-hem,” Blair cut in as she watched me wrap my arms around her fiance.

“It was Blair’s idea to make it pink themed actually,” Antonio said as he broke out of the hug to hold Blair’s hand.

“Yeah, I figured it was best for someone your age,” Blair said.

“Age? What does that have to do with the theme of a room?” I asked with a stern face.

“I mean, you are a baby,”

“I am not.”

“Ladies how about Blair and I go look for what we can have for dinner while you get settled in,” Antonio said obviously trying to break up the heated argument that was about to take place.

“That sounds fine. I’ll be in my room now,” I said as I picked up my boxes and entered the room.

It was clear Blair hated me and I didn’t know why. Atleast she is the one that is engaged to Antonio.

“Ugh, maybe it was a bad idea to move in with Antonio,” I said to myself as I looked at the room that was decorated with girly posters of cartoons.

At the end of the day it was school I came for, I needed to get rid of this twisted crush I had on Antonio. I mean not only was he engaged but he was also my father’s best friend.

“Eeww,” I said as I thought about the idea of dating someone my dad’s age. I giggled as I thought about the idea because Antonio could never look at me that way.

“Time to unpack.”

* * *

It has been a week since I moved in with Antonio and I was finally done with my registrations for school which meant I could start classes.

It was my first day at Yale’s campus and there were so many people. The population of students just wondering on the field was our total population back at Rosewood.

“I don’t know why you don’t want to be a drama major,” Antonio teased.

“Nah, that would be just boring,” I said jokingly with a smile.

“Well, I suit yourself. Enjoy your literature classes. See you around kiddo,” He said as he gave me slight punch on my arm and disappeared into the crowd.

“Kiddo?” I said to myself.

I had to face it. Antonio really saw me as a little girl, his best friend’s little girl and the earlier I accepted that the better.

I looked at the paper my time table was and I knew I was in trouble because not only was I was late for my class, I also didn’t even know the venue where it was taking place.

“Uhm sorry ladies, can you point me to block b please?” I asked with a warm smile but it seemed warm smiles don’t work in college.

The three girls turned around to look at me. They weren’t dressed like the normal students who wore plain tshirts and pants. They were dolled up with heavy makeup and even heels.

“Who does she think she is to be asking us questions?” The girl in the middle asked as she rolled her eyes. It was clear she was their leader.

“I- I didn’t mean to be rude ladies. I just wanted to make it to my class,” I stammered.

“Goodluck finding your class,” the girl on the left replied as all three of them walked out on me.

“So rude,” I scoffed.

“Block B is over there,” A kind guy said.

“Thanks,” I smiled. “I’m Vanessa,”

“Jason. Jason Montgomery,” He said as he stretched his hand and shook me. “You better head over to your class, you’re late.”

“Uhm, yeah that’s true. Thank you once again Jason,” I said before finally running to my class.

Getting to the door, I saw a blonde girl standing by the door of the class.

“You can’t come in,” She said.

“Why?” I asked with my brows furrowed from confusion.

“You’re late, Professor Hopkins doesn’t open the doors for late comers,” She replied with a smile and her hands stretched out for a handshake. “I’m Jenny.”

I returned the handshake and smile. “I’m Vanessa.”

“Nice meeting you Vanessa. Wanna be friends?” Jenny asked.

“Sure.” I replied with a warm smile.

Just like that I had made a new friend in Yale.

I spent the entire period with Jenny, standing outside the class, introducing ourselves. It was almost as if we had known each other for years.

Jenny told me all about Yale’s social hierarchy and how we were down the chart but I had no problem with that, I would love to be unseen.

The school day passed like a breeze and both Jenny and I headed home together.

I finally got to the door of Antonio’s apartment and began to scramble my handbag looking for the keys till I finally found them.

“I’m home,” I said as I unlocked the door and entered into the apartment.

“How was school kiddo?” Antonio’s voice called out from the dark.

“It was great. I made a friend,” I said with a smile as I remembered my day with Jenny.

“That’s great,” Antonio said as he approached me and opened the door to the refrigerator.

“Uhm, where’s Blair?” I asked since her absence was quite unusual.

Antonio remained silent for a moment.

“Antonio?” I asked again.

“Blair will no longer be staying with us Vanessa,” He said with a plain face.

“Why’s that?” I asked with curiosity written all over my face.

“Well, that will be because we are no longer engaged.”