CHAPTER 8: MOVING IN

I grab my phone and search for Mark's number so I can get in touch with him.

[ME 15:58]

"Hey, Mark! It's Julianna. I wanted to say thanks again for today.

"My dad is reviewing my lease, and I'm getting things organized. Do you think I could move in next week?"

"That is if you still want me to and everything."

I wait anxiously, and I see the typing indicator pop up almost immediately.

[MARK 16:00]

"Hey Jules"

"We definitely still want you to move in."

"That sounds good; no need to rush."

I smile and send a response.

[ME 6:01 PM]

"Awesome, I'll keep you updated."

"Also, my dad wants to check out the place before I sign anything, I hope that's okay."

[6:01 PM MARK]

"That's more than fine! Thanks again, Julianna; you've been a lifesaver."

I almost shout with excitement and nearly fall out of bed. Finally, something positive is happening. I'll be moving into a college house and making new memories.

I still talk to some of my high school friends, but they aren't as important to me as they used to be. We hang out when we're all back home and talk on the phone, but most of them went to different schools. I also have a few college friends, but we're not particularly close. We're just friends from school whom I meet up with before class to study or chat.

Even if it doesn't involve my new roommates and their groups of friends, I hope this will mark the beginning of something more for me. I can at least go out more, make lasting friendships, and have more fun.

This would be beneficial for me because these guys seem to like me and are mostly clean, which makes me feel better.

I get out of bed and walk to my desk, where I take a piece of scrap paper from my desk drawer. I make a list of the things I need to gather and bring with me. I'll have to dismantle my room, buy a mattress, and pack up all my belongings. That's going to be tough.

I have a lot of work ahead of me.

All of this boils down to the fact that my dad's truck is filled with a lot of stuff, and he's about to drive me into the city. I'm about to transition into adulthood.

Dad acted like a typical dad when he inspected the apartment with me two days ago (cue Home Depot music). He checked all the appliances, turned on all the faucets and the shower. As he looked around, I just stood there, feeling embarrassed.

Once he decided it was good enough, he met Mark and Kyle. They chuckled at how embarrassed I was, but they still introduced themselves to my dad. They understood that it was a big deal for my parents to let their daughter live with three men in an apartment.

Kent was lucky that his dad had taken him for an inspection. My dad would have definitely said no after just one look at him, and it was hard for me to speak when Kent was in the same room.

With my dad's approval, I signed the lease and paid the first month's rent. I'm in now. I can't go back for at least a year, but I think I made the right choice, even though I worry that this might not be the worst thing that could happen to me. If it means I can live this close to campus, I'd probably sign up to live with Satan.

"What apartment do you live in?" When we pull into the driveway, Mom asks, and I sigh.

"The basement," I say as my dad turns off the truck, and we all get out. Jesse has also joined us. He drove my mom's car with the rest of my belongings and helped us out by doing so. I wasn't sure how many people to bring with me, but it would be better if I were mostly moved in as soon as possible.

"Hey there!" Mark emerges from the basement, which I can hear. "Would you like some help with your things?"

"That's fine, I don't want to get in your way," I tell him as my brother gets into my mom's car. Dad opens the back of the truck.

"No, you're not. I want to help," Mark laughs, and I grin. "The other guys are at the gym, but when they get home, they'll help too."

"Okay," I replied with a smile. "That's very kind of you, Mark. Thank you."

I thought Mark was the sharpest among the three of them. Kyle was friendly but not particularly quick-witted or street-smart. Mark seemed responsible, and I had a feeling he was the one who ensured everyone paid their rent on time. I couldn't even fathom what Kent would be like.

I can't believe we're going to live together.

"Hello," Mom greeted in a firm tone, extending her hand. Mark shook it in a friendly manner. Given his level-headed demeanor, I couldn't picture him drunkenly putting a hole in the wall for fun, as Carlo had suggested.

"Hello, Ms. Macey," he replied politely, and she almost seemed to concede that he appeared nice, though she didn't necessarily like it. "I'll lend a hand," I added.

"That's very kind of you," she responded, maintaining politeness with a touch of firmness. My mom would never admit she didn't dislike him. "Julianna's dad is going to start with her dresser. Can you help him?"

"No problem." I smiled in agreement, and he returned the smile.

"I can tell you like him," she teased with an eye roll when I confided in her.

"It could be worse," I admitted with a nod. "Let's start moving your stuff in now, as I'd like to take a look around before I leave."

Mom was putting on a brave face, but I could tell this was tough for her. So, everyone in my family did their best to be kind to her.

Mark was a tremendous help, and some of the football stories he and his dad shared made me laugh. Mom was eager to decorate my room before everything was properly placed, which made things a bit more challenging. Eventually, Dad convinced her to leave and help with the truck while Jesse and I figured out where to position my furniture.

"So, do you think I could come visit you?" Jesse asked with a smile, and I chuckled.

"I suppose," I laughed. "But why? It's not like it's close to where I live."

"Some of the guys I play basketball with live around here, so I could hang out with them more," he explained, and I chuckled again.

"We'll see, little brother. For now, get used to the house," I advised, and he just shrugged.

"Can I sleep in your room?" he asked, and I glanced back over my shoulder.

"Would you help me move my desk, please?" I requested, and he laughed and helped me move it.

With all my furniture in place, all I had to do was decide how I wanted everything to look.