Thread: Roommate Surprise (HotTexasCowboy & Sumi)

... We do miss you being so far away, but you know we're all very proud of the way you've established yourself, with a job and your own nice place to live. Some day your dad and I are going to have the time to get up there and see it for ourselves. Which brings up a point. You remember Cole Daniels, don't you? Of course you do! You've known him since you babysat for him, and he was always hanging out as he got older. You know, his mother said he was in a funk for weeks after you moved away, but I guess he got through it. You would hardly recognize the boy now, a high school graduate ready to head off for college. Anyway, you'll never guess where he's planning to go! Bennerton! Yes, right there in your city! And that brings me to a question Mrs. Daniels wanted me to ask of you. School is so expensive, as you well know, and even though Cole is on scholarship, the cost of apartments near the school is outrageous. When I told Mrs. Daniels about how you have that extra bedroom and other room you said you're only using a part of, she got it in her head that maybe Cole could stay with you. He'd pay you rent, of course, but it would be a lot less than what his own place near campus would cost, and you'd save money in the bargain, too. Of course, I wouldn't think of it normally, but the two of you got along so well for so many years. It's like you were big sister and little brother. If there's any chance you would consider it, would you let me know so I can tell the Daniels? ... Donna Daniels was ecstatic that you agreed to let Cole have your extra room for school. She gave me his schedule, so you'll know when to expect him. He has to be there for a week of orientation the week of August 20th, and then school itself starts on the 27th. He's basically taking his car an old Toyota Corola, I'm told, I haven't seen it, but it runs dependably with clothes and supplies and driving up the weekend before the 20th, so he should be arriving on the 18th or 19th - it wasn't that clear to me his exact plans. Of course, he's got high school friends to say goodbye to, and that may take longer than he expected. Again, I want you to know how grateful we all are that you are doing this for him. Love, Mom. It was late Saturday afternoon when Cole pulled near the curb and squinted at the house number. Assuring himself he had the right place, he backed in closer to the curb and parked. Easing his tall frame from the compact car, he stretched for a moment after a long drive, then ran a hand through his dark brown hair that was a little curly at the edges at the back of his neck. He hadn't had a haircut for a few weeks, and he suspected the coaches would make him trim it back as soon as he checked in tomorrow. They'd also probably put him to work in the weight room. At six foot two, he had the lanky, toned body of an athlete, one built more for quickness than overwhelming strength. But he knew the college basketball program would want both, and since his scholarship depended on him being of use to the team, he knew he would commit to whatever regimen they insisted of him. Not that that meant he wouldn't have time to study and enjoy the other opportunities of college life. And, mostly, he was looking forward to enjoying time with his old friend and new roommate. I wonder if she'll even recognize me, he thought, his piercing silver-blue eyes sparkling playfully. He was sure he'd know her. He had visualized her constantly since she'd gone, the one face he saw when he needed inspiration in the shower or in bed with the lights out. Even after all his high school paramours, he still thought fondly of her. Leaving his baggage in the car back seat and trunk for now, he walked up to the front door and found a doorbell. The house was older but well-maintained. It looked roomy enough from the front, and according to her mom, even bigger inside than it looked. The neighborhood was not crowded in fact the lots on either side were vacant, giving the house a sense of privacy. Cole liked that idea, too. He waited for the door to open, waiting for that look of surprise on her face...