Care-Bear

“Que?” She asked.

“I don’t speak Spanish, but hello.” I said.

“Oh, hello. Who are you?” She asked switching to speak in English quite fluently.

“Ummm… your new roommate! I’m Kerri Smith.” I said, putting my hand out.

“Right. You’re probably one of Angela’s groupies looking for a shot. Don’t think so.” She said and she closed the door. I knocked again and she opened it again.

“I’m not looking for a shot. What is a shot anyway? You mean a beer shot?” I asked.

“No, a porn shot.” October said. She opened the door further. I could see a very very very tiny skirt and a very very very tiny shirt on her tiny frame. Very very very tiny everything, except for what was holding her very very very tiny shirt up. Those were very very very big. I couldn’t help but stare.

“Ummm…no, I don’t want one of those shots, I can show you some identification.

"Ummm…” I said, as I reached into my pocket. I always carried around my student ID and I guess now it came in handy.

“It’s okay, I believe you, hold on a second.” She said. I put my student ID back into my pants and waited until she opened the door again.

“You know, you look a lot hotter in that than in your porn outfit October,” I said when I saw her in sweatpants and a tight tank-top that showed her curves, but covered her.

“Really?” She asked, surprised.

“Yeah,” I said, “Now, can I see where I am gonna be living for the next couple of years?”

“Oh, yeah, sorry.” October said, then she laughed.

“What’s so funny?” I asked.

“Nothing, it’s just that I was watching cartoons with July and nobody else I know that’s my age watches them.”

“I do. My siblings and I used to watch them every Saturday morning. Faithfully, until like two years ago. They lost interest, but I have watched them every Saturday morning since I was six. Even when my mom died.” I said as I walked past her in oblivion to the July comment and her sad expression into the coolest room ever.

It had light turquoise walls with varied-sized white and pink polka dots and black carpet. All of the furniture was white and the bay windows had gorgeous views. Not kidding. She had a bed with drawers under it, same as what would be mine. They were white, but hers was personalized. Already. She had drew all over her bed drawers and the headboards and footboards. Just little things like when she was bored or whatever. Totally hot.

Her desk was clean, with not a thing out of place which made me wonder if she was a neat freak or if she just cleaned. My desk was of course empty, but not for long. She had some sort of bulletin board over her desk, which added flashes of color to the room. Her pictures were interesting to say the least. It had a cozy feeling to it though. There was a little sitting area with a giant 72 inch TV against one wall. The crazy thing though was that the chairs were hanging chairs. There was a little girl in one now, asleep. Then there was a little futon and a couple of sidetables. One didn’t really look like a sidetable and as I looked closer it turned out to be a mini-fridge. The closet doors were shut and perfectly painted, black to match.

I had a feeling that I was going to love it here.

“Wow, you have an amazing dorm. I love it.” I said, carefully choosing my words. I had a feeling she was a little moody.

“Yeah, me too.” October said as she shut the door. “But can you be a little quieter please?”

“Sure, but do you mind me asking who that is?” I whispered.

“Oh, my daughter.” October said. The girl looked about three of four. If October was my age, she had the cutie when she was about eleven or twelve. Holy shit.

“Oh, your daughter?” I asked baffled.

“Yeah, July. She just turned three. My mom almost killed me when she found out I adopted her. I just couldn’t stand to see her face on TV again, so I called and adopted her. You don’t have a problem with that do you?” October asked turning to pierce me with her icy cold green eyes.

“No, I think…” I started searching for the right words, “Honestly?”

“Yeah.”

“I think it’s awesome and your mom just needs to get over you doing a good deed. I think it’s cool that you have enough guts to adopt a kid when you’re fifteen and all. I think it’s great.” I said.

“I was fourteen and you can’t tell anyone about her. We aren’t supposed to have anyone else in the school except for registered students and staff. We smuggled her in.” October said.

“We?”

“Her daddy, Josh. He goes here too. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been to those stupid incides. Of course, I can’t tell the group that we just snuggled with our daughter all night, but…”

“Did he want to have a kid, or did you guys get together after you adopted July?” I asked, intrigued.

“He wanted to actually have a child, but my mom never would’ve forgiven me so he’s the actually adoptive daddy,” October answered, “We had to lie about our age though. If we hadn’t of we wouldn’t have been able to get her. She’s my little girl, you know? I could feel the connection when I first saw her. God wanted me to have her and love her and take care of her. He did and I followed his plans.”

“You don’t strike me as much of a churchgoer.” I said.

“Don’t judge a book by its cover.” October said, “You can put your stuff in that closet and there’s an empty bookcase and an empty desk over in that corner.”

“Alright, cool. Thanks October. I’ll just have to go and get my stuff from Eskabol.” I said. I opened the door and was surprised to see all my stuff in the hallway, “Or not.”

“What?” October asked.

“Nothing. Kelsey and Sam must have gotten my stuff for me.” I said as I grabbed the first of the suitcases and pulled them into the room.

“Kelsey and Sam?” October asked again.

“My sisters. They’re eleven and across the hall.” I answered.

“I thought Angela was going in there. Angela is…” She started.

“I know who the bitch is. And that’s what she’s probably doing right now. Bitching to her mother about the room arrangement, but it’s her mother’s fault, so…”

“You know Angela and her mom?”

“Let’s just say I know her and don’t want to get to know either of them more. Like mother, like daughter is all I have to say.” I said.

“Oh. So can I ask how you know Angela?” October asked.

“Sure. Skinny Psycho is my godmother so ‘Angie’ is my godsister. Loads of fun, huh? They’re both crazy.” I answered, and then I turned when I saw a movement in the corner of my eye. It was July waking up, “Hey sweetie.”

“Mommy, who is that?” July asked. She was the cutest little girl. She had her ‘mother’s’ brown hair, but the difference was instead of piercing green eyes, she had piercing blue eyes. She was a little on the chubby side, but that’s to be expected of a three-year-old. All I have to say is one word. Adorable.

“Hi. I’m Kerri and I’m gonna be living here with you, okay?” I asked as I knelt down in front of her.

“Okay.” She said.

“So you’re name is July, right?”

“Yes. I’m three.”

“You are adorable.” I said.

“I know.” July said in a tone that matched October’s.

“July, what are you suppose to say?” October asked.

“Sorry mommy. Thank you Kerri.” July corrected herself.

“Good girl.” October praised, “Are you guys thirsty or hungry?”

“I’m thirsty mommy.” July said, “Can I have some root beer?”

“Sure. Kerri?” October asked, turning to me.

“Sure. Root beer sounds good.” I answered. October and I watched as July went to the mini-fridge and pulled out two root beers. She was just so damn cute. There was a knock at the door and I went to answer it while October went to help July.

“Hello?” I said as I opened the door.

“Kerri. We’re going to leave now.” Patrick said, “This is my cell, Susan’s cell, and your father’s room number at the GAR center. Are you all set?”

“Where is the GDR center?” I asked.

“The GAR center, the Grant Alcohol Rehabilitation center is in Idaho. He’s safe and he’ll get better with their help. They have helped over three million, including the president, so…”

“Patrick?” I asked.

“Yeah?”

“Thank you for your help.” I said as I reached to give him a hug. We embraced and then when I pulled away, there were tears in my eyes.

“Are you okay?” He asked.

“Yeah. I’m just… it’s different here and you’ve been so helpful and all that jazz.” I answered, shakily, “Kelsey and Sam’ll probably want to say bye. They’re right over there.”

“Kay. I’ll see you later. Good luck.” Patrick said and I closed the door on the man who’d saved my siblings. He was right. When I left for college, Kelsey and Sam would’ve had to take care of Deryk and that just wasn’t fair to them.

“Kerri, are you okay?” July asked as she handed me the root beer I asked for.

“Yeah sweetheart. I’m good. Are you okay?” I asked.

“Yes.” She answered.

“Hey October? When do classes start?” I asked the girl from across the room.

“In three weeks.” She answered.

“When was the last time July got out of this room? Like really outside?”

“Like a vacation?”

“Yeah.”

“Not since we adopted her.” October said.

“How about we go on one? You, me, July, Josh, Sean, Kelsey, and Sam. Maybe Skye or something.”

“Umm… I don’t have enough money.” October said.

“Don’t worry about that. I’ll take care of it. How about it?” I asked.

“Seriously?” October said with amazement in her eyes. I’m willing to bet she’d never been to the Virgin Islands.

“Yeah. How about St. Thomas?” I asked.

“Hold on. Let’s talk about it after she’s in bed.” October said gesturing to the little girl watching Hannah Montana.

“Okay. What time is it?” I asked.

“Two o’clock.” October answered.

“Alright, do you mind if I unpack?” I said eyeing my luggage.

“No, be my guest. I’ll just watch this with July.”

I took the suitcases from Susan’s boutique and did those first. I put everything in the closet except the pants, underwear, bras, socks, and belts. Also my jackets and hats. Those I hung up on hooks that were on the wall next to the closet. The pants and such I put in the drawers under my bed. I got my desk organized and had October help me with my computer and all that. Once my books were done and my bed made, I was done. It was like six o’clock now. October informed me that before school starts, like in the summer, they serve you breakfast and dinner in the girl’s mess hall. The boys get their food in the boy’s mess hall. So on. At six-thirty sharp. I went over to see Kelsey and Sam and they were still working on their room so I went back to my dorm and suddenly thought of something.

“October?” I asked.

“Yeah?”

“How does July eat?”

“Oh, I just buy food for her and then I eat the free food they give us. During school, I just buy food for both of us. People always ask me if I’ve got a secret leprechaun hidden in my room because why else would I need all the food I buy, but she’s got food in here.” October answered.

“Oh. Gotcha.” I said.

The mess hall was very noisy. About a hundred and fifty girls were in the mess hall. Kelsey, Sam, and I all grabbed trays and hopped in line. October decided to stay with July. Now this was the thing I think I’m almost GREAT at. While you are waiting in line for the food, you scout out the room so you find a place to sit before you get your food and stand there awkwardly. The buffet was different though. Instead of your normal mush, there was a salad bar, some decent looking meatloaf, what looked like tofu (I’m not a big fan, so I don’t know), and a machine with frozen yogurt. Yum! While I put a clump of Caesar salad on my plate, I spotted Skye. She was sitting at a table with two other girls and five seats that were empty. Good, we could ask to sit with them. I took a plate of meatloaf and bottled water, and walked towards them.

“Hey! Kerri! Over here!” Angela yelled from across the room. I looked over and saw her sitting with five other girls. All of them were like mini-clones of Angie.

“Umm… no.” I said and about fifty girls looked over at me in amazement. I guess nobody said no to Angela Tyco. Well, guess what? I did. “Hey Skye. Can we sit here?”

“Oh yeah. Totally. Kerri, this is Pearl and Mimi. Pearl, Mimi, this is Kerri Smith. She just came over from the states.” Skye introduced.

“Hi Pearl, Mimi. Everyone, this is Kelsey and Sam, my sisters.” I said as us three slid into three empty seats, “So. When do your guy’s classes start? Three weeks too?”

“Mine start tomorrow. Well not classes here, but I’m taking a college prep course over at Rocksmith University.” Pearl said. Wow, can you say brain? Then she explained at my quizzical look, “I’m a senior. I’ll go there next year.”

“Oh. Gotcha. What about you Mimi?” I asked.

“Same here. Although I’m not a senior, my advisor just advised it.” Mimi said. Wow, advisor?

“Well, mine don’t start for another three weeks, but I have to be here to study and get ready. My parents and family are coming in a week to ‘visit’ too, so… Why? Were you planning something?” Skye said.

“Yeah. October, Kelsey, Sam, Sean, Josh, and I were gonna go to the Virgin Islands or something before school starts.” I said, surprising even Kelsey and Sam. I hadn’t told them about it yet. Oops.

“Really? So soon after getting here?” Pearl wondered.

“Yeah. If I’m gonna be stuck here for the next three years, I better soak up the sunshine while I can. Also I kind of need a vacation.” I said, “My last vacation was like six years ago. When my mom was alive.”

“Oh.” Skye said, downcasting her eyes.

“Anyway… On a brighter note, does the Virgin Islands sound good, or is there a better vacation spot?” I asked trying to bypass the sympathy.

“No. The Virgin Islands is the best. We went to St. John’s the other week. It was gorgeous.” Pearl said, gesturing to her, Skye, and Mimi. I guess they were close. Then everyone started to leave. It was seven o’clock on the dot. Wow! Punctual too.

“Does dinner usually end at seven?” Kelsey asked.

“Yeah, but you can stay until nine. That’s when they start to clean up.” Skye said.

“Oh.” Sam said.

We got up and went back to building K. After we said good-night to Skye, Pearl, and Mimi, we headed to the elevators.

“Ugh, I’m exhausted.” Sam said, “Hey, Care-bear, why didn’t you tell us about the whole trip thing?”

“Oh,” I said, totally forgetting about that, “I didn’t want to get your hopes up, then crush ‘em. Besides I’m not sure October is up for the trip.”

“Gotcha.” Kelsey and Sam said in unison, “well, good-night Care-bear.”

“Night Kels, Night Sam.” I said, then I stepped into a dead-silent room. The only sound was a low humming noise.

“October?” I asked softly.

“Over here.” The sound came from the chair area.

“Hey. How’s July?” I asked, once again softly.

“Asleep. How was your dinner?” She asked, not really caring.

"Okay I guess. Yours?"

"Okay. Allright, what were you talking about when you said something about a vaca?"

I sat down. "Well, I was thinking that it would a) give us a chance to get to know eachother away from school and b) just be fun. You know, chillin' on the beach, blasting music in the condo room annoying other people, running on the cliffs, kayaking. The list goes on and on. Oh and don't forget shopping."

"I can't pay for that though." October said.

"Can I trust you with a secret?" I asked, deciding she was safe to tell.

"Yeah."

"My grandma was really rich and my mom also. When she died, she left trust fund kind of things for us and we have like millions of dollars. So, don't even sweat it!"

"Oh my god. Millions? Like how many millions?"

"Like ten." I said smugly.

"Wow. I feel better about the vaca then."

"October, if you ever need anything, just ask. We're friends, right?" I asked.

"Yeah, totally. And thanks."

"Your welcome. Hey, we've got a vacation to plan!"

We stayed up all night almost planning the funnest vacation ever. We decided to go to St. Thomas and we booked a house near the cliffs for two weeks. I don't think October went to sleep until 4 o'clock in the morning. Once she went to sleep I put all our printouts and info in a folder and put on a short skirt and took off my shirt. Then wearing just my undies, bra, and skirt, threw on a little hoodie, zipped it, slipped on my flip-flops and walked over to the boys full point.

"Hello, can I help you?" A boy said to me. A football player I would've guessed. He was really tall with dark blond hair and light green eyes. Buff too.

"Sure you can honey. I'm looking for Sean. Can you help me?" I asked, sluttily to get what I wanted- a room number.

"Umm... Sean McCarter?"

"Yeah." I answered, licking my lips.

"Umm..." The boy stared at my lips, then my boobs, then my lips, then at the wall behind my head. "Yeah. Room 314."

"Thanks." I smiled sweetly then walked to the elevators to go to the third floor. I got up there and found 314- not easily if I might add. Then I knocked.

A very sleepy boy answered the door.

"Hi, is Sean McCarter in there?" I asked him.

"Uh-huh." He answered, then went into the bathroom and when I went to see if he was okay after like five minutes, he was passed out on the floor. Then I stood at the bottom of Sean's bed and looked at him. He was shirtless and man is he built! His sheets were all tangled up in his legs, but it looked like he was only wearing boxers- hmm... yummy.

"Seanie..." I coaxed. I slipped my skirt and hoodie off and slid up next to him on the bed.

"Hey!" He jumped up, but when he saw it was me, he laid back down with big eyes. "Hey care-bear. What are you doing?"

"Will you come to St. Thomas with me and some friends?" I asked, while kissing his chest.

"Umm... yeah... no problem." He said, sighing.

"Great." I jumped up, put my skirt and hoodie back on and started out of the room.

"Wait! What was that?" He asked.

"Me getting what I want."

"What about what I want?"

"You'll get that on the vaca. We leave tomorrow night. Bye!" I said, then I went back to my dorm room and slept for a long time.