Dare (Finding Love Book 1) Read Free Page A

here? I like you already.”
    I nod nervously. Time for business. “Yes, I do. It’s just that, honestly, I don’t think I can afford this,” I wave my hand around. “I was supposed to be in the dorms, but something went wrong and I have nowhere else for now.”
    I pick at my cuticles, bravely looking at Jaclyn. Her face is a mask of indifference, a huge 180 from a few seconds ago. It’s now that I see her. Especially the pain in her hazel eyes.
    She slowly nods, starting to smile again. “Okay, we’re good then.” She stands up and walks over to my duffel, picking it up with a grunt while I watch in confusion.
    And a little bit of hope.
    “Wait, that’s it? I live here? I can’t pay this month’s rent. In fact, I don’t think I can pay the first few months,” I point out.
    She lazily waves her hand. “Oh, its fine. I don’t need someone to help pay rent. My father covers this place. I just wanted another roommate!”
    I’m about to tell her I will pay rent but stop myself. I can’t do anything right now, and telling her I’ll be paying for myself to live here isn’t a good idea. The dorm will be ready in a few weeks, and then I’ll leave. What’s bad about staying here until then?
    Decision made, I stand up, ready to thank her, when the door opens up and another girl walks in.

~Two~
     
    I watch the girl kick off her shoes before closing the door. I can’t help but stare at her, though I know it’s incredibly rude. Her red hair is cascading down her back in loose curls, a few tendrils falling over her eyes as she looks down. “Who is this?” she softly asks, her voice withdrawn.
    Jaclyn jumps in, waving her hand in my direction. “This is Jennifer, our new roommate!” She grins, though it’s a little wobbly, as if afraid for this girl’s reaction.
    Something is a bit off about this girl, and as she lifts her head up, I realize what it is. Utter brokenness. This girl went through something - something bad. Her large, blue eyes are empty, drawn and hollow. But that’s not all. A scar, starting from her eyebrow, curves down to the middle of her cheek. It’s white and obviously old, but I can only imagine the pain she’s gone through.
    She looks at me, taking in my wrinkly shirt, old cutoff jean shorts and my black Vans. I don’t know what my hair and face are like, but I hope what I’m thinking isn’t visible. I’d hate for her to think I’m judging. Because I’m not.
    Finally, she waves and attempts to smile. It stretches the scar, scrunching it up. “It’s nice to meet you, Jennifer. I’m Hayley.”
    I nod my head. “It’s nice to meet you. I hope you’re okay with me being here,” I tell her warily.
    She tilts her head to the side, her blue eyes considering, calculating. “I’m sure we’ll all get along fine. I’m not a bother really.” She crouches down to grab her purse before walking over. “If you need anything, don’t hesitate to ask.”
    “Thanks,” I tell her.
    She nods and without another word, heads down the hall. I look over at Jaclyn in question. “Hayley… I don’t know much about her. I saw she was looking for a room and I got her to move in. That was two weeks ago and I still can’t figure her out. She’s super nice, quiet, and doesn’t really cause trouble.” She shrugs. “Perfect roommate it seems. Though I do wonder,” she absently says, trailing off.
    My eyebrows rise in question. “Wonder what?” Hayley definitely has my attention. Though I’m too nice to come right out and ask what happened, I am curious.
    Jaclyn drags my duffel down the hall. I pick up my box and follow her. “What she went through. She screams in the middle of the night sometimes and I won’t lie, it scares me. I’m not really one to comfort, it’s just out of my realm I guess, but I wish I could do something for her.” She’s leaning down, whispering so Hayley doesn’t hear.
    I don’t have the heart to tell her that my screams will probably wake her up too.