Tina smiled at her and said, Yeah, youre right. Thanks.

No problem. Bette thought for a second and said, Tina, you mind if I ask you a question?

Tinas brown eyes stared into Bettes dark brown pools inquisitively. No, what is it? Tinas heart was pounding. She had no idea what Bette was going to ask.

You seem kind of shy. Is that true?, asked Bette.

Tina exhaled, relieved that the question was such a softball. Yeah, I guess I am. Im not really outgoing. What about you?

Me? Im just bull-headed. So, I tend to do whatever I want and people can like me or not like me. Said Bette with a small laugh.

Doesnt sound so bad. You sound like a rebel.

Its usually not so bad. I guess I am somewhat of a rebel. But it can be kind of lonely. Said Bette, her smile faltering.

Tina nodded and placed the last book on the shelf. She smiled at Bette, again at a loss for words. Tina looked around the room. Well, it looks like were about done here. You ready to take that walk?

Bettes smile returned. I sure am. Lets get ready to go.

As they pulled themselves together, Bette looked around the room and noticed the sharp contrast in styles. Her side was very contemporary with artwork on the walls and no photos of family or friends. Her dark blue, monochromatic bedspread and ordered arrangement of shoes and clothes by color and fabric type hinted at her Type A personality.

Tinas side of the room was much more carefree. She had pictures of family and friends all over the place. Some were in frames and others were plastered to her desk with tape. Her bedspread was tie-dyed with circles of purple, green, yellow, and hot pink spiraling out and energizing her space. Shed been there only a few hours and already her shoes were out of order and she couldnt tell you where her favorite sweatshirt was if you paid her.

As they walked out of the room, Bette said to herself, This is definitely going to be an interesting year. The new roommates walked around campus, meeting a few new classmates and getting a handle on their surroundings, enjoying the start of their new beginning. 

  TBC