For beauty is found within.

With a deep sigh, I made my way to the entrance of the dorm halls. Upon arrival, a line of ladies with their bags caught my attention, prompting me to join the queue, where I patiently awaited my turn to receive my room number.

After a few minutes, it was finally my chance. "I'm Halle Rubio," I introduced myself as the attendant checked the book for my name and assigned me a dorm.

"Thank you," I expressed my gratitude before making my way toward my designated dorm. As I navigated through the halls, I glanced at the piece of paper in my hand, double-checking the room number before reaching my destination.

As I arrived at my assigned room, I took a moment to absorb the surroundings. Gently turning the key, I opened the door, revealing a cozy space illuminated by sunlight streaming through the window.

Inside, I was met with a burst of color – the room was adorned in various shades of pink, with glittery accents.

To my surprise, a familiar voice greeted me. "Welcome to my beautiful castle," she exclaimed, turning from the window to face me. It was Jenna, dressed in pink from head to toe.

"Jenna, it's you?" I uttered in astonishment.

"Halle, right?" she responded with a smile. "What a small world."

The room felt simple but cozy, with four neatly made beds, desks adorned with study lamps, and a small window letting in sunlight. However, there was a splash of pink decorations and glitter everywhere.

“We'll be roommates," she announced with a warm smile.

"Yes," I replied, walking over to drop my bags onto one of the beds. Despite the excitement bubbling within me, a hint of nervousness lingered in the air.

Carefully, I unpacked my belongings, finding a place for each item in the limited space provided. With each item carefully arranged, the room began to feel more like home.

"You're the first to witness Jenna's beautiful castle. What do you think?" Jenna asked eagerly.

As I gazed around the room with a grin, I was taken aback when I heard a voice from the entrance. "Is this what you call a beautiful castle?" the newcomer remarked. Turning, I saw a lady with a tomboy appearance, sporting a short buzz cut and grunge style, holding her backpack.

"Oh my," she exclaimed, gritting her teeth and making a disgusted facial expression. "It looks like a unicorn barfed in here," she commented, striding into the room.

"Hello, I'm Halle," I introduced myself, trying to break the tension. She grinned back at me. "Val," she said, raising her head slightly.

"The pink is horrible. What a horrible taste. You have the worst taste in the world. What a disaster," Val said, voicing her disapproval.

"What do you know about fashion?" Jenna snapped, pointing her finger. "With your black outfit, this is college, not a funeral." I couldn't help but burst into laughter.

"It seems like Gleewood has lower standards in enrolling students," Jenna scoffed.

"Do you think if I had known I would be roommates with someone who looks like she threw up in pink, I would have come in here?" Val retorted.

"Leave the room then," Jenna challenged.

With a scoff, Val began to remove the pink decorations from her bedside. "What? What's your deal?" Jenna demanded.

"I don't like it," Val replied simply.

"How dare you?" Jenna's voice rose as she stretched her finger accusingly at Val.

"What are you going to do then, post my videos on Instagram with your annoying followers?" Val retorted.

"You're just a hater because you're not as famous as me," Jenna yelled, heatedly responding to Val's comment.

"Guys, guys," I kept calling them, hoping they would stop the argument, but they didn't answer.

"Stop bickering, ladies," a middle-aged woman's voice interjected from the entrance. "Come on, Diane. Come in," she urged, gesturing to a pretty brunette lady in glasses who walked into the room. It was evident she was Diane's mom.

"What a room!" the middle-aged woman remarked. "How come the pink is this ugly?" she said, prompting laughter from everyone except Jenna, who just scoffed and folded her arms.

"Why is it so small? I don't like it," the woman continued, but instead of responding, Diane remained quiet, staring at the room.

"How about this, Diane? Let me find you another room or a place outside campus for you to live," the woman suggested, addressing Diane's concerns. The tension in the room seemed to shift, leaving an air of anticipation as we awaited Diane's decision.

Come on, Mom, I'm cool with it. Besides, I think the pink is cool," Diane said softly, breaking the tension. Val's eyes met mine, and she whispered, "Oopsies, horrible taste," making me burst into laughter.

I couldn't help but feel a connection with Val; her sense of humor reminded me of Jessie's—so playful.

"I just want you to be very comfortable," Diane's mom said, concern evident in her voice.

"Mom, I'll be fine. You can take your leave now," Diane reassured her.

"Let me introduce you to my sweet baby girl, Diana Wang," Diane's mom announced proudly. We all waved to her, and Diane responded with a soft smile, emanating calmness and sweetness.

"In the future, I'll have to bother you all to look after my baby girl," Diane's mom continued. "Please take care of my Diane, and she has lots of allergies too," she added.

"Mom!" Diane exclaimed, a hint of embarrassment in her voice. "You have a meeting in a few minutes. Why don't you hurry up and leave? I have to prepare for my opening ceremony. Let me escort you back; the driver is waiting," Diana said, following her mom out.

As Diane and her mom left, I couldn't help but feel a pang of longing for the kind of bond they shared. Moments like these made me wish I had that connection with my mom, but I was grateful for the support and friendship I found in Jessie.

Rummaging through my bag, I remembered the necklace Jessie had given me. Retrieving it, I admired the beautiful red rose-shaped pendant. Turning it over, I noticed the engraved text on the back: "For beauty is found within." Classic Jessie, I thought with a smile as I put it on.

Just then, Diane walked in, apologizing for her mom's overprotective nature earlier. "It's fine, Diane. You're lucky; I can't even relate," I chuckled. "Oh, sorry," Diane whispered.

"What time is the opening ceremony?" Diane asked.

"4 pm," Jenna replied, her eyes widening in realization. "Oh my God!" she exclaimed. "It's almost 4!"

"We all need to leave now so we can sit together," Val suggested. "Jenna, sorry for the other time. I was only pulling your leg. By the way, I love your videos; you're an amazing dancer," Val complimented Jenna.

"It's fine. Does that mean you love the room too?" Jenna teased.

"Don't push your luck," Val retorted with a playful smirk.

"Hey, are you okay?" Val asked, noticing my worried expression. I gave a soft smile and nodded, but deep down, I was feeling anxious. I had been trying to call Jessie, but her phone wasn't going through, and I was starting to get worried.

"So, guys, I heard there's a night party to welcome us tonight, and the Elite3 are going to be performing!" Jenna exclaimed with excitement.

"Oh my God?" Diane asked eagerly. "I can't wait to meet Xavier."

"Well, Halle here has met Elite3, and she's close with Xavier," Jenna revealed.

Diane turned to me with surprise, her eyes wide. "Please introduce us to him tonight, please," she pleaded, her voice filled with anticipation.

"I don't know Xavier that well. We just met coincidentally, and trust me, he's a jerk," I confessed.

"Is that a yes?" Diane pressed, her eyes pleading.

"I don't think I'll be going to the party tonight," I admitted.

"Aww," Jenna exclaimed disappointedly.

"We need to go to the opening ceremony now," Jenna declared, breaking the moment. We all gathered our things and prepared to leave.