Smile: Rose

I wait with Matt and Penny at a table in my school's library. It's been two weeks since I've been on campus, and today will be Ben's first visit of many.

The library has a historic feel, with its tables, chairs, bookshelves, and ceiling beams all made of wood. It's cozy, with two lamps to each table. The arched windows allow in an abundance of light, bringing attention to the stone walls.

"Is that what I look like when I'm waiting for you?" Matt asks.

Penny looks up from her textbook, cracking a smile. Her dimples taunt me. "You mean all doe-eyed and hopeful?"

"Who knew that you two could get anymore annoying. When there's a will, there's a way," I say, clicking my pen.

She's wrapped under his arm, smiling as he kisses her forehead.

"Oh, and you look far more desperate, in case you were still wondering."

"Beeennnn," Matt says, nodding in my direction.

I whip around in my chair, finding no one behind me. They cackle like hyenas.

I roll my eyes. "So mature."

"I'm desperate? You should've seen your face!"

"You think his plane is delayed?" Penny asks.

"No, he texted me when he landed. He should be close."

They're finally dating, and it actually feels just like old times. They were already so much like a couple that when they became one it felt normal.

Who says you don't get the girl?

"He's here."

Because it's Penny who says this and not Matt, I jump out of my seat.

Ben walks our way, dressed down for a change. He's wearing a plain white shirt and dark blue jeans.

"You just eased my troubled heart," he says, hugging me tight with a laugh.

I melt. I've missed being in his arms.

"How was the flight?"

"Worth it."

We take our seats.

"So, you two finally stopped playing games?" Ben asks.

Penny blushes into her textbook.

Matt shakes her shoulder. "She missed me. Wouldn't stop begging me to—"

She stops him with a hand over his mouth. "That is sooo not true!"

"I know how it is, Matt." Ben is such an instigator. "They'll never admit it."

"Keep dreaming," I say.

We discuss everything new in our lives. From schedules, to restaurants, the best study spots, and how confusing it was to navigate around campus.

I smile to myself. To be at peace, surrounded by those that I love is all I've ever wanted.

It feels like home.