Free Maverick (Maverick Academy Series) by Tate Layman Page B

her things were around her.
    Tavis and Darian stepped into the room and quickly made their way toward the bed so they could unload their arms. Alec and Rory sat their burdens on the dresser, before stepping back and taking a good look at Nalini’s side of the room. Whit wondered if any of them were vampires, and if they were, what they thought about the Twilight poster. Mona made her way into the room with a grunt and tossed Whit’s suitcase onto the bed.
    “Goodness that was quite a hike. You’ll definitely stay in shape if you have to make that trek several times a day,” she said as she collapsed on the bed.
    “ I guess we’ll head back outside and let you get settled. If you need anything, remember I’m in 715. You’re welcome anytime. Hey, why don’t you come by later tonight after you unpack? I‘ll introduce you to my roommate,” Rory said with a grin.

“Okay,” Whit answered, shrugging her shoulders. “Thanks again for helping me move in.”
    “No problem. Alright guys, let’s go. See you later Whit,” Rory said with a wave. As the boys walked past Whit, each gave a little wave before following Rory down the hall.
    Once Whit and Mona were alone in the room, they quickly went to work unpacking and making up the bed. Before too long, Whit’s side of the room started looking like someone actually lived there. The bedspread Mona had bought her looked like an old patchwork quilt, and gave her side of the room a homey feel. Whit loved it.
    After setting up her computer on her desk, Whit sat next to Mona on her bed. They both sat there in silence, just looking around the room.
    “Whit, I know you’re scared honey, but this is a good place for you right now. Just keep in mind that you’ll have control over your dreams in no time,” Mona said as she put her hand on Whit’s knee and squeezed. She leaned toward Whit and encircled her with her arms. They sat there for some time, neither of them wanting to let go.
    The n the abrupt sound of the doorknob turning had them both twisting toward the door. A tall blond opened the door and did a double take when she saw Whit and Mona. She recovered quickly from the shock of finding two strangers in her room, and walked directly to Whit, sticking out her hand.
    “You must be Whitni. I’m Nalini, your roommate. Sorry I wasn’t here earlier to help,” she said with a smirk. Whit wasn’t sure she believed that Nalini had really wanted to help her. She kept remembering how Rory and the boys had reacted to hearing that Nalini was her roommate. Whit knew she needed to get to know Nalini before she judged her,, so she put the others’ reactions out of her mind.
    “It’s nice to meet you Nalini,” Mona replie d politely. She quickly introduced herself before turning expectantly to Whit. Whit knew that Mona was silently telling her to talk to the girl, introduce herself, and get to know her.
    “ Um, I hope the way I setup up my side of the room is okay with you,” Whit said nervously. “I’ve never had a roommate before so …”
    “It looks fine to me,” Nalini said , sounding like she didn’t really care. Suddenly she turned back toward the door. “Well I hate to run, but I’m supposed to meet some friends for supper. Would you two like to join us?”
    Mona glanced at her watch before shaking her head. “ Thanks but it’s almost 6. I’ll have to be leaving pretty soon. Mrs. Audley told me that the gates are locked at 6:30, and I don’t want to get locked in! Whit might like to go,” she finished with a hopeful voice and a glance at her niece.
    But Whit shook her head. She didn’t want to rush off before her aunt even left. “No, I think I’ll stay here until Mona leaves. I can go to supper after that, right?” she asked, looking at Nalini.
    “Supper’ s served until 8 on Sunday, so you have plenty of time. Well, I’ll be off then. I should be back later and we can talk more then,” she said before heading out the door.
    After she was gone,