The on-going back and forth of our local open school, no, don't open school, had me grateful I don't have children in the system, but woeful we are still divided. I see zero chance of a solution to this pandemic if we can't work together, and it was with deep trepidation that we set off on Friday to take daughter #2 (Darcy) and boyfriend (Oleg) to their new apartments across from their college campus set to open on Monday.
Darcy wasn't keen on returning to school, concerned beyond the usual roommate worries, and the journey across the bay was solemn--at least in my car where I drove solo with suitcases and the liquor accumulated during the quarantine.
The complex had assigned move-in dates and times, and a makeshift drive-thru booth was erected for the pick-up of keys, rental forms, maintenance requests, etc. The first happy discovery was finding Oleg in the building next door to Darcy's. Literally, a hop, skip, and a jump from one to the other. The second was her key not working in the bedroom she'd expected she'd be placed. (Side note: Before the pandemic, Darcy was to sublet this very apartment for the summer from one of her co-workers, and so she assumed she'd be in that same room) This meant she was not in the room where the closet was built into the bathroom! Suddenly excitement crept its way into our hearts.
Each apartment has a bedroom/bathroom with a lock and common living space, kitchen, and laundry room. Darcy's room has a HUGE walk-in closet, not in the bathroom. Not having a closet at home, nor in any of her dorm rooms, this was the best gift ever to my baby. She moved her dresser inside the closet and we organized it with all sorts of closet items we found at Walmart.
Oleg's apartment wasn't as happy. While the shared area was larger, there were piles of dirty dishes in both sinks covered in mold, and a trashcan overflowing with stinky garbage. Since this had been an issue at his last apartment, seeing this was a downer for the kid. The next day, he discovered it was leftover from a previous tenant who'd subleased his room, and Oleg tossed everything out in the trash bin and cleaned the kitchen until spotless. But at that moment--ugh.
We unpacked what we'd brought for Darcy (Oleg chose not to have my help), made lists of what we needed, and headed back across the bridge for the night. Since Tom and Maddy were unable to help on Friday, we moved the heavier stuff the next day, loading up two cars from the storage unit. Darcy's roommates were gone, so we had the entire apartment to ourselves, and we did what we always do when moving for college--decorating, electric hook-ups, shopping, etc.
We were there the entire day, but both Darcy and I felt a hundred percent better than we had the previous day when we finally said our good-byes. It isn't the year they expected, but we are hopeful these students will fair better, having learned from the mistakes made at UNC and Notre Dame the week before.
Happy Senior Year, Darcy! Wash your hands! Wear your mask! We love you!
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