Woman |h.s|

Chapter 1

Sawyer

My mom and dad warned me about the mistake I was making. But did I listen to them? No.

It's my first week in Maryland which for reference is 2,300 miles away from my home. I'm attending University of Maryland this semester to get my masters in Criminology and I already want to go home to the sunshine and the beach. I could really go for a picnic on the beach with my copy of Pride and Prejudice in hand. I stick out like a sore thumb with my bronze skin and stark blonde hair. What I would give to be able to drive down PCH in my vintage gumball orange volkswagen bug listening to Seven Wonders.

Moving here has been a dream of mine since I can remember. My senior year of high school I told myself I would leave the state and complete my undergraduate at Virginia Tech or University of Maryland. Both were my dream schools and I got into both, but money was tight and I couldn't justify spending $50,000 a year for school.

After finishing up my undergraduate in California I finally decided it was time to leave against my family's "better judgement."   The second I found out I got into Maryland I accepted their offer and began preparing for my dream life. Little did I know that I would be living in what seemed like  frickin Antarctica.

Okay give me a break. I'm from Southern California where 65 is considered freezing.

But here I am. Stuck in 40 degree weather freezing my ass off. I always told myself that I loved the cold and the rain but being stuck in it is a pain. I'm starting to regret my decision to only wear baggy jeans, a long sleeve, an Eagles shirt, and my Mary Jane docs. I really just need to take a load off and find somewhere warm.

As I walk through the college town I see a small store called Medicine Records.

Thank god. This place may be my saving grace.

As I walk in I am blasted with the sound of Ask by The Smiths. I'm a sucker for Moriessy. What can I say? Nothing beats small town record shops. They really are hidden gems.

Each wall is lined with various band posters and I can't help but stare in awe. Records on records are stacked in crates and I can't wait to spend hours looking through all of them.

Music has always been my outlet and was there for me when no else was. It takes me to a different place and it's the only way I can relate to others.

As I sort through the O section looking for anything Oingo Boingo, I catch a pair of green eyes looking at me from the back room. I shrug it off and continue looking through the section. As I move onto the next crate, I am approached by a man with thick black hair and a Bowie shirt on.

As I begin to panic, I hear a rugged voice say, "Need help looking for anything in particular?"

Startled, I look up and shake my head no. Wow Sawyer. Way to answer this fine ass man.

"Well if you need any help my name is Mitch."

Okay that's great. Already off to a great start dumbass. First day here and you already make a fool of yourself. Looks like I'll never be able to come back here again.

After looking around for an hour or so I decide I need to stop while I'm ahead. I mean I am walking out with a Queen and Led Zeppelin record. As I approach the cash register I curse under my breath realizing that none other than Mitch is ringing me up.

"Find everything okay?"

"Oh um yeah. I was actually looking for some Oingo Boingo but it's really hard to come by." Okay Sawyer at least that was better than the first conversation.

The man I've come to know as Mitch gives me a weird look and chuckles under his breath.

"I've never met someone who knows Boingo."

Bewildered that this man is talking to me, I roll my eyes before answering him.

"Well I've never met anyone who likes Boingo either. They're extremely underrated."

Before answering me Mitch looks at me straight in the eyes. God why is he so damn hot!

"Well I'll keep a lookout for you if you want? Leave your name and number on the back of our business card and I'll call you if I find one."

Did he just ask for my number? Okay that's too far Sawyer he is just being nice.

"Oh wow that would be great thank you so much!" Nervously I wave goodbye and I grab my records and walk back out into the freezing air with the odd sensation that someone is watching me again.