Rye-lie's Story

Chapter One

Chapter 1 -

Rylie: 

First day of college. No big deal, I could handle this. Of course I could, and I would do so with the utmost dignity. Or, at least that's what I told myself as I entered the building. Except, it was always a big deal. I didn't mind the whole "being on my own" thing, so much as I minded being lonely. Which was a completely irrational fear. There wasn't even a reason for it. No mom walked out on me and made me feel worthless, no best friend who moved away leaving me by myself and friendless, and definitely no random accident where all my family died and I was tossed around from foster home to foster home. I actually had a pretty good up-bringing. My mom and dad had a wonderful marriage in which they were still in, and I had a great sister who just started high school. 

So why was being forgotten my biggest fear? 

I walked up to the doors, or tried to do so. Seeing as it was the first day of school though, I was struggling to not get lifted up off my feet every time I changed angles. I was already minuscule, but to top it all off, I was most likely going to be one of the youngest ones. I'd finished my freshman and sophomore years of college in my first year, so I was younger than everyone else ever since. I was just as smart, if not smarter at times, that didn't make life any easier. Now here I was, at the age of only 19 starting my third year of college, at least credit-wise. 

I wasn't actually sure why there were so many people about. Sure, it was the first day, but none-the-less I' d never sen it this bad. I saw my friend, Tab, who was easy to find in any crowd seeing as she stood over five foot five. Tab was next to Zach, who happened to be my other best friend, who was not as easy to spot since he was only my height. He wasn't young though, he just happened to be really short. I loved both of them, however, they hated each other. They tolerated each other for my sake, but alone-beware...the ripping of heads will commence. 

I walked up to Tab and asked, "What's up with all the people?" 

"Didn't you hear?" Tab asked. "There's a new junior." 

"But there's always new people?" 

"Yeah, but do all new kids come from show biz?"  

"Who is it? Would I know him?" 

Tab nodded her head and her smile turned mischievous. "I'm quite certain you know him. In fact, I think you drew a picture of his face and hung it on your ceiling."  

My jaw dropped so low, I thought I felt the gravel of the pavement against my chin. 

"Look, now she's in shock. Great job Tab," Zach said. 

"No fighting," I reminded, "You aren't joking? Rye Bennet-the Rye Bennet- is going to our school." She just nodded her head and kept smiling at my- no doubt- dumb-struck expression. 

Rye Bennet had been the star of a famous t.v. show that I had loved when I was younger. Relating to the picture I had drawn of his face, I could honestly admit I was a good artist-when I had a good subject. I'd been bored and saw the poster of him and decided to start drawing. It was one of my best sketches and I was proud of it, that was why it hung on my ceiling. And now, according to my best friend, he was going to my school.  

"Calm down, Rylie. It'll be okay," Zach continued his calming chant. 

"You know, I don't think you're really helping that much," Tab called.  

"Its better than what you're doing, nothing," Zach countered. 

Though I was still in a state of mental panic, I said, "Stop bickering." Zach and Tab both looked at me, and nodded their head.