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Part 4: Partly Clear

"Good evening passengers we have officially arrived in Seattle, Washington."

Sliver of light broke through the window beside my head. I barely made out the words the attendant spoke. I must've slept the whole entire way here. I couldn't bear to keep awake while knowing i'm growing more inches, and miles farther away from my home. The last time i'll see my mother and father. Melissa came with them to drop me off. We made out a little in the mens restroom.

I saw people rising from their seats and grappling luggages and tote bags. I was told my luggage would descend from the little assembly line just outside the plane. I got up with my foot asleep and a stingy smell of my bad breath from drooling. I drowsily exited the plane and hurled for my luggage over the crowd of people. With directions to my dorm and University on a lined piece of paper in hand and my bags and suitcase in the other I was set to conquer the world by myself.
The airport was extremely busy like a hive of bees in spring. The exit was just a few steps away from me. Gliding past built business men, and stepping on a few feet I managed to make it to the glass sliding doors. As soon as I saw outside the bright sun glistened against the sky high buildings clean windows, and granite. The streets at every corner were filled with all kinds of people. It reminded of Hollywood back in California. I was lucky something felt somewhat like home. I looked on my map, and entered the address onto my phone.
It was a good 5 miles away. I raised my hand for a taxi and one immediately came to my aid.
My sweaty palms seeked the handle and I pushed it out opening the door.
"Where today, sir?" The white bearded driver asked.
"Seattle University, please." I answered frustrated.
He nodded his head understanding, and began driving. I looked out the window examining my surroundings. People sipping the in season coffee at the outdoor cafe. Owners running or chasing their dogs in the large park. Shopping mall, and a small target right behind it. Every little thing I had to remember. I'll be living here for a while anyway.
Hesitantly I fumbled in my pocket for my cigarette's. I couldn't smoke one on the plane which almost caused me a heart attack. Sleeping helped put my desire to be high for relief. I pulled one from its snug spot and pulled out my lighter.
"Sir!! No smoking in this vehicle!" The driver said looking into his mirror.
"Want one?" I offered pointing my cigarette box to him.
"No! Put that away."
"Oh, man c'mon. I've been dying for one since 5 hours ago. Please. I'll roll down the window."
He looked at me with his glowing red eyes and furred his eyebrows, "fine, boy but if I get into trouble it's your fault."
I smiled at him and placed the cigarette between my lips and lit it. The nicotine sinking into my senses, and smoke swirling around my nose as I puffed calmed me instantly. I rolled down the window and the smoke traveled safely outside.
I watched as this cute blonde girl strolled down the street in her cheetah print heels. All of a sudden I was reminded of Melissa. She wanted me to call her as soon as I step foot off the plane, but I didn't really want to. I told her I would, but you can say a lot of things people will believe. Just make them keep believing to keep them occupied, right? I wonder if i'll find another girl. I really wanted to find someone radiant one of these days. I can smoke with, and have deep conversations. Who I could take pictures of when she woke up in the morning beside me. Someone I can share the meaning and calling of life with. I love women. Always have. Interesting, and entertaining people. I don't want a commitment though, then again. I just can't be loyal. Either we're official, and i'm having sex with other people or everyone gets a turn with no labels. That's how I work.
I made a few more puffs of my cigar before putting it out on a built in tray of the taxi door.
I looked out the window, and found myself in a different part of Seattle. There was more plants, and dry land. Many stubby greens of the trees, and patches of yellow tall grass. Mountainous and I could spy a small line of blue across the edge. The shore was nearby. I was really looking forward to what Seattle had. Yet I was scared to be alone the whole time. I had no time for that though. I just have to live life the way it is, i'm not going to get it another way. No matter how much I worry or complain. I'm here for a reason, and I will find that reason.
•••
Finally we pulled in front of a semi-tall brick building that looked like apartments.
"This is the dorms, I assumed you needed to be here first. The University you can travel with the bus from here." The man turned forward to me.
"Thank you, sir. How much?" I pulled my wallet from my leather jacket pocket.
"35$." He said.
I handed him the cash in his wrinkly palm. Exiting the car I took all my luggage to the second to top floor where my room was. Number 143 I used the key to click open the room. As soon as it opened inside it was filled with boxes. The living room was the first thing you saw, and the kitchen was snug in the back behind a small wall. To the right of me was a hallway to two rooms, and a small bathroom. I laid my luggage carrying hygienic things next to the large window overlooking a small town like area with the beach only about a mile away. Another thing that yet again felt like home.
I walked around the dorm seeing any indication of an official roommate. The boxes was one, but who knows they could be just there for no reason. I found nothing so I just decided to plant my territory. I walked down the hall and chose the "master bedroom" for my own. It had a sheet less Queen sized bed and an old wooden nightstand beside it. A small window hovered over the bed. I opened my medium sized Jansport backpack, and pulled out a thin set of sheets my Mom bought me last minute. I can buy a good set of my own later.
I made the bed, and put cotton cases on the two yellow stained pillows. Then I began unpacking my clothes. The walk-in closet was right behind me, and had wooden sliding doors. It wasn't too big, but it was enough for me to step inside a bit. I began placing clothes on hangars that were already present. The smell reminded me of home, and my old spice cologne I left there.
Once I finished placing my things away I heard the front door of the dorm slam shut.
"Hello roommate." I whispered to myself.
I slowly walked out of the room almost bashing chest to chest into the guy.
"Whoa!" He stopped me by grabbing my shoulders. My heart jumped and I looked up at him with wide, curious eyes. He had thick, loose jet black hair. Dark tattoos were spiking up his neck and they covered his arms and dotted his chest. He had a silver lip and nose piercing, and from head to toe he was dressed in all black.
"Shit." I stuttered.
"Well hello to you, too." He let go of my stiff shoulders.
"Sorry. I'm Eric." I shook his hand, noticing his finger nails were black too.
"Hi Eric. I'm Andy, Andy Hunter." He smiled a perfect row of white teeth.
"Sedjwick. What's up?" I scratched the back of my neck.
He laughed, "of all things you say 'what's up'? Smooth."
My face flushed with the sensation of burning, "haha, I guess. Well what brings you here?"
"Um legalization of weed." He starred down at my shoes. Scanning my appearance.
"Hah. Well i'm here for women."
We both laughed and that loosened the mood maybe 5%.
"Where are you from? You seem unfamiliar." Andy asked.
"California. Very unfamiliar, apparently."
"Suppose so. My twin sister, and I are from here so we are the experts."
Twin sister? I couldn't help but sneak the question if she was hot. Most importantly not dressed in black and tatted up.
"I'll ask you then from now on. It's nice meeting you." I stared blankly into his crystal blue eyes.
"Y'know..." Breaking my stare he reached into his pocket and pulled out a glass pipe, "want to with my buddies and I? Out back."
"Um. I don't do anything leaf related. I just smoke, and sniff. Haha." I chuckled shyly.
"Oh! Well then we have at least one thing in common. I'll be out ALL night so don't expect me to be here for dinner little goodie two shoes."
We shook hands once more before he turned his back and slammed the door behind him.
I let out a big breath and sat on a lawn chair placed by the window. I watched Andy meet up with his friends which shared the same fashion. They immediately disappeared behind a fence. I'm sure Jason would've been friends with people like that if he went to school. I'm kind of glad he looks like a poor washed up beach boy. I thought i'd send him a message to see how's he's holding up.
"Hey bud,
I got here safely. Just wanted to say I miss you already.."
I bit my lip before pressing the send button. I can't swallow my pride like that. I just can't. It's impossible. I clicked my phone off and pulled out another cigarette. As I smoked the windows fogged. Then within seconds the whole living room became a smoke house. My eyes became heavy, and I watched the orange sun set over the cotton candy horizon. Growing up those were the first ever pictures i'd take. I checked the time, and it was 9:30 PM. I haven't called anyone or texted. My phone kept ringing, and buzzing, but I didn't pick up. I can't believe i've been here for hours letting my disintegrating cigarette fall on my pants and fog the dorm up. I heard a knock at my door. As soon as I looked over my shoulder I didn't realize the smoke was escaping from out under the door.
"NO!" I rose up, and ran to open and expect someone of office. Maybe someone reported me while I was stupidly under a very strong high.
"Sorry! Sor-" I stopped my being all together to see before me stood a petite, curvy, slender figure of a woman. Her long dark bark brown hair fell down her toned shoulders. She looked at me with huge, round fluorescent blue eyes and pouted thick nude lips.
"No smoking in the dorms sir. It's the rules." She smirked.
"Who are you?" I stared deeply into the beautiful symmetrical shape of her face. Her complexion reflected sexy yet absolutely stunning. Her eyes glistened like stars, and her features almost looked drawn on with only the hand of God. She cannot be real. Words cannot explain.
She laughed, and behold I saw her angel smile. My heart melted, and my body became numb. Never have I ever seen or felt something so pure and mystical in my life. I watched her carefully as she spoke.
"My name is Emma. Emma Porter."