Tell The Difference

CHAPTER 1

~ALIAH

My eyes flipped open to the sound of screeching tires. My head was banging. "Ouch!" I held it. I sat upright and started to recall what had happened last night, mostly yesterday.

We finished our last exam yesterday. I had to pack up and leave.

Shit! I had to pack up and leave.

Amanda had been very insistent on me packing up to leave today.

I quickly got up and as soon as I threw my feet out of bed, my legs knocked something hard. I looked to see my suitcase and other packed stuff around me.

I had packed...when?

As much as my brain was hazy, I didn't remember packing. I had gone out clubbing when Amanda was ranting about how much mom was calling all the time and also how I was lagging her behind on packing.

Where was Amanda anyway?

By the looks of it, she had packed everything for me.

I headed to the bathroom to freshen up and then out to get breakfast. I popped on my AirPods and rushed to the landlord. I was supposed to hand over the keys today but I managed to convince him to let us stay for a day extra. Well, since I was too lazy to move today, with this hangover.

Anyways, I got on to my laptop after I returned to my room, and watched some series while finishing whatever was in the fridge. After a while, I took my phone and that's when I saw it.

Amanda's text.

You know I'm sick and tired of you lagging. This time you're coming home alone. Be thankful I helped you pack.

Uhm...okay?

I mean I already left. Good luck navigating your way home on your own.

Well, good luck to you too.

I put on my favourite playlist and threw the phone aside. I got up and danced around. An extra day to myself...even better.

Oh, shoot!

I stopped dancing.

I didn't know the way back home for real. My parents moved last semester and I never even went home to help with the moving.

Eh! Whatever, I'll just figure it out later.

I kept on dancing until a phone call brought me back to reality. It was one of my friends. Brenda.

"Yah?" I started.

"Are you already on the road?"

"Oh no. Amanda left without me."

"Rude much."

"I know. Anyways, what's up?"

"Graham is hosting a party in his place for his roommate's birthday. After that, we'll be going out for more drinking and clubbing in Las Vegas." She finished the last statement in excitement.

My dopamine levels shot up. "Las Vegas?"

"Yah...a road trip for those who would want to go. I was hoping you and I would go together to Las Vegas, in my car. I don't want to be stuck in some van with lots of people I don't like. So, I was asking if you were up for it...you know, if you aren't leaving early tomorrow."

"Of course, I'm in."

Brenda was quiet for a while then asked. "Are you sure about this? I mean, Amanda is going to be furious that you're going to Las Vegas instead of leaving for home. You don't even know where your parents moved to. But you know, I can..."