When Stars Align

Prolouge

March 5th, 2017. 10:17 Am.

Soft, thick, wooly covers slowly moved up and down, ever so slowly in pace with breathing. Beams of the morning sun trickled in through the blinds of weathered windows, and the musical sound of wind chimes played ever so faintly.

A soft murmur escaped from the bundle of blankets that surrounded the queen bed, there was a bundle of messy, tangerine colored hair that poked out from underneath. The covers moved downward, revealing the tiresome, unkempt face of a young woman. There was a tiny trail of drool that escaped from one of the corners of her opened mouth. The girl opened her eyelids, revealing honeysuckle colored eyes  that went well with her tanned, freckled cheeks.

Smacking her lips dryly, Hannah Potts slowly sat up with a discontent look coloring her face. Her eyes meandered to the bright beams of light that cascaded into the room, seeming to be the sole reason that she awoke from her slumber. A tiny hand moved to cover her mouth as she yawned, stretching her limbs not long after. A pajama clad leg tentatively poked its way out of the covers, and Hannah was sitting straight up.

Taking note of the time from her alarm clock, there was a soft smile that tugged on her plump lips. It wasn't often that she was able to sleep in, there was often work for her to do on the farm on the weekends. Hannah yawned once more, standing up to close her blinds before moving to her nightstand. At least that dreaded, bright beams of light weren't a problem any more. The teenager picked up her phone off the charging cord, not bothering to give it a glance before she left her room.

The farm house was oddly quiet, she couldn't even hear mooing from the cow field. No arguing from her younger brothers, and no loud metal guitar music from her older sister causing a racket. Hannah blinked repetitively, trying to wake up just a little bit faster. Moving down the wooden staircase, the sounds of creaking alerted her decent to anyone that was listening.

"Junebug, is that you? Cmere' hun! Something's in the mail for you~!"

A soothing, loving maternal voice called out. There was no hiding the smile that immediately wrapped itself on her face after she heard her mothers voice. With an increased pep in her step, the young woman clambered down the stair case and appeared in the kitchen. Julia, wore a cooking apron that covered her worn jeans and flannel shirt.

"What is it? Did it come? Did it come?"

Hannah asked repeatedly, her eyes glistening with excitement. Her mother wasn't able to hide a wide smile, and her hand slowly moved towards the counter behind her. Grabbing ahold of a white envelope, she pulled it out from behind her, squealing in excitement. The older woman handed it to her daughter quickly, her eyes watering with excitement.

"It did! Those folks at Kauai sure must take their time...."

Julia joked, playfully shoving an elbow into her daughters sides.

Hannah's eyes went wide, almost instantly snatching the thick envelope from her mom's hands with a strength didn't know existed. The teenager let out a little squeal of pure excitement, her heart rate increasing exponentially. Her dream college, University of Kauai, had finally sent back a letter regarding her application four months ago.

The young teenager's hands shook slightly as she held the envelope, moving quickly to the wooden table that sat next to wide windows. Moving to open it, the teenager paused, shooting her mother a worried look. Mom shot her a look full of trust and encouragement, which gave Hannah the confidence she needed to begin opening the wax sealed envelope.

No matter how hard she tried, there was no stopping the shakiness of her hands. Finally, she was able to catch a hold of the paper, slowly sliding away from the seal, not wanting to rip any of the potentially life changing papers inside. Hannah swore her heart was nearly about to leap out of her chest, but she kept on going. It was eerily similar to Pandora's Box, she mused.  Grabbing ahold of the paper inside, her eyes began to read the text.

~~

Dear Ms. Hannah Leslie Potts,

On behalf of Kauai University I am pleased to congratulate you on your acceptance into our program for the fall 2017 semester. We were very impressed by your academic history and believe that you will prove that our confidence in you is not unfounded.

Enclosed with this letter, please find the necessary enrollment form for you to fill out and return by August 17, 2017. A timely response can increase your chances of finding accommodations on campus. You will be contacted upon receipt of the form by our student advisor, who will give you all further details regarding scheduling. If you have any questions regarding this letter, please feel free to contact us at the admissions office by phone at (808)-427-4532 or KauaiUnjversity@gmail.com

~~

The young woman almost instantly shot up from her chair, running up and giving her Mother a bear hug. A small tear of joy escaped from her honeysuckle eyes.

"I- I- did it! Mom! I really got in!"

Hannah exclaimed, rubbing her cheek into her mothers soft, warm embrace.

Julia couldn't contain her happiness, and was quick to return the hug. She even managed to pick up the small, petite girl for only a moment, squealing in delight.

"Oh baby! I'm so proud of you! My little scientist! How could a farm girl from Kentucky be so smart?"

Julia mused, rustling her daughter's beautiful orange hair. It never made sense to her how it was possible that someone's hair could be so orange, but the woman wouldn't have it any other way.