Grounders(#wattys2016)

Prologue Moving Out

Octavia POV

I have officially packed all of my stuff to move to my new apartment. My brother Bellamy has carried the last box down to the truck.

Although he doesn't want to admit it he's gonna really miss me even though I'm not moving that far away.

He always knew when I turned 21 that I wanted to pursue a career in dance. I'd told him enough times while he was badgering me to finish college.

I got my degree at his insistence but I was happy that I had. That's where I met my friends Harper and her boyfriend Monty.

Six years older than me, my brother is a little overprotective. Our mom died when I was 16 and he's had to look after me ever since. It's just been the two of us since then, Dad took off before I was born so Bellamy has always worked at least two jobs to get us through.

"Are you sure you don't want me to come with you? Just to help you unpack?" He asks me a little gruffly, interrupting my thoughts.

I shake my head, "No, Harper and Monty are going to meet me there to help me get settled. " I reply softly.

The next thing I know he has me engulfed in a huge hug, "Take care O, don't go out late alone, don't leave your drink unattended, no dating strange guys, if you need help please call me." He pulls away and presses some money in my hand. "Here, take this"

"Bellamy..." I start to argue.

"Just take it O. For an emergency, in case your job hunt starts off slow." He trails off.

"Thanks Bell. I love you. You know that big brother? " I say giving him another hug.

I release him and get in the small moving truck with a lump in my throat and head to my new apartment. It already seems farther away than it really is.

~~~~~

"This is your apartment? "

The words slip out of Monty's mouth before he can stop himself. Harper shoots him a dirty look. Their friend Jasper wisely decides to keep quiet.

"The rent was in my price range." I shrug, "It'll be fine" I brush off their concern as they help me carry in boxes, set up my bed and scrub out the kitchen. Generally just getting settled.

After several hours we take a break for pizza and a couple hours later, they leave. Monty takes the moving truck back for me while Harper and Jasper follow him in her car.

They remind me to lock the door behind them and I roll my eyes at their concern.

I have to admit though, its nice to have people worry about you.

~~~~

I awake to the sound of my cell phone ringing, I groan not really wanting to wake up yet.

I sit up anyway knowing its probably my brother. Sure enough.

"Hello" I croak, my voice groggy from sleep.

"How was your first night being an adult?" My brother's voice greets me.

I chuckle despite myself. "It was fine, did you have any doubt?" I reply saucily.

I can hear him smirk, "I never doubt you O. So you start the job hunt on Monday?"

"Yep, bright and early" I respond "Stop worrying Bell"

"As your big brother it's my job to worry. Just don't be a stranger! Ok?"

"I won't. As soon as things settle down you can come see the place ok?

"Allright" he agrees. "Well I gotta get ready for work take care."

"You too Bell"

I hang up and fling myself down on the bed until my stomach growls. I groan as I decide to get dressed and see where I can grab some breakfast.

I hastily stash the money Bell gave me (six hundred dollars to be exact) in my coffee can on the kitchen counter, grab my keys and head out the door.

~~~~

A/N

So I have had this idea for a while and I can't get it out if my head so here you go. Please comment and tell me what you think.

Please check out some of my other works if you haven't already.

Happy 4th everyone!
:)