The Gravestone

Chapter 1- What are Friends For?

** Warning: The content and story are made up by me. Read at your own discretion. **

        In the Alders household, a new day begins. Esme, Yara, and Shin Alders have recently relocated from Mokpo, South Korea, to Orlois, Oregon, to enable their daughter to forge new friendships. In the bustling city life, family time was scarce, but Esme, an eccentric yet reserved girl, cherished her life. She soon became friends with Anastasia Keller, the neighbor's daughter, and they quickly became inseparable.

Now grown up, they have completed their undergraduate studies together at Orlois University and are pursuing graduate degrees. As roommates, they are embracing independence, which suits them well. Although living with their parents in town was an option, their desire for freedom now took precedence. Author's Note: I'd say, it's time to celebrate! Lol!

Esme: Come on, Anastasia, get up. I need to go to the store to get school supplies!

Anastasia: Esme, it's Sunday! Don't you know what sleeping in means, especially when you're trying to recover from a hangover?

Esme: I understand, Anastasia, but that's not my problem. You know I don't drink because I always end up somewhere that's not my home. I can read your thoughts, so don't bother saying anything. I know how you think, miss. Now, take these two pills and drink this orange juice to help with your hangover, she says with a straight face.

Anastasia: Ha-ha, very funny. I'll be the one laughing next time. She yells, "I'll remember this when you want something."

Esme: Hahaha, it's still not my problem, Anastasia. Please get up and go to the store with me. I'll buy you your favorite coffee!

Anastasia: Ears perked up, coffee? Did you say coffee? As in, you'll buy me a Caramel Macchiato Soy Latte?!

Esme: Yes, a large venti, please! And I'll add a blueberry scone too.

Anastasia: Alright, give me ten minutes for a shower. I'll be quick.

Anastasia dashes for a shower while Esme finishes dressing for their outing. As they leave, Esme reminds Anastasia to take her keys, which she often forgets, and chuckles.

Esme: Anastasia, I sometimes wonder how you'd manage without me reminding you of this and that every day. I love you so much, she says with a smirk.

Anastasia: You can be a real pain, Esme, but I love you like you're my sister, she replies with a grin.

Upon reaching the coffee shop, they pick up two lattes and a blueberry scone. Then, they proceed to the supply store for Esme. She selects a few folders and a new laptop backpack.

Esme: Anastasia, do you need any school supplies? If so, please go get them.

Anastasia: No, I don't need any, Esme. The lab department has a storage room full of supplies if I need anything. My department provides my supplies for free. I just ask the professor, and he always tells me to help myself since I know where they are.

Esme: That's good. I have everything I need. Let's check out and head home. Ugh, I need more coffee. I'm so sleepy from all this shopping. It feels like we've been here for hours.

Anastasia: No, you don't need more coffee. We've both had plenty today. We need to do laundry when we get home, so let's go.

After arriving home with their supplies, Esme and Anastasia gathered their dirty laundry for the washer. Once the laundry was done, they retreated to their respective rooms for some alone time. Before they knew it, the weekend had passed, and Monday arrived.

Esme: I really want to sleep in today, but I can't. I have to prepare for an exam in a few days. Anastasia, do you have many exams coming up?

Anastasia: Esme, I'm enrolled in two graduate classes this semester and I'm also teaching one.

Esme: You have it easy; I have four exams this week. But my classes aren't too bad this semester. I'm taking a Finance class, an American Government class, an Economics class, and a Capstone course. Oh, that reminds me, I need to meet with my graduate advisor to discuss my Capstone project requirements.

Anastasia: I just met with my graduate advisor last week to discuss my Capstone project. It seems I'm ahead of schedule, which is odd because I'm usually the one lagging behind, haha.

Esme: That's good to hear. I'm glad you're on track. Anyway, I plan to use this week to study, but I wanted to ask you something. After our exams, would you like to do something together? We could go camping or to a party. What do you think would be fun?

Anastasia: I'd normally choose sleep, but let's opt for a party and enjoy ourselves for a change. We hardly ever have fun because we're so focused on our studies.

Esme: Exactly, we have to remember to live a little and enjoy our college years. Let's go to the party. Do you know of any happening this weekend?

Anastasia: Alpha Chi Omega is throwing a big party this Saturday night, and it's going to be the talk of the town. It kicks off at 7pm. Just remember to keep an eye on our drinking, considering what happened last time.

Esme: I can't believe I woke up in a stranger's house, in the parents' bedroom no less. At least I was fully clothed, minus the mess I made. There are moments in my life I wish I could erase.

Anastasia: Here in Orlois, Oregon, we're known for our lively parties. Don't worry, we've all had our share of mishaps. Carpe Diem, as they say. Seize the day, right?

Esme: You're right, let's do this. But should we shop for new party outfits? I've got nothing to wear.

Anastasia: If you'd stop dressing like a grandma, you wouldn't have this problem. There's no need to shop; I've got plenty of new clothes. Feel free to pick something from my wardrobe; we're the same size, after all. She said with a smile.

Esme: Oh, that will be fine. By the way, we need to be extra careful going to and from the party on Saturday. The police department has reported two unsolved murders in the last six months, and they still can't find any clues about how they happened.

Anastasia: Noted. I carry pepper spray in my purse and a shock zapper for those who try to mess with me. It's never good to piss me off, damn assholes!

Esme: What have I told you about using that language, Anastasia? Besides, I carry pepper spray and a multi-tool in my purse. I use the multi-tool to fix my laptop when it's necessary.

Anastasia: Oh, don't start with me, you swear too, Esme! She grins. Anyway, I need to go study and take a nap. How about dinner at 5 pm?

Esme: Yes, 5 pm works for me. Alright, I'll go study and catch up with you later.

Next Chapter: Time to push through exams and party time!