The Aftermath

1: beach walk

r o s a l i a

-

The ride to the outlying town of Davisport in Oregon was anything but smooth, with winding roads and bumps along the way. However, as we navigated through the rugged terrain, we were rewarded with breathtaking vistas of pristine glimmering beaches that stretched as far as the eye could see.

As the day slowly drew to a close, the golden rays of the sun began their descent on the horizon, casting a mesmerizing glow upon the landscape. The scene was like a work of art, with tall pine trees framing the picturesque sight and a symphony of birds gracefully soaring through the air, adding a touch of life to the serene moment. The salty scent of the ocean mingled with the fresh pine aroma of the nearby forests, creating an intoxicating blend that filled the air. It was a moment that awakened a sense of wonder and awe in me, setting the stage for a new beginning that awaited me in this small remote town of Douglas-fir trees, lakes, and beavers. 

"We're almost there, honey," my mother, Maria, called out softly, her head tilted slightly to the side, a look of anticipation in her eyes. In response, I let out an awkward chuckle, a mixture of nervousness and excitement bubbling within me.

Life took a sharp turn back in New York. I was the classic high school bully, always reigning as Prom Queen at every year-end gala. But as fate would have it, I made a grave mistake by messing with the wrong individual - someone who happened to be the child of a formidable figure in the business industry. With their powerful connections, multiple colleges conveniently turned a blind eye to my admission applications. However, one institution dared to see beyond my rep: Monarch College in the remote town of Davisport, Oregon.

While the school barely made it into my Top 10 choices, I had to accept the reality that beggars couldn't be choosers. The shock on my parents' faces was palpable when I mustered the courage to ask them to move me to Davisport for college. I couldn't find the strength within me to confess that my horrible actions had led to a disastrous chain of events, resulting in multiple colleges disregarding my application.

In their eyes, I was the epitome of a well-behaved student, the girl next door with straight A's, the reserved and introverted presence at parties, and the proper and poised ballerina. But deep down, we all knew that none of those attributes came close to capturing the truth of who I really was. I was the embodiment of a wild party girl, indulging in the thrill of late nights and reckless adventures. I held a sharp tongue, often mingled with quarterbacks and male teachers, and had a reputation as the mean girl who could effortlessly cut others down with a well-placed remark or a nasty beating.

I've never felt a sense of pride about my past. It's been a few months since I graduated, and I can't deny that I've carried a heavy burden of remorse and guilt for the pain I inflicted on others during my time in high school. Looking back, I'm utterly disgusted by the person I used to be.

As we passed by the bay once again, I couldn't help but be drawn to the rhythmic motion of the ocean gently lapping against the shore. The sight of the sandy beach and the seagulls standing proudly nearby evoked a strong urge within me to take a leisurely walk along the water's edge.

"Mom, dad, can I take a walk on the beach when we're done settling down?" I ask, popping my headout the window, feeling the wind whip through my hair, a wild dance of strands across my face. I yearned to feel the cool, wet sand between my toes and listen to the symphony of crashing waves. It was the solace and tranquility I longed for, a moment of respite before embarking on this new chapter of my life, embracing a fresh start and new beginnings in this town.

"Sure, sweetheart. Take all the time you need. It's a fresh start for you, and I hope you find what you're looking for here." My father, Rolando, glanced at me through the rearview mirror, a warm smile curving his lips, understanding the need for a moment of solitude and reflection. With a sense of anticipation and a newfound determination to leave my troubled past behind, we continued our journey towards my new home and life.