*ring* *ring*
My alarm went off at 6:30 AM. The earliest i've woken up since High School. I reached my hand over feeling the tip of the "off" button, and pushed it down. Man didn't I sleep heavenly. All I could think about was Emma. I know we just met, but damn she was something. I wanted to badly to bring her in, and show her how beautiful she was. I tried charming her, and slowly taking her down that path. But as soon as she finished scolding me for smoking she turned her back and left. She lived 5 doors down from me. Maybe if I hurry getting ready for my orientation I'll run into her. I jump out of bed only in my boxers and go to my closet to pick out something "impressive". I choose a black v-neck shirt, and khaki skinny jeans. I pair it with my leather converse high tops, and my leather jacket. I hurry and run to the bathroom to rinse my face. I noticed the circles under my eyes appeared darker. My jaw lines seem sharper. I can't be thinking of this right now. My self-confidence will pop, and I won't impress Emma at all. After putting styling gel in my hair Andy walks in groggily in his boxers.
"Morning princess." He reaches over my arm to grab his tooth brush.
"Good morning. When did you come last night?" I asked.
He answered with his mouth full of minty suds, "3 AM."
"Cool! See ya." I said in a hurry brushing past him.
I grabbed my camera that was hanging off my bedroom door knob and a granola bar from the fruit basket. I was out the door desperate to find Emma.
•••
"Seattle University." The bus driver spoke through his microphone.
I was the only person stepping off the bus to the University. As soon as I got off I had no idea where to look. Students crawled everywhere like ants. And the whole University grounds was massive. I didn't have class today which was pretty lucky. All I had to do was go to the principle's office so I could get a tour. I read names off buildings, and I was near the medical area. I walked further east to find the center of the University. It was embarrassing walking alone, and confused. Although I did spot the cheerleaders on the way. Gorgeous. All of them. Their mini skirts, and curled ponytails. I couldn't help, but give a small stare. Not paying attention I felt my foot stumble on a book bag. I almost fell over, but I caught my balance immediately.
"Hey! Excuse me." I heard a familiar dainty voice.
I looked straight into the eyes of the beautiful angel I was looking for all morning.
"Oh I am so sorry," I said while fixing her book bag. "Emma?"
I knelt down next to her as she had a small notebook and pen in her hands.
"Yes? Are you the smoker?" She smiled her perfect rows of teeth.
"Smoker? Wow. That's what you'll remember me by?" This time I took a seat right next to her.
"Well I didn't get your name."
"Eric Sedjwick. Nice meeting you." I shook her small, smooth hand lightly. She continued to smile at me, "nice meeting you. What are you studying?"
"Photography. I came all the way from California to study here."
"What?! Did you live in L.A?" Her sea blue eyes widened as big as a full moon.
"Yes I did. Why?"
"I've always wanted to live there. With all the movie stars."
I bit my lip while gazing into her eyes, "are you studying drama?"
"Why, yes. I've been an extra, and in some plays before. Now all I need to do is finish my studies. I've been taking lessons since I was 5."
"Marvelous. I've never met someone with a desire to become an actress. May I say you'd be the most beautiful." I said smoothly.
Her face flushed peach pink, and her smile spread again across her face, "how old are you?"
Now we're going down that path. I calmly regained myself, and answered as clearly as possible, "19. You?"
"18. So you decided to take a year off?" "Mm, yeah. I was tired of school. You could say." I lied. No one knows what happened that year, and I don't plan on telling anybody.
"Well, I was going to go on a mission, but I wanted to finish school first." Emma said with pride.
A mission? What in the world is a mission?
"Pardon?" I asked.
The smile from her face turned into a small frown, and the pink in her cheeks returned to normal color, "you're not religious?"
"Oh! No no no! Why would I be?" I said baffled.
The sparkle in her eyes dimmed, and she looked disappointed. It hit me that she wanted to see someone who had the same religion as her.
"Religion is very important in my life. Remember that. Okay? Friend." She smiled again and shook my hand.
My skin tickled, and I felt irritated. The topic of religion wanted to make me puke. I felt extremely uncomfortable. But Emma's religion did not change the way she appealed to me.
"Of course. I have full respect for you. Well, I need to find the principle's office. Do you know where it is?"
"It's right behind you." She laughed and pointed to the building directly behind me.
"Oh, haha. Thank you." I got up from the ground and waved to her goodbye. As I was walking away I could feel her staring at me. In a good or bad way, I don't know, but I made sure I walked with pride on my shoulders.
•••
As I walked into the main office I saw a bald man hunched over his desk. There was a name tag and it read, "Mr. Underwood".
"Mr. Underwood?" I said when standing in front of him.
He looked up at me with surprise, "oh! You must be...?"
"Eric! Sir. Sedjwick." I leaned over to shake his hand.
"Take a seat Eric." Mr. Underwood spoke.
I took a seat quietly before him. I watched as he opened a filing cabinet on his desk, and pull out a thick folder.
"This, boy are your files. Of grades, and citizenship. Participation in clubs, and absences. Information of your home," He went on.
I gulped as he said "your home". I wonder what they do know. I hope not too much.
"The reason I show you this is because I want you to honor all the work you've done to make it here."
How odd. 'Why would I need to see this?' I thought.
"Well, thank you Mr. Underwood. It is my pleasure to be here. I came here because I was offered a tour, and you know what? I'll take it!" I smiled.
"Great. I'll get Amy for you," Mr. Underwood pressed down a button on his desks phone. "Amy we have someone who needs a tour."
We waited for a few minutes before a cute, tall, and skinny brunette appeared.
"Who shall I be touring Mr. Underwood?" She asked politely.
"Me." I answered looking at her with dagger eyes.
"Uh, yes, him. Carry on." Mr. Underwood motioned us out of his office.
Amy and I walked side by side into the massive corridor.
"As you know this building is the main office. Principal, counselors, and teachers remain here." Amy pointed out all the rooms which were empty.
"The teachers?" I asked.
"After school hours," She replied. "Shall we take this outside?"
•••
Amy showed me all the nooks, and cranny's of the school. Every classroom, and building of every subject. The massive concert arena sized cafeteria to the parking lot which was 4 stories. I don't think half of what she showed me was necessary. Although I did keep her around by asking all these questions. We finally hit my building of "fine art". It consisted of painting, drawing, and photography.
"So this is where you will be at." Amy stood very close to me looking up and down the building.
"Are you a student here?" I asked looking away from what she was showing me.
"Ahaha, oh. Well...yes but i'm on my last year. I want to be a principal."
"Oh that's great. Too bad I just started."
We both laughed and we heard the bell ring to dismiss all of school. We took the entire day together.
"See you around, Amy?" I winked at her.
"I guess I will!"
YOU ARE READING
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Teen Fiction19 year old photographer, Eric Sedjwick, grew up in downtown L.A. In a broken home. He prepares for college in Seattle, Washington for his photography career. Depression and drugs Eric struggles to keep alive. Until he meets a girl at his college, E...