All Because of You

Chapter 1 - And the Journey Begins!

I just... I miss him so much, I sniffle and wipe the tears from my eyes as I lay in bed.

"No, not again, I’m not pitying myself." I scold, staring up at the ceiling, "We are going on the cruise tomorrow and anything could happen. For all I know, I could meet the most amazing guy in the world!" I sigh, knowing it won't happen—I already had the most amazing guy in the world… or so I thought... "No, stop it" I pinch myself and roll over, listening to the buzz of the mosquitos and the soft sound of the branches swaying from the breeze. I pull the blanket tighter around me and bite my lip, "Everyone says the cruise will be good for me. I'll be away from here and won't have to look at everything that reminds me of... him." I shudder and sigh again, "We're done.” I nodded to myself, “As of now—no more crying and no more feeling sorry for myself. That happened and it’s in the past." I repeat this to myself and listen to the buzz outside as I slowly drift off into a dull, dreamless sleep.

I wake up and stare at the ceiling again. Think positive, think positive. I nod to myself and sit up, glancing at my alarm clock—6:40 a.m. I am going to think positive. It’s a new adventure! It’ll be fun, I’m sure it will be. I get up and walk down the hall, stretching my arms. I adjust my green shorts as I bang on Molly’s door,

“Come on, Moll, we gotta be ready in twenty minutes!” I call, stifling a yawn. She doesn’t answer, but I just shrug and walk away. I’ll go and get her in a bit. I make my rounds (waking up the rest of the girls: Rachel, Natalie, and Casey), seeing that I am always the first one awake, but none of them reply. I roll my greenish-blue eyes. They really need to learn how to wake up in the morning.

I return to my room and throw a few spare items into my suitcase along with my extra sweat pants and sweaters.

Hey now, don't judge okay?

I'm just insecure... and I like being comfy.

All the time.

I zip it up and place it on my bed and yell for everyone to wake up again before venturing into my en suite and grabbing my clothes for today. I pull on my sports bra and my tank top and sigh,

"I really need to go back to the gym." I throw on my baggy sweater and a new pair of sweatpants. My eyes travel up to my face and I wince, glowering at my reflection—my eyes red and puffy, brown hair a mess. 

“Jeez.” I sigh, trying to flatten it down. I mean, my hair is wavy, but not like this. I eventually give up on my hair and throw it back into a pony tail, it’s not like I have anyone to impress right now. But then I shush myself—stop thinking negative. 

I line my eyes with black eyeliner, smudging it a little. Next I put on some mascara and a small amount of nude lip gloss. I nod to myself. There. All better. I take my makeup bag to place it in my suitcase when I hear the bathroom door slam closed. I stand for a second, not sure what to do. But then I hear it.

Giggling.

I set my makeup back on the counter and stomp over to the door, turning the knob. Locked. I let out a groan and kick it.

“Molly! I know it’s you! Open this door, now!” I yell, kicking it again.

“Guess again, Zoeeee!” A voice teases, making me look up at the ceiling. Really? Why now? We need to leave soon!

“Rachel?” I ask. Fine. If they want to play, I’ll play. As long as they let me out. Soon.

“Nope!” Another giggle.

“Casey! Open the door!” I complain, almost whining. You see what I have to deal with? I mean, really—you’d think living with four of your best friends would be fantastic, but this is what I get at 6 in the morning, “I need to check my clothes!” I add.