The Girl in the Dress

Chapter One

I open my eyes to a new day as my alarm clock beeps very annoyingly in my ear. I slap the snooze button, annoyed that I have to wake up. 

As I look at the time on the clock, I suddenly realize that I am late! I spring out of bed, sending the covers flying across the room. I throw on my favorite dress, a dress that is white with black and yellow polka dots. I put my long, brown hair into a messy bun and a black headband to hold it in place. I push my bright yellow sunglasses over my deep blue eyes. I then run out of my room, down the stairs, into the foyer, and outside onto the front lawn. The freshly mowed grass feels soft on my bare feet. Wait a minute, bare feet?!? Oh, crap! I thought. I turn back to run into my house, but Dad stops me in my tracks. 

"Nicole!" He yells at me. "You forgot these!" Dad holds my size 8 1/2 black flip-flops high up in the air so I can see them about 50 yards away. 

"Thanks, Dad!" I tell him, and rush over to retrieve my flip-flops out of his hands. I quickly shove them on my oversized feet, and sprint back to my 2010 bright blue Toyota Corolla. My dad follows me, carrying my boxes full of all my belongings to move in to my new apartment next to the college campus. He gingerly puts the boxes into the trunk, and I sit down in the passenger seat of the car, shutting the door behind me. Dad slams the trunk shut, seats himself in the driver's seat, closes his door, and puts my keys into the car's ignition. Once we are off, I stare out the window, getting a good look of the scene around me. It might be several months before I see this place again: the green yards, brick colonial houses, young children playing in their front yards, the white picket fences separating one's backyard from another. 

"I don't want you to leave," he tells me. I keep looking out the window, because I don't want to leave, either. "It just seems like yesterday when you were a little toddler." Tears start to roll down his cheeks. "And now - look at you. All grown up and going off to college." He sighs. "I'm really going to miss you, Nicole." 

"I will too Dad," I assure him as the car pulls into the campus apartment complex. He parks the car in a parking space right up front and we both get out. Dad pops the trunk and helps me carry my many boxes into the lobby. 

The lobby is like a typical lobby you see in hotels: green wallpaper, gray carpeting and lots of pictures on the walls. The chairs are all leather and over in the left hand corner right next to the front desk, I spy a coffee machine. Ooh, coffee! I thought. I could really use some coffee right now. I press some buttons and out comes a warm cup of coffee. Right as I take a sip, the elevator doors open. My dad motions for me to come over. I enter the elevator with him, and press the 3rd floor button. I glance over my shoulder. There is a blonde girl who looks like she is about my age. Her arms are folded and her face is in a pout. An older woman who looks like she is her mom stands next to her. Neither of them say a word to anyone. 

The elevator reaches our floor and the doors open. Dad and I exit, and the other two ladies stay behind. "This way, Dad!" I point down a hallway to the right. He follows me down the hallway, past many red-painted doors. I read the numbers aloud in my head: 401...402...403...404...405...406! 406. I stop at the door labeled 406. This is my apartment. I turn the keys in the keyhole and slowly open the door. 

Inside, the walls are painted plain white. There is hardwood flooring going all throughout the house. I walk down a hallway for a few feet and then it opens up into a kitchen. The kitchen has granite countertops and white cabinets and stainless steel appliances. Across from the kitchen is a dining room, surrounded by large windows on one side. Next to the dining room is a bathroom, nothing too much to that. Going back up the hallway, there is the master bedroom and a smaller bedroom. The master bedroom is large with white carpeting and a walk-in closet. There are two windows facing outside on one wall. I examine the next bedroom; it almost looks the same way except it is smaller and has a small closet. On the other side of the dining room is a living room, complete with carpeting and large windows outside.  

I go back into the master bedroom and set my stuff down. Dad sets down the boxes that he had in his arms, too. 

"So how do you like it?" Dad asks.  

"Oh, Dad! I love it! I can't believe it's all to myself!" I reply.  

"Great, I'm glad you love it!" Dad hugs me. Do you need any help unpacking?" 

"No, I'm pretty sure I got this. I love you, Dad!" I tell him. 

"Okay then, Nicole, suit yourself." He hugs me again. "Try to visit often, okay?" 

"Don't worry, Dad, I will, and I'll be fine." I hug him back. "Bye, Dad." 

"Bye, Nicole! I love you!" He then leaves my new apartment to leave me to myself.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

After a long while of unpacking things, I find my guitar. I sit down on the bed that came with the apartment and put the strap around my neck. I always play my guitar and sing when I have something on my mind. And today I do.  

I start strumming out a tune on the guitar. I watch as my fingers strum, letting them do the work of making the music. Then, my voice finds me. 

"Just 18 years ago I was born  

My mom held me for the first time 

In that room.  

Watching as my little hands wrapped around hers" I sing. 

"Then time passed and I was 

Already five years old 

Walking around the house and loving life" As I'm singing, I happen to look at my watch. 11:25 it reads. Then I suddenly realize that I am late for the second time today! I set my guitar down and race out the front door of my apartment to go to the college campus tour.

Chapter Two

The car comes to a stop in front of the college. As I get out, I look up at the place. It is very big and grand.