Twilight Java

Chapter 1

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I've been on a plane before, but not for that long. It took about six hours, and I found myself fidgety and shaky. After packing up all my things into the truck, I hopped into a taxi before hugging my mom one last time and headed towards the airport. It was a strange feeling, realizing that I wouldn't see her in person until Thanksgiving break and that she won't be there, even though my time with her back home was limited. It would be a new sense of dependency, but I was excited to live in it.

Driving through Boston made my heart race. I wasn't used to city traffic, hearing horns honk every five seconds, stopping for masses of pedestrians and being jolted by the roars of passing trains. I gazed at the city as I drove by, wondering how people could live their lives as though it was on fast-forward. Cars were in a rush everywhere, people walked briskly, those on bikes and skateboards weaved through everything. It made rush hour feel like an understatement. I gulped realizing that there are cities far larger than Boston.

When I arrived at the campus, I stayed in the car. The driver got out to help me with my bags but I had stayed frozen. I realized that this was it. My stomach sank when I thought about the fact that I was two thousand miles away from her. I began to panic, but the slam of the trunk brought me back to reality. I pushed open the door, smoothing myself out and slinging my bags over me. I thanked the driver and he gently smiled at me as if sensing my tension. I paid and thanked him, then went on to get myself settled in for Monday.

• • •

Transporting my furniture into the dorm was a hassle-mostly for the moving people- but the heaviest items were done with. The rest of the items were up to me: decorating, styling and placement of everything. My roommate hadn't arrived yet, but I was nervous and excited. I hoped that it wouldn't be like in the movies where the roommates hated each other and rejoiced the day that they found separate apartments. I was imagining either a super preppy girl who acted sweet but secretly hated me, or an antisocial who hated me inside and outside. I dismissed it, knowing that I was being unrealistic.

On my side of the room, I began placing picture frames and decorations. One was a picture of my mom and I when she took me out to the space needle the day after my graduation. We were both the same height and we looked genuinely happy; no fake smiles or awkward contact. Just us in the middle with the needle soaring behind us. The next one was a picture of my best friend, Madeline and I once again pertaining to graduation. She had lifted me up in her arms like a newlywed couple abruptly during the shot, my face surprised but happy as I gripped one hand onto my cap and the other my diploma. She beamed at the camera, probably knowing that my mom was about to take a picture. Madeline was a well known athlete at our school who was on the varsity swim and softball team so she was a strong girl, both physically and emotionally. This reminded me to text her and tell her I was here, along with my mom.

My fingers tapped a message to my mom first.

I'm here and I'm safe :) I think you'd pass out if you came from Ormont to Boston, I know I almost did. I haven't met my roommate yet, but I'm getting settled in so I'll call you when I can. Love you x

I smiled while writing the message, imagining her patiently waiting for her phone to ring. I went to Madeline next.

Just wanted to let you know that I'm here in Boston and that I already miss you. Hopefully I don't get a mean roommate >:( I hope you're doing good in Ohio. If you tell me you're not joining their swim team I'll kick you when we see each other :) love you and make sure to text me back

I clicked my phone shut then noticed my barren bed. I promptly got out my sheets from the stack of boxes and began spreading it out. Trying to not get on top of the bed while scrunching it into every corner, I got caught in an awkward looking position. To my dismay, this was when I heard the click of my door and in walked who I assumed was my roommate. Her arms were racked with bags, while her head sported a baseball cap with square sunglasses. Her short blonde hair spiked out from under the cap.