Songless Bird

Chapter 1

"Willow, turn your freaking alarm off." I heard my roommate, Effie, groan.

I rolled over, hitting the off button on the alarm. Not even two minutes later, there was a knocking on the door.

"Rise 'n shine lovelies!" Our dorm mate Reagan chimed.

Effie rolled over and chucked on of her shoes at the door. "Zip it you Irish moron!" She yelled.

I got out of bed, my back stiff from the hard surface. I've been here for two weeks already, and the term starts tomorrow.

There are only twelve of us on this floor. Effie is eighteen, and wants to major in illustration. There's Reagan and his twin brother Ronan, who came over from Ireland, and it's kinda hard to tell the two apart. (Thankfully, Reagan's hair is a touch darker.) Ronan plans to major in Graphic Design, and Reagan, like me, wants to Major in Creative writing. Atlanta wants to major in Visual Art and Abigal (Abbi) wishes to major in Illustration like Effi. Elisa wants a Filming major, and Lou wants to major in Photography. Jazmin wishes to major in Interior design, and Alistar, who's the same age and wants to major in Game Art. Elias, 23, who wants to major in Fine arts, and Axel, 20, whose goal is to major in Motion Design.

Effie got up while I was getting dressed. "I'm gonna take a shower, you mind putting some coffee on in the common room?"

I nod, signaling that I would do as she asked. Once I finish dressing, I leave the dorm room and make my way to our floor's common room. Ronan, Elisa, and Lou were reclining on the couch, watching the Great British Baking show, while Reagan was working on his computer. The latter looked up at me as I walked in, and I waved to him.

"Ah, the lovliest has awoken." Reagan grins.

"Top of th' mornin' to ya lassie." Ronan greeted me, exaggerating his accent.

"Good morning willow." Lou states, keeping his gaze on the TV.

Elisa waves to me and smiles before looking back to the TV.

'Where are the others?' I signed to Reagan, the only one on this floor who can read sign language.

"Sleeping most likely." He replied, smiling at me. I nod, heading over to the kitchenette and start to prepare coffee like Effie had asked me to. I hear a door open, and look over my shoulder to see Jazmin and Atlanta coming out of their dorm room.

"We're going to the Café, who wants to come with?" Jazmin asks.

"I'll go." Elisa states.

"Count me in." Ronan agrees.

"I'll go later, I've got some things to do." Reagan explains.

"Lou?" Atlanta asks.

"Busy."

"Willow?"

I smile but shake my head.

"Okay, well we're heading out."

After Reagan bid them farewell, the group of four was gone.

Effie came out of our room a couple moments later.

"Oh, thank you Willow, you're my hero."

I grin, handing her a cup of coffee just as she liked it - four heaping teaspoons of sugar and just a little cream.

"Ohmygod, do I smell coffee?" Abigale squeals, rushing over to us. She quickly makes herself a cup, and takes a sip, closing her eyes. "Coffee...."

"You're such a weirdo Abbi." Effie laughs.

Alistar makes his way into the common room as well. Effie notices, and greets him. "Want some coffee Ali?" She asks, grinning. Alistar shook his head.