Things That Blind Us

Chapter 1

“Mom, I'll be fine” I said packing the last of my belongings.

“I just don't understand why you're already moving out, Mels” My mom said with weary eyes.

“I'm eighteen mom and I just want to start off college independently. I would've left to live in the dorms either way, I just figured that an apartment would be better suited for me. You know, no room mate and no having to shower in a unisex bathroom.” I say

“You could've stayed here, you know. School's not that far. Where is this apartment anyway?” My mom asked me while crossing her arms over her chest. Her caramel brown hair was half up like it usually is as she continued to interrogate me.

“Its 30 minutes from here" I say referring to the time it takes to get from here to school. "And it's on the corner of 33rd avenue and 25th street” I said while zipping up my suitcase.

“Oh well I guess its not that bad but I hope you know I will be stopping by from time to time.” My mother replied putting a slight emphasis on the will. 

“Yes mom, I know. It would be weird if you didn't.”

By this point my mom takes one last look at my empty room, as do I. Almost eighteen years in this room. Everything good and bad has happened here. Posters have been put up and torn down. Furniture has been placed and moved. So many people have come and gone, but its time that one more goes. I'd be lying if I said I wouldn't miss it here. I've made this room my own world and home has been its title for so long.

“Are you ready to go, Melody?” My mothers question breaks me from my thoughts and I see her eyes begin to water. I know how much this must hurt her. My parents divorced when I was eleven and my mom and I have been eachother's shoulder to cry on ever since. My brother was here once. We don't really hear much from him anymore..

“Yeah, I'm as ready as I'll ever be.” 

“All right, the rest of your stuff is in the car. We should go before it gets dark.”

My mother gets in the drivers seat of her car and I get into the passengers seat. She starts the car and I turn on the radio. My thoughts turn towards the window. Summer is almost over and the weather in Miami is quite bipolar. The skies ahead of me are baby blue and clear but when I look into the rear view mirror on the passengers side, the skies are dark and filled with angry gray clouds. I let the sounds of Kings of Leon calm me. It takes about twenty minutes to arrive to our destination and there I was face to face with the building I will be living in from now on.

“What floor are you on?” My mom asks while opening the trunk of the car and getting out my suitcase and some boxes.

“Third floor. Apartment 311.” I respond answering a question she didn't ask.

We take the elevator up to the third floor with my stuff in hand. Once the elevator doors open, we begin to look for the numbers 311. I let my mom know I found the door with the correct digits by taking out the key the landlord gave me. I open the door and head on inside placing the boxes on the floor followed by my mom. The apartment already came furnished so lucky for me I don't have to waste money and time looking for furniture to fill the empty space.

“Wow, so here we are. I really like this apartment Mels, it's really nice." She smiles at me.

"Thanks. I really liked it to when I first saw it. I got a good deal on it too." I had saved up a lot of money from my job in high school. I use to be my chemistry teacher's assistant. I loved that job, I wish I didn't have to give it up, but once we graduate we have to let someone else have it.

"That's great. Okay, I guess I'll leave you to it then. Call me if you need anything honey.”

“I will mom, thanks.” I say walking her towards the door. When we reach the hallway a tall, curly-haired guy appears. His skin is tainted with tattoos and he has several piercings, including one on his lower lip and one on his left eyebrow. He was wearing a black t-shirt and black skinny jeans while a few curls escape the contents of his beanie. He looks at my mom and I standing at my door. He has this unreadable look on his face which keeps me staring in curiosity. He turned around to face the door in front of mine and looked at me over his shoulder. Next thing I know he is unlocking the door without that of a simple “hello” and left us only with a cold stare to fall back on.

My mom looks back at me with worry in her eyes after the mysterious boy enters that which I assume is his apartment. Once I look at her expression, I know exactly what she's thinking. She probably doesn't want me to live right in front of someone who looks like they loathe everything.

“Okay, now I really don't want you living here.” My mom says retracing her steps.

“Oh, come on. He doesn't seem that bad. You don't even know what he's like yet, he might be a good guy.” I say trying to change her mind even though I don't believe it myself.

She looks up to the corner of her eye trying to let this go while tapping her foot.

“Fine.” She finally says. “But if anything, anything at all happens. You're moving out.” She says in all seriousness.

“Alright mom.” I say rolling my eyes. She notices but decides not to say anything.

“I'll see you later hun” She gives me a hug and heads for the elevator. Once the elevator doors close I enter my apartment. The words feel odd in my thoughts... my apartment. Something I'll have to get use to.