New Dawn

First Day

Alydia Lee Williams

CRIMSON RED EYES SMOLDERED AGAINST HER PAIL, olive skin. Wavy brown hair fell past her shoulders, framing her perfect face. She was about my height and we shared many different physical characteristics but she was far more beautiful. The glorious features she possessed, sparkled like diamonds in the brilliant sun. The feeling of a sisterly love swept over me.

I took a step closer to the angel before me and in less than a second her arms wrapped tightly around my waist, pulling me into a hug. "More than my own life." The woman's voice rang, resembling the sweet songs of a magnificent orchestra, as it filled my ears and eased my stress. Her cold lips brushed my forehead and then, she vanished.

At that moment, the sun peeked through my window and disrupted the dream that welcomingly haunted me every night. A hint of frustration disturbed my morning haze – the day had started without me. With an annoyed groan, I kicked the large quilt from my body and stepped onto the cold, wood floor.

Today was the first day of my freshman year at Forks High School. My father had moved my family and me to Forks, Washington after a car accident that caused the loss of my older brother. After the collision, my mom thought it would be best to take us away from our comfort and friends and stick us in a small school in the middle of nowhere. I had trouble seeing the benefits of being taken from our home and placed in an unfamiliar area. I felt empty being away from home, an emotion that turned my once happy and spunky attitude into a negative one. Still, I did what I was told.

Taking a deep breath, I walked to my closet and pulled out a pair of old jean shorts, which were a little too big, and my favorite red flannel. I saw no reason to dress up for something I cared nothing about.

"Lydia you need to hurry up if you want your father to take you this morning!" My mom's voice carried throughout the house.

"Coming." Snatching up my backpack, I threw it over my shoulder as I ran down the stairs and headed for the kitchen.

My parents were both beautiful people, they looked Californian – not like they belonged in the small town of Forks. My dad was fit for his age, and had strong features, which were framed by snowy, dirty blond hair. My mother also had blond hair that fell past her shoulders. She was tan and thin with soft features.

My dad smiled as he filled his mug with black coffee. "Morning honey. Sorry we have to leave so early."

"It's not a big deal. I don't mind loosing a little sleep." I walked toward the island and picked up a small apple and put it in my bag. "Is Cris coming with us?" Cris was my baby brother. He was only a year behind me.

"Nope. He's riding the bus. Too cool to have me take him I guess." He smiled and started heading for the door.

As I quickly braided my hair into one long, messy braid, a small chuckle slipped past my smile. "You know he loves you Dad."

"Yeah."

Together we walked out the door and climbed into his truck.

The drive to my new high school was faster than I expected. We lived only two miles away – a distance I could easily walk in this small town. As we pulled into the parking lot, my stomach filled with butterflies – a feeling I could not remember having before that moment. At an attempt to calm my nerves, I took a deep breath. There was nothing to fear. There was nothing to fear. I reaped to myself. High school would be an adventure and with time I knew I would make friends.