ashes [m.h.] (Completed)

Chapter 1

"Mom! Where are my keys?" I yell out my bedroom door. I've searched every square inch of my room for them. It's past 2:00pm. Great, I'm already missing freshman orientation.

"Mom!" I scream, "I'm so late."

"Downstairs honey!" She calls.

I head for the door, racing down the stairs. Reaching the bottom, I see my mother standing at the door. Tears stain her cheeks and a wary smile dances on her lips. She's such an emotional mother. I can't remember a first day of school where she didn't cry the whole way there. She was never sad about me leaving, just proud of me accomplishing another year.

I feel the tears brimming in my eyes. Stepping forward, I wrap my arms around her and hug her tight. She exhales in relief and whispers her goodbyes in my ear.

"I love you baby girl. You are such an amazing daughter and young woman. Though I will miss you so much, I'm glad your going off to accomplish your goals. Visit often -I love you" she cries, the "I love you" just barely audible.

Rubbing her back, i say my goodbyes. She finally lets me go, the smile upon her face more genuine than before. She tosses me my keys and with that, I head out the door. Barely making it halfway to my car I turn my back and wave a small goodbye. I reach my car and hop inside, starting it and pulling out the driveway slowly. Taking in the thoughts of my childhood here, I leave at peace.

***

The drive to SFA was short and full of nothing but lip-syncing to the songs on the radio. Scenes of tall green trees and pastures filled the roadside as I drive by.  I park by the student directory, grab my purse and head inside.

The building is exactly the same since my tour a few months back. My heart has been set on SFA since 8th grade. The happiest moment of my life belongs to the time I got my scholarship here, junior year. Being able to attend this college is another step closer to the start of my life.

When I reach the front desk, i receive a friendly smile from the woman sitting there. Her long blonde hair is neatly curled, with makeup carefully done. From just her looks one can tell she takes her job seriously.

"How may I help you?" She smiles sweetly

"Hi, I need my dorm number, keys, and class schedule please"

"Name?"

"Maggie Barnes"

I wait patiently as she types away on her desktop with freshly manucured nails. My eyes wander around, examining everything and everybody, until they stop on a peculiar figure. His dark arura contrasts well with the bright atmosphere and I am immediately drawn. A mop of curls is sprawled across his face. Big wave-like ringlets tangle together. His expression is complex, as he studies the screen of his phone. He's dressed in black from head to toe, and it's kind of hot the way it fits him. I can't look away he's just so..just so-

"Miss. Barnes?!" The woman calls my attention back to her.

"I- um, I..sorry, yes?" I stumble

"As I was saying, you don't have a roommatethis year, is that okay?"

"Yes that's fine."

"Okay then give me a second to print.."

My eyes travel back to the curly haired boy. He's leaning forward, phone in hands, but now his eyes are on me. I suck in a sharp breath as if I had been caught. My stomach is turning with embarassment. He stares back with such intensity and I'm stuck like a deer in headlights. I hear  the woman at the desk shuffle back with my keys and papers. Quickly, my eyes tear away from his as my hands grab my new items. Within seconds I'm on my heels and heading out the door.

I don't know why, but I had to get out of there. I'm embarrassed being caught staring, I'm sure my cheeks were as red as a tomato, and burning hot. Thinking about it more, surely doesn't help them cool down.

I get in my car and head toward my room, thinking about anything but that boy. C- hall, C- hall, C- hall....
I spot my hall and park close by. Grabbing all my luggage, I struggle to my room. I'm glad I'm living alone. Easier to study, and I won't have to worry about not liking my roommate. Peace, quiet, and privacy for the next 4 years.

I check my phone. It's already 5:00pm.  Wow my first day living alone is almost complete.

I decide to go ahead and unpack everything, taking up 3 hours. I order pizza and eat it while watching Netflix on my laptop. Before I know it, it's 11:00pm and my eyes are heavy. I drift to sleep and hope tomorrow will hold good things.