The Wanderers

Chapter 5

With only a week left until school started, there was so much to be done. I had to buy furniture and appliances for my dorm along with books, flash drives, notebooks, and clothes. Although, according to Josie everyone wore pajamas to class.

I had gotten a sneak peek at my dorm room when I visited the school with Josie in the spring. The dorm rooms were not big, but not small like most. I knew I would need a microwave, mini fridge, a desk, and a desk lamp.

As I threw item after item in the cart my mom asked where exactly I was going to fit everything. I told her no worries, I'd make it fit. She also suggested maybe I should wait to see what my roommate would bring, that way I didn't take anything extra. I replied with, her mom probably told her the same thing. Better safe than sorry.

Our shopping trip was a successful one. I found the perfect little desk, with a clamp-on light, and a mini fridge. My mom said no to the microwave, claiming she'd like to think I was getting a better meal than something you would just nuke for two minutes. My books would have to wait until I got to school. I also bought some new clothing. Vermont was definitely colder than California. Sweaters, jeans, and a winter jacket were a must to survive the cooler climate.

My mom hated the fact that I was going to school so far away, but to me, the whole point was to get as far away as I could. I could get a fresh start and meet new people. Knowing Josie would be at the same school as me made my mom feel a little better. It also helped that Dean wouldn't be that far away. He was transferring to a school in Rhode Island. My mom took comfort in knowing at least Dean and I would be on the same coast.

My mom spent every minute with me up until I had to leave. She basically smothered me, saying it wasn't too late to go to a school closer to home. I told her, as I did a thousand times, I'd be fine, stop worrying. My mom wanted to fly out there with me, but I had my dad convince her it wasn't necessary. I was an adult now and could do this on my own.

On the day of my departure, we had our big family breakfast, minus Dean. He left two days earlier to go back to school. Since transferring, he had a few things to deal concerning his paperwork or so he said.

After breakfast, I double-checked to make sure I had everything. Xander helped me carry my luggage downstairs where everyone was waiting to say their goodbyes. I gave Danni and Hadley big hugs, saving Xander for last. "Stay out of trouble kid," he said.

"Please...I'm not Dean."

"We'll see," he laughed and gave me another hug. My mom was already crying and I told her if she didn't stop, she wasn't allowed to come to the airport.

Josie and I were taking the same flight out, so my parents offered to take her with us. Her parents weren't as involved in her life as mine and seemed more than happy to not have to worry about driving her to the airport.

When Josie saw us pull up, she ran out of the house screaming "Freedom!" I couldn't help but laugh. I stepped out of the car to help her load her things in the back.

Jake came running out of the house after Josie, hands full, and still in his footie pajamas. "JoJo, wait!" Josie turned to him and paused. "Here, I made you a card and got you a present." He handed her a piece of construction paper and an oddly shaped present that you could tell he wrapped himself.