Tension

Chapter 1

I can't believe it---I actually turned eighteen three days ago, and I'm starting to choose my college already. It's like eighteen years of life has passed in a minute.
My best friend, Claire, drives us both from South Manhattan to North Manhattan, where our new apartment will be. Tears trickle down my pale cheeks. I will miss Mom. I will miss Dad. I will miss Shanaya. I will miss home even though it is ten minutes away. Jeez, Hannah, get a grip. You're supposed to be a mature eighteen year old, but you're behaving like a stupid six year old.

Before I can get all sentimental about this, Claire parks her car in a vast parking lot behind a lofty glass building. She turns her head at me as if she's about to say something to me, and she does. She looks worried.

"Hannah, what's wrong? Why are you crying?", she says softly.

"What? Oh, um, I'm just homesick. It's nothing. I'll get over it."

"Hannah, I know how you feel. I live six hours away from my Dad and fifteen minutes away from my mom. You just need a little distraction. Come on. We've got some unpacking to do."

"Thanks."

"Are you coming or not?!"

"Alright, I'm coming!"

Sometimes I wonder if there is any girl like Claire in this world. She's so perfect---her hair, her body, even her makeup. Claire's personality is just as bright as her future. She can be so encouraging, compassionate, and brave, all at once.

Finally, after what seems like a millennium, we made it to the glass building.
As we walk in, my jaw drops. I didn't expect the lobby to be so aesthetic. The chandelier, chairs, coffee table, walls, pretty much everything looks like a luxurious five-star hotel. Claire grabs my arm and swiftly drags me into the elevator. She presses the button '24'.

"It's apartment number six", Claire says as the elevator doors open.

I follow her like a puppy to the door. She places her baggage down and opens the door with her keys. It's big.

"Claire, how can your Mom manage all this?! I mean, the prices, they're pretty---"

"High. I know. My Mom is a very rich business woman. She can manage it. Can we start unpacking?"

"Yeah."

THREE HOURS LATER

I glance at the clock which reads eleven o'clock. I'm done helping Claire with her stuff.

"I'm going to my room to sleep. Night Claire", I say, yawning, my eyes half closed.

"Goodnight Hannah."

I turn off the light, walk into my room, and leap into the plushy bed. The room is plain white, with nothing but a queen-sized bed, all to me. I slowly close my eyes and let the obsidian color enter as I gradually fall asleep.