Dark Pasts

Wounds

I woke up to the sound of my alarm clock, the blue polka-dotted alarm clock shaking as it's sound projected out of its speakers. I groan as I press the button, sitting up as I did so. I rub my forehead, feeling the tears going down my cheeks from my recurring nightmare. I sigh as I get up, forgetting that Heather had slept in my room last night, claiming she saw a monster under her bed. I laughed softly at the memory, knowing she probably just wanted to sleep in the same bed with me. As I get up, I hear a light, sweet voice, "Veronica..?"

I turn around to see Heather McNamara waking up, rubbing her eyes and sitting up in the full bed. I never realized how beautiful she was at all times. Even with her bed head hair, she was a beautiful young woman I have the pleasure of getting to know. I smile at her, "Go back to sleep Heather.. School starts next week for you, I start today." She shakes her head in disapproval,

"If you're awake, I'm awake." She traced circles on to the bed sheets with her finger nail as she spoke, "Did you have another nightmare last night..?" Her innocent, light brown eyes piercing into my own dark brown ones. I sigh, not wanting to answer the question truthfully. Even so, McNamara could tell whenever I lie, so there was no point in trying.

"Yes, I did. It wasn't as bad as the one last night though. Don't worry about it" I desperately wanted to change the subject, "I'm gonna start getting ready, okay? I have to be out of here in an hour and a half." I sigh as I walk out of the room. I walk down the narrow hallway, turning to my right at the bathroom. I walk in and look in the mirror. My chestnut hair was all over the place, my eyes were droopy, and bags were under my eyes due to a lack of sleep. As I look at my face again, I see the tear stains down both of my cheeks, wondering how Heather could tell when the room was so dark. I could tell that Heather already knew, and was just waiting for me to lie to her, just as I always happen to do when it comes to the topic of my nightmares.

I began to get ready for the day. I brushed and tamed my wavy, short hair, I put on a small amount of makeup to hide some of my pimples, and I brushed my teeth. I walked back into my room, seeing that Heather wasn't there. I go to my closet, seeing the blue blazer from high school. I bite my lip to contain my tears, then move it to the other side of the closet, finding my uniform. I quickly get changed before looking at myself in the mirror once more, completely unsatisfied with my appearance. I sigh, knowing that it won't make a difference, and leave my room. I grab my bag which was on the kitchen counter, "I'm heading out, bye Heather! Tell Martha we're watching a movie tonight." Heather laughs softly, "We're probably going to watch 'The Princess Bride' then."

 I laugh with her, smiling, "Well, I don't blame her for loving it. See if you can persuade her into watching something else. If not, 'The Princess Bride' is fine." I walk out the door with content as I hear Heather's small giggles. I sigh happily, then make my way to the Harvard campus.

As I walk onto the campus, I feel my heart jump with excitement. I wear the same clothes as the people around me, and I can already feel myself fitting in more than I did at Westerburg, even if I was there for four years. I look at my first class, seeing journalism 101. My smile grows bigger and brighter as I walk to the class, excited about the day ahead.

I walk out of my last class, rubbing my eyes. The day had been filled with endless classes, applying for Harvard daily news, and making new acquaintances. She was tired, but content. She walked home, wanting to just settle down with a movie with her best friends.

As she walked through the door, Martha and Heather were on the couch, looking over possible movies, a popcorn bowl in between them. I laugh and lean on the couch, setting down my bag, "Lets just watch 'The Princess Bride'. Its the easiest option, and I'm sure you guys probably want to stop looking through these movies we have for no apparent reason." I laugh as I say this, seeing Martha and Heather jump, obviously not expecting the sudden voice to be heard. My voice.

Martha smiles at me, adjusting her glasses, "Ronnie, you're home! How was your first day at HARVARD?!" Martha had always been more excited than me when I was accepted into Harvard. She was more enthusiastic than Heather at times like these. I smile at her, "It was fun, and very tiring." I leapt over the couch, sitting down in between them.

Heather got up to put the movie into the DVD Player, "Ok, then 'The Princess Bride' it is!" she giggled and sat back down next to me, scooting closer to me. I blush softly, putting an arm around her. We kept watching the movie, Martha too jumpy about what we're watching to bother notice Heather and I. For once, I forgot about the nightmares, the memories, and I watched the movie, finally happy with how my life had been continuing on after high school.

Little did I know that my happiness wouldn't last long; and I couldn't do anything to help it.

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First story here, please don't judge too quick. I know it sucks, so I'm sorry that I am ruining this world with this story XD. Anyway, thanks for reading the first chapter, there will be more to come (Which I hope is a good thing)