The First Catch

Chapter 1: Melanie

Melanie let out a small sigh as her parents gave her another hug.  God, this is embarrassing.  I must be the only eighteen-year-old whose parents are like this! "Mom, I will be fine.  Trust me!  Can you let go now?"  Melanie complained.  Her mother had been hugging her for a good five minutes.  Or at least that is what it felt like.  "Come along Jennifer.  We should get going."

"Sorry."  Jennifer mumbled, stepping away from Melanie.  "Besides, it's not like I'm never going to see you again.  I am coming home for Thanksgiving and Christmas.  And once or twice during the summer."  Melanie smiled, reassuring her mother.  Jennifer smiled back in return.  "You're right.  I guess I am holding off the goodbye.  Promise me you'll be safe?"  "I always am."  Melanie chuckled.  Brian stepped over to his daughter, once his wife let go.  And hugged Melanie next.  "We will see you soon okay?"  Melanie nodded.  "Thanksgiving."  She reminded them.

Once Melanie got back to the room, she began unpacking.  Her hometown of Washington D.C already on her mind.  It was crazy, some years Melanie couldn't wait to get out.  And now that the day finally arrived, she found herself back in Washington D.C.  Reminiscing on all the good memories.  She missed her friends, and yes, even already, her parents.  Melanie was so lost in the memories, she didn't hear anyone approaching.  "Oh, hey!  Looks like we are roommates."  Melanie snapped her head up to look at who was standing by the door.  The girl gave a slight smile, extending a hand towards Mel.  "Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you."  Melanie smiled, accepting the handshake.  "No need for apologies," she responded in a shy manner.  "My name is Victoria.  Victoria Williams.  I am sure we will become good friends!"  That's not likely.  Melanie thought.  "Melanie Young."

"Have you taken a tour of the place yet?  It looks amazing!  Don't you think?"  Melanie bit her lip, hearing Victoria ramble. Great, one of THOSE roommates.  "I haven't been here long.  But from what I've seen, it looks great."  "Great!  More like amazing!"  Victoria piped up.

"Where did you say you were from?"  Victoria asked, pulling Melanie away from some thoughts.  "I didn't say.  I'm from Washington D.C."  Victoria grinned.  "Awesome!  I always thought it would be fun living in a bigger city.  There are more activities.  I live in a small town in Minnesota called Big Falls."  Victoria giggled, making Melanie grow curious at what was so funny.  She didn't get the inside joke.  "Big Falls only has about two hundred thirty-six people.  It doesn't quite live up to its name much does it?"  Melanie chuckled.  "No, I suppose it does not."

"I know a few things about Minnesota, but never been there," Melanie stated.  "Oh, I could tell you loads!"  Melanie bit her lip, silently kicking herself.  The conversation was nearing the end.  But Melanie opened a new can of worms.  "Think I am going to go down and get some dinner,"  She added, before the girl could say anything else.  Victoria nodded.  "Oh, okay.  I will see you when you get back."  She smiled.  Melanie felt a bit bad for cutting the conversation short.  But she needed an exit before Victoria talked her ear off.  Melanie stood up and grabbed her purse, then exited the room.