Always You

Chapter 1

Sierra

I let out a big sigh of relief as I hit the little green "Submit" button on the bottom of the page. I felt the weight of my messy bun as I shook my head and rubbed my eyes. Finally letting go of the tension in my shoulders, my lips curved up in a smile as I finally looked up from the laptop screen.

Finally, all done!

I blinked as my vision adjusted to the darkened room. There was a dim glow radiating from beneath the blinds, just enough to illuminate the modest room that was my dorm. My eyes landed on the pile of clothes and books sprawled all over the floor, and let out a sigh. Everything was a mess.

Not in the mood for clean up just yet, I walked over to my unmade bed and promptly plopped myself face first into the soft linen fabrics. My bed gave me a warm welcome hug and before the springs of the bed had even settled, I was just about ready to drift off to a long-awaited nap. Before I even had a chance to close my eyes, I jumped as a loud sound pierced through the sweet silence around me.

I began to frantically search for my ringing phone, which I have once again manage to lose in my bed. Aha! Closing my hand around a buzzing device under my pillow, I sat up and took the call. 

"Hello?" I breathed.

"Sierra! Where in the world are you?!" yelled a frustrated voice from the other end.

I paused. Oh no, the party!

I immediately sat up, "I, uh-" I stammered.

"Jordan and I are out the front waiting for you..." Harper paused. "You didn't forget, did you?" She said with a hint of suspicion.

"Oh no, no, I just submitted my essay and was just about to get ready," I reassured her, now frantically rummaging through my floordrobe looking for something clean to wear, phone wedged between my head and shoulder. "I'm just running a little late, don't worry about waiting for me, you girls go in and I'll meet you there in 15!"

"Okay! Don't take too long, don't want to miss out on all the fun!" I heard a giggle in the background as Harper added, "see you soon! If you can't find us we'll probably be on the dance floor!"

"Haha, okay - Catch you guys soon!" I sighed, lowering the phone.

Well, there goes my plan of catching up on some well deserved sleep. Despite this, I smiled to myself as I continued my search for an acceptable outfit. When an excitable Harper came into my dorm a week ago insisting my attendance at this party, I forgot I even had this assignment to do. Almost everyone in this block was in peak celebration mood, and who could blame them? It was orientation week after all. I just happened to have done a summer study term. I was probably the only one slaving away at the computer while everyone was enjoying the orientation activities.

This was my second year at the college and I have already met most of the people staying on block D, - I didn't see why I had to attend this party. But upon the insistence of both Harper and Jordan that this was the biggest party of the semester, I did not want to miss it. Plus, I'd finished the last assignment for the summer course and there might be some fresh new faces I have not seen.

Giving up on the mount of dirty clothes at the foot of my bed, I walked over to my actual wardrobe in search of something clean and wearable. Due to my laziness, combined with my looming assignment deadlines, I only had a handful of items hanging on the lonely rack. My eyes landed on a mustard yellow playsuit with flowery sleeves and a gentle, subtle floral print. Perfect!  After slipping it on, I grabbed my fool-proof white converse high tops to pair.

My hands flew up to my face, remembering the birds nest of a hairstyle I was sporting. I winced as I glanced at my tired reflection in the mirror mounted next to the wardrobe. If I walked out of the dorm right now, I would no doubt get a dozen questions asking if I was sick. But there's nothing a little bit of make up can't fix!

I pulled out my bun, and my warm brown locks fell in loose waves after having been in a bun for the whole day.  I swiftly applied some light makeup, finishing off the look with a natural-hued lip liner, and a subtle pop of shimmer to my eyelids to bring out my bright, green eyes.

Satisfied that I looked half awake, I took one last glance in the mirror before flicking the lights off and racing out the door.

******

The rhythmic pulse of a racing bass line could be felt before the sports hall entrance was even in sight. By the time I had turned the corner, the music was booming. I walked through the double doors into the gymnasium and blinked as my eyes adjusted to the darkened hall with beams of lights dancing over the crowd. The sports hall was packed with buzzing adolescents bobbing to electronic beats; the party was in full swing.

My eyes did a small scan of the hall. There was an area to the side with standing tables where several groups of people were scattered, hanging around with cups in hands. Near the back wall there was a makeshift bar area where a queue had started to form. My friends were nowhere to be seen. I breathed out, they must be on the dance floor. Scanning the hall one more time, I took a step towards the packed dance floor.

Thanks guys for being here and reading the very first chapter of my very first story! I hope you enjoyed it - I'm very excited to be beginning this journey, can't wait to share the rest of my story with y'all!! If you have any feedback please comment away, I'd love to hear your thoughts :)