Dreaming Of You

Chapter One

Chapter One

Beep. Beep. Beep.

The sound of my alarm awakes me from my deep slumber. Smiling, I kick the blankets off and grab the clean clothes that I deliberately left out the night before. Today is moving day. All of my belongings are neatly boxed against the wall of my small pale-blue bedroom. I make my way to the bathroom, have my morning shower, and get dressed. Pulling my long golden blonde hair into a high pony, I apply light powder, mascara, and some clear lip-gloss, before gathering my final bathroom belongings. After making my bed, I head downstairs to join my parents for breakfast.

My father is sitting at the table with a steaming cup of coffee whilst reading the local newspaper. My mother is busy setting the table.

"Morning" I announce as I take my seat at the dining table.

"Good morning Emmeline" my parents reply in sync.

My mum has really gone all out with breakfast this morning. Bacon, eggs, pancakes and fresh fruit are arranged out on the table. Finally, she sets down a jug of freshly squeezed orange juice and joins us for breakfast. 

"Thanks mum, you really didn't need to cook such an extravagant breakfast!"

Dabbing a tissue to her eyes, I realise she is crying.

"What is the matter?" I ask grabbing her hand, clear concern lacing my voice.

"Nothing's the matter, I'm just so proud that you're heading off to University. We're going to miss you so much Em." She replies whilst rubbing the back of my hand. My dad is now holding her other hand for further support.

"Oh Mum. Please don't worry. I'm only five hours away; I'll call and visit home regularly. I promise."

"We know you will our darling," my dad looks to me with adoration, "now lets dig in before breakfast goes cold!"

Each of us fills our plates with the delicious food, excitedly chats about my next adventure, and enjoys the final breakfast spent together before I move out of my childhood home. 
************************************************
Knock, Knock.

Two knocks fill the quiet but busy house and I eagerly run to the front door.

Chase Stone, my best friend of 15 years, stands with an equally excited smile spread across his face.

"Ready for this Em?" He asks.

I jump into his arms, "I'M SO READY!" I shout, causing him to laugh and tightly hug me back.

We all help to load my countless boxes into Chase's completely packed pickup truck. 

"I'm not going to cry, I'm not going to cry" my mother repeats as she pulls me into a loving goodbye hug, failing to hold back the tears.

"I love you Mum. Thanks for everything." I respond by kissing her cheek and hugging her back. I turn to my dad, "You too Dad, look after Mum for me." He hugs me tightly and nods; it's obvious that he's also struggling to hold back tears.

Chase hugs my parent's goodbye and then we both hop into his worn-down red truck.

"Text as soon as you arrive, and please drive safely!" My dad calls as we take off down the street. I wave to them out of the window, tears filling my eyes as they stand on the curb waving with arms wrapped around each other.

"I LOVE YOU!" I shout before we turn the corner that puts them out of view.

Chase grabs my hand for encouragement before switching on the radio.