We Both Know | c.h.

Ch1: Away

Since sun was starting to hide behind the mountains, It was time to call it a night at work. I stand up carefully from behind the desk and quietly exit the library. I lock the closed door and flip the sign to "Close". I slowly walk back to my dorm as the nice cool San Francisco breeze sends a shiver down my spine. 

When I arrive at my dorm, my roommate is no where to be found. I assume that she must have attended another party. I don't mind my roommate, Stacy, she and I get along really well. Despite the fact that we are different in many ways, we're similar in a few. Thanks for our love of food, photography, and music, we got along just fine. I hang my handbag on the arm of my chair that stands at the end of my bed. I look around my room to find my packed bags ready and set for Study Abroad.

In two days, I will be heading out, with a few other students, to Australia for Study Abroad. This entire week I had been shuffling papers and meeting with counselors and the Dean to see if I would be able to transfer my units from Australia to here. Now that everything is under control, I can say my goodbyes to my loved ones. 

Of Course, if they have the time.

My Parents are always busy working hard for their jobs. My father runs a construction company while my mother is a defense attorney, the best in San Francisco. As a young child, my parents had always been busy, so I got used to it. Our butler, Daniel, was always with me from watching my first steps to attending my graduation ceremony in high school. He was like an uncle to me and the closest family member I knew.

My Ex-boyfriend, Richard, whom I have known since I was a kid. We began our on and off relationship back in our eighth grade year and when Junior year came around that was when we had our first break-up. He was always there for me when I was stuck in my family problems because he understood exactly what I was going through. His parents were similar to mine, except his father was the Chief of Police and his mother was a highly strict religious mother. The chances of seeing him before i leave...well let's just say that the chances are really slim. We broke up at the beginning of my Spring semester of college and we hardly talk. He's been busy talking with my father about running the business anyways.

A knock breaks through my thoughts, "Come in!" I shout as my two Best Friends walk into my dorm. 

Isaiah and Daelenee, my two (fraternal) best friends since elementary school. They were always there for me when I needed to talk to somebody.

Dae and I squeal as we ran into each others arms. Isaiah joins the group hug and squeezes the heck out of us. 

"How have you guys been?", I  say as we disassembled the hug.

Isaiah heads over to my mini fridge, "We wanted to see you already, we couldn't wait." Dae puts her arm around me.

"Yeah Mel, we figured we could get more time with you. I mean for who knows how long we won't see you."  Isaiah added.

"Are you excited?" Dae asks.

"Well maybe I'm just-"

"Melissa don't start, Lenee and I both know where this is going to lead to. You're going." Isaiah cuts me off.

"He's right Lissa, this is Australia we're talking about! Plus, it's only one class, so it's somewhat a vacation from all of this bull crap life."

I bite the inside of my bottom lip because they're right about it all. Isaiah knew I was going to mention Richard. I don't know if I should leave things the way they are between us.

"But what about you guys? My Family.... Richard!"

Isaiah rolls his eyes at the mention of Richard. He just doesn't understand him.

"Forget him Melissa, find yourself a new man overseas, who will treat you right, like a lady." Isaiah and I turn to Daelenee to find her nodding in agreement with her brother. "He ain't even cute Mel, you can do better." Isaiah Z snaps me and looks back at Daelenee.

"You just don't see him the way I do." We all say simultaneously. They do know me very well. 

"Melissa when was the last time you did something fun for yourself?" 

I look down at my hands. I have nothing to say. "You're right." I mumbled. I knew exactly what he was going to bring up next. I knew even before he said anything that he'd be right. Isaiah gives me a small smile and gives me hug.

"Now, Instead of moping around let's get some popcorn for a movie or something." Dae clears up the thick atmosphere in the room with her chirpy voice. 

We ended up falling asleep to a random TV show on the television. The next day we went looking around to see if I needed anything but we ended up deciding that I would be fine. We watched two movies, ate lunch and said our goodbyes. That night, it was incredibly hard to sleep. I was excited for Australia, but I was scared. I have one major assignment that was pass or fail and this class is perfect for my major in photography. I am also leaving every thing I am comfortable with behind. I am leaving home. I close my eyes and fell slowly asleep .

I woke up at six a.m. to get my luggage set. My flight left at 7 and my parents would be here any second to pick me up. I keep my grey yoga pants and Pink hoodie on and head down to the car. When I exited the elevator doors I saw Daniel standing there with an apologetic smile. I drop my bags and ran up to him.

"I've missed you so much, Danny." The smell of his cologne made my uneasy stomach feel better. 

"Darling, you've been missed back." We pulled apart; his blue eyes matched the color of the early bright morning sky. His grey hair was brushed back and his eyes has never looked more tired. From the way he was looking at me, I understood what he was trying to say.

"I expected them not to come anyways." I turned around as we both head for my bags and put them in the car. I set my purse and my backpack down on the floor of the backseat. I lean towards the window and began to bite the skin of my finger tips. Of course they didn't come. After Daniel drove off my phone buzzed in my pocket.

"Hey Sorry I couldn't make it, really wanted to say bye but it's been complicated between us so i didn't think it'd be a great idea. It's for the best. Anyways, have a great trip, luv u."

I breathed out a laugh. Richard could not have been serious. No matter how tough it has been between us, I was always there for him! I would never do what he just did to me. Maybe Isaiah's right. I'll find someone better over there. He'll be better than Richard.

Once we arrived to the airport, I gave Danny one last tight squeeze and a kiss on the cheek before I left. In that little squeeze, he felt really skinnier than before, but i didn't think much of it. I kept looking for my group even though i was twenty five minutes early. The Instructor was there to set us off on the plane together. Minutes later, everyone else arrived and everyone talked amongst each other. 

"Flight to Newcastle, Australia will be boarding now..." the announcer speaks.

It's time to go now.