Summer of Discovery

Chapter 1: A New Chapter

Graduation caps fly into the air as the ceremony ended. I give a cry of excitement and joy before picking up my cap amongst the other black caps. My best friends Lissa Grey and Evie Underwood link their arms through mine and we all smile joyfully at each other.

"I can't believe it's finally over!" Lissa yells beaming.

"It feels like it went by so fast." I sigh dramatically.

Evie rolls her eyes, "Not fast enough."

We all share a laugh before following our classmates out of the gymnasium.

"When are you leaving for Irvine?" Evie asks.

"Tomorrow. I found a place for rent and everything seems to be falling into place." I smile giddily.

"And Jesse doesn't know you're coming?" Lissa questions.

I nod. "I want to surprise him." Jesse is my boyfriend of two-years. He went to California University in Irvine last year and I applied and was accepted. I haven't told him yet. I'm so excited to see him that I feel like I'm going to burst.

Evie and Lissa share a look before gathering me into a group hug.

"We're gonna miss you!" They say together.

I sigh and squeeze my friends tightly. "You're coming to visit before the summer is over right?"

The nod in unison.

"Good. I'll keep you both updated okay?" I comfort them.

They nod again and we say our goodbyes as we go to look for our families. I find my mom and dad not to far away.

"Congratulations Sweet Pea!" My dad yells and gathers me into a hug.

"Thanks dad." I reply squeezing him back.

"I'm so proud of you Charlotte." My mom sniff and brushes away a tear.

I pull away from my dad and wrap my arms around my mom.

"Thank you Mom, for everything." I whisper in her ear.

She rubs my back gently before breaking the hug.

"Come on, we need to go have dinner and help you finish packing." My mom says trying to hold in her tears.

****
After dinner my mom and I head up to my room. Boxes scatter the floor and we begin to pack away the small decorations and pictures that has always brought life to my room. I pause at a picture of Jesse and me. His blond hair laying across his forehead perfectly and his blue eyes shining. He is the most gorgeous guy I have ever met.

"You still haven't told him your coming?" My mom asks casually.

I shake my head. "I want him to be surprised."

"You might give that poor boy a heart attack." She laughs before sighing, "Ah,to be young and in love again."

I smile at the picture one more time before wrapping it in newspaper to secure it for the trip. My phone buzzes on the vanity and I pick it up expecting a text from Jesse. My heart falls when I see that it is an unknown number.

Congratulations on graduating, Charlotte! My name is Alexander, I will be your tour guide for Irvine.

I reply.

Thank you very much! I will be looking forward to meeting you Alexander.

I put my phone down on the vanity and continue packing. It's not long before my phone buzzes again. This time it is from Jesse. I squeal before opening the text.

Congratulations Charlie. Did you get accepted anywhere?

Thank you Jesse. I've been accepted to a few. Deadlines are a few weeks away so I'm going to go check out the campuses.

That's great! Good luck!

Thanks. I love you!

I wait a few moments but Jesse doesn't respond. Sighing I place my phone back on the vanity and back up the last of my make-up. Mom and I work steadily until everything in my room except for my clothes tomorrow are packed away.

I stretch and stifle a yawn. Mom smiles and heads towards the door. Stopping at the door frame she turn her head to look at me.

"Goodnight Charlotte. See you in the morning."

I give her a sleepy smile. "Goodnight mom. See you in the morning."

She shuts my door quietly and I hear her walk down the hallway and into the master bedroom. I pick up my phone only to stare at a blank screen. Sighing I turn off my bedroom light and drag myself to bed.

****
In the morning I grab my clothes and bring them to the bathroom with me. I take a shower letting the hot water run down my neck and back prompting me to wake up. I get to see Jesse soon. Immediately I am awake. Soon I will see Jesse. I will be in his arms. He will be so excited to see me. Rushing through my shower routine; I hum to myself. I would be starting a new chapter in my life today, the beginning of independence.