No, I wasn't head cheerleader in high school nor did I date the captain of the football team. I wasn't popular and all the things you'd expect from the main character, very sorry to disappoint. I did, however, graduate top of my class and was on the...
*The following content contains sensitive themes that is not suitable for all audiences.*
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"Vanessa! I'm going to miss all my appointments if you don't hurry up!" Mom yelled from downstairs.
I cringed at hearing her use my full name. I knew it was my name, but she rarely ever called me by it. To her I was 'Ness'.
After taking one last look in the mirror, I put my long brown curls in a high pony and grabbed my suitcase.
I was really anxious to see my new apartment. I didn't mind the fact that I was living with a roommate - in fact, that was what I was most excited about.
I carried my heavy suitcase down the stairs and placed it near the door. When I went to the living room I found my mother concentrated on her iPad.
"I was about to leave you." she said, her eyes still on her iPad.
No she wasn't. We both knew that.
"Morning." I said as I flashed her a big smile. She was slightly annoyed but that seemed to push her irritation away.
The excitement I felt couldn't be contained. I was finally moving out of my home. Not that there was anything wrong with it, I just found change exciting.
"Breakfast is on the table." my mother said, as I made my way to the kitchen. I quickly ate the oatmeal that she made and once I was done I washed the bowl and put it back.
I then took my suitcase and placed it in the boot of the car. Shortly after, we pulled out of the driveway of my home and were on our way to my new home.
Moving to a completely different city was going to be difficult since I've lived in the same city for so long. My new apartment was very convenient because it was only fifteen minutes away from campus, so I didn't have to rush to get to my classes.
My initial plan was to move into campus and stay in a dorm room but I was wait-listed due to late my application, so instead I got an apartment. I was lucky enough to find an apartment so close to campus, so quickly, but those are the perks of having a lawyer for a mother.
"How do you feel about starting college in less than two week, Ness?" my mother asked, as she pulled onto the highway.
"I must say, I am going to miss you." she continued, briefly looking at me.
I was raised by a woman who managed her time to the T and with that, I've learned to be the same. Moving into my apartment a few weeks before college was my way of planning out my college life before it even began.
Another part of me wanted more time to get to know a few people. Socialize. Explore a little.
"I've been living with you for eighteen years Mom, I think that's enough." I let out a chuckle.
"And as for college, we both know 'excited', is an understatement." I told her. My eyes scanned the trees and buildings as we passed them.
"I mean I am kind of taken back a little because I won't be seeing Sam as much anymore, but it was bound to happen." I shrugged, turning my focus back to her.
Samantha Green was my high school best friend and although I resented labeling relationships, Sam was deserving of the title. Unfortunately she moved to Dallas with her father. Liam Green was a busy man, most times too busy for his own daughter but he finally took it upon himself to spend more time with her.
I was angry, beyond anger even, but I had to push my emotions aside and be happy for her. Sam was finally reconnecting with her dad and I couldn't be selfish and deprive her of her happiness. Even if that meant being away from her.
Knowing you had a loyal friend in high school was beyond peaceful. Betrayal was becoming such a trend that you were never sure of who was genuine and who wasn't. Sam however, was always that constant person in my life even after the loss of Amanda and I will forever appreciate her for that.
Now that I was moving to Seattle, I had to start all over again and trust didn't come easy for me.
My mom sighed, drawing me from my thoughts. "I know, but that doesn't mean I won't miss you, and besides it's not like you and Samantha won't keep in touch."
"Yeah, I know. I'm really going to miss the both of you." I replied, more to myself, than her.
There after, we spent a few minutes in comfortable silence, which of course only lasted ten minutes because she then began to talk about responsibilities and choices. The lecture went on until the lady on the GPS said we had arrived.
We were here. We were finally here. This was where I would be spending the next few years of my life, if all goes well.
My eyes were met with a tall building. I handed over the token used as access to the building to my mom.
"Good morning, Veronica. Great to see you again." The real estate agent greeted my mother.
She was a tall and pleasant woman in her mid-thirties. She was dressed in a black phaplum pencil skirt, that shaped her curvy figure. The skirt matched her black blouse. Her dark lipstick complimented her pale skin, and to say the least she looked very much professional.
"Likewise, Tasha." my mother smiled.
"You must be Vanessa." Tasha said.
"I guess I am, because I must." I said. My mother glared at me. "It's great to meet you." I smiled politely.
Tasha let out a small smile before she turned on her heels.
"Right this way."
The grey walls looked freshly painted and the blue carpet underneath us, muffled the sound of my mother's heels.
Tasha led us to the elevators. As we made our way down the corridor we passed a room that was blasting ridiculous music. My mother seemed unimpressed.
After a bit more walking we stopped infront of a white door with the number '77' engraved in gold.
"Come on in." Tasha said, pushing the door open.
My eyes scanned the beige walls and the cream tiles. The kitchen was decorated in grey, matching the theme of the rest of the apartment.
I walked over to the living room where I noticed a coffee table which had Biology books with a coffee mug next to it.
My roommate was here.
My excitement emerged. It may have seemed unnecessary, to myself even, but I didn't care.
*TW: self harm, su!c!de.*
I found my way to the bathroom which was down the hall, as my mom finalized a few things with Tasha.
My face fell as soon as I pushed the door open and a loud scream echoed through the apartment. It took me a while to realize that the scream came from my own lips.
I stood there, unable to move as I took in the scene in front of me.
There she was, lying in her own blood in the bathtub. She was pale and her damp hair, very dark, she looked my age if not a bit older. Her eyes were screwed shut, and I was fixed to where I was standing, horrified.
(Hi everyone. Thank you for takingthe time to read my book! I wrote it 3 years ago and decided to publish it again. I hope you enjoyed this chapter and please share your thoughts. I'd love to read them!)
