Reforget [h.s]

Four

Olivia Harding

College life was definitely not easy. Jake moved me across the United States and into a small community college in Seattle. I hated being by myself, but that gave me more reason to focus on my studies. I met some new friends and maintained a 4.0. Since I had so much time to myself, I finished my bachelor's in education in three years.

It was rough, but somehow, I managed to do it. It consisted of a lot of late nights, busy summers, and dedication. I thought a lot about my parents and my uncle, they were my main motivation. Jake occasionally called to check in on me. He flew over and visited for the holidays as well.

Upon my three years in college, I took martial arts. I would go to the gun range often to practice shooting as well. After I left New York, I wanted to become a better person, in and out. I wanted to be able to protect myself in case anything of that sort happened again. I was tired of being a shy, pathetic, and weak girl. When I came back to New York, I wanted to be ready for anything.

Jake sent me money every month to help me with my groceries and other necessities, but what he didn't know was that I picked up a part time job as a receptionist at a hair salon and helped tutor in the school library. Every time I would get the transfer of Jake's money, I would put it into another account, just in case I ever needed it. I refused to come back as the same naïve little girl that Jake thought I was. I was different. I changed.

Jake was supposed to fly in today for my graduation ceremony. I had already spent the majority of the morning updating my resume and sending it around New York to schools and colleges. I didn't really care where I got a job, I just knew I wanted to teach.

I finished with my job search, closed my laptop and put it back into my bag. The rest of my boxes were ready to go and by the door. I had planned to finish packing my wardrobe after graduation since I needed to change anyway. Jake already had some of my boxes shipped little by little back to his house over the past month, just to make it a little easier for me. I didn't have many things anyway. My dorm room mainly consisted of clothes and books.

In the midst of my rambunctious thoughts, a knock on the door startled me. As I uncrossed my legs and stood up, I slipped on my sandals and checked my appearance in the mirror, straightening up my beautiful diamond necklace that hung on my chest before heading to the door. I peeped through the peep hole and eyed my brother. He stood there awkwardly with a bouquet of flowers in his hands, his blue eyes shining with a hint of nervousness but modestly joy and excitement. I swung the door open and smiled at him.

"You are so sweet. You didn't have to do that," I laughed at him. He shrugged his shoulders while raking a hand through his short blonde hair and pulled me in for a tight hug. I felt his muscles through his jacket. He was a lot bigger than the last time I had saw him.

Once I got finished getting ready, we left my dorm and headed to the ceremony. Thank goodness this ceremony wasn't as long as my high school one. There weren't that many people in my class, and there was also the fact that I didn't graduate in May with everyone else, I took an extra semester and graduated in December. The ceremony lasted about an hour.

After the ceremony was finished, I bid farewells to all of my fellow graduates and friends that I have gotten close with over the past three years. It was kind of sad, yes, but I was more than ready to get back to New York and start my job. To finally start my life. We stopped by my dorm one last time to get my last box of clothes. I also changed as well. I threw on my old skool vans and an old graphic t-shirt with some black leggings.

We got a taxi to Sea-Tac Airport in Seattle and checked our luggage in. We stopped by a little store on the way through the airport and got some snacks for the ride. A little nostalgia set in for me. Jake and I used to have nights where we would put on a movie and devour snacks. We always drove to the nearest gas station with our parents and bought a bunch of candy and chips. Our favorite drink was yoo-hoo at the time. I would always get one, while Jake would have to get three. I smiled to myself about my little detour down memory lane as we checked out and boarded our plane.