H E R...

Chapter 3: 𝐿𝑒𝒶𝓋𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝒢𝑒𝑜𝓇𝑔𝒾𝒶

Ever since graduation three months ago, my mom had barely spoke to me. I mean I didn't blame her for being upset. But I did think her behavior was a little selfish. I was going to Harvard, what parent wouldn't be proud of that. I just thought by now she'd come around but she never did. She treated me leaving as though I'd done something to betray her. The audacity in that I couldn't begin to explain.

I visited the Harvard campus three weeks ago for orientation, and I really enjoyed it. I didn't talk to any anyone outside of pleasantries, nor did I find out who my roommate would be. But I would today. Today I was officially leaving for Harvard.

Paris had come over to say our final goodbyes. I would be leaving for Harvard and her to LA. We spent the entire morning reminiscing on the three years we had together. Joking about the many trials of our high school years. We talked about the failed dating attempts on both our ends. I was really going to miss her. She would be leaving for LA in about a week and she was very excited. She showed me the other influencers she would be working and living with. They all had their own content that they would be creating. Shyann's content would consist of a variety of things. She would travel, give food reviews, and fashion tips.

The way Paris lit up when she talked about her plans always made me happy. I couldn't live the life she dreamed about but I could surely enjoy watching her embrace it. I promised her that I would always keep up with her and be her biggest supporter. We always joked that if she was ever in need of legal assistance with getting out of a contract or marriage, I'd be the first person she called.

Our relationship was one that I would surely miss. It was scary to think that once I got to Harvard we wouldn't get to talk as much and it would be months before we see each other. Having to start over completely new was going to be hard but I was ready for a new start. Maybe getting away from Georgia would help me. I was really holding on to hope that it would.

After another thirty minutes Paris gave me the longest hug and told me to call her whenever I needed to. She reassured me that she'll fly wherever I am if anybody messed with me. I laughed knowing that a big part of her meant it. After she left I went back to packing. A single tear dropped down my cheek. Man I'm going to miss her.

I was putting the last of my things in my third suitcase when I heard my mom knock on my door.

"Come in." I welcomed her.

"You almost fully packed? The car will be here shortly." My mom spoke.

"Yes I think I've got everything."

"You should, you've been packing since you came back from orientation." We both chuckled.

I couldn't believe that for the next four years I wouldn't have these moments as much. My mom and I were not seeing eye to eye right now but these small moments of laughter we share are always priceless to me.

"I know, I was just so excited about life on campus once I came back. I'll meet new friends, make new memories, experience things. You know learn new things. All I know is Georgia. There's not many wonderful memories and experiences here for me.

I put my head down expressing that last thought. It was true. A big part of me being happy to go away to Harvard was the sense of escaping Georgia and the hold it had on me. I didn't do much here, I never went out and I surely didn't want to meet new people. I felt trapped here like I couldn't be free.

It was as if my mom could hear my thoughts. She wrapped her arms around me pulling me into a tight hug. Catching me off guard, I returned the hug.

It had been so long since we've hugged like this. It was needed. It was wanted. It's as though my mom spent my last months here avoiding me. We didn't spend anytime together before I would be gone. We hadn't even noticed that the car was here to take us to the airport.

"Oh hell, we're about to miss our ride. Come on girl let's get you to Harvard." She said with a smile.

For the first time it felt as though she was happy for me. Could just be the moment however. Either way it felt good.

Mom and I finished putting the suitcases in the car and we were on the road in ten minutes.

After making it to the airport and boarding the plane it was ten. I wanted to get to the campus as early as possible. Mostly because I wanted to have first pick of which side of the room I wanted. I had to be living here for four years so I wanted to make sure I was accommodated every year. Besides knowing me I might spend a lot of time in my dorm room.

The plane ride was quiet. It was still early so most people slept or read the whole way, except me. Even my mom took a nap. I spent most of the flight thinking about the way I would decorate my dorm.

After about another thirty-five minutes we were landing. I was so anxious to get to the campus I couldn't even try to take a nap.

"Mom wake up we're here."

"Yeah.. I'm up sweetie, I can practically feel you jumping in your seat." She said jokingly.

"Haha. I'm just excited that's all."

      We were off the plane and at baggage in no time. I was just counting down the minutes at this rate. After getting my suitcases we heading out front where our Uber black was waiting for us.

"Are you ready Paisley, and I mean really ready?" Mom asked.

"Yes, I'm nervous about the classes I can admit but overall I'm ready."

"I don't think your classes will be too difficult for you, you're such a bright girl."

"Thanks mom."

"Do you think you'll make any new friends? Maybe even go on a date?"

I was surprised by her question. Maybe even a little irritated. Especially knowing my past. Maybe she was just hoping the same thing I was.

"I'm not sure. It would be nice to be a little more social but who knows. Maybe I'll be swamped with work I won't even have time to try." I answered honestly.

"Well I do hope that you find time in between your studies to be more social. I want you to really enjoy the college experience you know. It'll probably do you some good."

"Me too. Maybe even build up the courage to go to some of the frat parties." I lied. My mom knew me well enough to know even that sounded like a far fetched statement.

"Yeah, you at a frat party, I think I would actually love to see that." My mom joked.

"Hey you never know, I just might. I am really going to try to make a few friends."

"Well Paisley, I do hope that you build friendships here that would last a long time well after college. I never want you to be alone."

I didn't know exactly what she meant by that. She knew my interest in a romantic relationship was a struggle for me and gaining friends showed to be just as difficult. My future always looked lonely to me. Besides me and my mother. With the exception of friends I either keep or gain. Alone was what I always thought I would be.

"I won't be alone. Paris may be away but she's there. I have you and I may meet new people during my time here. Im sure I'll be fine mom.

"I'm sure you will be love." Was all she said.

We sat in the car quiet for the remainder of the ride. I spent the time just taking in the area. I really had made Harvard a reality for myself. I was so ready to get to campus and start this journey.