The Year When Time Froze

Chapter 1

  I looked over to Jackson, his eyes were focused on the road. His clean-cut, almost golden hair was blowing in the wind, which was sneaking in through the car window. He finally noticed my gaze, "Allie, dude, quit staring, it's not polite!" he said while smirking. He truly thought he was hilarious, and I let him think he was. Having a twin brother was a blessing and a curse, but at least I got a forever bestfriend. I studied him for a few more seconds longer. "Keep your eyes on the road, I know you can be a bit reckless." I said while nudging his arm. I was making jokes to distract myself from the internal anxiety of moving. The past two hours I had been working myself up because of the difference between Ohio and Connecticut, or how Jackson & I would survive without our mother, and of course how either of us were going to make new friends. Maybe moving for college wasn't the best idea she had. I could feel myself sinking back into my seat, watching the scenery passing by quickly outside. I hadn't noticed I fell asleep against the window for the remainder of the car ride. My body jumped when the car stopped, hearing a mockery GPS voice coming from Jackson, "You have arrived at your destination!" he was holding back laughter once again. We're finally here.

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  I took a step out of the car, letting out a soft sigh, but inhaling a bigger breath. Finally we can get some fresh air. Jackson came from around the car, and met me at my side. His arm pulled me into his shoulder, I could tell he was feeling the same anxiety that I was. "Is the little brother scared now?" I said leaning my head on his shoulder. He looked down at me, "You might be older by a minute, but I won't let you forget that I'm a good 4 inches taller than you." He gave me an evil smirk and an eye roll. We began to walk onto campus, navigating our way to the student building, where we found a crowd of new students, tables, and a bunch of giveaway baskets. Approaching a small table with a paper 'R' hanging off of it, a gray-hair woman stood with a welcoming smile. "Good Afternoon!" she spoke cheerfully, "I'm Mrs. Fitzpatrick, and I'll be helping you finish up the rest of your registration process. If your last name starts with R, you're in the right place!" She shook both of our hands with a smile. Jacks and I introduced ourselves, and sat down as she put on small reading glasses. This is where our journey begins.

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I stood up, after another hour of sitting, and began to stretch immensely. Jacks was finishing chatting with Mrs. Fitzpatrick, but she wasn't letting us leave just yet. She called over a young man, motioning him to hurry over, she looked thrilled. "Alec! I would like you to meet our newest pair of twins!" She exclaimed. A tall, muscular, brunette boy emerged from the crowd. His thick hair was gelled to the side, and his white smile was blinding. His teeth were seemingly perfect, and his eyes were an emerald green. The sparkle in them was mesmerizing. Our eyes met for a second, and I noticed that I had been staring for quite a while. "Freshman, huh?" He questioned, "Why don't I show you guys around, I know you'll love it here!" He said smiling. Jackson was watching me practically drool over him and agreed for the both of us. I gave off a bright smile, and trailed along behind the boys. Our first stop was by the campus library, then through each of the major wings, including my personal favorite, the music department. We grabbed some lunch, and headed back to where we started. On the way back, Alec sparked up a conversation, "Do you know where the dorms are?" He stopped for a moment, probably hinting we shouldn't go much further if we needed the directions. "No, we're actually looking for apartments at the moment. Jacks and I are going to stay in a hotel until then." I was a little embarrassed about our plan, but it was what we both wanted. Alec was a little surprised, "It's a little on the expensive side, but we'll be alright until then." Jackson stated. Alec and I made eye contact again, I could tell he wanted to say something, but he must have been hesitant. He smiled at me, those emerald eyes shimmering with anticipation. I thought I heard footsteps approaching behind me. Right as Alec was going to speak, they scurried over faster. "Alec! Baby!" Cheered a peppy voice from behind me. She pushed through Jackson and I, though we weren't in the way. She was a tall, petite, athletically built girl. Her thick, glossy, black hair pulled back into a high pony. She looked like she was out jogging, but I could tell she was wearing makeup, who wears make up while running? The girl pecked his cheek, and he embraced her. She pulled him in tight, in a possessive manner "Who're the look-a-likes?" She pointed at us, there was a nasty tone about how she asked. "That's Jackson," Alec pointed and Jacks waved. She smiled at him, a little bit too flirtatiously in front of her boyfriend. "And that's Allie." I smiled, and waved as well. "Allie, Jackson. This is my girlfriend Samantha!" He returned the peck from earlier on her cheek. Girlfriend?  "Sammy, actually." She corrected him. I watched her look me up and down, and then make direct eye contact with me. She was jealous, I saw the fire in here eyes.  I grabbed Jackson's wrist, "We were actually just on our way home, it was nice meeting you both!" I exclaimed through my teeth, faking a petty smile. Jackson lost his balance as I pulled him to follow me, "But we don't even have a home!"

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I took the keys from Jackson, and the car door followed me to a slamming shut. "If girls are always this petty over a boy, remind me to never get married. Sheesh!" He said fixing his hair in the mirror. I didn't even want to start the car, Jackson was right, we had no where to
go and we haven't even tried looking yet. "I'm not petty! She was being a-," I paused for a moment,  "well she wasn't very friendly." I huffed, setting the keys on the dashboard. I heard Jackson let out a chuckle, he could judge me all he wanted, but he would never understand girl instincts. Jackson always seemed to find my anger some sort of comic relief for himself. "I have to run to the bathroom before we go, I'll be back in a jiff!" He said rushing out of the passenger seat. I came to the conclusion I didn't actually want to drive. I was too tired, and being upset is awfully tiring. I climbed from the driver's seat to the passenger, and I settled myself against the window. Making new friends is going to be hard if all the girls act like that. Once again, I found myself waking up against the window, at least once Jackson was back in the car now. How long was he gone for?  "Allison! Great news!" shook me aggressively.  "I know where we can live for two months...rent free!" He said, almost squealing like a girl. Two months and rent free? Sounded like he was moving us into a load of trouble, but the sun was setting to a shy lavender and I just wanted to relax. "Well, what are you waiting for?" I said grabbing my seatbelt. He turned the ignition on, and we were off.

Chapter 2 coming soon...