Derailed

Chapter 1

I've always dreamed of being a published writer, so when I got the acceptance letter from my number one college, I knew I was on my way to making that dream come true. Nothing was going to stand in my way or derail my future.... at least that's what I thought.

•••••

Freshman year. The new start I've been looking for, in a new town with friends and the perfect place to be whoever I want to be. Living two hours away from home is intimidating, but I'm used to being on my own and taking care of myself so I don't expect it to be a major adjustment. We finally pull up to the side of a large building dotted with windows of every dorm room.

"I can't believe this is it. I feel like just yesterday I was reading you books and rocking you to sleep." My mom sighs in nostalgia.

"I'm not that far from home, I'll be able to come visit occasionally. But not having me around makes this the perfect opportunity for you to get back in the dating game, I'm just saying." I joke.

"Oh stop! You know you're the only person I need in my life. I'm sorry you're dad isn't here to be apart of this, it might not seem like it but he would be really proud of you. You're beautiful and smart, and driven. You're on the perfect track to achieving everything you've ever wanted. I couldn't be more proud of you."

"Thanks mom, I appreciate the love but let's get this stuff moved into my room." I say as I grab a suitcase and duffel bag out of the truck. Growing up with a single mom, I've been left to figure out my own dinners and take the bus to and from school until I could afford to buy my own car. It wasn't the most glamorous upbringing but it forced me to be independent and my mom did everything she could to make me happy. I must get my drive from her.

We drag bags and boxes of my things up two flights of stairs to dorm 22b, my new stomping grounds for the year. I open the door to a small room with dark wood floors, tan paint, and two of every piece of furniture, though the right side has already been occupied by dark and rich colored decor.

"Left side it is," I say as if I have an option and throw my stuff down on the bed. We start unpacking and decorating my side of the room in white and grey decor with hints of light pink. My roommate and I seem to have pretty polarizing styles but who's to say that's a bad thing?

"Shit, where did I put my phone!" A tall girl with dark black hair yells as she's busts through the door to her cluttered desk, with an equally tall boy following behind her. She rummages through her things for a second before realizing our presence, "Oh hi, I'm sorry. I'm just looking for my phone but you must be Olivia?"

"Um yeah, and you're.." I start before she interrupts me.

"Sasha, the one and only." She says while she continues to look through her things, "Aw! There it is! For someone who can't spend 5 minutes looking away from their screen, I sure do lose this thing a lot." She attempts to joke, sliding the phone into her back pocket and grabbing her purse off the desk. "We're going to grab some food, want to come?"

"Thanks but I still have some unpacking to do."

"All good freshie, we can catch up later!" She exclaims and walks out with the guy I was never introduced to. She's pretty chaotic and already has a freshman pet name for me, but I'm sure she's a nice girl.

"Well that was something. Are you sure you're okay with this room hun? I want to make sure you can focus and take full advantage of this opportunity." Mom asks.

"I'll be fine." We finish up my room and it's time to say goodbye.

"I love you so much sweetie, you're going to do amazing things here. My door is always open when you want to come home and visit your old mom." She hugs me.

"I love you too mom, don't worry about me." She takes one last look at me as she sighs. She smiles and heads out the door leaving me alone in the dorm. I feel relieved to hear the bang of the door closing, followed by silence. So this is what it's like to be on my own. I lay down on my perfectly made bed, left with nothing but myself and my thoughts. Well that didn't last long, as my phone rings seconds later. I pick it up and read my boyfriend's name across the screen, this isn't one I can send to voicemail.

"Hey babe, how's college life treating you?" Tyler says with excitement.

"Oh you know, just drowning in homework and alcohol already," I joke about the typical college experience. Tyler is a year behind me which is the hardest part of being so far from home, but he supports me and wants me to go after my dreams. What more could I ask for?

"Well don't get too crazy without me. Hopefully I can visit this weekend, come see the new crib?"

"Yeah babe, we'll have to see how things are going. I'm going to settle in and get some rest but I'll text you tonight." I try to end the conversation.

"Don't forget about me, I love you." He says genuinely.

"I love you too Ty."