Finding Willow

first day & frest start | chap. 1

As my I stepped out of my fathers beaten down Toyota Corolla, I could hear the bellowing cheers from the festivities that were playing out before my eyes. A gigantic banner that read 'Welcome Freshman!' caught my attention as my dad unloaded the trunk.

"Are you excited, Willow?" He asked, setting down my purple suitcase, which consisted mostly of books. I felt as though these books were my friends who were accepted into the same college as I was; except for the fact they did not need to submit any form of interest.

"Kind of. You know how I am dad, a little nervous." I responded, grabbing my pillows out of the back seat as well as my denim backpack. High school was not the most glamorous time of my life. All these films depict high school as some once in a lifetime experience; well I say crap to that.

"Honey, don't be; this isn't high school. People are actually looking to go somewhere in life." He replied back, smiling over at me. I nodded my head agreeing, he did have a point.

We gathered my belongings and walked towards my dorm, glancing down at the map I was given of the campus in my acceptance packet. I directed my father whether to go left, right or continue on the path we were on. As we walked, I took in all of the sites around us. Some kids were already playing Frisbee while others were interacting with either parents or friends. My dad opened the door to the building and immediately my eyes fell on the fact that there was a separation of male and female dorms.

"To the left darling." My dad directed. I followed right behind him as he led the way to the dorm room. After a bit of a walk, we made it to my room, which was number 114. My dad and I entered the room and saw both beds were bare. My assigned roommate hadn't arrived yet, which gave me the choice of the best side of the room. I veered to the left, setting my belongings down.

We unpacked my bags in less than hour which for a girl was probably surprising. I was a really simplistic kind of girl, I did not need much to make me happy. I like dressing up, but will not spend hours doing so. I had already organized my closet but most importantly, organized my books the way I wanted.

"I can't believe this is happening. Just yesterday it feels like you were three-years-old, sitting on my lap." My dad said, looking over at me. I smiled at him, brushing off my wrinkled shirt.

"I have to grow up eventually dad. I'm 18-years-old, I can't spend the rest of my life caged in the house. I have to see what life has to offer. I spent all of high school at the house, it's time for a change." I said, looking at him as he nodded his head. I knew he would agree. He saw me close myself off from the world but he always tried to keep it positive with me.

"Well, I'll miss you. And just know, I am a phone call and four hour drive away." He replied, embracing me in a hug. I hugged him back, I knew I was going to miss having him around. We said our goodbyes and I waved as he drove off. I would miss him dearly, but he was not going to be that far from me.

I walked back to my dorm, expecting to see just a half done room, but instead saw a girl struggling to set her things down. I sped over, helping her with her bags, bags, and even more bags. She was surprised by my sudden appearance, even jumping a little; I definitely startled her.

"Oh hi!" She said in a semi-scared tone. I knew she most likely didn't mean to have such an off-putting tone with me.

"Hello, I'm Willow. I'm taking a wild guess as to say you're my roommate." I responded, smiling at her. I usually would be the one that would introduce myself second, but was taking the chance to change the pace.

"Hey! I'm Effina, but please call me Effy." She replied, smiling my way. She had a warm smile, a very welcoming one. She finally set all her belongings down and held out her hand. I instantly embraced it in a handshake, the proper hello.