Dorm 16

Chapter 1: Moving in

Click.

My key slipped into the lock. I took the key out of the door and pushed it open. I shut the door behind me, and put the pink key with cats back in my pocket. 

I left my beloved galaxy backpack next to the door. At this time, I would do my homework. If I didn't already do it. When you eat lunch alone everyday, it gets a little boring. And being a nerd only helps the want to do my homework. 

I've been living in the sleepy little town of Mlain Valley for 3, almost 4, years. I moved into this 4 person dorm just before staring grade 9 at McLean High School. I made the decision to move here after my father died. I couldn't stand being in the same house all day. My mom home schooled me after kindergarten. The kids were always mean to me that one year I went to school. 

Anyways, they say it's not good to dwell on the past so back to present day. 

When I get home from school, I normally just read. But today was my first day of senior year (grade 12), and I was in the mood or something else.

So off to the park I went. It's one of my favorite places to go when I need to get outside. I like to either read or just look at the water. There are cafes around town. There's a tea shop and a Starbucks. But they never have any staff. 

Today, I just sat and looked out at the water. I let the cool autumn breeze move my hair and cooled my face. I looked across the pond and saw a couple...well...they were... bonding. That's it. bonding. It reminded me of Chris, and I looked back at the water.

In 10th grade, Chris was in grade 12. The day before prom, he asked me out. We had been dating for a few months.  We went to prom together. We got so many stares. But we didn't care. That night was the best of my life. He drove me home. We drove through a green light, but we got hit halfway through. I broke my leg and got a concussion. Chris lost his life that night. I keep replaying it in my mind, not able to move on. 

I looked up from the water, and notice that the couple had moved on. I stood up from the wooden bench I was sitting on and made my way back to my dorm. 

"Oh my gosh, I'm so sorry!" I almost ran into a girl on my way home. I was walking with my head down and didn't see her.

"It's ok" she said and ran her hand through her hair. I smiled at her weakly and continued on my way, my head hung low again.

"Hey wait a sec" she said. I turned around and looked at her.

"Yeah?"

"Why so sad?" I looked at her, not really sure if I should answer her or avoid the question.

Avoid.

"I haven't seen you around! Are you new?" I asked. 

"You can't avoid my questions," she said. "But yes, I am new. Now why you got your head hanging low?"

"I..." I don't know what happened, but I found myself telling her a little about Chris. She said she was sorry.

"I'm Cassandra. Cassandra Dickson." She held out her hand.

"Ava Willow" I replied, shaking her hand and smiling. This was the first person I had talked to in almost 2 years (not including my teachers). This was really happening.

"Hey why don't you give me a tour of this place." Cassandra looked around at the wide variety of buildings around us.

"Sure," I replied. "Lets start with the road on your right. It's got all the dorms. There's also a tea shop at the end of the road, but there's never any staff. Do you know where your dorm is?" I asked.