G(l)ory Days

Chapter One

"Kaia Merritt," principal Scott announced. A long strawberry-blonde haired girl approached him from the right side of the stage, being met with a handshake. He congratulates her and hands over the diploma. Kaia's porcelain skin shines in the sunlight and her hair blows in the warm summer breeze as she stops for a photo. She exits the opposite of the stage as another student's name is called. She walks past her mom as she waves and cheers her on. Kaia's cheeks turn a slight rose color as she gets embarrassed by this and sits down as quickly as she can.

The graduation flew by for Kaia, for she hadn't been paying much attention. Her thoughts tore through her mind, focusing on events that happened before this day. The graduation to her was a minor event compared to others, but it is important to her mother. If it wasn't, Kaia had planned on skipping out on school to travel around the world like she has always wanted. Graduation to her meant freedom and only freedom.

Time goes by. Everyone is celebrating their future to come, while Kaia is packing her car for the camping trip she planned with her friends. "Are you sure you want to go on this trip? It's not too late to change your mind, you know." "Mom, I'm fine. I want to go." "Okay, but please don't forget to take your meds. You don't want to start having an episode in the middle of the woods. You might hurt yourself or even someone else." "I won't forget, don't worry. I have them all in my backpack...I have to go mom or I'm going to be late." "Okay,Okay. Give me a hug." They hold each other in a tight embrace. The older woman kisses Kaia's fragile cheek and lets her go. "I love you," she whispers. Kaia smiles softly and gets into her car. As the car turns on, the radio is already blasting Kaia's favorite song through the speakers. She buckles up and is on her way. As she peers to her side mirror she sees her mom getting smaller and smaller in the background, waving goodbye until she eventually turns the corner.

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It was taking Kaia longer than she thought it was to get to the campsite, but Teagan James and Quinn Stables had gotten there first. Teagan is Kaia's closest friend. She has been living Kaia's dream. Traveling the world. She came back to the small town of Oakley, Montana to go on the trip with her friends.

The two girls had just set up their tents and sleeping bags. The evening became brisk as the sun started to set. The rays of sunshine still slightly shine through the bottom of the trees. A fire is lit by the hands of Quinn, while Teagan collects more fire wood before it is too dark. Both are used to camping due to it being a cheaper way to spend a night while traveling through the states. It was also a more fun and adventurous option instead of staying in motels.

As the girls get settled by the fire, Quinn starts asking questions about Kaia's life. She always found her strange and not like other people. Teagan is the closest person to her, so she would know every answer to any question. "So, what's Kaia's backstory? I'd love to hear about it before she gets here. I want to know what to expect."

"Well as you know, Kaia and I have been friends since birth. Since I am a year older she has always looked up to me. We tell each other everything... Well, at least we did." Teagan starts. "Oh, did something happen between you two?" Quinn questions, wondering what could have possibly changed their friendship. "After I graduated things had changed. Before I left she seemed off. Like she was mad at me for leaving her behind. We did everything together and we planned to travel the world after we were both graduated, but I decided to not wait a year for her. Plus, if I never left I wouldn't have met you," Teagan leans into Quinn nudging her a bit intending it to be flirty. They both start laughing hysterically, each gasping for air.

As Quinn calms down she starts to glance at Teagan. "I don't mean to be offensive at all, but what's wrong with her? When I first talked to her on facetime she seemed off like.... well,I don't know. Different?" Teagan looked at Quinn with an uneasy look, not knowing if Kaia wanted her to keep her history private or not, she led on with telling Quinn anyway.