Love's Rapture

Kelly: First Day of School

Why did I always get nervous on the first day of school? I'd had plenty of years practicing this, so how was I still so worried?

I hoped to find someone I could eventually study with this year because Parker hadn't been that much help last year. Besides my oldest brother, Jake, I was the only other Murphy kid to go to college so far. Ivy had chosen the married life, and Parker started his own business.

My phone dinged, signaling I had a message. I opened the message to see Zane and Ivy's picture, with their daughter Kayne sitting in their lap crying.

Ivy: Kayne is super sad that you have to go to school. We love you.

Me: Love you, too. Can't wait to see you guys.

Ivy: I know! We're trying to find a rental to drive there. Zane doesn't want to put miles on ours.

I got two messages in a row and noticed Zane texted me in a group message with Ivy.

Zane: I wouldn't have to worry about getting a car if your sister wasn't a chicken. She won't get on a plane.

Ivy: Are you kidding me? I DON'T WANT TO DIE!

Me: You guys keep talking while I get ready for school. This is funny, and it's making my nerves better.

Ivy: dnsl fnsfnwe 393u3hwkf

Ivy: Sorry, that was Kayne!

I laughed and pulled on my black shorts and a light green top. I decided to throw my hair up in a bun, and grabbed my phone, ignoring the continuous message alerts.

"I'm out of here, Parker," I said when I passed him in the kitchen.

"Have a good day, Kel," he grumbled. He must not have had his coffee yet.

I drove the short distance to the school and checked the messages when I parked.

Zane: I'm putting my foot down. We're flying to Ohio this time.

Ivy: Over my dead body!

Zane: We can arrange that......

Ivy: Why so many dots? Wait, why can't I hear you downstairs?

Ivy: Kel, I'll text you later. I have to put Kayne down for her nap and hide from my husband. I fear eggs may be involved.

Zane: ............

I didn't even understand what was going on in that house. I think they'd wasted more eggs on each other than they had by eating them. I saw no appeal in having an egg fight because, ew. I cringed and pulled my bag out of the backseat before heading into the building. I quickly found my first class and walked in to see other students walking around and looking at the desks. I sighed—assigned seats.

I had regrets from my first year of college. One was letting myself get so absorbed in making good grades that I forgot to have a personal life. I failed to make any connections at the expense of excellence.

I looked for my name and sat down. I was in the middle of a table that sat three people. According to the papers, my desk mates were Sawyer Reynolds and Camden Smith. Minutes ticked by, and finally, a guy with brown hair and brown eyes sat beside me.

"Hey, I'm Camden," he greeted.

"Kelly," I smiled and shook his hand.

"Oh my gosh!" A girl sat on the other side of me, and I looked over and almost laughed. Her white-blonde hair was sticking up all over the place, and one of her eyes had mascara slightly smudged directly beneath it. I looked closer and realized she only had make-up on that eye.