Finding Amity

Chapter 1

I'm not really the type to talk about themselves. I prefer to stand on the sidelines and let everyone make their assumptions. The only people that truly knew me were my parents, and that knowledge died with them three years ago.

Since then, I've lived with my godmother Carrie and her son Cooper and continued to contain any aspect of my personality. Maybe I want to keep that between my parents and I. Maybe I'm just shy. But not for long! The second we stepped into the car this morning, Cooper made me promise to "let my true colours shine".

Thats easy for him to say. He is one of those guys who oozes confidence and self-assurance. Track and field MVP in high school, currently studying at UCLA on a full-ride, Olympics-bound. He was popular, charming, and attractive. Even if someone was to not accept him for who he is, he would move on. That opinion wouldn't haunt him for the rest of his life.

I turned to the tan boy beside me and smiled. If college life didn't work out for me, if everyone at Oregon State hates me, he will still be there for me. He will still be my friend.

"What?" He asked, his blond hair bouncing as he turned to me. "Is there something on my face?"

I shook my head and turned to face the windshield, looking out at the pine trees surrounding us. In Avondale, the only plant-life we saw was the occasional dying palm tree. The trees was a major contributing factor in the decision to go to university here. Pine forests made me feel... safe. Almost like the trees were standing guard.

"I don't know." I shrugged. "I was just thinking about how weird it'll be not living with you and your mum."

"You're not dying, Ames!" He laughed. "I promise I will fly up as often as I can and we can Skype."

"Promise?" I begged, stretching out my pinky finger. He rolled his eyes, but wrapped his pinky around mine.

I watched as houses started appearing alongside the highway. Then the houses started to look nicer and more expensive and closer together, and eventually turned into brick townhouses and apartment buildings as we entered the city of Eugene.

The skin on my arms prickled and my heartbeat pounded in my chest. I stared at the roof of the car and tried my hardest to ignore the sick feeling in my gut.

"You're doing it again, aren't you?" Cooper questioned, concern written on his sun kissed face. "Over thinking gets you nowhere, Ames."

"That not exactly true, it gets me into a state of fear and panic." I deadpanned.

"Everyone is as scared as you, I promise. Just be yourself, they're gonna love you."

"Says the most popular boy in Los Angeles." I shot back.

"How do you think I felt on my first day of college?"

"You were still living at home." I reminded him. "What if my roommate doesn't like me? I have to live with her until the end of the year!"

"Amity. Be friendly and positive and they will have nothing to dislike."

I threw my head back and closed my eyes, trying to absorb what he was saying. I know I would never judge someone for being quiet and shy and nervous in this situation, but my mind tells me that I don't deserve that same treatment from others.

"And if anyone has a problem with you," Cooper cracked his knuckles. "They'd have me to deal with."

I let a giggle escape my lips as I opened my eyes again. I couldn't help but feel a little hopeless when my eyesight caught on his thin arms. I could probably fight better than him.