One of the Boys

Chapter One - Boxing up the past

The weight of an overweight bulldog snapped me awake. I sighed, shoved Sandra off my chest and rubbed my eyes. Looking at the clock I could see that it was half past seven. I was due to move into my college dormitory before the new term started and typically I had left everything to the last minute. As my eyes scanned the room I saw just how much work I had landed myself in. Clothes covered the floor and the only visible carpet was the snaking pathway from my bed to the door. A loud snore from the foot of my bed drew my attention. Sandra was on her back, paws in the air, her head no doubt full of puppy dreams. I laughed and scratched her large belly.

Over by the door a pile of flat pack boxes had been leant up against the wall. Knowing I couldn't put it off any longer I crossed the room to them and assembled the first box. Labelling it 'clothes' I put it on my bed and began to fold the clothes laying at my feet and pack them into the boxes. Things like my bed and dresser would obviously stay but the things inside them would come with me.

A few hours later.

It had been a seriously long day and we were now approaching the last box. My 3 year old brother Max was sat on my bed with an empty box on his head, squealing with delight. From downstairs the smell salsa and chicken wafted through the open door. I smiled to myself. Dad was making the only thing he could cook without embarrassing himself or giving anyone who ate it food poisoning - fajitas.

As I knew my going away dinner wouldn't be ready just yet I decided to finish my packing so after the meal I could just shower and go straight to bed. My suitcase lay open at the end of my bed so I made my way around the room choosing things I would need for my first week of college. My wash-bag and make-up bag were amongst the first things to go in. Following that were t-shirts, leggings a couple of hoodies, my running gear and general underwear. I put aside my black leather jacket, plain sweatshirt, black leggings and converse to wear tomorrow.

Max was now sat in the box pretending to drive it like a car. I crossed my room to the bed and stuck the flaps of the cardboard box out to the sides before picking the box up with Max in it and making it fly around the room. Max clapped his podgy little hands with excitement and I flew the box out the door, down the stairs and into the kitchen diner. I set the box containing my little brother down on the floating island.

'Thank you for flying with Max Glenn airways. We hope you enjoyed your flight and look forward to seeing you again soon'.

'Adi sweetie, are you done packing?'

'Yeah mum, but I'm not sure I can take this box with me' I said indicating the box on the work surface.

'Probably just as well.' said my mum smiling as she moved Max from the box to his high chair at the kitchen table.

'Dinner is served ladies and gentlemen' announced my dad, carrying in a steaming pan of chicken and setting it down in the centre of the table in amongst the sour cream, fajitas and salsa.

'This looks great dad, thanks' I smiled at him.

He picked up his glass and tapped the side of it with his fork.

'I would like to propose a toast'. My dad smirked at me from the other side of the table.

'To Adi and all the best at college tomorrow!'

'To Adi!' We clinked glasses and Max held up his beaker, not wanting to be excluded from the activity.

After dinner

I headed up the stairs and into the bathroom to take a shower. As the water ran down my face I began to consider what dorm life would be like. What would the people on my floor be like? Would we get along? I wasn't too nervous as I knew my family would be visiting me the next weekend with the rest of my stuff from my room. I shampooed my hair and rinsed it before shutting off the water and stepping out. I dried myself off and wrapped the towel around me as I went into my bedroom. As I was putting on my pj's I noticed something on my pillow. I picked up my towel and began to rub my hair dry whilst I flipped it over and opened it. Inside was a card and as I opened a piece of paper fell onto my bed.

'Dearest Adi, We wish you all the best at college. This should see you through until Christmas. Good Luck! Love George, Sarah, Max and Sandra!'

Confused, I reached down for the paper now lying face down on the blanket. I turned it over and saw that it was a cheque for $500. I couldn't believe that my family had put aside such a large amount of money aside for college. The fees for the dorm and everything else were already adding up. If that was added onto the fact that we only just moved so I could go to my chosen college. I put the card and cheque into my seemingly expanding suitcase and climbed into my bed. It was going to be an early start.