Marked

Chapter One

My name is Tessa Young and welcome to my life. Let me tell you first a little bit about myself. I am nineteen years old, I am an only child, and I grew up with my Aunt Darcy. My parents are, well you can say complicated. All you need to know is that I don't speak to them.

Today I am leaving for university in London. I have always wanted to travel and I don't see the point in staying in Pennsylvania any longer. Darcy is great and got me to the point where I am today, but it's time for me to take my life into my own hands.

"Tessa? Are you almost ready? We must be going soon," Darcy shouts.

"Yes, I will be right down." I grab my coat and suitcase and I head downstairs. Darcy is waiting for me at the bottom with her husband Jack.

"Here let me take that," Jack says while reaching for the handle of my suitcase. I gladly hand it to him with a warm smile.

"I can't believe you are going off to college! It feels like yesterday you were just starting high school," Darcy shrieks and tears begin to pool at her eyes.

"Darc, we said no crying," I say, as I pull her into a hug.

"I know, I know you don't do emotions. I'm just sad to see you go. You felt like a daughter to me."

"Well, if it makes you feel better, I thought of you like my mother. Speaking of which, please don't tell her where I'm going and please, please don't give her my number. The last thing I need is her dramatics while I live my life," I plead.

"My lips are sealed and so are Jack's. I respect your choice in not having a relationship with her, although I wish you would reconsider. You might regret it later in life," she reminds me.

"Darc, we've been through this. After everything they did, I don't trust them. They're toxic and that's the last thing I need in my life right now," I remind her.

"I know, I know I was only saying. Like I said, I respect your choice. What they did is unforgivable and this is your life and your choice," Darcy says.

"Thank you, I really appreciate your support on this," I smile at her.

"Are you two ready? We really must be going," Jack says, standing by the front door. We both nod and walk out. I turn around and take in one last look before meeting them at the car.

Jack drives us to the airport. It's a mostly silent car ride. I'm in the back seat taking in the scenery that I will see for the very last time. I don't plan on coming back here again, not even to visit. Darcy said her and Jack will come and visit me for the holidays, they've never been to London so they thought it would give them an excuse to see the city.

After an hour, we finally pull up to the airport. Jack parks the car right in front of the entrance for my airline. We all get out of the car, Jack get my suitcase out of the trunk.

"I'm going to miss you around the house Tessie bean," Jack says, pulling me into a hug.

"I'm going to miss you too, Jack Jack. But we have Skype and FaceTime we can make this work. And you will come and see me for the holiday and hopefully by then I can show you around London.," I say, hugging him back.

"Look out for yourself there and make some friends. And if you ever need anything, please call us," he says, before breaking the hug and I nod my head.

"My little girl going off to college. I'm going to miss you so much! I can't believe you're leaving me with this one," Darcy says and I giggle.

"Hey!" Jack says with exasperation.

"I think you will be fine. Plus we can FaceTime and Skype when I'm not in classes. I will see you in a few months," I reassure her. Darcy pulls away a from the hug with tears in her eyes and I give her the look.