12. twelve
twelve
LYSANDRA
A new day. A new beginning. Finally, after seventeen miserable years, I got to live far away from what I went through in California. To say that I was happy was an understatement. I was overjoyed, ecstatic, and even excited. I had never felt this way before.
When I woke up, my roommate was already up and running. Camille was like a ray of sunshine. Her side of the suite was already organized and decorated in an eclectic array of pink. I slowly pulled myself up, my muscles hurting as I did, and examined the dashes of rose that covered her walls.
“Good morning!” she exclaimed.
“Hi,” I said, my brows knitting together. “When did you find time to do all of this?”
“It’s 11 a.m. I’ve been awake since eight.”
“Why didn’t you wake me up?” I yelled, flying out of my bed and pulling my luggage open.
“I tried. You sat up and then plopped back down.”
I groaned. “I wanted to go sightseeing before Orientation. I won’t have time after today. We start classes in two days, and tomorrow I have to—”
“Why don’t you calm down and breathe? You have a year and a half to explore the wonders of Scotland,” Camille said, reaching for my hands.
True. There was no point in freaking out.
I just wanted to immerse myself in my new life, immediately.
Perhaps the best choice was to take things slow and steady.
This was just the beginning. Despite telling myself that everything would be okay if I didn’t explore as much as I could of this new land.
No one knew how important this was to me.
To be able to have freedom from watchful eyes and scornful remarks.
I’d be able to forget how abandoned I felt in my old town.
There would never again be reminders of the pain, of the abuse, of the fear everywhere.
Although I wished to share my grief with someone else, I had not found a trustworthy heart yet.
My burdens would continue to weigh me down as I wandered this world, searching for someone who would take my sorrows and transform them into joy.
“Are you just going to sit there? Come on! Get ready, they’re going to be here soon.”
“You know, I appreciate that they are giving us time to rest and settle into our dorms before showing us the school and giving us our schedules,” I replied.
“That just proves to both of us that we made the right decision coming here,” Camille said, unable to hide her happiness.
I scuffled through my luggage and began to take out my clothes, undergarments, and tools.
When I finished, I was happy with my result. I had brought with me several of my favorite books, which I stacked beside my green journal. My pens and pencils were set neatly inside a round cup.
There was also a candelabra attached to the wall in front of me, and I hung a calendar beneath it. I set my new gifted laptop on its holder, and a keyboard with a matching mouse under it. The school was definitely generous with its students.
This was the perfect desk. I couldn’t believe the aesthetic of my new worktable. Some of my best work would be produced on this desk, I was determined to make it happen.
I didn’t open up the laptop since I knew the administrators and guidance counselors would be here soon to take us on a tour around the academy. I would receive my new schedule, possibly meet my professors, and check out my classes so I wouldn’t be late on my first day.
The knock on the door sent a rush through me. Change began now.
The administrators were waiting outside with gleaming expressions. Camille and I followed them. There had been students strolling among the halls, some of them scanning us while others continued their conversations with each other. I chose to keep my chin held high.