August

Chapter 1. Leaving Home

After years of dreaming being grown up, I never realized that'd it come so soon. Packing away my childhood into moving boxes and getting rid of things that I'd never see again. It was bittersweet; finally having a say in what I do and where I'm at. But I would miss coming home, seeing my mom in the kitchen, my sister, and entering my cozy bedroom that I've known for so long. Being constantly reminded to come home at a specific time. Now I'm entering a space half the size of my room, but this time I'll be in charge of myself.

As I packed the last box I heard my mom call to me by my nickname, Rory. "Are those all the boxes you'll be taking with you to New York?" I eyed the couple of boxes sitting in my trunk, ready to pop open again any second. "Yes, if I put anymore boxes in my car, it won't drive" I chuckled. She hugged me from my side and simply said okay. As I put the last bags of things I was donating in my mom's car, I heard a sniffle. I turned around to find my younger sister, Cecilia, holding in tears. I walked over and hugged her tightly. "Oh Cecilia, it'll be okay, I won't be too far."

"But you will, it's not like you can come home on the weekends" she cried into my chest.

"I promise I will come home as frequently as I can, no one can keep us apart too long."

She shook her head okay and she held me tighter, I did the same. It was not settling into my mind that's I'd be leaving for a while, away from my comfort. I went with the flow, always. I knew it was a part of growing up and yes I'm sad, but a part of me is ready to leave 18 year old Aurora in Southern Carolina and become a new, fun, and adventurous Aurora in New York. As I let my sister go, I walked over to my parents. Each of them giving me a kiss and tight hug goodbye. I walked over to my car and I could hear their sniffles. They were trying not to show too much sadness, knowing that getting into NYU was a big deal and that this was good for me. I settled into my car seat, I looked up at my rear view mirror and saw them waiving goodbye. I turned on my car and headed out onto the street, ready to start my new life.

~

It took me about a day and a half to get to NYU but I had finally made it. Living in a predominately small town my whole life, this was all so new and intriguing. I parked my car and decided to find my way to my dorm first. My best friend Lia would be rooming with me, most people don't get lucky to room with people they know but we were on it once rooms became available. I entered the building, it was a large and red bricked building. I was on the second floor and in the 13th room. As I opened the door I could smell the clean floors and bed sheets that came with the prepped room. Lia must be out getting to know others, I thought to myself.

I walked around the room and chose my side. I decided to go out to my car and bring in some boxes to start unpacking before Lia got here and had too much of a mess to unpack. I headed over to the elevator and was brought back down to the first floor. I went to my car and grabbed as many things as I could. As I entered the elevator again, a voice called out "Please hold it!" I put my foot in between the doors so that it wouldn't shut. I looked up and I was caught off guard by who had came into the elevator. He was tall, short hair, but it came down to the nape of his neck. He was wearing a white corduroy button up and black jeans. He was really pretty. I realized I had been staring a little too long so I cleared my throat and looked away. Looking in the opposite direction of the elevator, I thought of what to say, how to introduce myself. But nothing came to mind, I stayed quiet.

~

I hope everyone enjoys this first chapter! I am so excited to finally feed the creative part of me by writing. Any suggestions on my writing? This is my first book, so I am still trying to find my way of writing :) Thank you for reading!