A Taste of Life

Prologue

My graduation party! It is just one of those nice summer days, especially in Tanku. To me, the weather is heavenly. Not too windy and not too hot, nor too cold. I call this perfect. This day brings me back to when I first met all my friends. I am relaxing to the max. Sitting in this recliner, wearing light cyan colored short shorts, silly pink sunglasses, a white tank top, my dirty blonde hair in a ponytail, and a cool, fresh lemonade in my right hand with a straw sticking out from the top. I wait patiently for them in my living room to arrive at the time I told them the party will begin, 4:00 p.m.

I invited a total of twenty people, ten of which showed up and the other ten that could not make it. It made me happy to see some of my friends show up. You might be wondering why only twenty, well there is only one explanation... I was not a popular girl at school. Rather many popular girls scolded me. I learned to adapt to the environment at school though. I made it through high school after all, right?

The doorbell rang. Ding. Dong. I slowly stood up and approached the door. As I swung the door open I saw one of my friends with a big grin on his face. I ran up to him, kissed him on his cheek and hugged him dearly, grasping his broad shoulders first then wrapping my twig-like arms around his back. I repeated this to all ten friends that arrived. Each of my friends arrived about five minutes apart from each other, except three of them. Those three were Ri (Rye), Yen, and Pexing. The three arrived together.

I pronounce Pexing like Pee-zing. When I first met Pexing she hated me for saying her name wrong for the first couple of weeks. Pexing would always flick her shiny black hair one way and turn her head the other way to ignore me on purpose after I finally mastered her name because she thought it was fun to annoy me. Yen, on the other hand, is Pexing's twin sister. She would always tell me secrets and memories that she and Pexing kept from their parents. The most bizarre thing about Yen, Ri, and Pexing together is they all wear glasses. They hang out with me all the time and are the only friends I have who wear glasses. The difference between the three is I envy Ri, Riley is her first name but I love calling her Ri. I just love how Ri has such silky and beautiful red hair. Her smile also makes me jealous, the way she smiles so natural and innocent.

I bear hugged Ri, Yen, and Pexing when they arrived because I missed them. I nearly squeezed them to death. It is how I love to show my friendship. What made me excited for today was the fact I knew they were going to come to my grad party! It is as if they will always be there for me.

At last dinner is served! Luckily I grilled juicy hamburger patties and squeezed those bright yellow lemons when I waited for everyone to arrive. Otherwise we would have had to wait for dinner to be served. I set out about four long white tables and spread shiny white table cloth along each long white table. It was hardly enough, so I decided I needed to get paper plates, lots of napkins, and water bottles and set them on the tables as well. I decorated the two center tables with the letters and symbols: G-R-A-D-U-A-T-I-O-N P-A-R-T-Y-! I also put condiments such as ketchup, mustard, hamburger buns, and relish on the tables. I was totally prepared. There was two trash cans, one inside the living room near the long white tables and one outside on the porch.

About thirty minutes after dinner we all switched into our swimming trunks and swimming suits. The water was warm and everyone was eager to jump in. Me, I just sat back in my chair on the porch. The sun beat down on my pale skin while I sip on my lemonade drink. I am just not a party crazed person. I like to sit back and observe the party right before my eyes. I try not to miss out on the fun though!

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My mind snapped back to reality when I remembered where I was. In a plane. I bit back on my bottom lip. It was only just a dream... I blink back the warm tears that formed in my eyes. I miss them all so much. That was only the beginning of happy memories with my friends. That means it will hurt much more? I thought to myself. I will just have to be a strong girl while away from home, Tanku.

I am in mid-flight to Medico. The man right beside me was lying back in his chair reclined at about an 80° angle. His hair was shiny brown and slicked back with tons of gel. Gross. I do not like gel. I think it is just a mess for hair. Any-who, I wish I could be just as relaxed as him. His muscles are not so tense like mine. My muscles, right now, make me feel so stiff. The man's skin, too, was not as colorless as mine either. From releasing all my emotions there is nothing that can cure my colorless skin. Gladly nobody noticed how I was feeling through this dim light. I hate explaining my feelings to others. It is such a horrid, for me at least.

"Good evening everyone." A cheerful, yet calm voice announced throughout the plane. "We are arriving shortly into the Medico Airport. So, in the next few minutes I ask that everyone please stay seated and wear your seat belt at all times." The seat belt sign switched on. Ding. Dong. Wow, we are already about to land in Medico? It seems that time flies when having a good time dreaming.

Everyone began whispering after the announcement. To my surprise nearly everyone was relaxing, except me and a few others. I guess I was wrong to think going away to college from home was cool and relieving. It is totally the opposite for me. Panic erupted inside of me and thoughts overflowed my mind. What if I become home sick? Or how about me dropping college to stay home with my family and friends? Maybe I am just overreacting or overthinking all of this. After all I was the one who was excited to finally leave home and start college where I always dreamed of going. Not like I have any choice of turning back now, right? "No regrets... no regrets..." I repeated to myself over and over.

The plane hit landing with a tumble, then came a slow reduction of speed into a halt. After the plane's wheels hit ground I was startled from my thoughts and the seat belt sign switched off. Ding. Dong.

The speakers sounded once again and that familiar cheerful and calm voice spoke. "You may now take off your seat belts and rise slowly to grab your carry-on bags from the top. Do note, anyone that needs a wheelchair or other assistance should wait until all other passengers have left the plane. It will help us assist you a lot easier. Thank you for choosing Sky airlines and we wish the best to you all."

So here I am. Finally, in Medico.

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Author's Note

I know I published the first chapter before the prologue, but here is the prologue!

Is it good? Comment and let me know your thoughts!

- Alex