Broken Halves

Chapter 1 : Nina (Then)

I drum my fingers on the steering wheel, while I wait for the traffic light to turn green. My excitement is transitioning into anxiety as I get nearer to my destination. The sound of my rapidly beating heart, thumps in my ears. This feeling isn't new to me. I'm used to being anxious about the unknown but the anxiety one gets when life is about to do a full three-sixty, can be a bit nerve wrecking.

When the light turns green, I make my way toward my new home for the next four years.

"Welcome to New England State University!" Says a huge banner as I turn onto Macey Ave. This is it.

"Are you ready for this?" Asks Niko, quietly. I glance over at him. His fingers are swiping across the screen of his smart phone like super-fast. I'll be the first to say, I'm not technologically inclined. I had a flip phone up until last week and don't even get me started on texting. It's a foreign science, and I just mastered the science of texting a few days ago. Niko sat poring over me for an hour, explaining the functionality of each key on my new phone. I probably won't ever be a phone person.

"Yes and no. I think I'll keep the car." I say. He chuckles.

"You'll be able to get a car for yourself next year. As fresh meat you will have a ride everywhere on the bus. As my little sister and my fellow alumni, you can call on me, if needed."

"Thanks. I see you slyly snuck fresh meat into that whole bit."

"Yeppers. You're Initiation ready."

"That doesn't make me feel better." I say, flatly. He laughs.

"Aww my little Rue. You'll be fine."

"Ugh...don't call me Rue. I hate when people call me that." I roll my eyes in annoyance. Rue is my middle name. In light of The Hunger Games, I would rather not be called Rue. Don't get me wrong. The Hunger Games was a fantastic series that I've read multiple times, kudos to Suzanne Collins but I would rather be called Nina.

"I know. You're far from district eleven now. Time to roam free. Pull into this spot. It'll shorten the walk to your new district." He says. I reach over and pop him on the arm. He cracks up at his own dumb wit, like the Bloody Twat, he is. I turn into the space he'd pointed to. I didn't expect there to be any parking spaces on campus but maybe this is a sign that I'm doing the right thing. I turn off the car and look around. This doesn't look like the courtyard I saw on Google Street View.

"Well it's around the corner." He mumbles. We climb out of the car and carry my stuff toward the courtyard. My gut is in knots. I'm going to be living in a dorm with a girl I barely know and I'll pretty much be my own. I have my brother here too but he can't live my life for me.

"So what did our mother say, when you told her that you chose to attend college NESU instead of UQAM?" He asks.

"I didn't exactly tell her." He laughs.

"So, wait a second you didn't tell her. Isn't she expecting you in Montreal by tomorrow?"

"Kind of." My voice sounds tiny.

"Little sis, is going to be such trouble. Is this you standing up to her?" He asks. I feel a smile spread across my face. He laughs, again.

"Something like that. I think my era has begun of doing my own thing." I say. He nods in appreciation.

"I'm proud of you."

"Thanks."

"Anytime. College choices should be chosen by the person attending not their overbearing parents. You're doing the right thing."