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Chapter 1: Leaving Hell.

I collect my suitcase and walk out of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. That is such a long name like I get those people were important, but like did there names have to be in the title.

I get distracted by my thoughts as a cab horn blows. I find the source of the loud noise and it's the cab right in front of me. The driver is giving me a mean look and says, "Do you need a ride miss or are you just gonna stand there and take up space?"

Geez. I knew they said people on the East Coast were mean, but I thought in the south it would be a little better. I quickly replied, "Um, yes please. Can I have ride to the Georgia Tech dorms?" He rolled his eyes, "If you have money, I'll drive you all the way to the west coast."

I shuddered at the thought. I rather go anywhere, but there. He noticed how uncomfortable I was and got out to put my bags in the trunk. I sat in the front seat and crossed my legs.

He got back in the car and started the taxi meter thingy. I was thinking about my new dorm and how I was going to decorate it.

"So... are you a college student or what," the cab driver asked. I thought about lying because I didn't want to just give out my information to a complete stranger but I answered, "Yes. I'll be a freshmen at Georgia Tech this year."

When I heard I had got a full ride to Georgia Tech, my heart leaped. I knew I had good grades, but Georgia Tech was one of the top schools in the South for engineering. I wanted to be an engineer since I was little. The thought of being able to make things to help clean up the oceans or chemical compounds to help cure cancer blew my mind.

The cab driver pressed on, "Where are from you originally from? I'm going to assume your not from around here since you just got off a plane from Phoenix, Arizona." I stared at him and was about to barrel roll out of the car away from my crazed stalker when I realized he saw the tag on my luggage. My shoulders relaxed and he let out a chuckle. I finally laughed and said, "I am from Portland, Oregon, but we had to stop so our plane could get more fuel in Phoenix."

I hate talking about Portland. I hate the memories it brings back. But, God, how I am going to miss the rain. I love the rain. It's so soothing and peaceful. I also loved Portland's artwork and aesthetic. I actually loved Portland, but not the people it reminded me of.

I guess that was the end of our conversation because he turned up the radio. He was into older music and I am not the really biggest fan, but I knew this song. "Somebody to Love" by Queen was on. I laughed at the irony of it. My best friend (Layla or aka the best person ever) said I had to find a boyfriend here or else I was going to die a virgin.

I've never had a boyfriend nor am I looking for one. I mean sure I have a few meaningless kisses but nothing more than that. The kisses happened because of Layla not me. She would force me to go to a party and set me up with these sorry excuses for men. I would kiss them just so I could get out of the conversation. Other than that, single as a pringle.

We pulled up to the dorms on campus and the people were like one big mass. There were so many people with huge boxes carrying things to and from there cars. I was so glad I just had a bunch of money, so I could go out and buy my things later. I been saving up for a while. All the furniture I had were twin sheets and a blanket to put on my bed for tonight.

I walked up to my dorm door and knocked. A girl open the door with accepting eyes. She gasped, "Hi! I am Olivia. I can't believe we are roommates. You're a freshman, right?" I nodded and she continued, "OMG!! Me too. Yay! We are going to have so much fun." I fought the attempt to roll my eyes and smiled a closed mouth smile.

She giggled, "I promise I am not usually like this. I am just really excited. I am about to go outside to check out all the clubs. You want to come with?" I shook my head no, but her smile never broke. "Okay," she said, "I'll see you later!" As she was about to walk out of the door I quickly said, "I'm Jordan... by the way." She gave me the biggest smile she could possible muster and finished, "Nice to meet you, Jordan! Now, peace out."

Peace out, I thought and internally cringed. She shut the door and was gone just like that. I looked at myself in the mirror and cringed... again. My curls were nappy from sleeping on the plane. My once soft dewy brown skin was dry. My lips, that were usually plump and glossy, were crusted. Finally, to top it all off, I was wearing sweats. I decidedly immediately to go take a shower.

(3 hours later)

It was 10 o'clock and I was already ready for bed even though I slept on the plane. I was so nervous I wouldn't adapt to being three hours ahead that I pretended like it was Atlanta in Portland. For the past two months, when everyone was sleeping, I was going to bed. When everyone, was waking up late eating breakfast, I was about to eat lunch.

That didn't really bother anyone except Layla, and that was because I lived with her. Her family took me in after the incident when I was sixteen, and for the last year her parents have been traveling all over the world. They invited Layla, but she stayed with me. She's the best person ever. My rock and the only person to ever stick by my side. Saying goodbye to her was the hardest part about leaving.

I think about all the bad memories I've left in Portland (besides Layla of course), and how Atlanta is a new start for me. My first day of classes is tomorrow. I decided in my head I will go to gym tomorrow to sign up for a membership tomorrow. I don't know how much I'll use it, but I still need to sign up. I think about my classes as I drift to sleep.