More Than a Memory

Chapter Three: Moving in

I stand in the doorway of my bedroom, doing a mental checklist, just to be sure that I remembered to grab everything. It's a long drive to the new apartment, so I can't afford to forget anything important.

I decide I have everything I need, and head down stairs to say goodbye to mom.

"Hey sweetie," She smiles sadly as I reach the bottom of the steps. "I'm so proud of you, but I'm so sad to see you go. It's gonna be so quiet around here without you."

"Oh mom," I laugh. "I'll call every night I promise. It's only an hour and a half away. I'll visit often." I hug her tightly, and don't fail to notice her wiping under her eyes. "Don't cry mama. You're gonna make me cry!" I laugh fighting my own tears. "I love you."

"I love you too, Tess." She smiles. "Do you have everything? Need any help getting the rest of your bags into the car?"

"Only if you want to."

We head back up and start bringing everything down and loading it into the trunk of my car.

There has been no more word of Elias, and I haven't received anymore weird messages. I hope it stays that way. I don't want to think about him ever again. I can't blame mom for wanting to spend time with Jenna. They're best friends. But, I don't have to spend time with him, and I won't ever again. This is my new start. I'm moving in with my best friend and we're going to the college of our dreams. My life is great, and I don't need him to ruin it for me.

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Mom and I finish loading my bags into the car and she gives me another hug and kisses me on the head. "I'll miss you, spunky girl."

"I'll miss you too, mom. I'll see you real soon. I promise." I smile as I slide into the drivers seat. "I love you."

"I love you too, sweetheart." She responds, before I back out of the driveway.

College doesn't start for another few weeks, but Dani and I figured we should move into our apartment before school starts so that we could have some time to settle in before everything gets hectic.

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I turn the knob and walk in to the apartment, greeted by and excited Dani and the sound of pop music coming from the stereo.

"Your here! I'm so excited!" She hugs me excitedly while doing a happy dance. "I'm all unpacked, and I just ordered some pizza. We'll go shopping tomorrow to fill the fridge up. Right now we have water and, well, water." She laughs.

"Pizza sounds great!" I laugh. "I'm just happy to finally be here! I can't believe we're really doing this!" I squeal excitedly.

"I know!" Dani says. "Why don't you get settled in? The pizza should be here soon."

"Sounds good" I say before bringing my things in and organizing my new room some.

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I'm almost fully unpacked, when the doorbell rings. I decide that I'll finish unpacking some other time. There's only a few boxes left and all of the important stuff has already been sorted through. I make my way down the hall and into the kitchen as my stomach growls. Thank god for pizza.

Dani and I sit and eat, before she pulls out a deck of uno cards. We play a few games, talk, and dance for a few hours and pretty soon we're both ready to head to bed.

As I lay my head down to go to sleep, I can't help but feel excited but slightly nervous at  the same time. I can't help but wonder what the future may hold for me.