“No.” is the first thing that comes out of my mouth when my mom holds up a tight black dress.
“What? Why not? It would look cute if you styled it with tights.” I look down at my figure.
“It just won’t be...flattering.”
“You mean colorful right?” She asks in a monotone I grin.
“You know me so well.”
“Ok, just try it on.” She demands, I huff and puff while squirming into the dress. I stand in front of the mirror hanging on my door. My ample chest practically spills out of the top and as I turn to the side I grimace at the unwelcome pouch on my midriff. My mom chuckles. “Girl you got some dangerous curves,” she comments. Once I get past my tummy and chest I quite like my body. My hips flare out just enough to create an hourglass shape. Still it’s not something I’d like to show off.
I throw the dress into the donate pile then continue going through the rest of my clothes.
“Hmph, and do you want this?” My mom asks, handing me a cute blue mirror with gold vines crawling up it that I got for my 7th birthday. I take it from her and peer at my reflection. My dark eyes have dark circles beneath them from exhaustion and my warm brown skin looks drab. I thrust the mirror back at her.
“Yeah, I love that mirror, maybe I can use it to do my makeup or something.” My mom carefully wraps it in newspaper and packs it into a bin. I finish scooping my makeup into a bag before putting it near my bedroom door. Turning around, I survey my almost empty room. The maroon bed sheets are pressed to perfection and the wood floor is spotless. It’s cleaner than I’ve ever seen it, I joke to myself. It almost looks like no one lives here. My mom comes over to stand beside me.
“It looks so clean.” She whispers.
“I know right.” I peek at her and see her quickly wipe a tear from the thick lashes that frame her big brown eyes. I remember when I was younger I wished I had gotten her doe eyes instead of my father's almond shaped ones. “Really Ma?”
“I’m sorry it's just so emotional, my baby girl is going to college.” I draw her into a hug. Partially because I wanted to comfort her and partially because I was also tearing up. At that moment a tall figure steps through the door.
“What is this? A group hug?” My father asks.
“Nooo.” I groan as he crushes the both of us with his arms. When he finally lets go he surveys my room.
“Wow Aviana, I think this is the cleanest I’ve ever seen your room.” I roll my eyes, honestly sometimes I’m afraid I’m just a carbon copy of my parents. “So what are your plans when we get there?”
“Umm, hopefully make some friends.” I say vaguely. I can’t admit in front of my parents that I'm going to start my hunt for true love. I’m what some people would call a romantic. I grew up watching romance movies and reading novels that made my standards out of reach for average high school boys. Because of that I’m still looking for my other half.
After a nice breakfast. My family and I drag the bins and bags down the small staircase, and into the yellow kitchen. Even though it's small it holds a lot of my favorite memories. The numerous pots and pans my mom used for breakfast are piled in the porcelain sink. We haul everything and outside into our grey Toyota. I look back at our small blue house. The shutters were peeling, but the vivid light blue paint has been kept in almost perfect condition by my dad. I know I can come back whenever I want but this really feels like the end of an era. I hop in the car and pop my earbuds in, ready for the long ride.
As we pull into the parking lot of the University I peer out my window excitedly. Freshmen and their families are scurrying to and from the dorms, transporting their stuff. I leave my parents in the car and get out and head to the long line that eventually leads to check in. As we wait, I look up. The hot sun beams down on the modern, sleek looking buildings of the campus. Keys jingle, papers rustle. It's the sound of college. From where we are standing I can see the building I’ll be spending most of my time in. Williams hall, the building that is used for biology majors, more specifically zoology. While I’ll be in other buildings, most of my classes will be in there. I finally reach the check in booth and I’m astounded by the man working there. Raven black hair is swept back in a short ponytail, a few soft strands frame his angular masculine face. Thick lashes rim deep-set ocean blue eyes above a sharp nose and full lips.
“Hello my name is Igor, welcome! Could I have your first and last name?” He asks. His voice is deep and seems to resonate even after he is done speaking. The name throws me off a bit however. Who names their child Igor?
“Um, my name is Aviana Sato.” I stutter a bit.
“Hmm, Sato....Sato...” He murmurs while he checks the numerous sheets in front of him before checking off my name. “Found ya.” He gives a grin that flashes his perfectly straight teeth. I swear I almost sigh in appreciation. “Um hello?” He waves a hand in front of my face. I flush.
“Sorry, what did you say?”
“What's your major?”
“Oh, Zoology.” I answer.
“Nice, mine is biology, I guess we’ll see each other a lot. Let me know if you have any questions or maybe a coffee?.” Holy shit.
“Wow thanks.” Is all I manage to choke out. He probably says that to everyone.
He hands me my key card, I wave goodbye before heading back to our car. It takes a good three hours for us to lug my things up to my room and set up a cosy office under my bed. Finally, as the sun sets, we sit in my dorm munching on burritos my dad picked up for us.
“So when is your roommate coming?” My mom asks.
“She's moving in tomorrow, I talked to her for a bit and she seems like a nice person.”
“That's good, I just wish you were rooming with someone you know...” My dad says.
“I know, me too, but at least now I can have a chance to make new friends. Plus we’ve talked on the phone and she seems really nice.”
We finish eating, then I walk my parents to their car. My mom holds me in a teary embrace while my dad looks away trying to pretend he's not crying.
“Guys it’s fine, I’ll call you at least every other day and don’t forget I’m coming home in like a month.” I reassure them.
“I know, it's just..I’m gonna miss you.” My mom says. She squeezes me one last time before letting go. They get into the car then drive away. My nerves buzz with excitement. My college life has finally started.
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