Chapter 2: 1
"I'm going to Bowers!"
The sound of my squeals broke out into the area, arms shot out at the incoming form of the girl I had known since my toddling days.
The scream went stumbling out her lips just as she had crashed into my embrace.
There our forms stood, right by father's old Ford Mustang, our arms refusing to let go of each other's.
"That's amazing, Anna!" The delight filled her voice, eyes rushed with every excitement, while we hopped around in a circle, voices cracking the silence of the environs.
Seconds passed by of our little show of joy, and In a moment, I saw that smile soon fade off the face of Laurie.
She had pulled back at once, gaze shifted off my form.
"What's wrong?" I drew closer to her, hands tugging at her arms, but no response followed from the girl, instead her gaze remained turned away from me.
"What's wrong, Laurie?"
She let out a sigh, soon turning to meet my eyes.
"It's a bum that you're off to boarding school, while I remain in boring Ol' Stratford" Followed that voice of hers, hinted at gloom.
"Stratford gets interesting from time" I tried pulling the soul back to her, but those eyes only remained dull at me, gaze fixed in mine.
"Not as Auburn Creek" She stated.
"You're going to Bowers, Anna. The fricking Wilbur Bowers Academy"
"That's the height of merriment, you know"
"It's not as exciting as one might think" I followed with a sigh.
"Especially since I won't get to be seeing you often"
"Oh, you know you will get acquainted with the students there" She chuckled.
"But will I find someone who'd find it sane stealing cups of pudding from Mother's refrigerator with me?"
"Hey don't go getting me emotional now" She called at once, pulling me to her form.
"Never forget to have your assignments done on time, Anna. And always remember to—
"keep to the formulas" I completed for her
"Lord! We are the true definition of nerds" She muttered upon realization.
"Hey! Nerd is fun!" I called to my defense, but she only returned my gaze with a look that said you really think so?
"Bowers will do you good" Her voice fell.
"I hope it builds you"
"Promise me you won't forget about us" The tears soon came welling in her eyes, hands squeezing mine.
"You're my home, Laurie. How could I forget you" My fingers went wiping the tears off her cheeks.
"And no matter what those people do to you. Promise me you will still be the same sweet, loving Anna, I grew up knowing"
"Don't make them change you" Her voice was low, eyes shifting through mine "Please" She muttered.
"I'll be back before you know it, Laurie"
"I'll be fine" I smiled at her, but I tell you, the journey ahead had a wrap of surprises, awaiting my arrival.
The blaring of dad's honk jolted me off her embrace, a weak sigh pouring out my lips.
"Why's he grumpy?" She whispered to me, eyes shifting from the car to my gaze.
"He's been like that since last night" I followed
"Perhaps, he hates the fact that I'm leaving"
"He never likes anything you do, Anna" She called.
"Still, he remains my father"
"I have no choice but to keep up with him"
"I hope you both find yourselves" Her voice was low.
I had pushed off her figure at once, proceeding into the car, while staring at the figures of Mother and Laurie, both waving at me, while Father's car drove out our yard, down into the road.
The building of our house fell further out of sight, becoming smaller at every distance we covered.
Soon turning around, deciding not to let the pain of leaving home get to me too much, I fixed my eyes on the road, trying so much to rid the tensity that fell between the figures of Father and I.
He barely spared a glance my way. His gaze laid ahead, hands gripping onto the steering wheel, while a 'Guns N' Roses' record played from the radio.
She's got eyes of the bluest skies
As if they thought of rain
I'd hate to look into those eyes and see an ounce of pain
Her hair reminds me of a warm safe place.
He hummed along to the tune, head bopping side to side, while he chose to utter not a word to the figure of his daughter sat next to him.
I peered out my window, letting the sound of that voice fill my ears, while building and trees, passed by my eyes, the environs of Stratford bidding their farewell to me, saying "So long, Anna"
The silence had soon made its arrival, pulling all around me. And while the sweet sound of day, brushed past my ears, I fell into a slumber of peace and calm.
***
That sword remained tight in my grip, fiery eyes onlooking the seven-feet creature advancing towards me.
It bore claws as hands, its tail trailing three feet away from where it stood.
A low cry that thing gave, and I swear I could feel the earth under my feet shift. Its head had snapped towards me, protruding eyes fixed on my form, and a twist of its neck, I came to behold the horns which shot out either side of its head.
Something said to run, turn away and the outlying path, yet my own legs had found control of itself, pushing forward, with my sword raised high in the air.
I lunged at that beast, weapon held high, and few inches away, it's arms came slapping me off, my form connecting with a rock. I could feel the ache all through me, with fear-stricken gaze soon coming to behold that thing coming towards me.
Its steps doubled, that creature drawing even nearer. The ground rumbled at its approach, the scream tumbling out my lips.
And right when it was just a hand shot away from me, I heard that voice.
I jolted to the sound of father's car coughing and sputtering, the sight of an enormous building, the first thing my gaze beheld.
The environment was serene, trees surrounding the area, while the call of birds travelled from here to there, the midday breeze dancing along the way.
"We're here" I heard the low voice of Father call, while he got down the car, going over to pry my things out the trunk.
'The Wilbur Bowers Academy' Stood right before me.
That signage which foretold our landmark, sparked the delight to my chest.
Right on the building, the letters were made out, with cream and Maroon colors coating every inch of the building.
The school's official colors.
It was the same colors the envelope which contained my acceptance letter, was covered in.
Those colors which I had now familiarized myself with.
"Do you need me to— Father began, coming to meet my form with the luggages and suitcases in his hold.
"I'll try to find my way around" I called at once, collecting the items from his hands.
His eyes were paused at me, watching as I struggled with the boxes, and soon enough, I heard the sigh pour out his lips.
"You take care of yourself, Anna" His voice was low, eyes intent in mine.
"And always remember, your mother and I love you"
I always wondered if those words he spewed bore any weight to them, after all, his actions were far from being what he spoke of.
It was no surprise the distance that had come between us.
He knew it so well even more than I did, yet, chose not to utter a word of it. His relationship with mother was perfect, they grew even closer every passing day, yet I turned a stranger to my own father all because of what befell one fine day.
That very day he came home, and walked in on me locking lips with Michael's son.
Now, I knew my parents were strict, but not to the point that they thought kissing the neighbors was an abomination.
So bizarre, that he cut off all of communications for Four weeks straight.
The thought of me coming to Hartman should excite him even more that it did me. After all, it was an all school for girls, and there would be no way for me to go rebellious just as he perceived me to be, yet he acted like he would rather have no discussions with me, than partake in the joy of me leaving home.
And that he sure did. Giving me the silent treatment.
His figure had pulled into the car at once, and with no goodbye, not even a wave, he had zoomed off.
Have a fun ride, Anna.
I pulled my things into my grip, the breath escaping my lips just as I made way into that building.
That building which held my fate.
***
Hello reader!
Inspiration for this story came at a very random time during my daily activities. I could remember how I had immersed myself in a book, and ideas for this story came on there about.
Writing the first chapter was sure hectic, but nonetheless, it delights me to have it out.
Hearing every opinion pushes me to keep writing, and it warms me how you accept the characters just as I do.
Remember, the beginning gives progress to the rest of the story. It is an introductory part to give rise to whatever follows, so please, ensure to hang back to see how the rest of the story unfolds.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone