I took one last lingering look at my bedroom, my sanctuary for the last about ten years and frowned. The off white walls and the night blue bed placed in the corner, its most captivating feature. It was nothing breathtaking, and rather small as it was modified from a closet. But, it was all I had.

I walked through the large hallway clenching my hands when the thought of the college appeared. I couldn't believe I was going to the so-called-college-which-I-had-no-info-about.

Granted, the orphanage
processed my admission and chose 'the college that could handle me the best', their words not mine.

Still, I should be given the right to make that choice. I shook my head, removing the thought as I moved down the stairs, my hands sliding down the rusty iron railings.

I raised my head up and noticed a dark brown eyes staring at me, a little misty. Giving a sad smile, I put my hands into the pocket of my faded blue jeans and walked forward, meeting the owner of the sparkling eyes half way.
"Hey," I said giving a slight wave, while swinging my feet back and forth. Lydia, my only friend, moved forward immediately, giving me a bone crushing hug. I winced a little from the force before wrapping my hands around her too, leaning down a little as I stood a few inches above her.

She finally let go of me and took a few steps back glancing at me, assessing my last minute getup.

"How do I look?" I asked her twirling a little, my dark brown hair, stuck in its signature ponytail with curls escaping the hair tie.

She placed her middle finger on her chin, as in deep in thought "Hmm...beautiful." She gave a thumb up and I huffed knowing she was probably joking.

"The sincere version please," I told her, one brow raised. I adjusted my black v neck top with the word 'Not interested' written boldly in blue. She gave and uncertain smile

"Maybe change the shirt into something more...welcoming?"

I snorted, "I don't really care much about what they all think of me, and for all I know, I might not complete the session."

"Oh, don't be so pessimistic, you'll love it there, hmm... in that school, that I didn't know existed before last week,"

"Wow!" I exclaimed placing my hands over my mouth "You make it sound so exciting."

She gave a wide grin "What are friends for. Really though, are you sure about this? I know the
orphanage said it's the only college they can afford and is willing to take you, but maybe we should keep
trying. The community-"

"It's okay, Dee. I'll manage. I always have, always will. I'll take what I get. It doesn't matter if it's all a plot to kidnap me and ship me off to another country. I owe the orphanage this, one act of obedience. Moreover, since it's cheaper, they'll have more fund for the rest of you. Your college tuition too."

She gave a sad smile "You're the best Amy. I wish everyone else knew that.''

I took a quick glace around the large sitting room, noting the walls, with wobbly writings by the little kids and drawings. I smiled knowing that regardless of everything, I was going to miss this place, or rather the kids in it. "I know Dee, I wish people acknowledge how awesome I am. Is it that hard to admit the truth? I mean look at me," I placed one hand on my waist and fluttered my eyelashes, "Ain't I adorable."

"First, darling. Ain't isn't a word. Second, you should stop that, you look so weird."

I grin moving closer, my arms wide, I puckered my lips into a pout, and fluttered my lashes again "Don't you wanna give mama a hug."

She moved back slowly laughing softly "You are so creepy."

I caught up to her and wrapped my arms around her suddenly serious "Take care of the kids, will you? Tell them I'm sorry for not seeing them before I leave."

She nodded "I will, take care of yourself goldilocks."

"Don't I always." I took a glance at my old blue watch "I better get going. Bye."

She frowned momentarily before smiling "Bye, don't forget to call."

I walked backward and waved taking my brown luggage, a few shades darker than my own brown skin that I had placed in the living room earlier. I turned forward and walked outside walking slowly to the bus station. I took one last look and the orphanage, suddenly feeling nostalgic. Bye for now

I reached the bus station in about five minutes and stood, waiting for the bus. I looked around bored, tapping my left leg with my middle finger impatiently. Soon enough, the bus arrived and I walked in with other passengers. I took a seat by the window and laid my head on the headrest ready for the long
journey. The school was really far, about five hours more or less from the orphanage, in a bus. I'll have to switch buses a few times too.

The journey was pretty boring and I fell asleep a few times, I was woken up by the bus driver and some kind passengers in these situations. I arrived at the town and got down from the bus, dragging my luggage. A yawn escaping my mouth. Stretching a little to free my cramped body. I smiled and glanced around. The place looked nice. Cool and calm, unlike the busy city I was used to.

I took out the wrinkled paper I had squeezed into my pocket and read the address. Following the
directions I walked around not bothering to explore the cozy town. I reached the address and stopped before a small gate. The gate was black, about five foot so I was able to look above it. A glance inside revealed nothing, just a wide expanse of land. I could hear my heart thumping in my chest as I looked around worriedly, hoping to spot someone to ask, in case I wasn't at the right place.

I saw a woman walking by and stopped her. She was young, at least in her early twenties with dark blonde hair and bright green eyes.

I gave her an uncertain smile "Hmm, I'm sorry, please. Can you please tell me where I am?"

She looked at me with a slight frown "Tawrewood?"

"Yes, but is this the correct place?" I showed her the address

"She nodded "Yes? Is there a problem? Is the shop closed?"

This was really getting weird, "W-what shop? I can't see any shop, in fact, there is nothing there. That's actually why I'm asking."

"Okay?" She said taking a step back "I got to go." She moved around me muttering something about crazy people.

I wasn't, I knew what I saw. I looked back at the place and still saw the small gate. I took my phone in shaky hands and called Miss Florence, the madam of the orphanage. Then the worst thing happened, there was no signal. I moved around hoping I could find, however, it was like the whole town had none.

Searching my bag to check if I had enough money to go back, I stopped remembering I was only giving enough money for the bus. Nothing for snack even, Miss Florence did say she would send a bit when I arrived. My savings... yes, my savings.

I hurriedly opened my back, my hands still shaky as I moved my
clothes out of the bag, on the roadside. Every second I couldn't find the childish piggy bank I was sure I stuffed in with my clothes, I could feel my hope dwindling.

Tears stung my eyes and I wiped it away hurriedly. I looked at the gate, deciding it was my last option. I walked over with wobbly knee and knocked. My heart threatening to burst out of my chest. The door opened with a creaky sound and a gasp escaped my mouth.

I looked around, was this a prank? Was the door programmed? Considering all the other weird stuff that
had happened in my life, this shouldn't be surprising, but it was.

I took a step forward, expecting
something to happen, when nothing did. I let out a sigh and walked inside. The sound of a gate snapping shut made me jump and I turned back quickly. Sure enough, the gate was locked.

Sweat made its way down my face and my throat felt clogged. No! No! This couldn't be happening. I held the gate and moved it yelling for help, hoping someone would hear me. A man looked directly at me and
I hoped,prayed he saw me. "Help!" I yelled louder.

He frowned and took a step closer, then someone yelled a name and he turned and walked away. Banging on the gate repeatedly until my hand hurt, I finally stopped

I moved down, crouching as a tear ran down my cheek. My hands around my legs. I raised my head looking outside the gate. It was looking blurry so I wiped my eyes. Except it appeared even more blurry,
it shimmered and everything started to look faded, including the gate.

I closed my eyes and opened it immediately. It only got worse, the gate dissolved, turning into
shimmering stars that twirled. The stars reminded me of my own violet eyes, which had silver stars orbiting around it. Weird, I know.

I looked around and noticed everything was changing. In place of the wide expanse of land, there was a large forest.

The gate and the road had disappeared leaving me in the midst of a large rainforest.

I stood up surprised looking around in circles.

A loud clang at my back drew my attention. Like something fell from a tree. I turned back and sure enough, something did fall. Or rather someone.

Resting on a tree with folded arms. Dressed in white billowing shirt and brown pants was a boy.

I narrowed my eyes wondering what he was doing in the forest. What was I even doing here?

He was staring right at me with an uninterested expression. His dark blonde hair scattered and disheveled.

He began to walk toward me and I moved back automatically. I saw his lip twitch up, but he wasn't smiling. More like he was mocking me. Taking a step back as he moved forward, each step precise, I clenched my fist, dragging my travelling bag with me. My stomach tightened and once again, my eyes stung .

This had to be a dream. Right?