IN THE SOFT WHITE-GOLD LIGHT, the hues of my bedroom moved from impressionist pastel to brilliant pop art. My luggage was bathed in the warm light as if it spoke it's content of good times ahead. It was a welcoming sight-for it told a new adventure.

It had been another day of waking up in cold sweats, fear incessantly playing tug-of-war with my heart. It was only a matter of time it consumed me, perhaps, and I forever get trapped in the metal chains of my past.

I was sitting on my bed, eyes fixated on my luggage. My lips were pursed and hands on my hips. I was finally leaving for college.

"Hurry up, Carla!" Ally's ready voice sounded from the other side of my bedroom door.

I groaned, frustrated. "Almost ready."

By the time Ally walked into my room-without permission, I had frantically started shoving my stuffs into my luggage. Maybe I was late but, I didn't mind, after all; I wasn't ready to go just yet. My brain over thought a thousand miles per hour and Ally plopped down on my bed.

"Time's really fast you know," I started, "I'm finally getting away from you."

Breaking into a tight-lipped smile, she handed phone which I shoved into my luggage. "That's good, I don't get to see your pig face anymore, bully." she stuck out her tongue.

I let out a hearty laugh, feeling my stomach hurt. "I don't bully you little cousin, I just show you how strong I really am."

"Seriously," she breathed, standing up, "I keep wondering how a female could be so tough."

I broke into a small smile, "training."

"That's gotta have been all your life because, I haven't seen any guy that was able to take you down," she shook her head in amazement, "You're supposed to be a boxer."

"And waste my time? No way!"

She scoffed and rolled her eyes simultaneously-and when she opened her mouth to retort, she was interrupted by my mom's voice.

"Carla?"

"Yes mother!" I called back, hoping she would here my voice from the living room and she did.

"We don't have all day, come out," she ordered and I could clearly picture her getting all frustrated because we were definitely killing time.

Packing the last thing, I let my eyes wandered around the room, stopping on the picture frame that sat on my drawer, staring back at me. I'm taking this with me. I grabbed the frame, stuffed it in my bag and then followed Ally out.

Shoes tapping on the floor made our presence known; Mom and uncle noticing us, turned around, standing few steps ahead of us.

"What took you so long?" She was a bit annoyed because she believed in punctuality.

"Ally wouldn't stop lecturing me."

"Hey!" Ally faked hurt besides me before scoffing.

"Let's just go," Uncle suggested.

And whilst we made our way to the car, Ally kept ranting on how much fun I was going to have; claiming college to be so much fun. But, I knew myself more than anyone, and I didn't think I could socialize-since socializing didn't end well in the past.

And now, people see me as an epitome of harshness-a hurricane-and when I'm angry, I'm not the most welcoming person. People talked-not like they never talked before-about my coldness and impassiveness. But, what did they expect? For me to wear my heart out, after life trashed me?

Quite frankly, I didn't care about their baseless opinions anymore because there's always going to be someone or rather, people, who would love you as well as; hate, despise and envy you. And really, I'm expecting that because, it's college, where you'll encounter pointless characters.

I wouldn't waste every single waking hour of my time trying to prove those who thinks otherwise about me wrong.

At the moment, all I wished for was that I get through college unscathed. In short, I wanted to be able to socialize, try to be happier, excel well in all my courses, and moreover-ensure that no one gets in my way or my personal matters.

▬▬▬✰✯✰▬▬▬

WITH EVERY THOUGHT FLOODING MY MIND, I stepped out of the car, one feet at a time. I was more than astonished when I took in the environment. It was one of the most prestigious college in the country and it takes a lot of hard work to be able to get in.

I closed the door of the car and stared at the massive buildings in front of me-I was finally going to attend the college my mom had dreamed of me attending. I stood on my spot for good five minutes, in awe and stunned at the sight of the campus.

While I admired the campus and the students with their families moving about, Uncle went to go get my schedule and dorm details.

"Carla?" Mom started, placing her hands on my shoulder, I whipped my head to look at her, staring into her loving eyes. I'll miss her.

"Mom," my voice was a bit shaky but I wasn't going to start crying like a baby.

"I want you to be a good girl all right? Remember everything we've taught, the morals and values, is that understood? I want you to take care of yourself and be safe, I know you're not a little kid anymore but this a big step to being an adult and learning on your own so be careful," she said in a motherly way to which I continuously nodded.

I pulled her in a hug, "How would I cope without you here?"

"Oh come on, why wouldn't my valiant girl be able to cope? Remember what I said, you're much stronger than you think."

I nodded my head and then pulled away from the hug.

"Hope you have everything you need and you left nothing behind?"

I shrugged, "even if I did, could I have done anything about it?" I joked.

She shook her head and pinched my cheeks, "don't be silly now."

I rubbed my cheeks and let out a laugh. Turning to face Allison, I spread my arms for a hug, "Come here." she did as I said and threw herself in my arms.

"I'll miss you pigface," I said to her.

"I'll miss you too foxy."

Not long after, Uncle came back with all the paperwork and then asked Ally to help me take my things to my dorm room. Saying goodbye was difficult but we did it anyway; with long hugs and the promise to keep in contact regularly.

With my bag hung on my shoulders, the other in my hands and the strain crushing me, I turned to look back. Mom gave me a small smile and a nod- I knew she would start shedding tears when I left.

"I love you Mom."

"I love you too baby."

I turned around once and made my way towards my dorm, Ally following closely behind. My building loomed overhead, the solid white bricks adorned with emerald ivy. My dorm was was enormous, the halls were wide and students were sprawled all over as we made our way inside.

I checked my schedule, and saw that my room was on the third floor at the end of a narrow corridor. I wedged myself between my new dorm mates, grimacing when their shoulders hit mine. By the time we finally found our way around and made it to my dorm, Ally was panting, being exhausted from the weight of the boxes-I on the other hand, was barely fazed.

Stepping into my dorm, my senses were engulfed with a nice, pleasant smile, complementary to the beautiful designs on the walls and the amazing decorations on my roommates side.

"Your roommate has got to be fancy," Ali whispered besides me.

"I guess," I whispered back, still intrigued by the amazing room.

My roommate who had been laying on her bed and typing away in her phone with a fancy phone-case noticed our presence and stood up to welcome us.

"Hey, you must be my roommate," her red colored lips lifted up in a brightening smile as she stood in front of me. She had a nice height-almost six feet tall-beautiful skin and her jet black hair was tied in a messy bun, few strands fallen out. Her gaze was really piercing, brown eyes staring at me.

Her navy blue surplice long sleeved top was tucked in her ripped skinny jeans.

"I'm Carabella but you can call me Bella," she grinned, bringing her hand out for a handshake. Everything about her aura was welcoming and it felt so nice to have been accepted so easily.

I hesitated a bit before taking her hand in mine, "Carla. And this is my cousin Allison," I motioned to Ali who was still standing behind me before tucking my hand into my ripped skinny jeans.

"Are you also a freshman?" The question was directed to Ali.

"Oh, no. I'm a senior," she added, "-in highschool."

"I see, nice to meet you."

"Same," Ali grinned before turning to face me, "Alright, I'll be going now and as aunt said, be good."

I could only roll my eyes at her.

In few minutes, Ali was gone, but not before pulling me in a hug-and then complaining that I was going to crush her lungs. Bella offered to assist me in setting up- to which I was very grateful for. As we both set up, she engaged us in light heartening conversations which I surprisingly flowed with. How I could get along with someone I met barely thirty minutes ago was surprising to me.

Finally done with setting up, we hopped on my bed, exhausted. "When did you arrive by the way?" I questioned, legs crossed.

"Yesterday."

The twitch of my mouth seemed highly out of place, but it'd been long since I smiled at someone new and meant it. "So punctual!"

"Yup!" she exclaimed. "So, why don't you tell me about yourself," she grinned, hands perched on her crossed legs. I closed my eyes for a brief moment, taking in a breath-I needed to be careful so I don't let out my past.

"Well," I started carefully, "I'm from Arizona, I love exercising and working out," I shrugged. "And I think boxing is a waste of time."

She chuckled. "Girl, you're gonna be seeing a lot of boxing in this city and I think there's going to be a boxing match next two weeks or so."

"Man! They're going to waste their time in that boxing ring," I said, but she rolled her eyes and laughed.

"Trust me Carl, it'll be fun." Her words brought a bright smile to my face -FUN! Hadn't really had that in a while.

"I guess it's worth a try."

She smiled. "Since you arrived today, I wanted to show you around the campus," she suggested.

"You already know your way around?" I asked, unbelievably.

"Yes, that's what I've been doing since yesterday."

"Alright, I'm down, I was going to do so and it'll be nice having someone keep me company."

"Great!" she exclaimed and got out of the bed while I giggled. "You don't need to get dressed or anything, has anyone told you you're a natural beauty?"

Wow, she's really bubbly.

"My mom, Uncle and cousin."

"What about your dad?"

The question shook me like an earthquake cutting across my soul, sending me down into the pit of darkness and sorrow. The memories got my skin irritated; uneventful, sorrowful and painful past filled with damages growing in the dept of my soul. Happy memories were gradually getting consumed by my pain and I somehow kept getting stuck in it.

Life sure was oxymoronic-Bitter- sweet, beautiful-tragedy.

"He's dead."

"Oh my gosh, I'm so sorry," she apologized immediately, "I shouldn't have asked."

"Why are you apologizing? It's okay, really." I gave her a smile in addition.

"Um, okay." she fiddled with her fingers nervously.

I walked up to her and placed my hand on her shoulder, "Seriously girl, don't worry. Now, let's go for that campus tour."

She nodded her head with a smile and went to grab her purse.

▬▬▬✰✯✰▬▬▬

BELLA TOLD ME THE LITTLE THINGS she knew about the school, assignments, term examinations-to mention just a few. She being the one who could keep a conversation going and interesting, made me feel like I belonged there. Only few people are good at that. She had decided to get us both a cup of coffee each from a cafe nearby, leaving me exploring the campus alone. She wanted me to accompany her but I politely declined.

As I strolled, I heard a ding which came from my phone that relaxed in my jeans pocket. Quickly grabbing my phone from my pocket, I checked the message I received from-Mom.

Hope you're having no trouble with the school.

A smile laced my glossy lips in a never ending curve, happiness bubbling inside of me and the wish that she was right there with me. Thumbs placed on the screen, I gave her my response.

It's been amazing here Mom and my roommate is amazing, she offered to show me around.

From somewhere deep inside of me I believed that Carabella and I would get really close- I love her personality. My phone vibrated in my hands, notifying me of another message.

Alright, have a good day and don't forget to keep in contact when you're less busy.

I promise to keep in contact. I never break my promises.

I sent the last reply to her with a smile on my face-I was going to make her proud.

Just as I was about tucking my phone into my pocket, a car-pretty expensive actually, sped past me and in the process of driving through a muddy puddle, it splashed the mud water- all over my white top! Irritation surged up inside me as my now dirty top hugged my skin in an annoying manner.

Whoever was driving the car didn't bother to stop and apologize and because of that, anger stirred up within me. Tucking my phone into my pocket, I matched towards the car-which was already packed- and stood in front of the driver's door. It was a guy in the car, but I couldn't make out his face because of the tinted glass that hid him except the shades he was wearing.

Without thinking twice, I pulled the car door open, glaring at the young college guy on the driver's seat; he was wearing an Armani polo shirt which hung to his upper body tightly with dark shades. The guy's head whipped in my direction and he looked at me like I was some weird alien unknown to mankind.

"Yes?" he looked annoyed, face beholding conflict, "What do you want?"

"Take a look at my top dumbass."

He gestured for me to move back while he got out of the car. He had a stoic expression, furrowed brows marred his face, and the way his jaw clenched was proof that he had a bad temper. The short sleeves he was wearing allowed me to get a splendid view of the black ink that beautified his arms.

Standing right in front of me-few inches taller-his eyes went over my top. "It's a nice top."

My lips coiled up in a tight-lipped frown, anger curling hot and unstoppable in my gut, like a blazing flame wanting to burst out of me. "Look here, I see you have no damn manners, you ruined my top and you can't even utter a simple sorry, is that so?"

His tensed muscles made me believe he was shocked, perhaps, no one had ever talked to him like that before. He took off his shades and stared at me, eyes drilling holes in mine. My eyes stayed fixated on the entity before me, with chocolatey mass of hair falling to his ocean blue eyes that was complimented by his plump lips.

While my eyes stayed glued to his, his face still beheld shock before morphing into a brooding look, lips pressed into a thin line. "Move!"

"I'd rather not," I told him out of pure stubbornness, not moving from my spot. I hated it when people who aren't known to me tells me what to do.

"What the fuck? I said move!"

"I heard you the first time silly, but I think you're deaf because my reply was 'I'd rather not.'" I retorted.

"Listen, you're a freshman here. So you have no idea who I am but I'll let you off with a warning. . . I'm not someone you'd want to mess with." He looked me dead in the eyes. By the time, some students walking around the premises were looking our way, faces beholding confusion.

My lips curled up in a smirk, " Do you think I care? You really don't know me." I let out a chuckle before continuing, "I could break your nose if you're not careful." I pointed at his nose before walking off but he stopped halfway.

"Why are you so. . .weird?"

Weird? The nerve of this guy.

I turned around to face him again, a smirk plastered on my face. "Oh, you mean why I'm not bowing down to follow your orders your Highness?" I sarcastically retorted.

His mouth was left hanging opened, and creases appeared on his forehead, leaving me satisfied. "Glad to see a cat finally caught your tongue." That was the last thing I said to him before walking away and leaving him behind.

Walking ahead, I caught sight of Bella with two cups of coffee- when her eyes found me, she ran towards me.

"There you are. where have you been?. . . What happened to your shirt?" she asked, eyes dropping to my white and brown top.

"It was a stupid guy, driving his goddamn expensive car and then he drove into a puddle right were I was standing and. . . he didn't say sorry!"

"Don't worry, we'll take care of that when we get back to the dorm. Here's your coffee," she handed me a cup of coffee.

"Thanks."

We made our way back to the dorms- successfully getting rid of the brown stain after one hour of trying-there was absolutely nothing to do so we opted for watching a movie. That's how we spent the rest of the day. Binge watching Netflix.

I'm glad that I got to finish this chapter, tell me what u think of it.