Ok, so you're probably wondering what I'm doing outside of Bridgeport. Well, after the incident with the camera, I was accepted into a University a few hours away! Luke and I were unsure what to do about our financial situation, so we decided to resell the camera. It didn't sell for as much as it had cost, but we both worked double shifts to pay it off. About two months later we were doing pretty well. We were no longer in debt, I got a raise at the bookstore I've been working at, and Luke was offered a job at the local elementary school. He had just recently graduated from college when I met him. His parents had hoped that teaching would be something he could fall back on, not what he wanted to do his entire life, which is why they were angry when he rejected the military.
Anyway, I got a letter in the mail offering me a full scholarship. Apparently, the woman I spoke to at the art gallery showed my photographs to a colleague, who showed them to a colleague, etc., I was going to college to become an art major!
It's been nearly four years and I'm so close to having that degree in my hands. Four years ago, I never dreamed I'd get the opportunity to go to college. Now, I've grown accustomed to the long nights studying and doing homework, party-hard atmosphere, and nosey roommates. I knew I'd regret joining a sorority. Don't ask me what I was thinking. The only plus side is I was the first girl to arrive and claimed a room with a single, queen-sized bed.
Packing up my things and heading off to school was very difficult at first. I didn't want to say goodbye to Luke because we had just started what I hoped to be a great relationship. Somehow we've made it work. We text, call, video-chat, and write actual letters to each other. I squeal every time I get one in the mail from him. My roommates probably think I'm insane. He comes up to visit every once in a while which makes things a lot easier. I always love seeing him and we go to a little café on campus that sells the best croissants I've ever had. I can't wait until graduation when I get to see him once again and don't have to say goodbye afterwards.
So, now I'm sitting here trying to study for my final exams while one of my roommates is most likely having a little bit of fun in the next room. I never knew people could be so loud. Especially when........ nevermind.
I got up to go to the bathroom when I felt my phone buzz in my pocket. It was a text from Luke.
Sleep well. I love you :)
I smiled and texted him back.
I love you, too.
I returned to my seat at my desk and continued reading the article on art history I've read at least ten times. I glanced at the time. 11:47.
"Screw this." I said aloud. I shut the lid to my laptop, changed into sweatpants and a t-shirt, and climbed into bed. I still had another two days to worry about my exam. I had been studying for three weeks. I know, that sounds a bit excessive, but I'm determined to do well. I want to be at the top of my class and I am willing to stress myself out to get there. I want to make something out of myself. I've never been able to do anything useful before, but now that I'm in college, I know there's something I'm good at that can get me somewhere in life.
I closed my eyes and let sleep consume me.
~*~
"Get up!" A man with pitch black hair and piercing green eyes violently shook me awake. "I swear, the government doesn't pay us enough. We should get paid more just for taking you in. You're late for school again. Are you too stupid to set your alarm?! No wonder your parents gave you up!" He screamed in my face.
With tears in my eyes, I sniffled and jumped out of bed, hurriedly scrambling to get dressed. I tied my hair in a pony tail and ran out the door. I dare not ask for breakfast. I hopped onto the big, yellow school bus and sat down next to a girl with light blond hair, freckles, and deep, blue eyes. I dumped my backpack next to myself and stayed silent.
"I'm Celeste!" She grinned. "What's your name?"
"Charlie..." I answered in a barely audible whisper.
"My brother's name is Charlie. Were your parents expecting a boy?" She asked.
"I- I don't know."
"It's pretty anyways." She smiled. I couldn't help but let out a small smile of my own.
Celeste continued talking to me on our ride to school. She pulled out a picture of her golden retriever named Sunny and beamed when she stated that she had taught him how to roll over all by herself. I had always wanted a dog, but none of my foster families ever had one. There was one family that owned a cat, but it was very old and barely had any hair. It wasn't the friendliest of animals, either.
The bus finally screeched to a halt and the dozens of kids began unloading. I grabbed my backpack and followed Celeste off. As we walked into the school, I commented on her charm bracelet.
"It's really pretty." I stated. "I wish I had one like it."
"Thanks! My mom and dad bought it for me for my birthday. I only have three charms right now, but they said I can get another if I get straight A's!"
I opened my mouth to say something more when a group of three girls came over to us.
"Celeste, what are you doing talking to that freak?" The obvious ring leader asked harshly.
"I was just telling her where I got my bracelet, Hannah." Celeste responded.
"Well get away from her. There's obviously something wrong with her. Didn't you hear? Even her parents didn't want her. Let's go." She grabbed Celeste by the arm and viciously turned to leave as the two other girls giggled at her remark.
"Bye, Charlie." Celeste waved with a frown. As the two others turned to follow, one of the girls pushed me onto the rough concrete. As I fell on my back, I cringed in pain and held back tears. My back still stung from what my foster father had done to me the night before...
~*~
My alarm went off at 7:45am and I stumbled out of bed and made my way to the bathroom half asleep.Today was my final day of class before finals and I was happy yet sad at the same time. Happy because it meant I was finally done with school and wouldn't have to worry about assignments anymore, but sad because I realized how much I would actually miss this school. Although I'm not much of a socializer, I went to a few parties, met some nice people, and overall had a pretty good experience. 
I hopped in the shower and let the hot beads of water hit my face and flow down my body. I rubbed the sleep out of my eyes and and yawned. I would be looking forward to getting to sleep in after graduation.
I got out of the shower, dressed, and put my wet hair in a messy bun. It was my last day of class, I couldn't care less about my hair today. I stood in front of the bathroom mirror and brushed my teeth.
"Charlotte! Get out of the bathroom! Other people besides yourself use it." One of my roommates shouted while pounding ferociously on the door.
"Relax, Victoria. I've been in here for less than ten minutes. Like you just said, other people besides yourself use it. There's three other bathrooms. We're the only ones home right now. Go use another one." I shouted back. Out of all of my roommates, she annoyed me the most. I pity the girl who shares a room with her.
After I had left the bathroom I grabbed my car keys and stopped by that little café I love to quickly buy a coffee.
"Morning, Jimmy!" I greeted when I walked into the café.
"Hey, Charlie! How's your morning? Ready for your last class?" He replied.
"Going pretty well. I can't wait to get out of that insane sorority, but other than that, it's going great. I'm so ready for my last class. One more day, and I'm finally done with school. How's your day so far?"
"Great, sweetheart." He smile and handed me my coffee. "I'll miss you once you leave!"
Jimmy's really the only friend I've made while studying here. I know, that sounds really pathetic considering there are how many college kids here and I befriend the sixty something year old barista. But, he's been very kind and helpful and I'll truly miss him when I leave.
I gratefully scooped up my coffee and headed back out to my car.
"See you later, Jimmy!" I waved with a smile.
~*~
I sat and reviewed the study guide I had made once more. I was going to ace this exam. I just knew it. I was so ready. There wasn't a single term or artist I didn't know. I had every bit of knowledge I needed packed into my brain ready to use to the best of my ability. I just had to wait until tomorrow.
The butterflies in my stomach didn't seem to want to go away. I had no reason to be nervous, right? I've been a great, no, amazing student! All of my professors have told me so. So, what's wrong with me? Why can't I just relax like a normal person? Ha, I don't even know what the word relax feels like. Who am I kidding?
I felt my phone buzz in my pocket and looked at the luminous screen. Luke was calling.
"Hello?"
"Hi, Charlie! How are you?" I heard him ask from the other end.
"I'm great! I'm just studying for my final exam and I'm about to head to bed. What's up?"
"I, I have some bad news..." He hesitated.
"What's wrong?"
"Charlie, I won't be able to make it up for your graduation. I'm so SO sorry." He explained.
I didn't know what to say.
"Are you still there?" He asked.
I didn't answer.
"Charlie?"
"Yes, I'm still here... What happened?"
"It was supposed to be a surprise. Well, it still can be, but I wasn't expecting it to take this long. I thought the process would be over with in time for your graduation, but I guess I was wrong. I promise, Charlie. It'll all be worth it. When you get back home we'll go out to dinner and I'll explain everything."
I paused. "I-I was just really looking forward to seeing you..."
"I know you were. I was, too. But, think about it. In less than a week, we'll be able to see each other. You'll get to see your surprise, and I know you'll love it. I'll make it up to you. I love you so much, Charlie."
"I love you, too. I can't wait to see you."
"Me, too. Good luck on your finals. I know you'll do great. Sweet dreams, Charlie."
I hung up the phone and sighed. What could he possibly have to surprise me?
~*~
I hope you enjoyed chapter 3! Chapter four will be out soon! :) I already have some of it written! :D
P.S Sorry for the spam you're about to see. I just love little Charlie so much! She is so cute! ^_^
P.S Sorry for the spam you're about to see. I just love little Charlie so much! She is so cute! ^_^
