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I don’t remember much about my mother and father. Actually, I don’t remember anything about my life before Aunt Beth. She’s offered to tell me, but I declined. Something akin to a panic attack arises every time I think about them.
Aunt Beth is a schoolteacher. She doesn’t make much, but she has always tried to give me everything I needed. She’s never married and has no children of her own. We’ve never talked about it, but she gives me broken heart vibes.“You’re the only one I need,”she used to speak softly to me as she brushed my hair.
I step into my mostly packed room, my haven. Aunt Beth and I painted my room bright cherry red with soft pinks as accents. I walk over to my chipped wood vanity, popping the jar open and grabbing a sour cherry candy. If I have an addiction, it’s this delicious, tangy candy. I pop the tart sweet into my mouth. Using my teeth, I bite slightly into the tough shell, allowing the sour crust to dissolve into my mouth before the explosion of sweetness coats my tongue.
Grabbing my towel, a pair of sleep shorts, and a tank, I make my way to the bathroom across the hall.
* * *
I laughas I watch an episode ofThe Golden GirlsI’ve seen a million times before. My aunt pats my leg, grinning. The credits roll and Aunt Beth shifts, dragging my attention toward her. “I have a present for you.”
I smile. “If it’s not aGolden Girlsblanket, I don’t want it.”
She frowns. “That was a really good guess.” She pulls a bright red gift bag from beside the couch, handing it to me.
Looking inside, I see an envelope, four bags of my favorite candies, and a blanket. AGolden Girlsone, to be exact. I burst out laughing as I pull the blanket of Sophia, my favorite character, out. “No way!” I exclaim, rubbing the soft material against my face.
“Now, don’t eat all these candies in a week. I’m not sure how you don’t have cavities,” Aunt Beth scolds me.
“No promises. It’s my version of crack.”
Aunt Beth’s nose scrunches up. “Brixy,” she warns.
“Kidding. I’ve never done crack.”
Aunt Beth bites her lip to contain the smile that wants to slip out, but then her eyes sparkle. “I, um,” she begins. “I’ve been saving up for a while, it’s not much but…” She sighs. “I don’t want you to have to keep doing what you’ve been doing for money anymore.”
My cheeks heat, my eyes falling to my lap. I’ve never been ashamed of how I survive, but I never dreamed she would have known. I don’t want her to be ashamed of me. “In the envelope is five grand. And, hey, don’t you dare look ashamed. You own what you do. You don’t ever be ashamed of that, do you hear me, Brixley?”
My glassy eyes jerk up, and I nod. “Yes, ma’am,” I whisper.
My aunt’s eyes mirror mine as she pulls me to her, my head laying on her chest. “I’m going to miss you so much, Brix.” She pets my hair.
“I’m going to miss you too,” I whisper back, clutching her tight. Thanking her for the amazing gift.
We hold each other, eventually falling asleep on the couch.
2
Brixley
Mount Crest Universityis planted in the dense forests of Washington, hidden on a mountain. If you didn’t know where you were going, you would definitely get lost out here. The roads up here honestly give meWrong Turnvibes. Not to mention the number of serial killers produced from this state—top ten in the country, to be exact. This place gives me an ominous feeling. But at the same time, I feel ecstatic bliss at the thought of such danger. I’ve always been this way—attracted to danger, I mean. I don’t know why. Probably the same reason I can’t remember the beginning of my life. The danger aside, I’m obsessed with the view and the weather here. There’s a crisp breeze in the air and it’s green as far as the eye can see.
When I got here, I had to pause as I stared at the vintage buildings that make up the college. Think medium-sized castles bunched together, spreading for miles. ThinkHarry Potter,with the tall archways, the delicate detail in the molding. The aged brick and rock, colored from earthy brown tones that somehow look old and new simultaneously. The weeping trees and sprawling greenery.
Sure, when I was accepted, I looked the place up. I knew this is how it looked. But no pictures or even my imagination could have prepared me for the out-of-this-world feel of this place.
After I made my way to the admissions office and was given a set of keys, I found my new dorm. I always imagined my dorm to be the one room with two beds and zero space. So, imagine my surprise when I found these dorms were actually a lot like small apartments. Complete with fully furnished living rooms and kitchens. My new home consists of a hallway that breaks off from the living room, leading to two bedrooms and a bathroom. I take the last room at the end of the hallway since its door is open. I guess my roommate is already here because I hear a light feminine hum coming from the other room. I put the one box I brought with me on the empty mattress, then push my giant suitcase up against the wall and do a full spin. There is a large bay window taking up most of one wall, showcasing a small amount of the courtyard, but mostly, it shows the beautiful forest. There is a closet to my right, sterile white walls, and an old desk on the left side of the room. The empty bed rests against the one bare wall. I decide I like it here, how you can see out the window from the bed.
I pull out a notebook and pen from my purse, jotting down all the things I would need. Frankly, it’s a lot. I wasn’t playing when I said I left my old life behind me. I brought what I needed, and a few small things that meant something to me. Everything else I would be buying new. I’ll even splurge at Target. I understand that is considered a cheap store to some, but it’s a luxury to me.
“Hello.” The small, quiet-as-a-mouse voice barely reaches my ears. At first, I think I’m imagining it, but then it comes again. A little louder this time.
Spinning, I’m met with a very small, almost delicate-looking girl standing in my dorm room. Her freckled cheeks blush and she lowers her crystal blue eyes to the ground. She looks to be around my age. Nineteen, or maybe eighteen. She pushes platinum blonde curly hair behind her ear. “Umm… hey?” I say.
“I didn’t mean to scare you. I just wanted to introduce myself. My name is Primrose Thatcher.” She looks up with her wide doe eyes. Her pink rose petal lips tilting into a small, shy smile. “I’m your roommate.” She’s like an angel, giving off a peaceful aura that draws you in.
“Hi, I’m Brixley Archer,” I say, trying my best to offer her a smile.
