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PROLOGUE CHARLOTTE
Charlotte
Clemson University, Freshman Year
Walking into the large auditorium, I scan the room. There are students milling around everywhere and the sounds of their voices echo throughout the room. My knees are shaking and my palms are wet from sweat. I don’t know that I’ve ever been this nervous. I don’t know a single person at this university and I have more problems in my life than a math test, but I’m here, and I’m determined to see this through.
Ihaveto see this through.
Leaving home and saying goodbye to my little sister was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do. I’ve questioned my decision more times than I can count, but at the end of the day, I know this is what’s best. She’s in good hands with Aunt Miranda. She might not be the most loving of parental figures, but she’s what we have, and I’ll check in with Audrey daily. She’ll barely know I’m not there.
Finding a seat in the back, I plop down, setting my backpack with all my essentials at my feet. I’ve never been to one of the college freshman orientations. I don’t know if I need something while here, and I don’t want to bethatgirl—the shy one with no friends to sit with and who doesn’t have what she needs.
But I’m here nonetheless.
As I glance at my wrist, pain pierces my chest when I see my dad’s watch. He wasn’t wearing it the night of the accident. It’s the first thing I noticed when I went into my parents’ room. I asked Audrey if she wanted it, but she said no. It’s far too large for my tiny wrist, but I can’t seem to go a day without wearing it. Aunt Miranda tells me it will get easier—that time heals all wounds—but I’m pretty sure she’s mistaken. I don’t know that any amount of time will fill the hole of the loss of my parents.
Reaching into my backpack for my phone to text my sister, I hear a deep “Hey” next to me. Turning, I see a guy with dark brown hair, the most amazing brown eyes I’ve ever seen, and a smile that I’m sure has the ladies lining up for his attention.
“Hi.” I tuck my hair behind my ear and quickly type out a message to my little sister.
Me: What are you up to?
Audrey: I’m in business ethics class.
Me: Why are you replying if you’re in class?
Audrey: Why are you texting me when you know I’m in class?
She has a point.
“I’m Spencer,” the hot guy says. I look over, and he offers me a grin and his hand. I take it.
“Charlotte.” I used to hate my full name, only my parents used it, but now that they’re gone, I long to hear them say it just one more time.
“Nice to meet you, Charlotte.”
“You too,” I say, going back to my phone.
Me: Call me when you get out of school, and we’ll catch up.
Audrey: You’ve been gone for three days, Charlie. There isn’t much to catch up on.
Me: I miss you.
I can practically see her rolling her eyes at me.
Audrey: I miss you too. I’ll call you later. Aren’t you supposed to be in orientation?
I send her a quick picture of the auditorium.
Audrey: You’ve got this, big sister.
Me: We’ve got this.
A man steps up to the podium, raises his hand, and the room starts to quiet down.
Me: Starting. Gotta go.
