Prologue: Start of a New Life

I took a look at my room for the last time. I will definitely miss this odd colored room. I will miss the green window curtain, my pastel- colored bed, the red wall and my blue cabinet. I will also miss this small study table. I heaved a sigh and carried the box where I put all my painting materials. I went out of the room and headed straight outside. I placed the box at the backseat of my car and faced my parents who are teary eyed.

"Come on, I will be fine. I'll come here during vacations, anyway," I reassured them for the nth time. They've always been ecstatic about me finally going to college. But they are also worried for me. And who wouldn't? I will be away, miles away from them. And I will be living a new life in a new environment so it's going to be tough. But I'm not Maddison Adams for nothing.

"We will miss you. Take care, alright?" said by my crying mom. She's always been emotional. She hates being separated from me but it can't be helped. I hugged both my parents for the last time and waved my good bye to them as I went inside my car. It will be at least a 2-hour drive or so from our town to Washington.

I found my self smiling while driving, enjoying the scenery that unfolds in every drive I make. College has always been my dream, and I'm excited to fulfil that dream of mine. New college, new environment, new lifestyle. The new home that awaits for me in Washington will never be the same home that I've grown accustomed to, but I have a great spirit. I will survive college, that's for sure.

I arrived at my apartment at noon, this building is quite big and has high security. My parents did a great job at choosing a place. They didn't get a dorm for me for a reason that they don't want me to be stressed if I'm just inside the school premises. And I'm a fine arts student, I need to be more outside and explore to find an inspiration. And I thank my parents for understanding me.

I parked my car and got my luggages. I have at least 3 big and heavy luggages and 2 boxes for my art materials. I'm at the 6th floor of the building and good thing this apartment has thing thing called elevator, I think I wouldn't sweat much. I brought 2 luggages with me on my way up. My unit is quite spacious. It has a quite spacious living room, a kitchen, a shower room and 1 bed room with a single bed and spacious cabinet. I placed my luggages inside my room and went back down to get the rest. After a minute I got all my stuff in my room. I started unpacking and arranged my clothes at the cabinet. I placed my art materials beside my bed.

I felt my stomach growling when I finished everything. It's already two in the afternoon and I haven't eaten anything since I arrived. I grab my wallet and went outside to eat. I drove and found a good restaurant to eat. I was greeted by a waiter when I entered. I chose a table near the window to appreciate the green scenery outside. Is Washington has always been this great?

"What do you want to eat?" asked by the same waiter and handed me a menu. I ordered pasta and an orange juice. "You're new here," he said, clearly stating a fact.

I nodded and smiled. "Yeah, I am. For college," I answered him. He just smiled and showed me his cute dimples and told me he'll prepare my order. He's handsome for a waiter. How old is he? Maybe he has a girlfriend already, and who wouldn't with a handsome face like his?

He came back with my pasta and orange juice. He placed it in front of me while he's still smiling. What's with his smiles anyway, I mean I get it he's a waiter he has to smile always, but he's smile is so attractive I want to shut his mouth.

"Thanks," I said and started digging when he left. I was so hungry, I immediately finished my pasta. I sipped at my orange juice while enjoying the scenery outside. This side of the restaurant is green and full of grasses and trees. I pictured the scenery using my fingers. This place is a good place to paint.

I called the waiter for my bill and he immediately came handed me the bill. I placed the money and gave him a tip.

"This is quite a huge amount of tip," he said, still smiling. Does he even know how to frown?

I stood up and I was looking up at him. I noticed that he's so tall and has great body built. I wonder if he already have a girlfriend. "That's for the smile," I replied and went out. I rushed inside my car and held my heart as soon as I get in. That's so embarrassing, why did I say it?

"You're very embarrassing, Maddie," I told myself and slapped my face. I drove off but I didn't head home. I wandered around the neighbourhood and noticed that there are few apartment buildings in the area as it's near my new school. I stopped when I saw Target. I have to buy groceries and some ingredients for me to cook. I don't wanna spend much eating out. I parked my car and went inside and got a basket. I picked the items that I needed most, foods, vegetables and anything instant. I have a complete kitchen set so I need not to worry about the kitchen stuff, I just have to buy something for me to eat. I also bought snacks and chocolate bars and marshmallows.

After all of it, I paid it and headed home to the apartment. I was about to get out of the elevator with a lot of plastic bags in my hand when I stopped. I saw a couple making out outside the unit beside mine. They were so intimate to each other and I bet they are sexually frustrated as they were kissing so bad that their hands are everywhere. I wanted to turn around but I can't seem to do it. They still didn't noticed me. Can't they wait until they enter their unit?

My eyer grew big when they looked at my direction. I almost had a heart attack and can't utter a single word. I was just looking at them, while the guy is looking at me intently. I didn't do anything wrong, they're the one who did it outside, I'm just an innocent citizen here who happened to watch it all. I was about to speak when the woman smirked at me, then they went inside the unit. I hurriedly went inside my unit and locked the door. I placed my hand in my chest and drank a glass of water. That's the first time that I saw someone doing it outside.

And the woman is quite familiar. Where did I saw her?