Presley Qiaodi is a reserved 17-year-old boy of Asian descent and his best friend and now roommate Mitchum Charles who is African American since the first day of high school moved to attend college in H.I.D.C.A city. Including being the name of the city and College, HIDCA has a darker meaning in slang by the locals which the two only realize the hard way.

So though the college itself is a technological advancement and a known safe place for students human problems still exist. The city isn't all fun and games and precautions need to be taken. The underside of crimes that happen every day is easily overlooked by others but mixed in with teen drama wouldn't blend well. Even though Presley seeks to avoid getting involved, he may find it harder to do so because of those around him and the direct linkage to those at his school which is supposed to be their safe space.

How Presley copes with city life through his experiences he never talks about may be just what it takes for him and his friend to survive their college experience.

Presley

I was rushing to class before the last bell could ring. Well, I did lose some time talking to Alejandra on the way. But I think I'm still jet lagged from the trip I invited myself on with Presley for the weekend. I had no idea it was for the funeral of his grandmother. No wonder he's been acting so weird lately and that explains the reaction I got before we left. On the plane ride over he never said a word, why didn't he tell me? 


It was only at the airport when we met his cousin did I find out. Come to think of it, I don't think I've ever met any of his family. Presley didn't talk to him much other than to introduce me, you would have thought it was my cousin. He had his car with him and I asked Presley if he wanted to go up with him instead. 


Chapter 31- Loss of a Friend