I awake the next morning to the sunlight beaming on my face through the sheer black curtains hanging over the windows. My head is pounding as I sit up, glancing around. It doesn't take me long to realize I'm alone. Sky must have woken up early and headed out for the day. Her bed is already made. Nice and neat like the first time I saw it. Each blanket is folded perfectly and placed back in its spot. The smell of weed lingers in the air.

Today is Saturday. I only have two days to get used to being away from home before classes start. My stomach lets out a low, harsh grumble. I guess that's my sign. It's time to eat. I haven't eaten anything besides a bag of chips yesterday. That seems like an eternity ago, even though it was just the day before. Being away from home makes me realize how much I have taken for granted, like my mom cooking for me. I'm so used to having meals prepared three times a day. This is going to be a nightmare. I've never had to fend for myself before.

After a few moments of trying to wake up, I climb out of bed. Looking around the room for some clothes to throw on, I grab the first thing I see. Throwing on a pair of black seats and a white Bearcats hoodie, I'm ready to go. Now what to eat? I know this place has at least a cafe and hopefully a few other food places nearby. I rack my brain trying to remember the places we saw yesterday. But I'm failing miserably since I was still half asleep. I know there were a bunch of little shops over by where we parked. But I don't remember any of their names. Somewhere serves food, even if it's gas station junk food. I'm so hungry everything sounds good. I guess, I'll take my chances, walking until I find something.

Fall is my favorite time of the year. I love seeing the leaves change colors. The way they slowly fall to the ground. Sometimes getting caught in the wind,  carried away for miles before finally landing. It reminds me of the older movies. The romantic ones where they are sitting in the park on a bench with leaves whirling around in the background as they kiss. If only life were as simple and romantic as the movies.

There's not a lot of people out today. Most of them are probably sleeping or recuperating from last night. I'm pretty sure the whole school was at the bonfire. Checking my phone, I realize it's only 9 a.m., no wonder no one's out.

Walking farther down the street a small cafe catches my eye. "Meisters" in big bold black letters, is posted above the walkway. A bell dings above me, as I push the wooden door open. I'm instantly greeted with warmth the moment I step in. It's a small little shop, but the smell inside is heavenly. A mixture of freshly baked bread and various sweets hangs in the air. I could inhale its aromas all day long.

The floors are older and worn down. The once wooden floors have been painted over, a brick red color.  Huge scratches and dings from chairs are carved into the wood. I wonder when they last updated this place. They still use wallpaper, which is a yellow color consisting of hundreds of red roses painted onto it. The wall coloring is sun-baked and faded in certain spots. Dimly lit small metal lanterns hang all around. They're strung on what appears to be a fishing line.

"Welcome to Meisters. Pick a seat, and I'll be with you shortly, sweetie. " A short-haired woman acknowledges me as she pops up from behind the counter. Inching my way in, I sit at a small round table in the back. There's no one else here besides a boy seated in the opposite corner. His back is towards me with his hood up, hunched over typing something onto a laptop. I can barely make the screen out, but I see he's written quite a bit. He seems to be interested in whatever it is. The waitress sets a steaming cup beside him, but he doesn't acknowledge her.

My stomach growls again skimming through the menu. It reminds me of going grocery shopping while hungry. Everything sounds so good. I can't make up my mind.

After reading the menu several times I finally chose a chicken avocado bacon half sandwich. I opt for a side salad with ranch instead of fries with a sweet tea.

The woman comes over to take my order, allowing me to see her features. She reminds me a lot of my nana. Beautiful dark brown eyes and rosy red cheeks complement her salt-and-pepper short hair. Each time she smiles at me the corners of her mouth sink, showcasing her dimples. After taking my order, she places her pencil behind her ear. My gaze follows her, pulling out a blue rag from her apron. She quickly bustles off, wiping tables as she heads back towards the kitchen.

"I see you're alive, and decided to ignore my text message" Hayden's voice slices through the air. I had been so busy watching the waitress that I hadn't noticed him leaning against the chair beside me. He seems to be in a playful mood. An amused grin plastered on his face. It dawned on me when I looked over that he was the boy from in the corner.

"I didn't ignore you. I  fell asleep, " I lie, my cheeks getting redder. This has always been a telltale sign that I'm lying. I'm glad no one here knows this about me. When I was younger and would try to lie to my mom it never worked. As soon as my cheeks started to glow, she knew.

"It's all good. I get the hint. Just normally, it's me blowing someone off after we hook up, not the other way around, " he grins. Once again showing off his perfect smile. My body melts beneath his stare. "By the way, it shows when you leave someone on read," he chuckles, cramming his laptop into his bag before slinging it over his shoulder. "See you around Bex," he smiles as the bell dings, signaling his exit. My heart races,  watching his shadow as he moves farther down the road. He's barely visible through the windows by the time I give up.

My food arrives just in time, causing my stomach to let out a loud growl. I must have been hungrier than I thought. It's delicious. I love the crunch of the lettuce and crisp bacon. A giant, juicy, grilled chicken breast sits between the buns, with its juices oozing down the side. The mayo and avocado mix together creating a unique but satisfying sauce. I finish my food quickly and pay the bill. The food was amazing. Way better than what I'm used to back home.

The cool fall air whips around me as I walk around the campus. The giant trees, with their branches bare sway side to side in the wind. Red, orange, and yellow leaves roll across the ground, crunching beneath my shoes with each step I take. It's beautiful here. It's nothing like my hometown. As a kid, I used to dream about getting away from there.

Johnny and I had discussed it hundreds of times, we had so many dreams and wishes. I was going to be a famous author, writing romance stories. Tales of epic love overcoming all obstacles. Johnny was going to be a musician, playing the guitar. His music would bring smiles to people's faces. Together we were going to travel the world.  Finally settling down in whatever city we liked the best. Hell, we even talked about maybe having a couple of kids. I  wish things would have turned out differently. Then he would be here with me. Instead, I'm all alone. Taking a deep breath, I bury my dreams and walk into my dorm.

"Where have you been all day?" Skylar asks from down on the floor, straddling a large green foam mat. Raising her hands above her head, she swiftly brings them down to rest on her shins before bending her chest down to the ground.

"I just went and explored campus a little, and grabbed some lunch," I tell her, completely leaving out the part about running into Hayden. Deciding to go and shower I start searching for clean clothes and my shower caddy.

"You should have texted me. I would have gone with you. I'm starving, " she gasps between deep breaths. Switching to her left side with one hand firmly under her head, supporting her face, she points her toes. Lifting her right leg she holds it suspended at a slight angle.

"Sorry. I didn't even think about it. " I apologize, digging through my clothes. I find a clean pair of panties, a new bra, and a fresh pair of socks.

"I'm about to go shower. Are you going to be here for a while?" I ask, rummaging through a nearby pile of towels.

"Yeah, I don't have any plans. Hope has some project for her Girl power group, " she moans between crunches.

"Okay, I'll see you shortly" I holler over my shoulder, before the door closes