Notes:

Additional Cast:

Evangeline Lilly as Phoebe Combs

 Joshua Jackson as Steven Adams

Thomas Gibson as Stephen Reynolds

Vanessa's POV

So today is the first day of the rest of my life and...I'M LATE! What? I had put on the alarm last night at least 3 hours earlier and now it's almost 10. I quickly get out of my bed and rush at the door.

"Mom, we're late!" I yell.

"Purposely, sweetheart. There's no need to worry, your train doesn't leave until noon, you have already packed your suitcase and I thought you could use some extra sleep so I turned off your alarm." Of course she did. I exhale. "You should relax, I can't believe this is going to be our last morning together for a while." My mom says and approaches me for a hug.

"Mom, come on. I'm gonna be only 3 hours away." I say and return the hug.

"Are you two already crying?" I hear my dad's voice from downstairs. "I can't promise I'll resist for long to these delicious pancakes staring at me!"

"Your dad is unbelievable! Take your time and get ready. I'll go make him behave." My mom tells me and rushes to the stairs to go to the kitchen.

God, I'm gonna be so homesick. I never get enough of these two laughing and teasing each other. So many people thought my parents won't make it. They've been together since high school and when my mom went to college and my dad stayed back home, it seemed like the end to everyone outside. But they kept going. Then my mom got pregnant and everyone anticipated she won't keep the baby or stay with the "young lad with no future". But my parents proved them wrong. My dad worked more than hard to make sure we had everything. He's been extra supporting to my mom, even exclusively baby-sitting me on my first years so my mom could get her degree. And she did. Now she's a vet, my dad has his own garage and they keep their love as strong as day one.

I can honestly say we're a happy family and I've been a happy child. We always get along just fine and I always had everything I needed. That's the reason why I wanted them to be proud of me so I always did my best at school and I was a really good student. So good that I even was the valedictorian, something that bothered a few but that's another story. Today is a new beginning for me and everything will be fine. Actually, more than fine. I just got to ensure my college life has a good start. As I'm almost ready, I take a quick glimpse at the stuff I got packed yesterday to check I haven't forgotten anything special. My laptop, my suitcase, my backpack full of my favorite books and my guitar. My mom insisted all of these are too much for me to carry on my own but I can't leave anything behind. I want to make my dorm room feel like home the moment I get there. New state, new life, new people. It will definitely take me time to adjust but it will be okay. I know it will.

I grab the necklace Emma got me. No doubt, I need it to keep her close to me and get enough confidence to make it through this big day. Emma is going to be another person I will be missing constantly. She's been my best friend since I can remember myself and now she's going to make her dreams come true, starting by travelling all over the world. Europe is her first stop. Sometimes I wish I was as determined and confident as she is, not afraid to get out of my cell and try new things, but I guess that's just not me.

"Vanessa, are you ready honey?" My mom's voice brings me back to reality. I grab my blue jacket. Jeans, blue t-shirt and my sneakers. I obviously didn't put much effort but I need to be comfortable in my 3 hour train ride. I get downstairs and find my parents waiting for me into the kitchen, breakfast untouched.

"You could have gotten a bite you know, just to see if they are really that delicious!" I tell my dad smiling. I know he has resisted way long to these pancakes which is his favorite thing ever. Our favorite thing.

"Couldn't do it without you, kiddo!", he says winking at me. He's sitting at the chair near the window as always and resting his right leg to the footstool. He broke it last week falling from the ladder while he was searching at the attic for a photo album full of baby pictures of me. To say he was nostalgic will be an understatement. He serves me some orange juice and I sit next to him.

"So everything's packed and you're already looking forward to leaving your old folks?" He teases me.

"How did you know?" I say acting all surprised.

"You two better start eating. I'm making you a sandwich honey. You are arriving in the afternoon, you have to eat something in between."

"Yes, mom." My dad and I say in sync. We all laugh together.

As the time passes, my dad has apologized for not being able to drive me to campus 5 times, my mom has made me another 3 sandwiches and I have eaten way too many pancakes. More than I could really handle. I hug my dad goodbye and act like I didn't notice his teary eyes while I was stepping out the door of our house. My mom accompanies me to the train station and waits till I get on board. I grab a seat by the window and wave at the woman who taught me to be kind and generous but also strong when I have too. The train starts. I close my eyes and cross my fingers hoping I'll survive my first day according to my plan. Little did I know.

Alice's POV

What a nice weather. The sun is shining so bright, while there are a few clouds in the sky, but I don't think it's going to rain. My mood is in total sync with the shiny weather. It's my first day in college. A new beginning. New place, new people, new things to learn. When I found out I was accepted in this college in Linguistics faculty I couldn't help my excitement. This is one of the best colleges in the world and I got in. This is so amazing! A wide smile crosses my face, without realizing it, while I am looking at the place, where the new chapter of my life is about to begin.

"Someone is really thrilled about college." My dad's voice interrupts my thoughts.

I turn to look at him, while he gives me a wide smile. His brown eyes soften as he sees me so happy.

"Of course I am! I am officially an adult and I will live on my own for the first time! I will institute this day as Alice's Day Of Independence and we are going to celebrate it every year. Chocolate cake and presents are mandatory of course." I say with a serious tone and my father can't help but laughing.

My dad's laughter is one of the sweetest sounds in the world and every time it warms my heart. After my mother's death he doesn't laugh so frequently as he used to, but he always tried to be cheerful for me and fill in my mother's shoes. When I make him laugh I feel like achieving a very difficult mission, which I am very proud when it is successful.

"Ok Mr. President I will get the paperwork ready for you to sign and book the White House and the Congress to be at your service!" he continues joking with me as we step out of the car.

When my feet hit the ground I start looking curiously around. The university is so huge, which makes me wonder how long it takes to cross it from one end to the other. In front of me is the central building, which looks really old and its design is inspired from Medieval times. It's really tall and dark and resembles a castle, but I guess it has to be really modern inside with all the secretary services and stuff. In front of it there's a big courtyard with trees and two fountains. The first is the classic one with an angel statue in the middle, while the other's water pop up from the ground in different shapes. Many students lay on the grass enjoying the sun and others just passing with books and laptops. I wonder where all the freshmen are.

We take my luggage from car's hatchback and I laugh at my dad's attempt to take it all at once.

"You know you'll have a roommate right? I wonder where she will put her things since yours will be filling the whole room." He gasps giving me some bags. "I hope she has space to fit herself in." He smirks raising his eyebrow.

I turn to meet his eyes trying to look annoyed.

"Well, I have heard different stories about irritating or weirdos as roommates and they give me the creeps! If I am so unlucky and my roommate is like this I will move out... or move her out," I give him a sly glance and then make my best puppy face with a flashy smile.

"Just promise me you'll be nice to ALL people, because I know that your spontaneity takes control of your actions. Also don't kick anyone unless you're on self-defense. Just because I am in the FBI, that doesn't mean I can get you out of trouble every time" my dad tells me very seriously.

"Alright alright I swear I will be a good girl!" I promise him, while I am crossing my fingers behind my back.

"You know I can see that." He smirks.

I laugh and we continue walking trying to find the dorms. After ten minutes we find them and I go talk to the secretary, a chubby woman with short blond hair,blue eyes and red cheeks.

"Good morning! I am Alice Reynolds and this is supposed to be the dorms, I will be staying in." I address to her.

She looks up at me and says "Good morning! Wait a minute to check my records." She starts typing at her computer.

"Yes, you're right here." and she puts her index on the screen. "Just sign these papers," and I bend to sign a small pack. "Great! Your room is 17B. It's on the second floor. The elevator's this way." She bends a bit to show me to the right direction. "Come here if you have any problem. The staff will be happy to help you!" she smiles and she hands me over the keys.

"Thank you!" I reply and I nod to my father to follow me through the corridor.

I arrive at the second floor and start checking the numbers.

14,15,16,17! I am here! I put the keys to unlock the door to my small kingdom. The room is smaller than I expected, but if I put my personal touch it will be a cozy home. My home! The two wooden beds are parallel to each other and in front of them there are two large wooden desks with drawers. Two wardrobes are placed near the entrance at my left and right and between the space of two beds there's a big window, with a great view to the courtyard. The bathroom is at my right. It's just a really narrow space with a small shower, a toilet and a sink with a small mirror above, but I don't complain! It's better than using community bathrooms.
"I like it!" I turn and say to my dad.

"I am happy for it! You wanted to live the full college experience after all!" He says and moves his hand to show the room. "Let's start the unpacking-

Suddenly his phone starts to ring. Well, it's a miracle it was quiet for so long. My dad answers to it.

"Reynolds here! What? Now? I am not even in Washington. Can't someone else replace me? Ok ok I'll be there." And like that the call ends. He looks at me with sad eyes.

"Don't worry dad. There's a case and they need you! I'll be fine! I always am." I reassure him and go for a hug.

He returns the hug and apologizes. "So sorry sweetheart!"

"It's ok! I am a big girl. I can take care of myself." I reassure him again and he gives a kiss on my forehead.

"I know you can." He exhales looking at me with soft eyes and I can understand he hates that he has to leave, but his job is very demanding and he's the team's chief. "I will call you when I arrive. Love you!" he says while leaving.

"Kick the criminal's ass and be careful! Love you too!" I shout as he leaves.

I don't blame my dad for that. I know he has to do the job correctly and he's excellent at it. When we lived in Europe Ren's mother was taking care of me, when my dad had to be away, due to his job. When we returned to the States my grandmother(dad's mom) checked up on me.

Well let's Alice this place up. Make it more casa for me.

Vanessa POV

Having positive thoughts can prove to be a difficult task when it's just not only up to you. My companions were really testing my nerves throughout the entire 3 hour journey, which guess what lasted actually 4 and a half due to a problem to the train engine at our first stop, that made all the passengers wait for the next one. Miss Betty, as she introduced herself, a 70 year-old lady, kept complaining every second except when she was taking little naps and snoring worse than my dad does when he's got the flu. This though seemed to amuse the three 15 year-old girls who were going to their favorite singer concert for who they were talking non-stop till we got at our destination. Oh and I forgot how one of them tried to vandalize my guitar, swearing she could play a mash-up of his hits.

By the time we arrive, I have a major headache and I need some air. What once used to be a sunny day, now has been replaced by lots of clouds in the sky and the sun is nowhere to be found. Maybe the weather changed to match my mood, I think to myself. I have no resilience to wait for the bus, so that leaves me with no other choice than taking a taxi. Actually, this is the better choice considering the amount of baggage I'm carrying and how tired I'm feeling. Maybe I should have left some at home after all. The taxi driver is smoking heavily and gets offended when I politely ask him to stop. That also leads to him leaving me about three minutes away from the dorms' building. I try to gather all my strength, calm down and think at the bright side of it. When I feel raindrops against my face, I think again and decide that there isn't. Just how I've imagined my day. Reaching the dorms looks like a mission impossible under these circumstances. I don't know what to cover up first considering I have to protect both my laptop and my guitar while making the humanly possible to move my suitcase at the same time. I never hated rain that much. A car passes by me and manages to make things ever worse. That's it, I'm done over attempting to stay positive.

"Seems like you need a little help over here." I hear a voice behind me.

"What gave you that idea?" I shout full of irony, turning to face the strange voice.

"Woah, someone's having a bad day." A way too tall dark haired boy is staring at me with his obnoxious smile all over his face. He must really find this entertaining, so entertaining that he doesn't even try to hide it.

"You think? Aren't you a genius." My tone is even more hostile now. I feel so defeated. And where did he even come from? I get down to catch my backpack but my guitar falls from my hand. Great, just great. I suddenly feel something covering my head. A jacket? Did he? Did he really?

"In case you haven't noticed, I'm already wet."

"In case you haven't noticed either, so am I. So move."

He grabs my guitar and my suitcase and heads to the canopy outside of the building. I follow him under the rain that keeps transforming into a proper storm. He reaches the safe place really quickly, leaves my things and comes back to me, to help me with the rest I assume. I now take a more careful look at him. Black jeans and just a white t-shirt stuck to his body. Someone could say he's the athletic type, I guess. But really where did he come from? There was no one to be found the moment I got here except that moron who.. He is that moron whose car ran through the puddle and splattered me. Out of my anger, I start laughing hysterically. He's looking at me confused but with that irritating smirk still on his face.

"As much as I find this amusing, I think we should get you inside." He tells me and offers his hand to lighten me from my burden. I instead throw his jacket back at him.

" I believe you've done enough, don't you think? What's your point? Like really? Trying to play the Good Samaritan hoping your sins will be forgiven? Maybe you should..." He bursts into laughter.

"What's so funny?!" I yell.

"You are." He tells me and gives me his jacket once again.

"I don't want it!" I throw it into his face. "And I'm not! And don't act like that! And... Just... Aah! I can handle it on my own!"

"How am I acting? I thought taking you out of your misery deserved a fucking thank you at least!"

"Well, I don't thank you! Get out of my way!" I walk pass him.

"You're insane you know! What the fuck!"

"And you are a caveman!" I close the door that loudly it wakes up the porter of the building. I approach at his desk.

"Vanessa Adams. Room 17B." I say.

Alice POV

Time passed so fast and the sunny weather has given its place to a storm. It's pouring outside. My dad hasn't call me yet, so the rain must have delayed him. I decide to take a break and maybe give Ren a Skype call.

What time is it in Japan?

Suddenly the door opens and a brunette girl with long hair barges in. She's wet from head to toe,looking really desperate and upset and struggling with her luggage.

"I am so sorry!" she mumbles. "I didn't mean to get in like this."

"Don't worry!" I say trying to calm her down. "Let me help you with those." I take the luggage and the guitar box off her.

"Thank you so much! So good to see there's still gentle people on this earth." She pants.

"Hint taken! Who's the culprit?" I ask while I am sitting on my bed.

"An arrogant fool who splashed me with his car and had the idea he would get away with it!" she spats. "Like his sins would be forgiven, because he tried to undone the mess that he created!" Her voice goes higher and higher.

"Don't worry I know about assholes too." I say thinking about this idiot from the elevator in my summer vacations. Everytime I think about him I want to take a gun and shoot at something, thinking it's him. I was so upset after our encounter that I was complaining to Ren all night and couldn't have fun. He insisted on letting it go. Like there was a chance to meet this guy again. Of course not. What are the odds? So I took his advice and stopped pushing this too far, but there are moments that I think of it and I want to smash something, preferably on his head if I had him in front on me. I've met him once and that was enough to drive me crazy for the rest of the summer. Thank God I left the next day, because if I saw him again I would bury him in the sand and I would be gloating over him. "They just think they can do whatever they want without dealing with the consequences." I continue saying and try not to think of the elevator stupid womanizer.

"Exactly! I was so hyped about my first day here and he ruined it all!" She exasperates and I see some tears making their appearance.

"Hey!" I step closer to her putting my hand on her shoulder. "Don't let him do this to you! Just forget him!" As I do so successfully. Good job Alice giving advice that you can't even follow. "If you want I can deal with him. Make it look like an accident." I wink at her. "What do you prefer face or legs?" I tell her in order to cheer her up and I can see it's working.

"Do you have connections with the mob or something?"

"I don't need the mob. I am a killer machine on my own. Black belt in karate, taekwondo and Aikido. Not to mention my excellence in shooting. Just say the word and I will even record the event for you!" I say in a professional voice.

Then she bursts out laughing. Mission accomplished!

"By the way I am your roommate Alice!"

"I am Vanessa!" She says and she continues laughing. I couldn't help but join her too.

She seems like a pretty good person and maybe we'll get along really well.

A/N Note: Thanks for reading, any feedback is welcome. :)