Oh, That Russian Accent

“We need to leave now, Dad. I don’t want to be late for the tour,” I yell to my father upstairs.  “I’m coming! I’m coming!” I’m starting my first year in college, and dad and I are leaving today. Holy cow, I’m excited. But also quite nervous. I live in a small town called Lorella in Oregon with my dad. I’m going to be attending The University of Stanford in Cali, so we really need to get going, if we are going to make it on time. It’s about a 7-hour long drive. The car is stuffed to the brim when we finally begin driving. Our journey starts with music, snacks, and some sleep. I have a pretty good relationship with my dad, so it is going to be hard to say goodbye. But I have worked too hard to get accepted into college, and even get a scholarship, to let this go just because I'll miss my dad. I need to do this for myself. Aaaand my dad would literally kill me if I didn’t attend, now that I have the opportunity.    ***** “We’re almost there now. Are you nervous?” My dad asks me. “Yeah, but I just need to get settled in and stuff. You don’t have to worry about me. I’m gonna be just fine, I always am.” “I know you will… Ooooh, my little girl is gonna be a college girl soon. Where the hell did all that time go?” He asks me, chuckling to himself. “Dad… I’ll always be your little girl and you know it. You’re just trying to be sentimental now,” I laugh him off, but deep down I agree with him. It was only yesterday, that I was his little girl spending my time with him 24/7. Now I’m going to be 7 hours away from him.  “I know, I know.” Half an hour later we arrive at Stanford. Holy moly, we’re actually here.  “You ready, honey?” “Yeah... I’m ready, dad.” We park and walk to the reception to get the key and dorm room number. I look around as we wait in line. It is really nice here - lots of fresh air, nature, and beautiful old buildings surrounding us.  “Name?” The lady behind the desk asks.  “Oh, Ruby Derman,” I answer the lady.  “You’re situated in the freshman hall. Here is your key and a map over the campus.” “Thanks,” I say. Dad and I go back to the car and take a few boxes with us, before finding my room. 215. I like that number. Now we just need to find it.  We head towards the freshman hall after getting some help from a stranger. When we find my room, we go inside and check it out. Nobody’s here yet, so I get to choose which bed I want. I quickly put my boxes down on the left bed. I don’t know why it just has a good vibe to it. The room is simple; two beds, two desks, two small closets, and a mini-fridge. The mini-fridge is definitely going to come in handy.  Dad and I get the last boxes from the truck, and we are finally done. Now I just have to unpack. My classes are first starting in 2 days, so I’ll have some time to settle down and buy the last things before then.  “Your tour starts in an hour, honey,” Dad states. “I know.” “So, I should probably get going. I’ve got a long way home.” “I’m gonna miss you, dad.” “I’m gonna miss you too kiddo.” I walk over to hug him one final time in... well I don’t know how long.  “I love you, Ruby,” he says. “I love you too, dad.” I have to admit, I am having a real hard time saying goodbye to him. Who’s gonna wake me up in the morning, when I can’t get out of bed even though my alarm is beeping like crazy? Who’s going to force me to eat breakfast even though I’m late for school? Who is now going to be my best friend? “Alright, alright. I have to get going,” he says. “Okay, goodbye dad.” “Goodbye, Ruby. Promise me you’ll call every day.” “I will, Dad, I will.” And with that, he walks out of my dorm room and drives away.