Taming Desires

The phone's ringing was a loud sound, followed by vibration. It woke Audrey up fully. She fumbled her hand on the nightstand, bumping the lamp, before her fingers found the cold glass of her phone. She checked the screen. It was Benny. Her friend and neighbor. He was her only constant friend since she and her mom moved here after her parents' divorce. Audrey rubbed her tired eyes and answered. "Benny, it's not even seven a.m.," Audrey mumbled her voice rough with sleep Benny's voice was sharp and clear. "Good morning, Audy. I know. But today is the first day of college. This day deserves an early start." "I know it's important," Audrey sighed, pulling the blankets up. "But I just want to find my way around without getting lost." "It will be confusing," Benny agreed. "But you'll figure it out. Are you worried about the classes, or just the idea of all those new faces?" She could hear the smile in his voice. "Both. Mostly the faces. It's hard to start fresh. I don't want to be the new girl with the sad story." They both let out a loud laugh Benny paused. "You don't have a sad story, Aud. You have a smart story. And you look fine. But I'm still coming over to check your bag and your shoes. I need to make sure you look organized. It's part of my best friend's rules." Audrey smiled faintly. "Fine. I'll go get ready. See you soon." She hung up and swung her legs out of bed. Audrey walked downstairs. The kitchen was bright and smelled good. Toast and brewing coffee. Her mother, Ayla, was standing at the counter, slicing an apple very carefully. Audrey walked behind her and wrapped her arms around Ayla's waist. Ayla stopped her work and put her hands over Audrey's. "Good morning, my girl," Ayla murmured. "Did Benny wake you?" "Yes, he's already in work mode." Audrey squeezed her mother gently. "I'm going to go get ready now. I'll be quick." "Good. Food is almost ready," Ayla said, her voice soft. Audrey went back upstairs to the bathroom. She showered quickly. When she was done, she stood at the mirror, working on her hair. She used the hot stretcher to pull it straight. She wanted her hair to look neat and controlled. The doorbell rang just as she finished. Audrey clipped her hair back and listened. She heard her mother's voice: "I'll get it." A minute later, she heard Benny's voice. Audrey grabbed her heavy, packed canvas bag and pulled it downstairs. Now down, Ayla was dressed in neat trousers and a nice top. "Benny, please come over here. You must eat something," Ayla said, pulling out a chair. "Thank you, Ayla. Benny said, sitting down. Audrey slid into her seat. "I'm too excited to eat," she confessed, looking at the eggs and toast. Benny looked at her plate. "You will eat. I'm coming with you today," he said. Audrey and Ayla looked at him. Audrey put on a small, cute look. "That's so nice of you! You really are the best person I know." Benny smiled. "I know. Now, the rule: finish those eggs. If you don't, I will tell your mother that you're not taking this seriously, and you'll have to stay home and clean the garage instead of going to college." He said jokingly. Audrey picked up her fork. "Fine. You are relentless, Ben." Ayla watched them with a knowing look. She reached over and touched Benny's shoulder. "Thank you for being such a thoughtful friend, Benny. You help keep her grounded." Benny and Ayla shared a quick, respectful nod. They ate for a few minutes. Audrey tried to focus on the food. "I looked through your classes for tomorrow," Benny said between bites of toast. "It's at nine a.m. You're expected to be asleep by eight-fifteen or nine pm latest tonight." Audrey laughed. "I have history first. I hope the professor doesn't ask us to talk too much." Suddenly, Audrey's phone buzzed on the table. It was her dad calling on FaceTime. Audrey's face instantly brightened. "Mom! It's Dad!" Ayla nodded calmly. "Answer it, dear." Audrey picked up. Her father's cheerful, loud voice filled the kitchen. "There's my student! Are you ready for the first day?" "I think so, Dad. I'm just eating breakfast." "Good. You'd better eat! College needs brain food! Don't let anyone boss you around too much. How's Benny? His he making sure you're being good?" Audrey had told her dad about Benny. "He is," Audrey confirmed, smiling. "He's making me eat eggs." "Smart boy! Listen, just go in there and be the smartest person in the room. You always are. Give me a big smile for good luck." Audrey smiled brightly at the camera. Her dad made a loud kissing noise. "I have to go, Dad. I love you." "Love you too, sweetie. Call me tonight." The call ended. Audrey felt a rush of good energy. "He seems happy," Ayla commented, collecting their dishes. "He is," Audrey confirmed. They stood up. It was time. Audrey walked toward the door. She stopped to look back at the quiet kitchen and the neat hallway. She knew she would be gone for a while, and Ayla would be here alone. It felt heavy. Ayla walked over and put her hand firmly on Audrey's shoulder, Benny following closely. They walked outside. Benny opened the car boot. Audrey placed her large bag inside. She and Benny got into the back seat together. Ayla got into the driver's seat. Ayla started the car. She looked back at them as though asking permission to move the car. They drove off. The car moved onto the main road. The streets were getting busy with other cars going to work. Audrey looked out the window. The buildings grew bigger, taller, and less familiar. "It's going to be strange," Audrey said quietly. "Being in a place where no one knows anything about me." Benny looked at her. "That's the best part, Audrey. This is the new chapter. Just make sure you write a good one." Audrey leaned her head against the window, watching the city speed by. "I like that. The new chapter." Ayla spoke from the front seat. "Benny is right. This is your chance to focus only on your future. Nothing else that has happened before really matters." The car turned onto a huge, wide street. The traffic slowed down. The college buildings appeared. It looked huge with old stone structures that looked important. "We're here," Ayla said. Audrey checked her reflection in the dark window. Her hair was still smooth. Her face was calm. Ayla pulled the car into a short drop-off zone near a massive building. She stopped the engine. "This is it," Ayla said. Benny quickly opened his door. "I'll grab the bags." Audrey turned to her mother. "Thank you for everything, Mom. I'll call you after I've settled down." Ayla reached over and took Audrey's hands. "Let me at least walk you to find your room. That's the least we could do for you." "Thank you, mum, Thank you, Ben." They strode down farther into the premises.