Regrets Part I

Brayden - Memphis

I'm so glad Jackson and Savannah Grace don't hate me. I don't know why I fell in with the wrong crowd but I really don't feel like I fit in with anyone else anymore. I can't play on the basketball team, I'm so far behind on classes that what's the point, this trip is the only place I feel like I can fit in and not get into trouble. I'm so happy that they let me sit with them on the plane ride to Memphis. It's a little awkward at first but all I had to do was make a stupid joke and had them both laughing again. Neither of them ask any questions as to why I haven't been around lately and I am thankful for that. I don't know how I could explain what the last five months have been like but I'm just glad I'm here now.

We finally land in Memphis and get ready to get off the plane. Everyone grabs their carry-ons and walk out. There is a huge shuttle bus waiting for us to take us to the Graceland Hotel. I have never been somewhere like this. Savannah Grace, Jackson, and I all board the shuttle together and find three seats next to each other. It's not too long of a ride to the hotel and when we get there, I am in awe! I can tell the other kids feel the same way too by the looks on their faces. I'm trying not to seem overly excited but I feel like a kid who is seeing Disneyworld for the first time.

The class congregates in the lobby of the hotel waiting for instructions from Mr. Allen. He tells us our room assignments, who we will be sharing rooms with and tells us to go ahead and check in. I'm with Jackson, thankfully! I think it would be awkward if I had been with any of the other guys.

"After everyone has checked in, I suggest going to your assigned rooms and dropping your stuff off" he says, "After that, you may explore the hotel but make sure you always have someone with you. Have fun but remember, the dinner and ceremony starts at 6. I want everyone to meet upstairs in the area in front of the ceremony hall ready to go for pictures at 5 sharp. After pictures, I want us to have plenty of time to find our seats and get settled in before it starts. Dinner starts at 6 then will be followed by the ceremony at 7." He walks around passing out folders to each of us. "In these folders you will find your itinerary as well as a map. If you need help finding your rooms, please see me and I can direct you. Now go have some fun! I'll see each of you at 5:00."

Jackson and I look over our map and locate our room assignment. After we've put our stuff away, he says "What should we do first? I think Savannah Grace said she was going to do some exploring with some of the other girls."

"I'm starving, how about we find a place in here to eat?"

"Sounds great, I'm pretty hungry myself" he says as we pull out our map again to see what looks good. We leave our room and head out for a little food and a little exploration. This place is massive, we could spend all weekend just inside here looking around and never get to see the whole thing.

There are a few places to eat to choose from but we don't want anything to heavy since we will be having a nice dinner in a few hours. We settle on a sandwich shop not too far from our room. We place our order and find a table. I wonder what Savannah Grace is doing right now. Even though we aren't together anymore and she's with Jackson, I can't stop thinking about her. It's nice being able to spend time with her but it stings a little not being with her. But I know it's all my fault. I have no one to blame but myself.

I sigh thinking about it. Jackson looks over at me with a questioning look, I just shake my head and take a bite of my sandwich. Thankfully he doesn't press for more information and we simply fall into a normal conversation.