Just a Stranger

"Carrel!" a beautiful scream awakens me. It is bright outside and I try to feel the sun on my skin as I unfurl the curtain from my windows. I'm not a morning person but I sure love the presence of daylight. "Are you ready?" I hear my mom's footsteps towards my room. Right, today is the day I finally move to Connecticut for the next chapter of my life—college. I have thought about this a million times already but what are these emotions doing to me? I am exceptionally excited for what's ahead despite being unsure of what's there for me but I can't help the sadness devouring me. "Have you packed everything you need?" the sense of concern on my mom's voice. "Of course mom, no need to worry about me." I'm going to miss her, a lot. Yeah, I may be overreacting since it's only a 2-3 hour drive away from home but still. She's the only one I have—besides my freaky best friend since the day my father left us for some other girl. My phone rings and I check to find out it's Jayla. "Girl! I will be missing you a lot. I still could not understand why we both did not choose to study together in college but whatever! I'm so excited for you." the most talkative. "I love you, despite your annoying ass. I'll see you soon." I respond. "I love you, girl! I pray you find the love of your life soon." she squeaks and I laugh at the thought. Jayla means a lot to me. She has always been a part of my family and she has been with me even through my ugliest. I wish she'd come with me to Connecticut, but I know there's a future ahead of her in NYU—it has always been her dream. I can't control the tears pooling in the corner of my eyes as I shut the door of my shabby car. I've been in Brooklyn since forever and I can't believe I'm finally moving out on my own. Well, I hope this journey leads me to whatever is waiting for me. My drama has been caught by a knock on my window. I roll it down as my mom gives me a sly smile and I return. "Bye mom, please take care of yourself. I'll call you once I get there. I love you!" — I'm not sure how I'm feeling as I get closer and closer to the university. Will I make new friends? Will they like me? Is my dorm room big enough for me to feel safe? Will my roommate like me? I'm feeling nervous as ever. I was horrified to see my pale face as I glance at the rear-view mirror of my car. "Here we go." I uttered in a quiet voice as soon as I enter the gates of Yale. There's no turning back.