Under Wings

Alissa just made into Hadisonford College, taking on the big leap of her journalism success. She always wanted to be a journalist from the age of 6. She read the newspaper every Friday when it arrived. Her mother gave her a journal on her 7th birthday. She would walk the neighborhood, greeted everyone and asked for their life stories. Alissa wrote every word down what they've said and read every night to her mother the most amazing stories. If it wasn't for her mother Lina, encouraging her for pursuing her dream, Alissa would have stayed in that small town and worked at the grocery store. Her father died in a car accident when she was only a baby. So her mother was the only person there for her. She always looked up to her for not only raising her alone, but for the reason of determination of hard work and keeping pace with life difficulties. Her mother's only income was only working at the town's diner for 28 years. Since then, they only lived in a low income home, but still made it day by day. Before then Alissa worked school holidays and after school at the cinema. Sparing every dollar she made until now to have enough for college. Alissa made her last breakfast for her and her mom. All her bags have been packed last night. This is going to be the first-time she is going to be on her own and out of town. She wore her favorite yellow floral dress with white sneakers, her brown hair in a bun with a white bandana around her head. She prepared herself for this day to come until she was little. With anxiousness and excitement she greeted her mother at the door while the taxi honks infront of their house. Hadisonford college is in Utah, three states away from her little town in Illinois. She walks up and down with her bags trying to keep her tears in beneath, while her mother greets her. She gave a big hug to her mother outside whilst the taxi is hastily. She climbs in and wave at the back of the window to her mother while feeling happy, but also sad at the same time. After ten minutes she arrives at airport. Picking up her two bags and waiting in the observation room. Picking onto her hair nervously, overthinking everything, remembering and recounting if she have all her stuff, she stands up gets ready for her flight. She sat down at the window watching the plane ascents. A teardrop falls down her cheeks, but she smiles too with the knowing greater things beholds her future. Next to her she meets a old lady visiting her grandson and chatting about that she never travelled so far. With the arrival she saw the salt lake and mountains. "What a beautiful sight to see" she said to the old lady next to her. Getting ready to get off the plane, she grabbed her book and headphones bumped into a young man on the plane. He grinned at her and sigh the words rumbling out of his mouth, "Excuse me miss, next time watch where you're going". Alissa nervously said, sorry and felt embarrassed with her face blushed and freckles standing out of the redness. She walked fast out of the airport looking at nobody only her feet. Thinking how unwelcoming the people are from here. Overthinking everything about this place and how the students or professors are going to be at her college. She climbed into a taxi on her way to Hadisonford college. With arrival she sees lots of students standing outside chatting and older students waving their red and blue flags. Welcoming everyone on arrival. The taxi dropped her off infront the big tall entrance whilst other students being hugged and saying their goodbyes to their parents. Feeling left out she grabbed her bags and stands on the grass looking for her dorm map, inside of her book. A loud clapping came from her back, shooked she looked around and blond tall girl making herself known. The loud hello and hand waving coming from her. "Welcome to Hadisonford College, do you know which dorm you are?" she said with her Alabama accent. Alissa showed her map and nevertheless pointed to her dorm. "Alrighty then!", she said and shows her the way. Students laughing and cheering in the hallway on her way to her dorm. Brown door with lot of stickers and posters plastered on. The blond girl happily said, "Here, you are", knocking on the door for her and she walked away. The door opens slowly. Standing is a girl with red hair, glasses, her clothes pitch black with a big white skull on her top. She mutters, "I guess you are my new roommate". Alissa smiles and introduced herself. "Yes, I am Alissa Brie and you are?". The red head whispered softly in her ear, "I am your worst enemy". Frightened Alissa looked at her and next moment the red head laughed and smirked, "I am Stacey, usually people call me the crazy one, but I am only using this at to my fullest advantage". Stacey then said, "And yes, it keeps the creeps away from me usually just people after all". Alissa replied with a smile and said, "Yes, people are usually too much at the end of day." As monday sets off, Alissa gets ready for her first class. Changed in a jean, sweater with her brown hair hanging lose, she grabs her backpack stacked with all her books. After her third class, she thought to herself. So much work to be learned and it's not so easy to be done in so little time, because she have to get a job over the college breaks. She doesn't need and want any distraction. After class, she meets Stacey halfway in the hallway on the way to the dorm. She greets her with the thoughts of hopefully she will not ruin her learning this year. She looks very rebellious to her. Her first year is the most important of them all. While they're sitting in their dorm Stacey asked Alissa if she wouldn't mind she brought some friends over to visit. Really mad and upset Alissa anwered, "If Stacey and friends could hangout at a other place, I need to study." Stacey replied, "Unfortunately it can't happen, it won't be a long night, there will be enough time for you to study". While Stacey insisted this visit, Alissa made her bed up and sat in the corner with her face near the window. Scrabbled on her notebook furiously. The door burst open with four friends of Stacey, giggling and straight up making themselves home in the room. Everyone looked at her, you can feel the fumes coming out of her head. Stacey embraced her inner voice, " Well, hey guys, just ignore the nerd in the corner, she just needs to relax." Alissa ignored the whole group and sat quietly on her bed making notes. Few hours passed and after Alissa felled asleep , she noticed the room is quiet and only a tapping on the window across the room. Black short hair and rounded hazel colour eyes looking at her. "Excuse me. Who are you?!", she yelled at him. Slowly and calmy he replied. "I'm one of Stacey's friends, they went to get some food". "But but but", she mumbled over her words. Alissa pulled herself together and stood straight up next to her bed. My question to you is,"Who are you?" she asked again. With questions follows down her grunting throat feels like she saw a ghost. Calmy the boy with the hazel eyes stood next to me. "Sorry that I startled you. I am Zac Henderson and gave his hand for a handshake. I didn't ment to wake you. Stacey asked if I could stay. Just to make sure you're not alone."Alissa shrugged her shoulders and her nose flairs up, but she only replied him with a nod, climbed back in the bed and went back to sleep. She was so upset and embarrassed. She threw the whole blanket over her head and ignored the silences. The morning Stacey brought some coffee and apologizes about last night. She didn't ment to upset her. Alissa feeling guilty she replied, "It's fine, I could've been more nicer. I'm a real old lady." Stacy laughed, "It's fine, next time I won't step over your boundaries". Everything being settled Stacy and Alissa made some jokes and enjoying their coffees. Stacey began to mention about Zac. Alissa frowned and then smiled. "You like him, right?" Stacey asked. "Maybe, maybe not", she answered away. "Ohhh you like him, but remember don't break his heart please. He is a very gently hearted person" Stacey stated seriously. Few days past and she still wondered about that boy, Zac. Alissa made sure she took her books to the library to study and of course don't have to sit in a conversation with Stacey about the questions she asked that morning. Unnecessary conversations and questions. Alissa was unfortunately stubborn and she will admit to it. Well likely in some terms. Saturday came and Alissa made plans just to relax infront of her laptop, watching couple of movies. Suddenly Stacey came in and for much worsen suprise with Zac. You could hear the cringe and unsettling feeling in the room. Alissa just waved with her hand and bothered on with her movies. Few minutes passes and Stacey sighs loud with interrupted question, "Alissa come with me and Zac out to the Barn dance? It will be so much fun and you can meet some of my friends."Alissa anxiously replied, "Maybe we can go, but not for too long." Alissa change her mind and went for it. Of course this awkwardness phase won't pass if she just say yes this one time. While getting ready she asked Zac to leave the room for couple of minutes. Deciding what to wear. Alissa took a jean and black cropt top out of her closet. Put some make-up on and losen her hair down. She opens the door, against the wall standing is Zac and staring at her. Alissa blush and looked away. "So lets go guys!", she exclaimed. Arriving at a big barn outside of the town. Lightbulbs hanging down and with country music whistling outside. Alissa was greeted by many friends of Stacey. She sat down at a table drinking some punch. Walking slowly towards her Zac approaches Alissa. Smiling at her and sat down next to her. He smiled at her and said to her, "You look more happy and approachable tonight, I mean not angry and fighting with me". Alissa nervously replied, "Sorry about last week, I wasn't in the mood for partying. I need to have good grades going, if I fail this then all my money and hard work was for nothing". Zac understood and said let's move on. By asking questions the whole night. Alissa was smiling and lauging with Zac. She misunderstood his intentions and couldn't believe what a great guy he was. Enjoying the night further. Zac asked Alissa if she wanted to have a dance before the night is over. Slow music started to play. Zac took her hand and took the lead by putting his hands into hers. Intertwined with hers, he looks at her and said, "You look so beautifully and you're not like other girls". Alissa blushed and laid her head onto his shoulder. After the dance, Zac took Alissa back to her dorm. Saying goodnight, Zac smiled and said, "See you again." Alissa blushed and ran upstairs to her dorm. Smiling all the way, she went to bed, dreaming about Zac and thinks to herself that she have never felt this way towards someone. The next morning, Zac was waiting for her in the hallway and asked if he may walk with her to her classes. "Of course you can, I wouldn't mind", she replied with her cheeks light pink and smiling. They stopped at one of her classes. Zac asked her if she wants to hangout this weekend, because he knew she is more focusing on her studies during the week. She replied happily, "Yes, it's a date right?" Zac nods with his looking forward answer and says his goodbyes. He shouts down the hallway, "See you this friday at around 7pm". She waves with her hand and went into the classroom. Three years passes by quickly. After the barn dance Zac asked Alissa couple of times out. They fell inlove and gave eachother space, but also appreciated each other's company over the weekends. Stacey is her best friend now too. Getting along in the beginning was pretty hard, but they later on learns that they have so much in common. She have accomplished her journey of journalism with great passing so far. They only have one year left at College. Zac and Alissa made plans already about what happens after college. They decided to go with their degrees to Chicago, work there and stay together. Stacey otherwise is moving end of the year to New York. Alissa completed her bachelor's degree in journalism and Zac completed his bachelor of engineering computer science. For four years of hard work and dedication. Alissa packed her suitcases. She is going to visit her mother for Christmas. Zac is also going with her to meet her. They're deciding to tell her mother their next step by moving together to Chicago. They already sent their applications out. Alissa decided to go to the local newspapers. She is just waiting for one of them to correspond back. Zac already got his contract with Mactacle Engineering company. He starting just after new years. On arrival at the airport of her town. Alissa's mom Lina standing at the exit gate way, holding a big purple sign with her name on it. Jumping up and down. Alissa ran fast as she can, gave her mother a big hug. Zac slowly approaches them and introduces himself. They climbed into her car. Alissa proudly showed Zac where she had worked, her mother's diner and her old school. Packing all the luggages out. Lina asked suddenly for how long are you guys visiting. Alissa said, "Just before new years. We have to get ready for our new jobs and settled in a apartment." Alissa's mother frowned upon the answer. Quickly she asked, "Why don't they look for jobs here? I can look for a apartment for you guys just right here." Zac quickly and shortened said to Lina, "Sorry I have already a job waiting for me in Chicago and Alissa already send an application to the local Chicago newspaper." Very upset Lina went to the kitchen and pulled herself to together. She exclaimed from the kitchen. "I made you guys dinner, I'm just quickly getting the table ready." Something is really off Alissa thought to herself. Zac didn't gave any remorse or empathy to her mother. She didn't think much of it later on, maybe he thinks my mother tried to include herself in their relationship. After a quick exchange at the table, Alissa's mother rephrased her words and gave an apology over the whole moving debate. She then ended the sentence by saying she would've loved it if you and Zac were near, but I will visit you guys often. She then congratulated Alissa and Zac for accomplishing so much in four years and she's very proud of them. Zac smiled at Alissa while she smiled at her mother with her eyes getting teary with pride. The next day Alissa prepared the day to go get a Christmas tree and then having lunch at her mother's diner afterwards. Zac opened the car door for Alissa and said, "Hopefully we can spend the night alone." Alissa giggled into the car and replied, "Maybe we can go for the night out, I can show you a beautiful view at the town's lake." Zac smacking his lips, sighing with relief. He drove to the local Christmas tree dealer. Walking through the big green minty tree's, trying to choose one that will perfectly fit in her mother's living room. Zac said in a playful voice, "Maybe next time we will be tree shopping for our own place". Alissa smiles at him back and nods with her head. Zac pointed out with his finger, "This one, looks perfectly for the house". Alissa agrees with Zac's choice. They took the tree to the house and pushed it into the corner of the livingroom. They left in a hurry for the afternoon visit at her mother's diner. Walking into the big shiny purple door her mom waving across the entrance excitedly gathering some menu's for them. She said, "I didn't think you guys were coming soon. Come, come sit here at the clean table. Can I get you guys some drinks for so long?" Alissa bit shy and nervously said, "Mom, you don't need to serve us. Come join us for a half an hour? You do have waitresses to help us, okay? Lina smiled and agrees with Alissa. She joined them for a brunch. Lina begins to ask some questions about where they will be staying in Chicago and if it's safe. Alissa cut her mother short with the questions. She begins to explain. "It is safe mom and we decided on a apartment just near our jobs. If my application is accepted. I will show you some pictures of the place we wanted. And if we succeed getting in a higher position, just maybe we can get a bigger place just out of the city." Alissa shows her mother the picture to and with big relief her mother felt at ease. Eating and making jokes about their college time. Her mother started to see how happy her daughter is. Lina didn't ask questions about her future. She felt calmness knowing Alissa made it through college and is happily in a relationship. She will succeed in anything that comes on her way. After lunch they left the diner and Alissa said to her mother that they will be out for a while to show Zac her town she grew up in. Lina greeted and said, "See you later". Zac drove to where Alissa described where the lake is. He shuts down the car and looks at Alissa smiling. "It is a beautiful sight to see, but I love more the view next to me. I can watch your face from dusk till dawn. The most beautiful human I've ever met.", he said to Alissa. Alissa blushes and bites on her lip. She moves in and kisses Zac. Embracing his warm and soft lips. Grabbing at the back of his head. She climbed over onto his lap. Her heart races with the warmth feeling she feels while he kisses her neck. He unbuttons her top slowly and kisses down to her chest. Nibbles down and unbuttons her pants. Pulling them off while her breast is in his mouth. Grabbing her thighs, he pulled her onto him. Kissing her all over, breathing heavily down her neck. With his hands on her butt he pulls her even harder in. Alissa moans into his ear and repeatedly says, "I love you, I love you so so so much". He sighs with relief and said, "I love you too, Alissa. So much more everyday". He picked up her top, buttons it up. Kissing her again in her neck then on her cheek and lastly on her lip. They sat on top of the car. Watching the stars above them. Zac stroking Alissa's hair behind her ears. Holding her tight and heavy breathing. Zac said, "I don't want to lose you ever, your everything more then I've ever wanted and needed. Alissa looks at him and she replied to him, "You will never, I promise". The next day, Alissa woke up very early getting the decoration boxes from the garage. She opens them up and started to decorate the tree from the bottom until the top. Zac and her mother were still sleeping. She hang every Christmas light she could get. After she was done, she made some coffee for Zac. Climbed next to him in the covers and asked excitedly, "Guess what?!". Zac looking at her with gloomy eyes and replied, "What is it, babe?". "Come, look for yourself", while Alissa pulled his arm to go check in the livingroom. "What a view to see my love", Zac walked through the livingroom onto the front porch. Alissa asked Zac to get ready, because they need to get to town, to buy some Christmas presents. Her mom standing in the kitchen, Alissa stacked all the presents underneath the tree. Lina smiled from ear tot ear about all the decorations and presents. Later that night after dinner, waiting for twelve o'clock to strike. Alissa came out of her room with a small red box. She handed over to her mom. Lina excitedly asked, "And this, you guys already spoiled me with enough gifts more then I deserved". Lina opens the box and it was a string of keys. "Very strange gift Alissa, I've already have a spare of keys to the diner". Zac stood up and handed over a file of papers. On top of the first sheets in Ariel black letters stands "Lina Brie owner of Parksons diner." "What??!! I am the new owner, but how? Where did you get the money to put it in my name?" Zac said calmy, "It was all Alissa's idea, she told me how many years you have worked as the assistant manager at the diner and that you needed to have an upgrade in life. So, Alissa's saved up money and my little saved up money. We bought it in your name and now you have fully ownership of the diner." Lina crying of happiness, she stood up and grabbed them both in the arms. Lina thanked them while she embraces them in her arms. Alissa smiled and congratulated her mother, just to see her mother so happy, makes her heart fulfilled. The next morning while everyone was still sleeping. Alissa made some few phone calls to the apartment where they're moving and checked her emails for the job she applied to. But she only got an email from Stacy about her Christmas vacation. Zac stroke her arm and kisses her neck, with his warm morning breath snuggling onto her chest. "Why so up early, my love? Are you stressed up again", he asked. "No, just making sure all of our furniture and the apartment is ready for Friday, that's all." Zac knows she's lying and can see how weary her eyes are. He shuffed the laptop onto the side table and climbed over her. Stroking her hair behind her ear and kissed her on the forehead. He heavily said to not to worry and she has only job to do. And that is to make sure she is everyday in his arms and to be there with him every step. She smiled at him knowingly his charm works everytime. They got ready to pack some bags for tomorrow's morning flight to Chicago. She made some more phone calls whilst her mother sat with her in the kitchen. Zac walked outside while on the phone secretly whispering. Without Alissa and her mother knowing. He was calling the Chicago's local newspapers. Walking up and down on the front porch, Alissa came outside with his cup of coffee and Zac in hurry ended the phone call. "Who was that?", she asked curiously. "No, it was just the place that called about our furniture. They said that it's going to be extra hundred dollars to deliver the furniture into the apartment." Alissa knowing Zac quite well, knows that he is lying, because she already made that phone call already this morning. The next moment Alissa received an email from the Chicago's local newspapers. She has been accepted, but only as a photographer. Alissa looks at Zac, straight eye balling him and asked what have he done. Zac clears his throat, "I just wanted to help, I knew you were stressed about the job, not about the new home". Alissa really upset, slammed ther room's door. Zac knocks on the door and tried to explain himself. "I called the office to see if they have your papers and I heard your weren't one of their options for acceptance. So I tried to get you any position I can get. I really just tried to help you. I don't want to lose you", Zac mutters the last words to her. Alissa opens the door slowly peeping through with her eyes full of tears she said, "I just wanted to write, thats all. I've already planned everything for myself. I didn't go to college for this. All my hard work for nothing. Zac opened the door and holds her tights against his chest. He tries to comforts her with his word about they still will be together and there is another options for looking for a writers job. He whispers into her ear, "I love you and I will be next to you every bump on the way". She smiles while tears going down her cheeks feeling his warmth words. Packing everything and getting ready for their flight. Alissa greets her mother with a big hug. On their way to the airport, Alissa makes some calls to make sure their stuff will be there when they arrive. Zac smiles and stroke his hand through her hair while driving. Six hours later, they settled in to their new apartment. Brown with beautiful tiles running through the apartment. Alissa feeling better and seem more excited for the future. Packing everything out and Alissa made some dinner for them. They sat and watch some movies while eating their dinner. Monday morning early they have to start their first day at work. Zac said to Alissa, "I will on my part also send some of your applications to newspapers. Then maybe something will pop up, but for now you still have a job and just maybe you will get a high position. A writing position." Zac points his finger to the hallway closet and asks Alissa to open it. Alissa opens the door and just there under the top, a big bright yellow box with a white ribbon. She opens it quickly. She gives a squealing sound, "What the hell, when did you get the chance to buy it?!". In the box is a brand new model camera with the newest features. Zac grabs her from behind and kisses her neck. "I will do anything for you", he exclaimed. After nine months of hard work, Alissa tries to prove to her boss that she's more a writer then a photographer. Still no expression of indication from her boss and no open position, she kept her pace and dedication. Zac improving everyday more and more at his job and supporting non stop for Alissa still looking for a great position for Alissa. End of the week Stacy will be visiting them for the weekend, a little bit of reunion. Just to catch up after a while. Excitedly Alissa made some reservations for them this weekend at The Platinum restaurant. Alissa took some pictures for the new building opening up next to the park. She sat on the bench finishing up. She scrolled through her camera and came up next was pictures of her and Zac. She smiles at how far they've come, with the knowing so far everything is perfect except her job. Zac and Alissa getting ready for dinner. She took her beautiful black short dress out of the closet. Zac well dressed waiting for her on the edge of the bed. He smiles at her while she is putting her shoes on. She asked Zac, "Are you ready?" Zac replied, "Yes, you look so amazing, I feel underdressed". On the way to the restaurant, they saw Stacy standing outside and waving her hand. They hurried outside greeted her with open arms as if they saw eachother not for years. Zac asked for reservation they made and waited for the the waitress to show them to their table. Alissa asked Stacey hastily, "So, how are things going? Are you happy to be your own and relieved for being a grown up now?". "Yes, my Alis. I am happy to be a independent woman, but what a stressful baggage to carry on your shoulder not to ask money from my parents", Stacey answered giggling with Alissa. "Your table is ready", the waitress walking the way to our table. They ordered their drinks and food. Zac enjoying the company with his old friend and the love of his life. Suddenly, Zac hears a peeping sound from the frontdesk. The lady looking worried by what she sees on her phone. Alissa asked Zac, "What is going on?". All the phones peeping a emergency sound. Everyone checking their phones. Stacy grabbed her phone to check what is going on. A long red on black message from the news alert. Stacey tries to read the broadcast message whilst Zac and Alissa tries to ask her what is going on. Everyone in the restaurant started to grab their things and run away. Stacey white as a paper, "A virus outbreak started in New York". Alissa nervously asked her, "But what does it mean?" "Alissa" holding onto frightened tears Stacey answered. "Alissa, the video shows people that get the virus, their eyes begins to bleed and umm ummm they eat human flesh". Alissa looks shooked, "Are you serious Stacey? It can't be, it sounds like something from a movie". "I am serious", Stacey answered. Suddenly, Zac looked at Stacey and saw some blood coming out of her eyes. Zac quickly grabbed Alissa's hand and ran out of the restaurant.