Chapter 1
ELLA
I breathe in, the hustle and bustle of people hurrying to and from flights striking my shoulders. I clasp my carry-on bag to my chest. Today was the day. The day I had been anxiously waiting on for the past year. The day where my freedom would begin. I glance behind me and give my dad a timid wave. I shouldn't of bothered. His back was to me and he was gesturing wildly on the phone. I sigh, and start down the hallway, dragging my suitcase behind me. I could always text him later.
I had brought two sizeable suitcases, so by the time I got to my bus stop I was wiping sweat off my brow. I check my watch wearily. 12:16. The bus didn't arrive until half. Fourteen minutes, then I was off with a scholarship at my dream college, Rockferd. None of my friends from high school were attending, so I was a lone sailor venturing into a big sea. I lift my phone, and peer at the camera. I grimace. My dark brown hair had gotten rumpled in my haste to the bus stop. I smooth it down.
It was hard to believe I, of all people, would be attending Rockferd. Sure, I had the test scores, but the real question was, am I up for it? At least that's what my dad was saying. Rockferd is prestigious, from it's sports teams to debate teams, chess clubs to equestrian groups. And my own father didn't think I was "made of the right stuff." But I was determined to prove him wrong. I would excel in Rockferd, even if it was the last thing I did.
