Oregon ended up not being as bad as I thought it would be. In fact, I think I might like it more than California, which is weird since I've lived there for my whole entire life, until a year ago when I had to move here- to Portland.
Seventy miles south of Portland, right in the middle of forests and grass-covered hills, is the one and only Blackwood Academy.
Believe me when I say that going to a boarding school was never in my plans. Countless where the times were I would make fun of all my middle-school friends who actually considered going to one to finish highschool. There was just something about them I didn't like at all. Not one bit.
But look at me now. Starting another year here, my Junior year. Only difference now, is that I'm not alone.
"Ramona, would you hurry up? I wanna get to my room before my roommate"
My little brother chimes from behind me as I take my stuff out from my dad's trunk. This is his first year at Blackwood, and I can't believe how excited he actually is. God knows I was going to throw up the first day I arrived here. I remember the nerves were eating me up, tickling my neck and making my stomach hurt with anticipation- only for the experience to turn out as normal as going to a public school would've been. And I was a little disappointed because of it, I guess I expected more.
"Chill Mau, it's not like your roommate will lock you out"
Mau's eyes widen as he collects his things and runs faster than I've ever seen him run all the way to the entrance of the building. Dad rolls his eyes at him since he didn't even say good-bye.
Typical Mau.
Now it was Dad and I standing next to each other, just like last year.
I look up to him and notice how much we look alike. Both of us have light brown hair and doe-eyes that mom used to envy.
Mom.
The things I would take back just to have her standing right next to me telling me stuff only moms who leave their kids at boarding schools can say.
But not in this life.
"Promess to call me every night and to update me on whatever Daredevil does?"
My dad never breaks eye contact with me whenever we're having a conversation. That action always makes me want to keep every promise I make to him, even if this one might take a little more work than the other ones. Regardless, I nod.
"I promise"
He spares me one more glance before his arms wrap around my shoulders. For one last time I take his scent in and he smells just like home. Pinewood, chamomile tea and toothpaste. A scent that belonged to him and him only. Sometimes I wish I could bottle it up and keep it with me whenever I'm missing home.
But other times I'm glad I'm away from it because it brings back too many memories.
Memories of her.
"Go before your late, and make sure to check up on Mau before you do anything"
His hand ruffles my hair as I push him away. We said our goodbyes and now I watch the red pickup drive away and get swallowed by the trees surrounding the school.
School.
I turn my back to the forest and make my way through the crowd of people doing the same thing I did minutes ago- saying bye to their families for a few months. Sometimes I thought how dramatic these goodbyes were. We would all eventually see each other at some point, why all the tears and drama?
The bell rang signaling that all of us had to be inside the building now. I step inside the school's reception and I take a few moments to look around the room. Antique chandeliers, some oil lamps, long hallways, hundreds of stairs. Part of me hated to admit that I kind of missed this, but whatever pride in me was left fought with itself to think otherwise. My eyes found my brother's blonde head, he was looking for me. His eyes lit up like a christmas tree when he saw me, waving his hand calling out to me.
Well, this year has officially started. All of it to be exactly like last year- boring.
But, honestly, I just couldn't shake the feeling that maybe I was wrong.
Just maybe.