Chapter 1: Amber's POV
The sunlight streamed through my bedroom window, spilling across the pale lavender walls. It was the start of something new—a chapter I'd dreamed of and dreaded in equal measure. My first day of college.
"Amber! Breakfast is ready!" Mom's voice rang out from downstairs, her usual chipper tone echoing through the house.
I yawned and stretched, glancing at the clock on my nightstand. 6:30 a.m. Time to get moving. Chloe, my seven-year-old sister, was still curled up in bed on the other side of the room. I couldn't help but smile at how peaceful she looked, her brown curls spilling over her pillow.
"Chloe, wake up," I said, walking over and shaking her shoulder lightly. "You don't want to miss your first day back at school."
She groaned, pulling her blanket over her head. "Five more minutes."
"Nope. Not today, kiddo. Come on, I'll make your toast extra crispy."
That got her attention. She peeked out from under the blanket, her brown eyes narrowing suspiciously. "Deal. But I want extra jelly too."
"Fine," I said with a laugh. "Now get up."
Once I'd showered and pulled on a light blue sweater and my favorite jeans, Chloe and I headed downstairs. Mom was at the stove, flipping pancakes, while Dad tinkered with something outside in the garage.
"Morning, sweetheart," Mom said, glancing over her shoulder. Her auburn hair was pulled into a messy bun, and she wore her favorite floral apron.
"Morning, Mom," I said, sliding into a chair at the kitchen table. Chloe plopped down beside me, immediately reaching for the orange juice.
"Excited for your first day?" Mom asked, placing a plate of pancakes in front of me.
"A little," I admitted, swirling syrup onto my plate. "It's just… a lot of new things all at once."
Mom smiled gently. "That's what makes it exciting. You're going to do great, Amber. Just take it one day at a time."
"I know," I said, though my nerves didn't quite agree.
After breakfast, Chloe and I grabbed our bags and headed out to my car, a slightly dented but reliable red Toyota Corolla. Chloe hopped into the passenger seat, her pink backpack practically swallowing her small frame.
"Ready for takeoff, Captain?" she asked with a grin.
I laughed. "Always."
The drive to Chloe's elementary school was short and uneventful. She gave me a quick hug before jumping out and running toward the front doors. "Good luck at college, Amber!" she called over her shoulder.
I watched her go, my chest tightening slightly. She was so small, so full of energy and optimism. It was hard to leave her behind, even if it was just for a few hours.
The drive to Blake's College took longer, and my nerves grew with each passing mile. By the time I pulled into the parking lot, my stomach felt like it was doing somersaults.
The campus was beautiful, though. The red-brick buildings were covered in ivy, and the sprawling lawns were dotted with groups of students talking and laughing.
I took a deep breath, grabbed my bag, and stepped out of the car. The cool morning air was crisp and refreshing, a reminder that this was real. I was here.
The administration building was buzzing with activity when I walked inside. Students were lined up at the front desk, collecting their schedules and asking questions. I joined the line, trying not to let the chaos overwhelm me.
When it was my turn, the woman behind the desk handed me my schedule with a polite smile. "Welcome to Blake's College," she said.
"Thanks," I replied, clutching the paper like it was a lifeline.
My first class was Biology 101. I made my way across campus, following the map on my phone until I reached a large lecture hall. The room was already filling up when I arrived, and I chose a seat near the middle, pulling out my notebook and pen.
The professor introduced herself and started outlining the course syllabus. I found myself relaxing as the lecture went on, the familiar rhythm of taking notes and listening to instructions grounding me.
By the time the class ended, I felt a little more settled. College was different, sure, but it wasn't as terrifying as I'd imagined.
I spent the rest of the morning navigating campus, finding my other classes, and even grabbing a coffee from a small café near the library. There was so much to take in, so many faces and voices blending together in a whirlwind of activity.
As the day wound down, I found myself sitting on a bench near the main courtyard, watching the sun dip lower in the sky. My thoughts drifted to home—to Mom, Dad, and Chloe.
For the first time all day, I let myself breathe.
This was just the beginning, and while I didn't know what lay ahead, I was ready to face it.