Chapter 18

Cody and I had been dating for months now. We spent most of the time together; going on dates, watching movies in the cinema and hanging out. Sometimes Cody comes to visit in my house but my parents make sure we don't go overboard. Today was going to be our last date together before I leave for college tomorrow morning.

I stood in front of the house checking my watch countless times. Cody was supposed to be here five minutes ago. What was keeping him long? I was a bit angry because this was so unlike him. As I decided to head back into the house, he pulled over with his black car. He walked towards me with his hands behind his back.

“What's this frown on your face Millie. Did I do something wrong?" Cody asked but I wasn't going to give in so easily. I remained silent nevertheless. Cody pulled something from his back and I smiled as I saw the bouquet of roses. “You got this for me?" I asked in amazement. “This kept me long on the way I wanted to surprise you on our last date before you leave tomorrow" I nodded in understanding feeling bad I was judgmental.

Cody had brought me to this beautiful museum that displayed historic art and rare paintings. It was amazing when the guide took time to explain the history behind each artistry in the museum. We had stopped by an ice cream van to buy ice-cream. The weather was awfully hot today and something cold was the best thing that was needed right now.

“So where is our next stop" I licked my ice cream waiting for Cody's reply. “It is a surprise, you wait and see" Cody was being too reserved today but I was a curious person and I don't take no for an answer. No matter how I pressured Cody, he just won't budge.

Our next and last stop was a cinema. “Really this is cliche" Cody smirked and dragged me inside the cinema. “What about snacks?" He looked between us and nodded while he rushed off to grab some popcorn and soda. It actually was a movie I had been dying to see but couldn't get a copy on the internet. “How did you know this was my favorite series?" Cody motioned for me to keep quiet. I followed his eyes and saw the couple sitting beside us looking angry. “Was my voice loud?" Cody nodded and I remained silent throughout the rest of the movie. We held hands till the movie ended.

...

Cody had dropped me home an hour ago and I missed him already. He was also preparing for college so he couldn't see me off at the airport tomorrow. After a quick freshening up which I really needed from today's tiring events, I wore my favorite pajamas. My clothes,shoes and stationery for tomorrow was already packed neatly in the respective luggages. Before I could sleep I received a text message from Daisy. It read that she had already reached the dormitory and she couldn't wait to meet me tomorrow.

...

A beautiful bright morning it was yet I was going to bid farewell to my family and head to college today. Breakfast was really awkward since nobody wanted to speak. Mom's eyes look puffy and swollen which I bet she cried this morning. Dad decided to drive me to the airport. My mother helped to pack my luggages in the booth of the car. For a moment, I thought she was going to stay behind at home but she surprised me when she opened the door. “Mom!!" I called out surprised by her actions. “What Millie? You think I'm going to stay back home and let your father send you to the airport alone? No way my dear, now get into the car,we have a flight to catch" I chuckled but sat in the backseat.

The rest of the ride was about my mom telling me about her college days and how she met my dad which was something I didn't want to know but it was a memorable time. As we got to the airport, my dad removed my luggages from the car. My mother suddenly hugged me catching me off guard. “I will miss you Millie my dear, be a good girl ok. And remember to call us when you reach your dormitory " I nodded in understanding and hugged my dad.

“Thank you mom and dad. I love you" I yelled and the passengers around looked curiously at me.

“We love you too Millie bear" My mother shouted in the crowd as I was heading to be checked in. I waved and wiped my tears streaming down my face. I acted tough in front of my parents but I was definitely going to miss them, especially my mother on how we argue and fight. She's the best mother and I loved her for that.

As I sat in the plane for take off, I slept. I didn't get enough sleep yesterday due to my anticipation for today. When the air hostess announced that we had landed in New York, I hurried off the plane grabbing my bag pack. I waited for a while until my luggages was set. I ordered for an Uber,it took about thirty minutes before he arrived. He helped me pack my luggages in the car and I told him the location of the college as I sat in the passenger seat.

New York was a busy state, people moved around, various nice structures with skyscrapers were dominant on the street. People with diverse culture moved around and I wonder how I could fit in. It's been three hours and we had been stuck in traffic for a while.

“Is this your first time here?", the driver asked and I nodded. I didn't want to give much information to a complete stranger. As we approached the college, I noticed the domitory which was five minutes away from the main college. After paying the driver with my credit card, I dialed Daisy's number. She picked at the first ring. “Are you here already?",there was a hint of excitement in her voice. “I'm currently standing in front of the domitory, I need your help with my belongings" I pleaded and she chuckled.

“Give me five minutes I will be down soon" Several girls around my age passed by giving me curious looks and I smiled back,others I returned a wave. While waiting for Daisy, I got a call from Cody. “Hey babe have you arrived safely?" He asked out of concern and I giggled. “I just reached my domitory. I'm waiting for my best friend to offer a helping hand "

....“Take care Millie, I just arrived in my apartment as well, I have some unpacking to do so let's talk tomorrow instead" I hung up and sighed. Daisy was two minutes late and I didn't know anywhere around this place. “I would have hired an apartment if she hadn't insisted we share a domitory and she's just abandoning me at the start.

“Millie!!" Daisy shouted and ran towards me for a hug. I opened my arms wide embracing my best friend. It's been four years since we last saw each other and I really missed her. “You brought the whole Florida here " Daisy exclaimed in a dramatic manner and I laughed. The security guard which I didn't notice from earlier, helped make the moving of my luggage easier. I expected it to be a four bedroom dormitory considering the overpopulation in New York. “Isn't it supposed to be four people sharing a room" I asked as Daisy searched her pockets for the keys to the room. “I have my connections and it was easy securing this place just for the two of us.

The room was really beautiful although not like home but it had a nice view of New York City from the balcony and the besides were on opposite corners of the room and a wardrobe with four compartments,a built in mini kitchen,a washroom and a mini washing machine for the laundry. I was really impressed. The next hours Daisy and I unpacked everything I brought along. Daisy was thoughtful enough to order a pizza which we had with coke while unpacking.

The room looked great when we were done and I needed a shower that bad. My sweat had dried on my body making me stink. I knew Daisy was trying her best not to make me feel bad. I called my parents as soon as I sat on my new bed. We talked for a while and Daisy got to speak with them as well.

.....

College was freaky tough than high school and I wished we were being told earlier so we could be mentally prepared. Months had passed since I moved here for college. Being a medical student was really tough. I spent most of the days in lecture halls or hospitals for clinical rotations. Daisy wasn't having it easier as well being a nursing student. The only days we had for ourselves was weekends.

As the semester ended I decided to stay back with Daisy since it was a month vacation. We used the month to tour the whole of New York City with new friends we had got during the months we've been here together. It's been two months since I heard from Cody. Our conversations changed when he moved to college. Cody was always busy all the time. The constant complain soon turn to ghosting. His number wasn't going through again and sometimes I thought whether I was still his girlfriend. I should have taught as much that he would never change but it could be something came up.

...

Within months, first year was over and we had a three months vacation to ourselves. Daisy left yesterday to Australia. As I finished packing my last belonging into the small luggage I planned on sending, I locked the door and tossed my pair of the keys into my pocket. When I got to the ground floor,the ride I had ordered for the airport was already waiting for me. I apologized for the delay and sat in the car as it drove towards the airport. As we got closer to the airport, I became nervous with each passing second. Whatever that was keeping Cody busy, I was finally going to find out about it.