Chapter 1

Mia's Pov:

Two months ago, he died. It's been two months since I've slept peacefully. I see him when I close my eyes. My dreams have transformed into nightmares. He was the one who understood me. The one who was there for me. Now, he's gone. Who do I have left? Who do I matter too? I have nothing.

My stepmother and I recently moved to this new city. I'll be starting college today. It's been a hustle. Losing my father hasn't been the easiest to get used to.

~*~*~*~

I get dressed and go downstairs, into the kitchen.

"Morning, honey," I hear her say.

"Morning, mom," I replied to her. We're close. My biological mom left when I was young. My stepmom has been the only mom I've known.

"Are you ready for your first day of school?"

"Ugh, no, mom. Do I have to go?"

"Yes, sweetie. I'm not going to be here when you get back from school. I'm working late," she announces. Again like always.

"Okay, mom. See you whenever I do."

~*~*~*~

Once I was out of my car, everyone stopped and stared. I walk to the school door when I hear the whispers here and there. I feel like I'm walking into the lion's den. I step inside, hoping to find my way to the student's registration desk when I hit a wall. I'm about to hit the floor when I feel somebody catch me. When I look up I see the most beautiful blue eyes I have ever seen in my life. They're deep; it's like looking into the ocean. The man who's got them is hot. I don't realize how long I've been staring until I hear him clear his throat.

"Hmm, sorry," I mumble.

"No, it's okay. Next time, watch where you are going, cutie," he winks.

I feel myself blushing hot red. Surely, I must look like a tomato.

"Oh, um, hi. Would you be able to point me towards the registration desk?"

"Of course, my sister comes to this school. I can take you there. Let's go, he says.

On our way to the office, I feel like people are looking at me. When I look up some boys are looking at me like I'm their next meal. Thank God, not everyone is looking at me. I don't like to be the center of attention.

"Here we are, cutie pie."

Now, for sure, I look like a tomato.

"Thank you..."

"Damian Gray. Nice to meet you," he extends his hand to me. "You are?".

"Jessica Jones, nice to meet you," I replied.

"I will see you later, cutie," Damien says.

I made my way towards the desk.

"Hi, my name is Jessica Jones. I was hoping to get a new copy of my class schedule," I tell the lady at the desk."

"Yes, of course, do you have your student number?"

I hand over my student identification card with the information she'll need.

"Okay, I've found you," she says. She then hands me the paper she just printed with my schedule. "It looks like you were assigned someone to show you around. You can wait over there on those seats."

"Okay. Thank you so much," I replied.

I sit next to a girl with blue hair, blue cat glasses, and cute nails. I wait.

"Hey, what's your name?" I hear her ask me.

"Jessica Mia Jones. What's yours?"

"Antonella Gray. Nice to meet you. I think I've been assigned to be your tour guide today."

"Likewise," I smile at her. "Where do we start?"

Antonella stands from her seat. She extends her arms enthusiastically.

"Welcome to US University, Jessica Jones. You can call me Nella. I hope you've read the code of conduct. If not..." she leans in to whisper. "It'll be fine. I'll tell you about the most important points."

"Okay," I laugh. "In all honesty, I did not read it. I was busy moving to the city. Please call me Mia."

"No worries, girl. I've got you," she says. "Perhaps you can come to a party tonight. You'll meet some people since you're new to both the town and this college. It's a frat house party so don't set high expectations."

"I will pick you up at seven,'' she says. "You better be done by then."

I guess I have a new mother.

~*~*~*~

When I get home, I start working on my homework in my bedroom. It's five o'clock by the time I'm done with it. I have three hours to get dressed. I take a quick bath, then get dressed. I'm finished getting ready by six-thirty. I hurried downstairs to write a note to my mom letting her know that I went to a party. Twenty minutes later I hear the beep of a car horn. I hurry to get my bag and put on my shoes before heading out the door. When I get in the car, Nella introduces me to her brother who's none other than Damian Gray - the one who showed me to the registration desk - and her boyfriend, Mike.

The frat house is filled with people who've come to the party. Nella takes me straight to the drink bar. She asks for two beers.

"What do you want?" she asked me.

"I don't drink," I reply.

"Well, there's a first for everything" She winks.

She grabs the two beers that have been set on the island. She hands one to me.

"Cheers," she clicks her bottle to mine. She takes a sip from hers.

~*~*~*~

I don't know how much I've had to drink, but I feel fantastic.

"JESSICA!!!" He screeches.

"Why are you screaming, handsome?" I ask him.

"How much did you drink?" Damian asks, "I told you not to drink too much."

"But I didn't drink that much. I mean I can still count till 10" I said.

"Ok, then. Go ahead. I want to hear it," The handsome guy says.

Ok, here goes nothing. "1... 2... 4..."

"Nope, let's go. You're drunk," Damian says while he was picking me up.

"But the party...."

"You're drunk. I'm taking you home," He leaves no room for anything else.