Going home. I begin my journey by filling up the tank of the red convertible I got for graduation. God, it seems so long ago! For my seven hour trip home I decided to wear my most comfortable jeans, a white thank top, a white button down shirt -with the top down it gets a little chilly- a Florida State baseball hat, a pair of Channel shades, and obviously my favorite pair of Rainbows flip flops.
I turn on the engine and drive away from the gas station. I make my way to the Interstate 10 ramp. Only one thing is on my mind: home. I have been away at school since August. It is the perfect afternoon to just drive by myself and think of the things I have been missing and what to expect of these things once I got back home.
The first thing that comes to my mind is the fact that I will be seeing my high school sweetheart for the first time since graduation. Anthony and I dated from our sophomore year in high school until the summer before we left for college. We were on the homecoming course every year but never won until our senior year, in which we were also crowned prom queen and king. To the staff and the rest of the student body, including our closest friends, we were the perfect couple and we would never split. I was the senior class president and he was the student government president. We were both in the top 10 of our class as well as active in sports, I played soccer and Anthony played basketball.
On the night of graduation we decided to split up so we could enjoy college life to the fullest. We both agreed that being single would make socializing easier. However I think of Anthony often. Whenever I meet a guy who reminds me Anthony I call him, regardless of the time it might be. So far we have spoken three times, all three times when I called. The fact that he has never called me drives me to wonder if he has found somebody else already. I mean, we’ve been away for only 3 months, he couldn’t have gotten over me that quickly! I get butterflies just thinking of when we will meet again. Wow! I still love him and I can’t wait to see him! But what if he has met someone else?
I finally got Anthony off my mind because now I have to get on Interstate 75 and I almost missed the turn. I hope my parents don’t get mad when I tell them how much I miss Anthony. Don’t get me wrong. They love Anthony, but they just think I shouldn’t be tied to such a serious relationship. My parents are very protective over me. They are very supportive of my going away to school but I know deep inside they would have loved if I had stayed home and gone to the local university. Living without supervision has taught a lot about myself. I have finally learned that everything is good if done in moderation, either that be partying or studying. It’s funny because I remember my dad telling me that innumerous times. I also learned that I am very independent and secure. I mean, I don’t feel peer pressure to do anything that I don’t think it’s beneficial or just plain wrong.
Back in September my roommate told me she wanted to experiment with pot. My immediate reaction was to say “H-E-L-L NO!” But then I thought about it and it’s her life not mine and if she wants to do it she can very well; however, it doesn’t mean I have to witness or participate in it. I came to the conclusion that I do not need to be under the influence of weed to have a good time. “I’m sorry Anna, I don’t need drugs to enjoy myself and I don’t think you should do it either. But if you really want to I can’t stop you. I am just going to ask that you don’t do it in our room because if you are caught I can get in trouble as well.” And that was the end of it. Anna never asked me to smoke again. My parents would be proud of me but I can’t tell them that Anna is a pothead because I’m sure they would request a roommate change and that would just be embarrassing.
Later that month I learned how responsible I had become. Back in high school even though I was the exemplarily student oftentimes I turned in late assignments due to heavy partying the night before or the whole weekend. I had a good excuse “Oh but Ms. Brimmell I have been so busy with the senior class banquet that I didn’t have enough time to finish your assignment. I am so sorry, I can definitely get it to you by tomorrow.” It always worked. In college my sorority takes up a lot of my time and I am pretty sure I will be holding an office soon. Also parties are inevitable when you belong to the Greek system. One night my sorority had a social with the hottest fraternity on campus. I had a huge test the day after. I frown when I think of that night because I definitely stayed in so I could study. I kept on calling my sisters to kind of like enjoy the party vicariously through them. It was worth it because I ended up getting a 94 percent on the test. Once again my parents would be so proud!
It amazes me how many memories I already have of college and how many more are to come. I cannot imagine going through college without Anthony, we just have so much history together. Our memories are too precious to go to waste because of the 400 mile distance that separates us. I can’t wait to see him, and share with him what I have experienced!
Home Is Where The Memories Belong
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