Page 1 of Anywhere with You
CHAPTER 1
Allison
“Gran, this is a bad idea.”
“Allie girl, how many times do I have to tell you, I’ll be fine? You’re only going to be forty minutes away. You need to go, spread your wings, and live your life. I want that for you more than anything.”
“But, Gran! We need to stick together, we’re a team, the two of us. I hate the thought of someone else taking care of you. That’s my job,” I counter. I know, I’m being childish, but the thought of leaving Gran alone is breaking my heart. Yes, she’ll have a nurse for eight hours a day, but she’ll be alone at night. This scares me. Gran suffers from heart disease and diabetes, which makes it hard for her to get around and do everyday things, such as cook and clean. Taking care of these tasks had been my responsibility until the day we found out I had to live in the dorms at the University of North Carolina, UNC for short. I tried to use that as an excuse not to go, but she wouldn’t take no for an answer.
“My sweet, sweet girl. I love you for that, but you need this. Ace is there, he misses you. I need you to make a way in this world for yourself. Staying in the dorms is the right decision. You have a lifetime of new experiences waiting for you. The Emersons are just next door, and the nurse will be here seven days a week.”
“But—”
“That’s enough. Allison, listen to me, you’re going to stay in the dorms and live it up, like all the other kids your age. I’ve watched you give up too many experiences for me, and I won’t stand for it any longer. I love you with all my heart, but you need to do this, for both of us.”
“Fine, but I’m coming home every weekend to see you,” I grumble. Knowing that further arguing will only upset her more.
“Oh, no you don’t, missy. You’ll come home no more than one weekend a month, and even that isn’t necessary. Put yourself first, for once, Allison. Take chances, make mistakes, fall in love,” Gran replies at the same time a knock sounds on the door.
“Come in!” I yell.
“Hey, guys, it’s just us,” Jennifer Emerson says, as she and her husband, Michael, walk into the living room. The Emersons live next door, and also happen to be my best friend Ace’s parents. They’ve helped fill the void of my parents, who passed away in a tragic car accident when I was ten.
“Hey, sis, you all set?” Michael asks me as he pulls me in for a hug. Since the day I moved in with Gran after my parents’ death, Michael has called me sis. He said he always wanted a little girl, and since Jennifer was unable to have anymore kids, I would do just fine.
Before I can answer Gran speaks up, “Yes, we were just discussing that. Allison has those two bags by the door, which still need to be loaded, and then she’s all set.”
“Perfect. Sweetheart, I hope you don’t mind delivering some goodies to that son of mine. I made a care package for each of you. Cookies, fudge, toiletries, and a few gift cards, among other things,” Jennifer tells me.
“Are you kidding? Seeing Ace is my only motivation for even leaving. I hate that I’m leaving Gran alone at night.” I give Gran a pleading look that doesn’t seem to faze her. “Thank you for the goodies, you really are too good to me,” I tell her, wrapping my arms around her for a hug.
“We love you, Allison, you’re a part of our family and always will be,” she replies softly. “Michael and I will finish loading your car while you say your goodbyes. Are you sure you don’t want us to come with you and help you get settled in?”
“No. Thank you, though. I don’t really have all that much, and the dorms have elevators, so I won’t have to worry about stairs. I’ve been in contact with my roommate. Her name is Hailey. She’s getting there this afternoon as well, so we plan on doing it together.” I shrug. “She thought it would help us bond. We met a few weeks ago for pizza, just to get more acquainted.” Luckily we live less than an hour drive of each other so we were able to meet up easily.
“I think I like this Hailey character.” Gran grins at me.
I lean down to embrace her in a hug, feeling her fragile body in my arms as she whispers, “Life is a giant canvas, Allie, you should throw as much paint on it as you can. You determine your future. I’m so proud of the woman you’ve become, and your parents would be too.”
I pull away from her, tears running down my face. “I love you, Gran. I’ll call every day, and, please, call me if you need me. I’m just forty minutes away.” I kiss her on the cheek. “I miss you already.”
“I miss you too, sweet girl.”
The drive to UNC is short and sweet. Thankfully, I’m able to get my emotions under control during the drive. When I reach the parking lot for my dorm, I send Hailey, my roommate, a text.
Me:Hey! Just pulled into the lot.
Hailey:Be there in 3 min.
Me:K
True to her word, Hailey arrives three minutes later, pulling up beside me in her blue Ford Fusion. We’ve been emailing for two months now, so I feel like I already know her. I don’t have a lot of friends. Really, Ace is the only friend I’m close to. I didn’t have a lot of time for friendships and hanging out while I was taking care of Gran. My heart squeezes in my chest. I miss her already. As I climb out of the car, Hailey’s already heading toward me.
“Allison! I’m so excited!” Hailey screeches as she throws her arms around me for a hug.
Her enthusiasm is infectious. “Me too.” I laugh.
“Let’s get started. I know we said we were going to do this on our own, but my dad insisted my brother help. He’s a senior here at UNC; he and his best friend, Dash, live off campus. Wait, I’ve told you that already. There he is now.” I don’t think she even took a breath.
