"Aubrey? Are you almost ready, Kiddo?" My dad called up the stairs. I stood in the room with my suitcase beside me, looking around at the now bare space that I'd called my haven for eighteen years. I'd really miss this place. I let out a low sigh as I took one last look at my bedroom.

With my hand on the doorframe, I shouted, "Yeah Dad, I'm coming."

I picked up my suitcase and mentally said goodbye to my old room, life, and Aubrey. I then strutted out of the door, more than ready to start my new chapter. I decided to leave my old existence behind me and start again as a new and improved version of myself. The college I'd chosen was out of state, and I couldn't be happier that my best friend Payton would be the only one there who knew me. Which meant I could be whoever I wanted to be. I could finally leave the mess that had become my life behind me, and I was determined to never let anyone hurt me again.

My plan was to study hard and play hard. I refused to let stupid feelings get in the way this time, I just wanted to have fun, and enjoy my time at college.

I made my way down the stairs, halting when my eyes landed on my dad, mom, and little brother waiting at the bottom. My mom had tears in her eyes. She was a very caring woman, and we had a very close relationship, so I knew she would miss me terribly. My little brother wasn't too bothered with me leaving. He was a great brother, and we had a wonderful relationship, but he was a typical sixteen—year—old boy. These days he was more interested in sports, game consoles, girls, and his friends. Even now, his fingers moved over the keys of his phone, texting away while sneaking short glimpses at me to make it look like he was paying attention.

When I reached the bottom of the stairs, I placed my suitcase on the floor and no sooner than the tiny wheels hit the hardwood, my mom's arms were tightly wrapped around me. She hugged me, and as she did, I inhaled the floral scent of her perfume.

Pulling away, she held my shoulders. "I'm really going to miss you."

I looked into her tear—filled eyes and replied, "I'm going to miss you too, Mom, but I'll call all the time, and I'll be home for every break, I promise."

"I know you will, Brie. I'm just being silly, I'm so proud of you. I can't believe how lucky we are to have such a smart and beautiful daughter. How did you turn out so amazing?" she asked me, as the tears gently faded from her eyes.

"She gets it from her, Daddy," my dad joked.

My mom rolled her eyes, and I laughed as my dad picked up my suitcase. He leaned forward and kissed her on the cheek, then chuckled and left to put my case in the car, with the rest of my things.

My mom pulled me in for another hug, and whispered into my ear, "I love you so much, Brie."

"I love you too, Mom," I replied softly as I hugged her tight.

She let me go and slowly moved aside so that I could see my brother. He didn't even notice that we were both staring at him because he was still texting. She tutted at him while snatching the phone out of his hand.

"Mom, what you do that for?" he whined.

"Stop being so damn rude, Austin! Go say goodbye to your sister," she demanded as she folded her arms across her chest.

He rolled his eyes and huffed as he casually made his way over to me. I wasn't offended. I knew that he loved me, but he was a typical teenage boy and didn't want to let his feelings show, so he acted like he didn't care at all. As soon as he reached me, I grabbed him and pulled him in for a hug. He stiffened up but gradually relaxed into it.

"I'm going to miss you Austin. I love you, little bro," I said. To ease the tension, I smothered his face in tiny kisses.

"Ah man, stop it, Brie, come on, that's not cool," he groaned as he tried to push me away.

My mom chuckled, and I finally stopped my onslaught and let the poor boy go. He wiped his face and his expression was one of disgust, which made me chuckle.

"I'm going to miss you too. Oh, can I have your room?" He gave me an innocent, doe—eyed look.

"Austin!" my mom shouted.

"No, you can't, Dweeb," I replied as I ruffled up his hair.

"Oh man! That's so unfair. It's not like you're going to be using it!" he moaned.

"Austin, leave it, she hasn't even left yet. Here, take your phone, and go upstairs," my mom demanded.

I was going to miss my family so much. I was so lucky to have them. My parents were high school sweethearts and were just as in love now as they were when they met. They were hardworking and kind. My father ran his own auto shop business, and my mom was a nurse. We had a beautiful home, and I couldn't ask for more supportive or loving parents. Austin was a good kid, he was smart and had astonishing grades, he was handsome and popular, and had even been picked recently to join the football team.

We were an all—American family and were very lucky. I had been popular at high school since I'd been on the cheerleading squad and had even dated the quarterback. Our lives were pretty much a cliché, but I didn't care, I loved our life. Even though mine fell apart by the end of high school, I still appreciated it all. Everything was great before this last year, and even though I broke down for a while, I'd had enough support from my family and Payton, I was able to build myself back up. Now I was strong and confident again, and ready for my new adventure.