Bette

As her fathers car approached the campus of UCLA, Bette Porters dark brown eyes scanned the skyline of Los Angeles, a wide smile gracing her caramel colored cheeks. Briefly glancing over at the rigid frame of her domineering father, she thought to herself, Im finally going to get some freedom. After 18 years of listening to Melvin Porters condescending drivel, Im finally going to get some peace. Thank God.

Her fathers deep voice bounced off the fine leather interior of his luxury automobile, but Bette hadnt the slightest clue as to what he was talking about. Melvins words continued to resonate around her as Bette gazed out at the southern California sunshine, suddenly wistful and wishing that her mother were here to share this experience with her. This was her first year of college. Janice Porter should have been riding along with them, helping them unload Bettes things, and looking back at her only child with sad, tear-filled eyes as she and her husband drove away.  But unfortunately, this was not the case. Janice had abandoned her husband and daughter over 3 years ago, leaving a young, wounded Bette in the care of her well-intentioned but emotionally bankrupt father. Images of her beautiful blonde-haired mother floated through her mind and a resentful Bette forced those memories away.

Stop thinking about her, Bette. Shes not thinking about you. She hasnt even called in 3 years. Dont let her take the joy out of this day. This is the happiest day of your life. Youre getting paroled from the Porter compound. Concentrate on whats to come. Dont think about her. Enjoy this day.,  she thought to herself.

At long last, the car pulled to a stop and Melvin turned off the engine. With a wide smile, he turned to his daughter and said, Well, were here.

Bette smiled in return. Yes, we are. Thanks for driving, Daddy.

No thanks needed. Lets get you settled, sweetheart., said Melvin.

Tina

Tina Kennard sat on the edge of her twin bed and looked around at the half-empty dorm room. She sighed deeply and picked up a picture of her boyfriend, Eric, tracing the lines of his face with her index finger. She had just moved into the dorm and already she missed him. How on earth are we going to keep up our relationship when hes so far away?, she thought. Eric had gotten a scholarship to Brown University and had followed his dreams eastward. Tina couldnt believe hed gone all the way to the other side of the country. What was she going to do without him around? They had been attached at the hip at their high school in San Francisco. They did everything together and he had been so much a part of her life. Eric was not only her boyfriend, but her best friend.