Alyssa’s POV

I took a month to pack, a week to say goodbye, 389 miles, and five hours to get to Tempe, AZ. I guess I just had to get away. I loved California, I loved my friends, I loved my family, I loved the beach, I loved everything about it; but one day I woke up and decided I needed to leave. And I had no clue why. My dad was all for it, he was big on independence. He found me a great apartment and even paid for half. My mom on the other hand, cried for three days straight. I’m their only daughter, and I was moving, not just to another city but a different state. She won’t talk to me now, or my father who came down last week to put my furniture in the apartment for me.

When I pulled into the Bella Vista Apartment Complex I felt like I was in more of a hotel, and had a gut feeling that my dad paid for more than half. I rolled my eyes, mentally yelling at my father. My apartment was in far back of the complex, but close to the pool. I excitedly jogged to my door after I parked my truck and ran around the apartment, screaming to myself when there was a knock on my door, which I left open.

“Having fun there?” the small brunette asked, with a wide smile.

“I- um…” I was at a loss for words, and I nervously chuckled.

“Don’t worry, I did the same thing!” I half yelled, excitedly as she walked in. “I’m Daisy.” She walked towards me with her hand extended.

“Hey, I’m Alyssa.” I said shaking her hand.

“Are you new to Tempe?”

“More like new to Arizona.” I laughed again, as we dropped our hands. She looked around my place.

“I thought an old guy moved in here,” she said, the smile never leaving her face.

“That was my dad,” I mumbled, my dad wasn’t that old. I felt offended for him.

“Daisy! Where did you go?” a male voice yelled.

“Next door!” she shouted back rolling her eyes. “They act like the world will end if I’m not there.” She laughed, as a boy entered my apartment.

“Hi! I’m Kenny!” he yelled from the doorway as he waved. I waved back. “Daisy, John broke your vase, where do you kept your broom?”

“That hoe!” She turned and walked out of the door before turning around and saying, “If you need any help I’m right across the way.”

“Bye! Wait! You should come over later, we’re having a party.” He smiled again before closing my door for me. Then I heard screaming next door, instantly recognizing Daisy voice. I laughed.

“I think I’m going to like it here.” I mumbled to myself.

I didn’t want to unpack yet, but I did however bring in my boxes of clothes and just left them in the small hallway. I flopped down on my couch, and just as I did there was another knock on my door.

“Who is it?” I asked, not wanting to get up.

“Kenny! I’m coming in!” he yelled, I just stared at the door, wondering if he would really come in. And he did.

Note to self: keep the door locked.

He stood there with a wide smile. “Get up. Put your shoes on.”

“Why?”

“BECAUSE I TOLD YOU!” he shouted. I winced at his sudden loudness. “We’re having a party.” His voice calmed.

“You’re not going away are you?”

“No, and if you don’t come I’ll have my boy Max come drag you out.” I sighed, and reluctantly got up.

“This better be one hell of a party.” I warned him as I passed him, poking his chest.

“It will be. We just got back!”

“I don’t know what that means. But okay?” I slipped my vans back on, and followed him into Daisy’s. She was waiting at the door with her hands on her hips.

“What took you so long? You live two steps away. You always keep me waiting.”

“We…just met like an hour ago.” I said confused. She laughed and pulled me in a hug.

“Really, feels like I’ve known you forever.” She dragged me into the house. “Crew,” she shouted, and everyone stopped and looked at her. “This is Alyssa, Alyssa, this is all da crew.” There was a few “hey’s” and “hello’s,” but for the most part, they didn’t care.

But a skinny red head came my way with a smile. “Hey, I’m Nick. You can come chill with me.”

“Okay,” I followed him to his seat, and he pulled up an extra one for me.

“So, are you from around here?”

“I just moved in next door, but um… I’m from California. ” I chatted a bit, and laughed at the people dancing around. I was currently watching a very loud game of beer pong. Nick was laughing and shouting with them. “What’s happening?” I asked as everyone crowded around the table. Nick laughed.

“It’s a rematch. The two farthest from us, are John and Eric. The two closest are Justin and Austin. Last time, they all got too shit-faced to finish the game.”

“WAIT!” someone yelled, “Loser does keg stand!” The room erupted into cheers. The game started and the crowd around the table disappeared as people lost interest. Then, I stopped watching. Justin and Austin were obviously winning. I smiled to myself as I noticed Daisy staring at the awkwardly tall guy playing beer pong.

“Why aren’t you drinking?” I asked Nick, who was still watching the beer pong match.

“I’m not much of a drinker. Plus, someone’s got to keep these kids alive.” He laughed “And I don’t want to be like Eric, he’s so drunk he’s staring off into space.” I looked up, easily spotting which one was Eric, because he was blankly staring in our direction, his mouth popped open, with a cup in his hand. John, I assumed it was John, waved his hand in front of his face and Eric quickly snapped out of it to throw the small ball. It landed in the cup, but as soon as it did, he stared our away again; catching my eye and smiling. He wasn’t staring into space. He was staring at me.  I quickly turned away, suddenly feeling uneasy.

“Um,” I said quietly. “I think I’m gonna go home. I’m beat, it was a long drive. Nice meeting you.” I was out of my seat before he could say bye. I wish I could say I wouldn’t be going to any of their parties again. But I had a feeling Daisy wouldn’t let me off that easy.

She looks at me but then I look back at her

She turns away

She knows exactly what she’s doing

Just Another One- A Rocket to the Moon

Chapter By: Krystal