Chapter 2

2 The registration area was a madhouse.

Everyone stared at my head.

They said I was sick.

They said I had lice, maybe contagious.

They said I was trying to be different.

They all avoided me.

I never got used to it.

I kept my head down as Mom dragged me through the crowd.

She filled out forms, got my bedding.

She even loaded my meal card, taking care of everything.

Dad silently dragged my heavy bags behind us.

I walked through the campus bald and empty handed.

To others, I was their spoiled child.

They were always like that.

They made it look like they had sacrificed everything.

In case we ever argued.

So everyone would side with them.

We got to the dorm with a group of upperclassmen.

Some of my roommates were already there.

Mom said the first thing that came to mind.

"Hi, everyone, this is my daughter, Chelsea. I hope you all can look after her, because she is a bit special needs."

The roommates looked at each other.

They looked at my head, then at Mom.

They just nodded awkwardly.

Mom smiled, happy to get a response.

While putting the sheets on the bed, she blabbered on about my childhood embarrassments.

I bit my lip, unsure of what to say.

She’d be gone soon.

If I worked hard.

I wouldn’t have to go home.

I’d be free.

But when all my roommates went to dinner, it was still me and Mom.

So I finally asked, "What time is your flight? Is Dad waiting at the airport?"

"Flight? I'm not going anywhere today."

She sounded proud.

"Didn't you know? I got approved for a promotion! If I pass the company interview, and your school is close to the location, so I'll be here for a while. I'll see how you are settling in."

My heart sank.

"Mom, the school doesn't allow parents in the dorms! Can I book you a hotel?"

I kept my voice down.

She could go crazy and cut me off.

"A hotel? You wanna waste money? You can stay in your dorm!"

"Don’t worry, I’ll talk to the school!"

I don't know what she told them.

I just know she stayed.

And after that.

The coordinator always looked at me with disdain.