COLLEGE

Shay sat at home on her bed, hugging her knees to her chest. She was crying. Crying, thinking that in a few days she'd be in one of the University of Michigan dorms rooming with two cruel, senior girls and there was nothing she could do about it.

Shay's family didn't have a lot of money. Both her parents were teachers at the local, elementary school. They loved their jobs, but could hardly afford anything besides the necessities. Shay had to work two jobs, just to afford her car, clothes, and occasional hair appointments.

There was no chance of her renting an apartment. She'd been invited to room with her new boyfriend, Parker, in a classy thirteen-story apartment his father, James McDonough owned, but she'd politely turned him down thinking it was too soon.

She finished packing the last of her clothes and lay down to rest.

The next morning, Shay awoke early to catch her flight. She loaded her bags into her car, kissed her parents goodbye, and drove to the airport.

On the way, she stopped for a bagel and some OJ. Then she picked herself up a couple bag of chips, three cans of Red Bull, and a six-pack of tick-tacks. She shoved it all into her carry-on.

It was going to be a long flight.