Heartless

Prelude

Melissa removed her final articles of clothing before testing the bath water. Her mood had been decreasing significantly through out the day and a relaxing bath was the perfect remedy. After letting her feet get used to the scolding temperature she lowered herself into the claw foot tub that sat in the left corner of the bathroom. She would miss this tub. As excited as she was to be leaving the dreaded city she was reluctant to call home, she would miss the small living spaces she had acquired over the long years of being on her own. She absentmindedly traced the thick scars that clung to her stomach as she thought about a time when she was happy. A time when she wasn't afraid. Through all the hassle of planning the move and preparing for the new academy she would be attending in only a few short days, she hadn't had the time to really let herself think about the life she was leaving behind. "Good riddance" she muttered to herself, finally realizing the happy memories and the bitter ones have fuzzed together, leaving a sour taste in her mouth.

Chapter 1

The drive from Montréal took about 6 hours. Though she had wished it would have taken longer, she felt a small part of her relax as she pulled her slick black truck into a parking spot outside of the dorm. At least she was away. Away from that town and away from him. She slid out of her seat and walked towards the box to lug the rest of her luggage to her dorm room. She had been very organized with her plans for the move. She had called the school in advance to get her dorm arrangements and schedule faxed to her and had the movers brings her larger stuff the day before. She just wanted to lay in her bed forever. As soon as she entered her split dorm she stumbled towards her presumable side and flopped on her bed. Dreams were about to consume her when she herd a conversation at the door. A petit blonde entered the room first, followed by a tall, tanned, dark haired masterpiece.

" …. Too bad I'm not roomed with Kate...But she's just down the hall" she finished as she threw a suitcase onto the bed opposite to Melissa, who remained un-noticed. The attractive boy, that followed the blondes every move, threw two duffle bags on the ground and sat down on the bed. Melissa grumbled, realizing now would be a good time to introduce herself. She slowly sat up and pulled her chocolate hair from her face. Two pairs of startled eyes darted to the movement. "I'm sorry, I didn't notice you there" the blonde smiled.

"It's not a problem at all; I was just trying to rest up. Long drive." Melissa laughed half heartedly and extended her child-like hand "I'm Melissa Boss. But you can call me Melli."

The blonde girl danced her way over to shake Melli's hand "Sarah" she smiled. "And this is my boyfriend, Caleb." She nodded towards the boy.

"Very nice to meet you" Melli waved awkwardly and then returned her attention to Sarah. "Do you know where the showers are? "

After finding a change of clothes and her bathroom bag, Melissa followed her new roommate to the showers and thanked her. Seeing as a nap was out of the question with the very talkative Sarah around a shower was the next best thing. As Melissa entered the shower room she was surprised at how empty it was. She quietly walked over to a stall and let the hot water poor over her. Once again she traced the scar that went down her stomach and smiled. "He can't hurt me anymore."