Walls

Chapter One: Opportunity

"Hey mum," I called as I let myself in the front door.

"Hi sweetie, what are you doing here?" She asked. I was meant to be at school studying.

"I needed a break. I think if I see anything that has something to do with numbers, I am going to scream," I answered with complete seriousness. She laughed at me anyway.

I dropped my car keys on the kitchen table and moved my sunglasses to the top of my head with a sigh. It was a hot November day here in Broome, Australia, as usual. My white singlet clung to me with sweat and my thongs slipped off my feet. I loved summer, but it's not the best environment when you're trying to study for a final university exam. Especially a maths exam. Sure, I was good at maths, but that didn't mean I had to like studying it for three hours straight.

"Well I appreciate that you'd rather come spend time with me than hang out with your friends in that tiny little dormitory of yours at the University," Mum said after a minute.

I smiled as I reached into the fridge for some ice cool water. It was the absolute best feeling as it hydrated my mouth and glided down my throat. I then plopped onto the couch and closed my eyes, lifting my hair off the back of my neck and tying it into a bun. Ahh, that's better.

"Would you like some fruit salad, Sierra?" Mum called from the kitchen.

My eyes lit up at the thought of food. "Yes please!" I called back. I jumped up to sit at the kitchen table as mum set the colourful bowl down in front of me. Yes, I was 22 years old and my mother still fed me, but there was nothing better than eating fresh, juicy fruit on a hot day. It was an offer I couldn't refuse.

~~~~ 6 weeks later ~~~~

"OH MY GOD!" I squealed, the letter I read shaking in my hands.

My best friend, Alycia, came running in. "OKAY, WHERE'S THE MASSIVE BIRD-EATING SPIDER?" She yelled jokingly. She knew I had a knack for overreacting, but this time I had a legitimate reason.

"Quick, read this!" I shoved the paper in Alycia's face. She began to read it out loud, in an excruciatingly slow and dull tone: "Dear... Miss... Matheson... we would like to... offer... you..."

"My god you idiot, I've been offered a teaching job in America!" I squealed with complete and utter excitement. I watched Alycia's expression as it sunk in.

"That's amazing!" She said, but I could tell her heart wasn't quite in it. "How did this happen?"

"Well, about a month ago I was on the University website, and I noticed an application for a teaching trial in America for new maths and science teachers. I never thought I'd have the chance of being accepted into it, but I applied anyway. The school must have sent them my exam results, because they really want me to go!" I couldn't believe this was happening to me.

"This is an amazing opportunity Sierra, really. I'm so proud of you" Alycia replied and gave me a tight hug. I hugged her back.

"Well... I haven't actually decided if I'm going to go yet..."

"You should go," Alycia jumped in. "It would be a great experience for you! It may even change your life!" She tried sounding inspirational.

I hugged her again. "How could my life change without you in it? I couldn't do it Alycia." I tried not to get upset. It was a great opportunity, but we had been through so much together. I wasn't sure I could do this without her.

"Sometimes you just have to suck it up," she nodded, trying to keep the mood light. "But maybe you should talk to your parents first."

Ah, that was the next thing. Talking to my parents.

I procrastinated for a couple of days, contemplating on what I was going to do. I hadn't talked to my parents yet, but I knew I couldn't wait any longer; I had to give the school in America plenty of notice. So I took Alycia's advice, sucked it up, and drove to my parent's house.

"Hi sweetie," mum greeted me with a hug at the front door. Dad was close behind, wrapping me up in a bear hug like all dads do.

"Hey," I said. My parents noticed straight away that I was here to tell them something important. "Can we go sit in the lounge?" I asked them, and they followed me through the small house.

They sat on the two-seater together, and I sat on the armchair across from them. I took a deep breath. "So... a while ago I applied for a teaching trial for new maths and science teachers. And the other day I got accepted into the program." I told them.

"Well that's wonderful, dear!" Mum exclaimed. But I kept my face straight. She realised there was more to come. "What's wrong?"

"Well, I know it's a great opportunity but... it's in America. In Baltimore, to be exact." I looked out the window, waiting to hear their reaction. It was dead silent.

"Wow," Dad began, but he didn't say anything else.

"How long is the program?" Mum asked.

"It trials for 6 months, and then if it goes well they could offer me a permanent job there." I replied, now looking at my feet.

I heard Mum move. I looked up as she moved to sit on the arm next to me. She put her arm around my shoulders and gave me a hug. "If this is something you really want to do, then you should go for it," she offered.

I was shocked, but also relieved that she was accepting this. "I think I do want to go. Dad?"

He looked up at me and smiled. "My baby girl, going to America! I'm so proud! I'd love for you to go; this would be a very good opportunity for you! This just may change your whole life!"

That last line hit me, reminding me of Alycia. What was I going to do? I didn't want to leave her, of all people. Mum saw the indecision on my face, and she knew straight away who I was thinking about.

"Alycia will have her own opportunities too, Sierra. You two can't always do everything together, and sometimes things like this just happen."

It was unfortunate, but it was true. I left my parent's house that evening and returned to my dorm where I would break the news to Alycia. I was moving to America.

~~~~ One month later ~~~~

"I can't believe we're graduating from University today!" Alycia shouted as she jumped on my bed.

I groaned from under the covers. "Yeah, amazing," I said sarcastically. "Now let me sleep before I punch you" I threatened.

"Oh shut up" Alycia replied with a giggle. "Besides, it's almost 10am, so you might want to get up now. The presentation starts in 3 hours" she said.

"In a minute" I complained. I never was a morning person. I felt the covers begin to move, and I knew Alycia was trying to pull them off of me. "Nooo!" I exclaimed, trying to grasp any part of the cover I could.

"C'mon Sierra, if you hurry we can get Maccas breakfast!"

That made me stop and my stomach grumble. I always tried to be a healthy eater, but dammit the bitch knew I loved a good Maccas breakfast.

"Ugh, fine" I conceded. I hurried to dress and then we were off to McDonald's.

It was now 1pm and the presentation was about to start. Alycia and I glanced at each other nervously. This was it. We were finally finished University.

The balding, important man began to read the names, and soon enough we heard "Alycia Nichols... Sierra Matheson..." I think our hearts both skipped a beat as we heard our names and walked up onto the stage together. Alycia's parents, in a typical Nichols fashion, stood up and began whooping, cheering and clapping for us. They were just like Alycia; loud and loveable. I smiled and waved at them and my parents sitting next to them as I accepted my special scroll thing or whatever it was, and finally completed my schooling... as a student.

A/N
This is my first All Time Low fic, so please review each chapter so I can figure out if I'm doing really bad! Thanksssss (: