A/N: My first fanfiction! Enjoy :3

Count Me Among Thy Saints

No sooner had she started to pull the zipper around the large frame of the suitcase, the small piece of metal hit a snag. Sighing, she started to tug the zipper a little harder. Victory. After double-checking the contents of her carry on bag, Delphi Vincent took one more look around the small bedroom. Once filled with pictures, clothing, and other signs of life, her childhood room now felt unknown. Sure, she'd be back again in a couple of months for Christmas break, and again for summer, but it would not be the same. She felt like a guest already. With her suitcase and carry-on in one hand, Delphi walked out of her old haven and headed downstairs to the Vincent family kitchen.

After hopping down the last few steps, she lugged her stuff into the laundry room. Checking the dryer one last time to make sure she had not forgotten a shirt or two, Delphi quietly walked into the noisy kitchen. As she glanced around the room, committing every little detail to memory, her eyes narrowed in on the kitchen island where sat a small package that was wrapped in a shiny green paper. The tag read, To Delphi. She knew that small, wispy hand righting that had addressed numerous cards in 20 years. Hesitantly she picked up the small but heavy box.

"I see that shiny paper has done its job" Smiled a timid woman in her early forties.

"Is this for me? I was only looking." Delphi asked, her eyes never leaving the present.

"Your father and I wanted to get something special that you could easily take with you wherever you go" Caroline Vincent answered. "Now you don't have an excuse to not keep us updated on your crazy adventures."

With one swift motion, half the box was exposed. Delphi's eyes widened. She couldn't believe what she was holding in her small hands. "Are you guys serious!" "How'd you know?" "Rhys told you, didn't he?" She opened the box as fast as she could. Wrapped up perfectly in a small bubble wrap bag was the camcorder that she had been eyeing all summer. The small device fit perfectly in her palm. She flicked the tiny switch to turn it on. A full battery sign blinked upon the screen. She turned the camcorder around in her hand to face her. She pushed the "Record" button.

"Today is January 4th 1998. It's about 8 in the morning and in a few short hours, I'm going to be on a plane!" Delphi turned the camcorder back around, this time focusing on her mother. "Introducing Professor of Classical Greek, wife, and mother extraordinaire, Caroline Vincent." "Say Hi, mom."

Caroline softly lifted her hand in a small wave. "Hello Delphi" Not the one to be put on the spot, unless in a classroom surrounded by young faces, she gently let her hand fall back down by her side.

"So tell us mom, how do you feel about your one and only daughter venturing off on her own?"

"Well, to be honest, I'm nervous like any other mother would be. I have a feeling your father is more worried than I am though." She said with a small laugh.

At that exact moment, William Vincent walked into the kitchen where the two women we talking. "I'm guessing somebody likes their new toy?"

Delphi then turned the camera towards her father. "Are you worried about me leaving, dad?"

"Not so much worried as I am excited. I know you've got a good head on those shoulders."

She was not expecting an answer like that. To keep the tears that were starting to build up from escaping, she blinked her eyes a couple of times. Not wanting her first video to get to emotional, Delphi switched the camera off. "I'm hungry."

While climbing into the car, she glanced one more time at the home where she had grown up. This is the right thing. I've got to do this. No turning back now.

After breakfast at her favorite local diner, Delphi once again climbed into the car. An hour car ride to the airport was the only thing that stood in between the natural feeling of security and the slowly anticipated feeling of freedom. The drive seemed to take twice as long as it usually did. At first it was all just countryside. A pasture of cows, a farmhouse or two, but soon the snowy grass was traded in for cement and streets. They were now entering the city. Delphi put her face up to the window. As she watched the familiar buildings go by, she wondered if the next time she saw the city, would everything be green and alive? At last, she saw the sign. "Will Roger's World Airport next right".

When the car finally pulled into a parking spot, she grabbed her purse and jumped out. "Dad, hurry! I don't want to be late!" She had 30 minuets until her flight was scheduled to leave. After her father sat her suitcase on the cement and shut the trunk, Delphi grabbed it and started making her way to the front doors. With it being early January, the airport was packed with families arriving back from holiday vacation. When she looked down the long hall, she noticed a neon sign that read Coffee. It was just what she needed right now to calm her nerves. "Do you guys mind if we stop at that café down there?" she pointed to the sign. Her parents simply nodded. After ordering her coffee, Delphi remembered one crucial part of flying: the ticket. She sat the coffee on the counter and started to rummage through her purse. Ah, here it is. After walking a bit, they finally arrived at gate 6. A female voice started to talk over the intercom. "Flight 829 to Boston is now boarding. Departure at 11:25am." Delphi turned to her parents.

"Well, this is it", she shrugged. Saying good byes were never a talent of hers. Her mother pulled her into a hug. " Oh Delphi, this is exciting. Don't look so sullen." Caroline kissed her daughter on the head. Her father joined in, "Your mothers right sweetheart, not everybody gets an opportunity like this." This was what she had been waiting for her entire life. The butterflies in her stomach turned from dread to anticipation. She turned to hug her father one last time. Gathering her bags, Delphi looked at her parents. "I guess I'll see you guys in May. Don't have too much fun without me." William and Caroline smiled at their daughter. "We love you Delphi. Don't forget to call us when you get there!" her mother shouted after her. Before she handed her ticket to the stewardess, Delphi turned around and hollered at her parents, "Don't forget to tell Rhys to stay out of my room!" After she watched them nod and wave, she turned back around and held out her ticket.

Seat 32. Seat 32. Knowing my luck, I'm going to be sandwiched in between two people who will want to talk the entire time. When she finally reached her seat, she was relieved to see that a: It was a window seat and b: the other two seats beside her were empty. Score. She was just sitting down when a flight attendant around her age walked up to her. "Ma'am, were getting ready to take off, if you wouldn't mind putting your seatbelt on." Delphi nodded her head and clicked the two metal parts together. Closing her eyes, she started to think about the new life she was making for herself. The plane started to shake. She could feel it starting to make its way down the runway. With a jolt, they were in the air. Here we go. New year, new life. I wonder who my roommate is going to be? Will I make any new friends? I hope I don't get lost. A smile crept upon her face. I wonder if I'll meet a nice boy? With it being South Boston, there's no telling who I'll run into. Who knows? With that neighborhood and all, I just might run into a nice Irish boy. Hmmm, maybe only in my dreams. The smile still lingered as she slowly drifted off to sleep.