Disappointments, for me, started out young. My parents died when I was 9 years old. I was an only child and so were both of my parents. I had no one to go to so I went into foster care.

I bounced from foster home to foster home. Being an older child I, obviously, knew how to walk and talk and all the other things your parents get to teach you. This basically means that people weren't lining up to adopt me.

There was one family, though, that gave me a chance. Larry and Anne Sawyer wanted another daughter; the same age as her. When I was 12 they came in to see me and asked if I wanted to be a part of their family. I eagarly agreed.

Now, I wasn't really a part of the family yet. It was like a 'trial' thing. I met their daughter, Peyton, and we automatically formed a bond. I felt like all the weight on my shoulders was lifted. I could tell her anything and everything.

I came out of my shell around my new 'sister'. I was almost completely out when yet another disappointment struck. It seemed to do that just when things were getting good for me. Anne, my 'mom', had gotten into a car accident and was killed instantly.

Larry went into a depression, as did Peyton. The finances were sinking fast. Larry could barely afford to feed us, let alone himself. So, I had to go back to the foster system.

I didn't hear from Peyton or Larry again. I started to move on, moving back into my shell. The older I got, the harder it was to trust people. High school became unbearable. Everyone was trying to come into my little world, and I couldn't have it. I didn't trust them.I spent all my time studying to get away from everyone andto getdone with it sooner.

Lets skip forward a couple of years to senior year of college. Let me set the scene for you. I'm a shy, closed off, 20 year old girl. I don't do any partying, in fact most of my time is spent studying.

This particular day you can find me under a tree, studying for a big test coming up that week.

I read through my books and notes, writing down points I think will be brought up on the exam. I'm not worried about how I'll do on it because I know I'll do fairly well.

I hear everyone around me, chatting with friends. I look up and see them walking in groups. Some head toward the building for classes while others are just leaving. I can't help but feel jealous of them. I always wanted to be a part of something. I always wanted another chance at what I had with Peyton; a friendship.

I shook the feeling from my head and looked back down at my book. I jotted down a few more notes before putting it all away in my messenger bag. I looked at my watch and saw that I needed to get to class. I stood up and brushed off my pants, heading towards the building.

"Excuse me."

I turn toward the voice, startled by it at first. "Yes?" I reply.

"Do you happen to know where Professor Burkman's class is? I just transfered here and I'm having trouble finding his class," the girl said and she came closer to me.

I thought about it for a minute and remembered where his class was. "Yeah, actually it's on the way to my class. I'll show you where it's at," I offered and we headed off to our destinations.

"I'm Brooke Davis by the way," she said and I just nodded. "Don't I get to know your name?"

I smiled shyly. "Haley." I stopped and pointed towards a door. "Professor Burkman's classroom." I turned and kept walking on.

"Thanks!" she said after me. I turned and smiled at her. Before I could turn again she said, "I hope I see you around, Haley!"

I suprised myself when I replied with, "Yeah, I hope I see you, too." I turned and went on my way to class.

What do you all think so far? I'm working on the next chapter and as soon as I get some feedback I'll post it!

REVIEW!

Tiffany