Elysium

Chapter One

I woke up completely confused as I looked around the unfamiliar room. Jet lagged and a sore neck I couldn't help but get off this bed and freshen up before going out and getting through my day.It's been a while since I've traveled out of the country, and although I'm not completely sure if what I'm doing is the right choice, I'm sure it will all work itself out in the end. As I stepped out of the bathroom and into the guest room, the familiar smell of caffeine and a loud unrecognizable laugh filled the apartment. Curiosity got the best of me, so I changed quickly and walked out of the comfort of the guest room into a narrow hallway with water still dripping from my hair onto my black shirt causing a bit of discomfort. I was welcomed by my cousin Carter as I walked into the kitchen, she looked completely different. Her light brown eyes and jet black long hair that went past her collar bone was neatly placed on the left side of her shoulder. Her fairly tan skin complemented the white loose blouse she wore with her black skinny jeans. But her appearance wasn't the only thing that changed. Carter glanced up to where I stood uncomfortably and gave me a small smile, while a blue eyed boy and and beautiful young girl with dark wavy hair sat on the stools in front of the small kitchen counter.

"Talking about your very fit cousin!" He got up from his seat and came over to shake my hand. "M'name is Niall and this is my girlfriend Ali."

"Leah, nice to meet you guys!" I looked over at Ali who was smiling at our interaction. We slowly made our way to the counter as I took the last stool on the far right.

"I hope Niall's obnoxious laugh wasn't the reason you woke up!" Carter spoke as she walked around the kitchen gathering up what I assumed to be some ingredients for whatever it was she was making.

"No of course not, I've been awake for an hour now and frankly I love this stranger's laugh!" I looked over at Niall as his cheeks turned red out of embarrassment.

"So Leah, what do you do in New York?" Ali asked as she glanced at Niall and back to me.

"Well, I'm currently attending The City University of New York, majoring in English. Foolish right?" Or at least thats what thought to myself.

I glanced back at them who were so eager to learn about me. I was not very comfortable for I hated to talk about myself. I guess it was slightly selfish of me because I loved to learn about new people and observe them carefully. I just met these people and my mind is flooding with countless questions and conversations that I want to take place.

"Not foolish at all! Quite fucking awesome if you ask me. Ali and I took a year off of school and are back in again I'm studying chemistry and Ali here is hoping to be a history teacher."

The two truly are a good couple and I couldn't help but observe their small affectionate but playful touches. They both seemed very happy and positive. The way he looked at her and smiled at any small movement she made. I had just encountered them and they already made me feel comfortable.

"So we decided to have a small get together with the rest of the group, it will be a great way for them to get to know you!" Carter spoke as I was abruptly interrupted from observing the playful couple that currently sat next to me.

I was quite baffled by changes I had decided to make over the course of two days. Just yesterday I was sitting on my old mattress of my studio apartment in New York, attending classes and writing for a living. Taking in what the hectic city had to offer; unhappy at the thought of settling down in New York for the rest of my life. Now. Now I'm sitting in my cousin's kitchen, in England. Carter has been very well off here by the look of her apartment and expensive clothes she possesses. I couldn't be happier for her. Her aspirations to get out of the states and get involved in the fashion industry is accomplished but knowing her, she has more bizarre ideas swirling around that crazy little mind of hers.