Melody in Silence

Starting Note

Alex Morgan wasn't known for her patience, but as her mother buzzed around her room, stuffing her suitcases with an assortment of items that ranged from the practical to the bizarre, she found herself summoning every ounce of it.

"Why do I need five winter coats, Mom?" Alex asked, staring at the pile that had made her bed disappear. "The college isn't in the Arctic."

Her mother, Margaret, looked up, her eyes wide with surprise. "You can never be too prepared, Alexandra," she said, emphasizing her full name as if it would somehow add weight to her argument.

Alex rolled her eyes, a hint of a smile playing on her lips. It was hard to argue with her mother when she was in 'full-mom mode.'

Just then, her father, Thomas, sauntered in. The faint sound of old rock music trailed behind him from the basement where he was fixing something - yet again. With his faded jeans and a cheeky grin on his rugged face, he was the picture of laid-back charm.

"Let her be, Maggie," he drawled, leaning against the door frame, a smirk playing on his face. "Our girl's headed to college, not a survival camp in the wilderness."

Alex's younger brother, Ben, a spry thirteen-year-old, sauntered in. "Hey, if Mom thinks college is like going to the moon, does that mean I get Alex's room when she leaves?"

"Benjamin!" Margaret exclaimed. "She isn't even gone yet!"

Alex turned to her younger brother with a smirk. "Dream on, kiddo. You won't last a day in here. Remember the spider incident?"

Ben's face went pale, the smug smile fading. "That... that was a one-time thing!"

Thomas leaned against the door frame, laughter shaking his frame. "Oh yeah, I remember! Our fearless Ben screaming like he'd seen a ghost!"

"Tom!" Margaret reprimanded him, trying to hide her laughter, "Don't tease him. But Ben, you really should let go of this fear."

Ben scowled, looking from one laughing face to another. "Fine, I don't want your stupid room."

Amidst Margaret's protests and Thomas's booming laughter, Alex found herself laughing too. It was the usual family chaos, and she wouldn't trade it for anything.

With a grunt, Thomas heaved the oversized suitcase off the bed, straining with mock effort. "Off to car," he announced, flashing a grin at Margaret. "Unlike someone I know, I trust our girl can handle a little cold."

"Stop exaggerating, Tom," she said, swatting his arm.

Alex could only chuckle at their antics. Years of marriage and two kids hadn't dulled their playful banter, and she hoped she could have something just as special in her life one day.

As her father disappeared out of the room, lugging the suitcase with him, her mother turned back to her with an anxious expression. "Remember to call us when you reach, okay? And eat proper meals. No junk food," she began, her words rushing out in a familiar torrent. "Make sure you lock your door at night. And don't forget to..."

"Mom, I know. I'll be fine," Alex interjected, trying to soothe her. She loved her mother, but her laundry list of reminders could test anyone's patience.

"And be careful about who you befriend. Not everyone has a good heart."

"Mom, remember to breathe," she finally said, gently placing her hands on Margaret's shoulders. "I promise to be safe, to eat right, and to make friends who aren't criminals in disguise."

Margaret sighed, "You get that from your father, you know. That smart mouth."

Laughing, Alex wrapped her arms around her mother, holding her close. "And I wouldn't have it any other way."

Still chuckling, Alex picked up her backpack and followed Margaret out of the room and down the staircase. Her mother seemed to have taken a deep breath, ready to launch into yet another lengthy monologue.

"And do remember to balance your studies with fun, Alex. Don't just lock yourself in the library, okay?" Margaret began again, her voice echoing slightly in the hallway. "Oh, and your laundry! Please separate whites from colors, I don't want a repeat of the 'Pink Sock Incident'..."

Alex bit back a smile at the memory of a laundry mishap that had turned all her white clothes into a lovely shade of bubblegum pink. "Got it, Mom. No colorful catastrophes."

"And..."

But Margaret's next piece of advice was cut off by Thomas' booming laughter from the ground floor. "Maggie, if you keep this up, Alex will be ready for anything except an alien invasion!"

"Well, maybe I should prepare her for that too..." Margaret huffed.

Just as they reached the landing, her mother paused, a hint of sadness creeping into her eyes.

"Maybe... maybe I should come with you to the college, Alex. Just to make sure you get settled in alright..."

In unison, as if they'd rehearsed it, Alex, Thomas, and Ben all chorused, "No!"

Margaret blinked in surprise, looking between the three of them. "What? Wh.."

But before she could finish, Ben piped up. "Sorry, Mom, but you'd probably start lecturing the entire dorm about fire safety and midnight snacks."

Thomas chuckled, "Let the poor college kids be, Maggie. They've got enough on their plates without having to worry about a sudden pop quiz on laundry sorting techniques."

"Very funny." Margaret rolled her eyes, "Alright, alright, I get it. No college trip for poor old me."

Alex couldn't help but chuckle, "Mom," she started, reaching out to hug her mother once again, "I'll be okay. And I promise to call as soon as I reach."

She returned Alex's hug tightly, nodding against her shoulder. "You'd better," she muttered, her voice thick with barely concealed emotion, the knot of anxiety in Margaret's chest seemed to loosen a bit

They headed towards the waiting car parked in the driveway. Thomas, heaving the hefty suitcase into the trunk with a dramatic groan, returned to the driver's seat with a contented sigh.

Alex, however, lingered with Margaret and Ben, her gaze shifting between their familiar faces. "I'm going to miss you guys."

Margaret, her eyes glistening, looked like she was on the verge of tears. Seeing this, Alex quickly added, "Hey, no waterworks, Mom. Don't make a scene in front of the neighbors."

Margaret huffed a laugh, swiping at her eyes. "You'd think you were going off to war instead of college, the way you're talking," she joked, though her watery smile said more than her words.

Ben, ever the opportunist, jumped into the conversation. "Hey, if you cry, Mom, can I get the bigger piece of pie tonight?"

Alex rolled her eyes, playfully shoving him. "Gee, Ben, nice to see you're torn up about my departure."

"Well, someone has to keep the spirits up, right?"

Margaret shook her head, chuckling despite the tears threatening to spill. "You two will never change, will you?"

Alex shrugged, "Where's the fun in that?"

With a final round of heartfelt hugs and a promise to call as soon as she landed, Alex climbed into the passenger seat next to her father. As the car started and began to pull out of the driveway, she couldn't help but glance back, a wave of anticipation washing over her.

As Thomas maneuvered the car through the bustling city, their journey was filled with their usual friendly squabble over who the greatest band of all time was. It was a long-standing argument, a tradition of sorts, and it filled the car with a comfortable familiarity.

Upon reaching the bustling airport, Thomas pulled the car over, and together they unloaded the luggage from the trunk. As the noise and energy of the airport swirled around them, he turned to look at her.

"Ready, kiddo?" he asked.

"Born ready, Dad."

"You're on your own now, Alexandra," he started, the nickname he used only in the most serious of conversations. "Promise me you'll remember to take care of yourself?"

Alex gave a mock salute, "Sir, yes sir! I shall brush my teeth twice a day, sir!"

Thomas chuckled, shaking his head. "Dorm life is going to be a whole different ballgame, Alex," he continued, "It might take some time to adjust. You ready for that?"

"I think so, Dad. And if I'm not, I'll learn to be. That's what you taught me, right?"

"Right. And remember to call your mother, okay? She'll go mad worrying if you don't."

"Oh, I'm sure she'd love to remind me to separate my whites from my colors every day."

That got a hearty laugh out of him. "You're right about that," he said, his eyes shining with amusement. "Well, here we are. Two grown people. Time sure flies, doesn't it?"

As he pulled her into a tight hug, the hustle and bustle of the airport faded into a soft hum. This was a moment they would both remember - a crossroads, a new chapter, a farewell. But not a goodbye.

At that moment, standing by the curb of the busy airport, Thomas was every bit the father Alex needed him to be. He didn't smother her with overprotective warnings or try to shield her from the inevitable challenges that lay ahead. Instead, he simply held her, grounding her in the comfort of his presence.

He had always been like this - gentle, reliable, steady. He was the one who taught her how to ride a bike, how to tie her shoelaces, and how to throw a punch if she ever needed to. He was also the one who held her after her first heartbreak, who applauded the loudest at her high school graduation, who stayed up late helping her fill out her college applications.

He was the rock upon which she built her dreams, and he was letting her go, not with fear but with confidence. With trust. With love.

As he finally pulled back from the hug, he looked her straight in the eye, his gaze unwavering. "You've got this, Alexandra. You're ready for whatever comes next. And remember, we're always here for you."

It wasn't a grand speech filled with profound wisdom. It was simply an affirmation of what Alex already knew - that she was capable, that she was loved, and that she was never alone.

As they pulled away from the hug, he cracked a grin, "And hey, if you get into drugs and become a lost cause, don't worry - I've got a shovel and a very convincing alibi."

"Oh really? And here I thought you'd be more of a 'build a time machine to set things right' kind of guy."

"Well, the shovel's just more practical," he retorted. " Besides if you are not comfortable with it. I've got just the thing. I'll come straight over, we'll blast some Led Zeppelin and do a rock-and-roll detox. No other cure needed."

She threw her head back and laughed, her eyes watering at the absurdity of the image. "I'm pretty sure that's not how detox works."

"Well, it's worth a shot, isn't it?"

Amid their laughter, Alex took a moment to look at her dad. His hair had more gray than black now, his face lined with age and laughter. He was her rock, her constant in a world of change. He had molded her into the woman she was today, and she was immensely grateful and proud to call him her father.

And now, she was moving away.

"Dad," she began, her voice choked with sudden emotion.

She trailed off, unsure of how to put her feelings into words. But Thomas simply nodded, his eyes soft.

"I know, kiddo. I know."

With a final wave and a lingering glance, Alex shouldered her backpack and wheeled her suitcase toward the airport entrance. As she turned to head into the bustling airport, a single tear slid down her cheek. She wasn't just leaving her home, she was leaving a piece of her heart with the man who had helped shape it. But she knew she was ready. Ready to face the world and carve her path.

And though she was stepping out on her own, she carried with her the lessons, the love, and the strength that her father had instilled in her. She was leaving, but she was far from alone.

* * *

The University of Massachusetts, Boston.

As she stepped onto the campus, a flood of emotions washed over her. She was a long way from home, and it was a little overwhelming. But she was also excited, eager to start this new chapter of her life. She spent the day getting acclimated - exploring the campus, and meeting people. It was a whirlwind of introductions, orientations, and a fair bit of paperwork.

As Alex pushed open the door to her dorm room, a wave of uncertainty washed over her. It was much smaller than her room back home, with two beds, two desks, and two closets crammed into the limited space. The walls were bare, and the room smelled faintly of cleaning supplies.

A girl was already unpacking her stuff on the bed next to hers. She looked up as Alex walked in and gave a friendly smile. "Hey, you must be my roommate. I'm Lisa."

"Nice to meet you, Lisa," Alex replied, extending a hand. "I'm Alex."

Lisa's handshake was firm, her demeanor open and friendly. "Welcome to our humble abode, Alex. Sorry about the mess."

She gestured to the clutter of clothes, books, and miscellaneous items spread across her side of the room. Alex chuckled, shaking her head. "Don't worry about it. I'm sure my stuff will make an equal mess soon enough."

As they started unpacking their belongings and setting up their sides of the room, Alex felt a sense of comfort settling in. Lisa seemed nice enough, with her bright blue eyes and warm smile. She was slightly taller than Alex, with wavy blond hair pulled back in a messy ponytail.

"So, where are you from, Lisa?" Alex asked, breaking the silence that had fallen over the room.

"Michigan," Lisa replied, taping a poster to her wall. "A small town you've probably never heard of. How about you?"

"New York," Alex said, trying to fit her clothes into the tiny closet. "So, city girl meets country girl, huh?"

Lisa chuckled, nodding. "Seems like it. We'll make a great sitcom."

"So, what's your major?"

Lisa, who was struggling with a rebellious pillowcase, paused and answered, "Journalism. " She finally managed to get the pillow into the case, giving it a triumphant pat before looking back at Alex. "What about you?"

"Criminal Justice," Alex replied. "Planning on becoming a cop."

Lisa seemed genuinely impressed. "That's cool, like a real-life superhero."

Alex chuckled at that, "More like catching the bad guys, but sure, we can go with that."

As they continued to unpack, they shared bits and pieces about their lives - their families, their hobbies, their aspirations. Lisa was an aspiring journalist with a love for indie music and vintage clothes. Alex talked about her passion for law enforcement and her dream of becoming a police officer. It was a casual, comfortable conversation - a get-to-know-you session that felt surprisingly natural. Despite their different backgrounds and interests, they found common ground in their shared excitement and nervousness about starting college.

By the time they finished unpacking, the room looked less like a standard university dorm and more like a cozy, lived-in space. Their belongings added a personal touch, making it feel more like a home.

As they finished arranging the last of their stuff, Lisa clapped her hands together and turned towards Alex. "So, what do you say about hitting that pool party?"

Alex blinked in surprise, looking up from her phone. "Pool party?"

"Yep. The seniors throw it every year as a sort of welcoming party for us freshers. It's supposed to be fun, and a good chance to meet new people."

"And let me guess," Alex said with a raised eyebrow, "it's an age-old tradition here?"

Lisa laughed, nodding. "Yeah, how'd you guess? It's an all-girls thing. They have a separate one for the boys. It's a great way to meet other students and some seniors, too."

"I don't know, Lisa. I'm pretty beat from the flight and all this unpacking."

"Oh, come on, Alex. What's the worst that could happen? You'll float in the pool a bit, we'll chat with some girls, maybe dance a little. Plus, I heard they have great snacks."

"Great snacks? That's your selling point?"

Lisa chuckled, giving Alex a playful nudge. "Hey, don't underestimate the power of a good snack. But honestly, you should come. It's not as crazy as you think. Plus, I'll be there with you. It'll be fun, I promise!"

"Alright," Alex agreed, stretching her arms over her head. "I'm in. But if I fall asleep in the pool, it's on you."

* * *

Clad in three-fourth denim shorts and a simple white shirt, Alex felt a refreshing coolness settle over her skin as she stepped out into the evening air. Her hair was tied back in a low ponytail, and her comfort sneakers squeaked lightly on the pavement. She felt at ease in her casual ensemble, the kind of ease that comes from wearing clothes that truly reflect one's personality. Beside her, Lisa was a stark contrast in a breezy sundress, its floral print standing out against her pale skin. Her brown hair was left open, falling over her shoulders in soft waves. She had swapped her everyday sneakers for a pair of cute sandals.

As they neared their destination, the faint strains of music and the hum of conversation grew louder. The campus pool area was a buzz of activity. Women were everywhere, some lounging in the pool with bikinis, while others sat on the poolside in casual clothes, engaged in animated conversations. A long table was laden with snacks and drinks near the pool, drawing a small crowd. Laughter echoed around them, mixing with the strains of some tunes playing on the speakers. A group of girls were playing an impromptu game of volleyball in the pool. Others were spread out on blankets on the grass, chatting, snacking, and seemingly having a great time.

The atmosphere was inviting and relaxed. Girls were introducing themselves to each other, breaking into spontaneous dance-offs, or simply enjoying the tranquil ambiance. The weather was perfect, the cool breeze gently stirring the water, the clear night sky filled with stars.

Lisa, seemingly knowing everyone at the party, introduced Alex to a handful of girls. They were from all walks of life, studying everything from sociology to biology, each unique in their way. Alex found herself engaged in a wide array of conversations, from discussing New York's best pizza joints to the latest trends in fashion.

The group expanded and contracted as the night wore on, some leaving to grab drinks or snacks, others joining in to share a story or a laugh. It was a whirl of new faces and names, but Alex found herself enjoying the night. The night wore on, the party in full swing. There were cheers for the newcomers and even a friendly water fight that had everyone laughing.

Just as she was deep in conversation about the latest superhero movie, a harsh, crackling noise filled the air, followed by a deafening silence as the music abruptly cut off. A collective groan echoed around the pool, followed by a few jokes.

"Did we blow a fuse or something?" a girl called out, eliciting laughter from those around her. But before anyone could answer, the speakers crackled to life again.

Then, just as suddenly, a voice filled the silence.

It clear as a bell and rich as honey, rose from the speakers, threading through the murmurs and laughter, immediately commanding everyone's attention. The song was familiar to Alex, a popular hit she'd heard countless times, but the voice...the voice was like nothing she'd ever heard before. It flowed through the evening air, wrapping around the audience like a warm blanket, eliciting a collective sigh of appreciation.

Even as Alex tried to remember the name of the song, she found herself utterly captivated by the singer. She could barely register the words being sung, so caught up was she in the richness of the voice, the raw emotion that seeped through each note.

Around her, the atmosphere subtly shifted. The chatter that had filled the area a moment ago gradually died down, replaced by a quiet hum of appreciation. People started to sway slightly to the rhythm of the song, their attention just as captured as Alex's. All eyes were trained towards the speakers, all ears tuned into the sweet voice, every heart beating to the rhythm of the beautiful tune.