Chapter 1: The Journey Begins

“I can't believe I let him talk me into this.” Imogen mumbled as she put her only luggage into the trunk of her father's car, and with one last look at her small house got into the passenger seat. She had barely fastened her seatbelt when the car sped off; clearly, her father didn't want to risk her changing her mind.

“You are going to love it there, pet.” Wallace Jones said. “I've heard absolutely wonderful things about this school.”

“Dad, you've only talked to one person.” Imogen rubbed her temples; she could feel a migraine coming. “Come to think of it, only one person has heard of "The University". The place doesn't even have a real name, and their website only has one page.”

“Well, love, Marlon says it's a very old-fashioned school. You know, they don't really do internet and all those fancy stuff, and calling the school "The University" is pithy.” Wallace said to his daughter.

“I don't even know why I need to go back to university. Why did I agree to this? This is a horrible idea; I need to be close to my son.”

“Imogen, love, you're doing this for your son.” Wallace said. “You could learn a new trade at university, and stand on your own two feet. Remember, the judge said you need to become independent if you want to get custody of Jamie back.”

Imogen sighed, She knew she had to do something drastic to get her child back from that bastard ex of hers, and going back to school was as good a drastic action as any. “You're right, dad.” Imogen finally said, “But I just don't understand why I can't sign up for a local college or something.”

Wallace turned his head slightly to look at his daughter and smiled apologetically. “Well, pet, let's be honest, you don't really have many options when it comes to choosing a place to study.

“We're almost at the train station. I'll drop you off at the curb, okay? I need to go pick up the dry-cleaning before they close or your mother will go off her rocker.”

“Yeah, dad, it's okay.” Imogen said.

Imogen put her bag on the seat next to her, and sat down. She pulled her knees up to her chest which made her look pitifully forlorn. She had dropped out of school once before—because of her newborn son—but her mother and father were certain she would be able to finish this time.

Her parents were desperate for her to go to this nameless university, which made Imogen certain that they knew something they'd decided not to share with her. She sighed and put her head on her knees, deciding a nap would be the best way to pass the time.