Never take Psychology 101. This class will make you wonder if you, yourself, have a disorder. I feel that this class has given me one. Some type of opposite insomnia.

As I sat and wiggled the pen between my middle and pointer fingers I debated about my long summer. I could take a few summer courses; ASU offered several. I figured if I took about twelve credit hours I could bump up my graduation to an earlier semester. Not that I really should be worried about that now. I wouldn't be starting college until the Fall semester anyway.

And I seriously couldn't wait to start college. I wanted to get a new job once school let out and save some money so I could live in the dorms...like normal students do. If I could save enough money to move out of my house now? I'd be...just happy. Happy to get away.

Class ended promptly at three o'clock. I grabbed my book bag and made my way out of the building and towards the parking lot. I had recently purchased an '04 Ford Focus with the money I had made from the Starbucks in town. Not an ideal job but much better than fast food.

I started my Focus and headed back towards home.

As I pulled down my familiar street I noticed a Phoenix trooper sitting outside my house. I narrowed my eyes in confusion as I pulled into my driveway. I tried to think back to anything that would explain his presence, but came up with absolute blanks. I figured it had something to do with my mother and father; the cops had been called on several occasions for their domestic disputes. That was one on the reasons I had learned to keep to myself throughout my life. I was embarrassed. Even in a large city like Phoenix, word gets around.

I stepped out of my car as the cop started approaching me. I felt my palms start to sweat and my heart started beating a little more erratically. I took a deep breath and looked the cop in the eye. I had learned they could smell fear.

"Isabella Dwyer?" asked the cop as he searched my eyes. I nodded nervously as I fingered the hem of my t-shirt.

I noticed the cop take a deep breath, "My name is Officer Stewart. I'm afraid I have some bad news." His eyes squinted with what I could tell was pity and I could feel my heart stop at that point, waiting for the bad news soon to follow.

"I'm afraid your parents, Phillip and Renee, were in an automobile accident this afternoon. Miss, they didn't make it."

The breath I had been holding left my lungs in a whoosh as I felt my whole body cave in on itself. My parents. Mom. Dad. Phil. Renee. Alone.

I was vaguely aware of the cop kneeling down near my trembling body and rubbing his hand up and down my back in, what I assumed was, a calming motion. It didn't do much.

"Is there someone I can call, Miss? A relative, perhaps? Maybe a friend?"

I could feel the tell-tale signs of tears as my eyes prickled, but I refused to give in. I wouldn't do it. Not in front of this stranger.

I shook my head as my determination rebuilt itself. A distant voice sounded in my mind...

"Stop being a damn baby! Stop being so fuckin' weak you little brat!"

Immediately, I was up off the ground, "No, sir, thank you." I grabbed my book bag and marched up the walk to the front of my home and threw the door open with frustration. I didn't even bother to glance back at the cop. My manners were long forgotten in this moment.

I slammed the front door with unnecessary force and threw my bag to the floor. It was then, and only then, that I noticed exactly how alone I was. The house was dark. There wasn't a single light on and, even with the bright, Arizona sun, it looked dark. I glanced around the living area a few times and then, out of nowhere, I collapsed. But I didn't cry. I was told to never cry. Crying was a weakness.