Chapter 1 - August

The comforting smell of sumptuous leather and hypnotic rhythm of rumbling tires gently stirred me awake as Casey Kasem’s silky voice introduced Donna Summer’s, “Last Dance” over the radio. Mother’s steely gaze was focused on the road ahead, and mine to the passing countryside dotted with assorted billboards hocking fast food, gas stations, and cheap hotels. Except for this one enormous sign that featured a photo of two pompous preppies propped against an Oak tree, blissfully gazing at one another with a nauseating self-righteous smirk. Emblazoned across the bottom of the placard was the tag line: “Your future starts here. Oak Wood Academy: Educating southern leaders since 1870”.