5. Finally, A New Friend

I took a deep breath as I stared at the large building before me. It was everything I imagined and more. From the electronic doors to the somewhat tinted glass windows and the well trimmed grasses, I couldn't believe I was starting college already. However, after the excitement came the nervousness. Was I truly ready to do this? Could I even do it? These thoughts ran through my head almost every night since I had gotten my acceptance letter in the mail.

I looked up again at the white building and remembered everything I had been through the last two months and my entire life. How the job at the library had wearied me out and I didn't have a choice but to cope with it. The struggle to save the money I was earning while cutting down on a lot of my personal expenses. How I had to make sure I had top grades throughout high school to ensure that I at least got a tuition scholarship. These thoughts only strengthened my resolve to finish what I had started.

Without thinking, I went through the doors and I was dazed for a few minutes. If I thought the exterior was beautiful, then there were no words or adjectives to qualify the interior. I don't know what heaven looks like, but this could surely pass as a mini one. The interior of the college building is a stunning blend of modern design and historic charm. As you enter through the grand, arched doorway, you're greeted by a spacious atrium with a high, vaulted ceiling adorned with intricate, stained glass windows that allow streams of colorful sunlight to filter through. The walls are lined with rich, mahogany wood paneling, and the floors are covered in polished marble, giving the space an air of elegance.

Students both old and new were rushing probably trying to complete their registration and I was still left awe struck about the aesthetic that surrounded me. Confused on where to go, I walked forward a bit still trying to soak in the place. I was so lucky that I got accepted into this type of college. I was so lost in thought that I didn't notice that I was walking right into someone. I immediately looked up and saw a girl who looked to be around my age. She was dressed in a mom jean and she paired it up with a cute crop top and Vans. Even though I bumped into her, she was smiling at me

"Hey there! Are you also a new student?," she said while smiling.

Being someone that's not too good with strangers, I felt tongue tied so I just nodded my head.

"That's great. I can't believe we're finally in college! I'm so excited to finally get the college experience and the dorm rooms. But first, we should complete the registration, or have you done yours?" she asked with such dreamy eyes

"Not yet, I actually just came in and was just about to ask someone for directions," I finally spoke.

"Let's find out together. We'll get through this whole process together and who knows? We might just become the best of friends. Pardon my manners please, what's your name? I'm Liana by the way," she squealed

" I'm Mercedes. Nice to meet you, Liana," I smiled gently at her

"Nice to meet you too, Mercedes. I like your name, it's quite unique. Let's get on with this registration stuff, my sister graduated from here and she told me that the registration process was like an extreme sport," she grabbed my hand and led the way.

Suddenly she looked back at me and asked

"Oh, and by the way, do you have any idea which dorm you want to stay in?"

"Not really, I haven't even looked into that yet. I really don't know much about here," I looked away shyly.

"Aww it's no problem at all. We can decide that later. Let's go find someone who can help us with the registration process first."

After a few minutes of walking around we saw a man who looked like staff member of the college and we approached him. Before I could open my mouth, Liana already beat me to it

"Hi there, good afternoon. We're new students and we're a bit lost. Do you have an idea on where we can complete our registration and also get our dorm room assignments?" she asked politely.

"Of course, I'd be happy to help. Let me guide you through the process. You can call me Mr Davies. What are your names?" he asked.

"I'm Liana, and this is Mercedes," she replied for both of us.

"Nice to meet you both, Mercedes and Liana. Let's start with the registration. Follow me to the registration desk," he pointed towards the hallway.

He began walking away and we followed him and came to a stop at the registration desk. We also met a number of new students who were doing their registration. There were a lot of staffs on ground to help with the registration, so the process was quite fast. Mr Davies led us to his own side of the desk and requested for some of our documents. We presented them to him and in less than 10 minutes we were both done with the registration.

"You can move to the next cubicle to get your dorm room assignments. Do have a nice day ladies, Mr Davies smiled as he handed us our documents back.

"Thank you so much sir. Without you, we probably would still walking around the halls aimlessly," Liana thanked him and he nodded his head.

She then turned to me

"See Mercedes, it's not that bad. We're making progress and we'll be done in no time."

" Thanks, Liana. I really appreciate your help," I said as I gave her a full blown smile this time.

We got to the dorm assignment cubicle and the lady we met there was equally nice. She asked us for our major

"Communication Studies," Liana replied.

"Media and International Relations," I also replied.

"Okay ladies. Seeing as you both are together, you've both been assigned dorm rooms in Daisy Dormitory. Ask any of the old students or any of the porters, they'll give you directions. Do have a nice day," she said as she handed us our slips.

"Thank you ma'am," we said simultaneously.

We left the cubicle and headed to the common area where we were asked to leave our luggage till we were done with our registration. Since my college was like a three hour drive from my town, Mr Lampton and I struck a deal. I would be a virtual assistant for him while he got someone else to work at the library. During the holidays, I could also come in to the library. This way, I was still getting paid and having enough to get by since I was only on a tuition scholarship. I had to pay for books, the dorm fees and some other fees that the college requested we pay. I was lost in thought when Liana snapped me out of my reverie.

"Mercedes, do you want to check out our dorm rooms together? I'm really praying that we are roommates. It's going to be really exciting if we are," she said almost bouncing on her toes.

"That sounds nice. Let's do it," I replied.

We asked one of the porters for the directions and he led to the dormitory with our luggage in tow. Liana and I chatted till we got there. It was fun to finally to have a friend. The exterior of the dormitory also looked beautiful. You would know for sure that it was a girl's dorm. I even understood why it was called Daisy Dormitory. The entire front lawn was covered in daises. We got into the dormitory and checked for our dorm numbers. Liana and I looked at each other in excitement when we realized that we were roommates.

"Oh my gosh, we're roommates. This is so awesome. I'm happy that we're together Mercedes. We're gonna have so much fun together," she screamed as she hugged me.

I returned the hug happily

"Yeah, I'm looking forward to staying with you too. I'm glad I met you, Liana," I said hoping my sincerity showed on my face.

"I'm glad too, Lily. We're going to have an amazing time in college together. We'll help each other through everything. Through the good, the bad, the not-so-nice and the ugly," Liana also remarked.

"It's funny how I'm not good with strangers and I'm starting to feel more comfortable already. Thanks for being so friendly and helpful Liana".

" Anytime, Mercedes. Friends help each other out, and I'm here for you. Let's make the most of this college adventure," she said finally as we got to sorting out our stuff.

The room was compact, with two twin beds placed on opposite sides, each with an assortment of throw pillows. A large window lets in natural light and is adorned with curtains in a soft, pastel color. We each got our own wardrobes and reading tables. Overall, I couldn't have asked for more.

Liana and I were so tired and hungry after sorting out our stuff. We took turns in showering and ordered pizza since none of us had the strength to go get food from anywhere. After devouring the whole box of pizza, we both said our goodnights and lay on our beds. I heard Liana talking to her parents over the phone about how her first day went, and I felt sad because I had no one to call. Soon sleep came visiting and all I could think while it took over me was that college is a big place.