The class representative walked to the podium and announced that classes were over for the day. I was surprised—I hadn’t expected just a single class. College is nothing like high school, where you'd sit through up to seven periods a day. “I’m already in love with this place,” I muttered to myself.
“We have the school excos here,” the rep continued. “They’ll be telling you everything you need to know about the school before you leave. Please, let’s give a round of applause for the vice president of the student union of Royalty College.” Applause erupted as a tall, dark-skinned girl with striking beauty entered the hall and walked confidently to the podium, waving at anyone who cared. She looked like a supermodel and had an impeccable fashion sense. Raising her hand to quiet the room, she tapped the mic twice and spoke. “Thank you for that warm welcome,” she said. People clapped again. “You’re very beautiful!” one student shouted from the crowd. “I heard that—thank you, and you’re beautiful too,” she replied with a smile, not even needing to see who said it. The room burst into laughter. “My name is Princess Alvarez. I’m the vice president of this esteemed institution, and it’s an honor to be here. You may be wondering why I’m standing before you today. Well, it’s tradition here at Royalty College for upperclassmen to welcome the freshmen and guide them through what they need to know about the school—and a few other things too. “So without wasting much time, let me tell you about the five clubs we have. You’ll be choosing the one that suits you best. But be warned—some clubs are selective. You’ll have to pass a screening to get in. “Starting from number five, we have the Book Club. This is perfect for anyone who loves reading or feels too shy to dive into more social activities. “At number four is the Jet Club—science and tech enthusiasts, this one’s for you. “Now for the big three. These are the clubs that represent us in the annual interschool competitions. If you’re unfamiliar, it’s a social event where top schools in the state compete for the number one spot in each category. “At number three is the Fashion Club. Think fashion gossip, runway events, and creativity. If you’re into style, that’s your place. “Coming in at number two is the Boxing Club.” A murmur spread through the crowd. “How can boxing be second? Nobody watches that!” a student said aloud. “I know, right?” she laughed. “That’s what I thought too when I was a freshman. How is it second? Well, you’ll find out soon enough—I’ll leave that as a surprise. “And finally, holding the number one spot is the Music Club!” The room erupted, especially from the girls. “I guess I’m not the only one who loves music,” she said, chuckling. “That’ll be all from me. Enjoy the rest of your day—and welcome to Royalty College.” “What club are you in?” one boy asked eagerly. “Oh, I’m not in any club. Excos aren’t allowed to join clubs,” she replied. “Awww,” several boys groaned in disappointment. She smiled and walked off the stage as students began filing out of the hall. “The venue for each club will be posted in the class group chat,” someone announced. “There’s a group chat?” I asked. “Of course there is. You’re not in any of them?” Aalia replied. “No, I’m not. Could you add me?” “You’ll have to meet the class rep for that.” “I don’t have his contact. Could you send me his number? My phone’s dead,” I said. “Okay, no problem,” she responded, handing me her phone. I typed in my number, and we walked to the school’s parking lot. Everyone was calling their drivers when a car pulled up in front of us. “Get in. My driver will drop you at home,” Jeffrey told Aalia. “Looks like yours hasn’t arrived yet.” “Where’s your house? We’re heading to Greenville. Maybe you could tag along?” Aalia asked me. I caught the flash of annoyance on Jeffrey’s face, so I declined. “My house isn’t far and doesn’t follow the Greenville route. I’ll just order an Uber,” I said. “Okay, see you tomorrow then,” she smiled and got into the car. I was so happy—I’d gotten her number on the first day. I couldn’t wait to tell my uncle. I could already feel a connection forming between us.The scorching heat jolted me awake. I had been watching TV and didn’t even realize when I drifted off. I’d forgotten to turn on the air conditioning, and now sweat clung to my skin. I had no choice but to get up.I turned on the air conditioning and strolled to the kitchen to prepare something to eat. My boring phone beeped, but I paid no attention. It was probably just a Twitter or Instagram notification—definitely not someone texting me. I hadn’t had anyone to text for days. I was too tired even to reply to the unread messages I had. My phone had become boring.I took some bread, made a sandwich, and went back to the living room to fix my video game. At least that would keep me company until 4 p.m., when I’d have to leave for boxing practice.I picked up my phone to play some music when I noticed an email. "Royalty College." My heart skipped a beat. I put down my phone and whispered a quick prayer, then picked it up again. Slowly, I opened the email and began to read:"Dear Collins
“Thanks, Coach!” I said, grinning, before bursting out the gym door into a full sprint, determined to finish my laps. I caught a glimpse of Coach trying to hide a smile, but it slipped out anyway. I came back from my laps drenched in sweat, Coach didn't even give me a breather “fix your gloves” he said “and start working on the punching bag” he added, I started punching, I was giving it my best, but I wasn't feeling it, my mind was somewhere else, imagining what college would be like, not any type of college but Royalty College, it offers so much career opportunities, many famous people finished from there, “Nevile” coach called, jolting me back to reality, he's the only one that calls me by my first name, “ Now that you've warmed up we start with shadow boxing” coach said, “coach you're trying to kill me, not even a moment to breathe?” I asked “I'm trying to turn you into a beast, will your opponent give you a space to breathe in the ring?” I shook my head “good, now we shadow box
The next morning the aroma of spaghetti and meatballs woke me up. I knew my dad was home—Uncle could never make a dish that smelled this good. I jumped out of bed, hit the shower immediately, brushed my teeth, and rushed downstairs, still excited about my admission. I hadn’t told my dad yet.“Boy boy! Good morning,” my dad greeted.“Good morning, Dad,” I responded, joining him at the dining table. My food was already set. I glanced around for Uncle, but then I spotted him in the living room, watching the Liverpool match he had missed because he had to take me to training.I dug into my food, still dreaming about college.“Collins, Collins, Collins!” My dad’s voice pulled me back to reality.“Yes, sir!” I flinched.“You’ve been smiling and daydreaming since you sat down. You haven’t even eaten much, which is surprising. What’s going on? Did you get a girlfriend?” he teased.I chuckled. “Dad, getting a girlfriend wouldn’t make me this happy.”He laughed, took a sip of his orange juice,
It was 8 PM when I heard my dad’s car horn. He actually came home early, just as he said he would. On a normal day, he wouldn’t return until midnight or later. I peeked through the window and saw him stepping out of the car. As soon as he entered, I went to meet him to take his bag. “Collins,” he called. I tensed up. He only calls me by my name when something serious has happened. “Yes, sir?” I responded. “I heard you got into a fight today?” His tone made it clear it wasn’t a question that required an answer. News had already reached him. Before I could speak, he added, “I hope you won?” I looked up, surprised. I had expected a lecture, maybe even an argument. I was still getting used to him—I hadn’t grown up with my dad, and there was still a lot to learn about him. “Yes, I did,” I admitted, “but I only fought because he injured Uncle and wouldn’t shut up about it.” “As long as you won, I’m fine with it. We don’t lose in this family.” He laughed, and I let out a relieved ch
Many weeks had passed, and tomorrow was the day for my registration and screening before I could start attending classes. It was 8 PM, and I lay on my bed, listening to Drake. The room was dimly lit by a multicolored light that didn’t shine too brightly. My mind wandered, imagining what college life would be like. The stories my uncle had told me only fueled my curiosity. I couldn’t wait to explore, maybe even fall in love.I had been in multiple relationships, but I had never truly loved any of the girls I dated. At times, I thought maybe intimacy would make me fall in love, so I had sex with some of them. Instead of growing closer, I found myself pulling away. I had decided that in college, I wouldn't get into any relationship unless I genuinely fell in love. I had spent my life chasing love and never found it—maybe it was time love chased me.I closed my eyes, trying to sleep, but the excitement wouldn’t let me. I felt like a child waiting to travel the next day. After struggling f
In front of the Faculty of Science, three imposing halls loomed ahead of me. I hesitated, scanning the area, trying to decipher which one I was supposed to enter. Just then, I spotted a guy standing a few feet away, his expression mirroring my own confusion. He was tall, white, and dressed with effortless elegance. “This guy would definitely get a lot of ladies, that’s for sure,” I murmured to myself before approaching him. “Hello,” I greeted. “Hi?” he responded, his eyes narrowing slightly as if trying to place me. “Are you a freshman too?” I asked. “Yeah, I am. How’d you figure?” “Just a wild guess,” I said, flashing a small smile. “I guess you’re looking for the lecture hall, yeah?” he asked. “Yes,” I replied, relieved. “I don’t know where it is, but my friend does. She went to grab some snacks.” “She?” I asked, raising an eyebrow. “Yes, she,” he confirmed. “You’ve already made a female friend?” I asked, surprised. “Not really. She was my classmate in high school. We j
The class representative walked to the podium and announced that classes were over for the day. I was surprised—I hadn’t expected just a single class. College is nothing like high school, where you'd sit through up to seven periods a day. “I’m already in love with this place,” I muttered to myself.“We have the school excos here,” the rep continued. “They’ll be telling you everything you need to know about the school before you leave. Please, let’s give a round of applause for the vice president of the student union of Royalty College.”Applause erupted as a tall, dark-skinned girl with striking beauty entered the hall and walked confidently to the podium, waving at anyone who cared. She looked like a supermodel and had an impeccable fashion sense. Raising her hand to quiet the room, she tapped the mic twice and spoke.“Thank you for that warm welcome,” she said. People clapped again.“You’re very beautiful!” one student shouted from the crowd.“I heard that—thank you, and you’re beau
In front of the Faculty of Science, three imposing halls loomed ahead of me. I hesitated, scanning the area, trying to decipher which one I was supposed to enter. Just then, I spotted a guy standing a few feet away, his expression mirroring my own confusion. He was tall, white, and dressed with effortless elegance. “This guy would definitely get a lot of ladies, that’s for sure,” I murmured to myself before approaching him. “Hello,” I greeted. “Hi?” he responded, his eyes narrowing slightly as if trying to place me. “Are you a freshman too?” I asked. “Yeah, I am. How’d you figure?” “Just a wild guess,” I said, flashing a small smile. “I guess you’re looking for the lecture hall, yeah?” he asked. “Yes,” I replied, relieved. “I don’t know where it is, but my friend does. She went to grab some snacks.” “She?” I asked, raising an eyebrow. “Yes, she,” he confirmed. “You’ve already made a female friend?” I asked, surprised. “Not really. She was my classmate in high school. We j
Many weeks had passed, and tomorrow was the day for my registration and screening before I could start attending classes. It was 8 PM, and I lay on my bed, listening to Drake. The room was dimly lit by a multicolored light that didn’t shine too brightly. My mind wandered, imagining what college life would be like. The stories my uncle had told me only fueled my curiosity. I couldn’t wait to explore, maybe even fall in love.I had been in multiple relationships, but I had never truly loved any of the girls I dated. At times, I thought maybe intimacy would make me fall in love, so I had sex with some of them. Instead of growing closer, I found myself pulling away. I had decided that in college, I wouldn't get into any relationship unless I genuinely fell in love. I had spent my life chasing love and never found it—maybe it was time love chased me.I closed my eyes, trying to sleep, but the excitement wouldn’t let me. I felt like a child waiting to travel the next day. After struggling f
It was 8 PM when I heard my dad’s car horn. He actually came home early, just as he said he would. On a normal day, he wouldn’t return until midnight or later. I peeked through the window and saw him stepping out of the car. As soon as he entered, I went to meet him to take his bag. “Collins,” he called. I tensed up. He only calls me by my name when something serious has happened. “Yes, sir?” I responded. “I heard you got into a fight today?” His tone made it clear it wasn’t a question that required an answer. News had already reached him. Before I could speak, he added, “I hope you won?” I looked up, surprised. I had expected a lecture, maybe even an argument. I was still getting used to him—I hadn’t grown up with my dad, and there was still a lot to learn about him. “Yes, I did,” I admitted, “but I only fought because he injured Uncle and wouldn’t shut up about it.” “As long as you won, I’m fine with it. We don’t lose in this family.” He laughed, and I let out a relieved ch
The next morning the aroma of spaghetti and meatballs woke me up. I knew my dad was home—Uncle could never make a dish that smelled this good. I jumped out of bed, hit the shower immediately, brushed my teeth, and rushed downstairs, still excited about my admission. I hadn’t told my dad yet.“Boy boy! Good morning,” my dad greeted.“Good morning, Dad,” I responded, joining him at the dining table. My food was already set. I glanced around for Uncle, but then I spotted him in the living room, watching the Liverpool match he had missed because he had to take me to training.I dug into my food, still dreaming about college.“Collins, Collins, Collins!” My dad’s voice pulled me back to reality.“Yes, sir!” I flinched.“You’ve been smiling and daydreaming since you sat down. You haven’t even eaten much, which is surprising. What’s going on? Did you get a girlfriend?” he teased.I chuckled. “Dad, getting a girlfriend wouldn’t make me this happy.”He laughed, took a sip of his orange juice,
“Thanks, Coach!” I said, grinning, before bursting out the gym door into a full sprint, determined to finish my laps. I caught a glimpse of Coach trying to hide a smile, but it slipped out anyway. I came back from my laps drenched in sweat, Coach didn't even give me a breather “fix your gloves” he said “and start working on the punching bag” he added, I started punching, I was giving it my best, but I wasn't feeling it, my mind was somewhere else, imagining what college would be like, not any type of college but Royalty College, it offers so much career opportunities, many famous people finished from there, “Nevile” coach called, jolting me back to reality, he's the only one that calls me by my first name, “ Now that you've warmed up we start with shadow boxing” coach said, “coach you're trying to kill me, not even a moment to breathe?” I asked “I'm trying to turn you into a beast, will your opponent give you a space to breathe in the ring?” I shook my head “good, now we shadow box
The scorching heat jolted me awake. I had been watching TV and didn’t even realize when I drifted off. I’d forgotten to turn on the air conditioning, and now sweat clung to my skin. I had no choice but to get up.I turned on the air conditioning and strolled to the kitchen to prepare something to eat. My boring phone beeped, but I paid no attention. It was probably just a Twitter or Instagram notification—definitely not someone texting me. I hadn’t had anyone to text for days. I was too tired even to reply to the unread messages I had. My phone had become boring.I took some bread, made a sandwich, and went back to the living room to fix my video game. At least that would keep me company until 4 p.m., when I’d have to leave for boxing practice.I picked up my phone to play some music when I noticed an email. "Royalty College." My heart skipped a beat. I put down my phone and whispered a quick prayer, then picked it up again. Slowly, I opened the email and began to read:"Dear Collins