Chapter 6: First Day

| First Day |

COLLEGE IS way too different from high school. College is not high school. Professor will foresee you to be more independent, adventurous, and responsible than your high school teachers presumed.

I grew in a family where positive thoughts always overcome negativity and have all the enthusiasm that I needed to face a new reality. I always believe to myself that nothing is difficult when you put your heart into it.

But who wouldn’t feel jitters when you’re on your first time? No one. No matter how optimistic you are, you will still feel nervous—like your palms sweat, fast heartbeat, and more so. But it’s all-natural.

I and Reina don’t have the same schedule as we differ in courses. But still, we reside on the same roof. I have a part-time job while Reina doesn’t. My classes start at eight, ending at three, while Reina starts at ten, and ends at five.

“You’re an hour early, Becca,” Reina said as she rests her chin on her palm.

“Yeah, need to wander around since I didn’t have the time yesterday,” I replied.

Reina heaved a deep sigh and sat properly on top of her bed, crossing her feet. “If only you agreed to be with me yesterday, you’ll worry less.”

I grabbed my backpack and cling one strap on my shoulder. “It’s the purpose of being early and of course, I won’t worry about it. We have a map after all,” I replied.

Reina rolled her eyes. “Whatever. You want me to accompany you for breakfast?” she asked.

I grabbed my phone above the table. “No need, bye.”

I then walks towards the door and took one glance at Reina, “you should continue sleep, you look like a zombie. Did your boyfriend misses you that much that you would stay late at night?”

Reina was on the phone until she can’t count how many hours did it last.

She was about to throw a pillow when my reflexes save me and closed the door before the pillow hit me. Ugh! Boys, they’re just a distraction.

The cold breeze embraces me as I stepped out of the dormitory. The green ambiance that the grasses and trees bestowed was pleasing to my eyes. I then start again to walk across the road as I decided to grab a cup of coffee and cookies or bread.

My eyes strolled around and saw a few walking and making their kind of stuff. It’s just seven anyway. The chime clings as I enter the Café where I found a job. The aroma of the freshly brewed coffee, and baked stuff, welcomed me. The soothing smell ponders in every corner of the café.

Mrs. Dory—the manager at the same time the owner welcomed me with her smiles. I never thought that the woman in her pencil skirt yesterday is so kind. Well, the first impression fails us some time.

“You’re up early, Becca,” said Mrs. Dory.

“Yes, Ma’am. I just wanted to have quality time with my coffee and a cookie,” I replied, unleashing a soft chuckle.

Mrs. Dory shook her head as she gets my orders. I and Kara were both students and have different schedules. Starting this day. Mrs. Dory then will be hands-on managing the café.

“Here’s your caramel latte and your freshly baked chocolate cookies,” she said as she handed me my order.

I never leave without saying my appreciation and wave goodbye to her. One bite of my cookie sent me to deep thoughts as it tastes perfectly fine. The coffee conforms to the cold breeze as it sent heat to my system. Winter is swiftly approaching.

I sipped on my cup of coffee as I walk into the hallway. North wing is where I am. Not bothering to pull out the paper where my schedule taps in, I turned left. I already memorize my schedule and the direction of the building last night, so that I won’t be bothered and be lost, finding it.

My presence never evades the censorious eyes of people. It seems like they knew that I was just a scholar. A commoner who had the chance to be an instant celebrity in the school just like what I watch in movies. But those thoughts faded when their gaze didn’t last. Thank God, I whispered.

Just a few steps and I finally found it. I pulled the door and went inside the lecture hall. Quite astonishing when I didn’t see someone inside. I'm that early, huh?

The atmosphere of the hall welcomes me, shouting like I don’t belong. The red chair and the white curve tables define a neat, rich—only for an elite. I shook my head and fob the negative thoughts away.

Always remember, Becca. All is well. Only attract positivity, I remind myself as I am seated on the third raw. I rest my bag on the seat next to mine and sips my coffee as I fixed my gaze on the whiteboard.

This is a moment of truth. New beginning… A new journey for her.

My thoughts subside as astound fill in because of the loud bang of the door. I then looked back. With surprise, I saw a guy with messy hair on his black shirt and worn-out jeans, giving him a rugged look.

I'm sucks in describing a man because I don’t give a damn on boys but this guy, he’s breathtakingly handsome, despite his disheveled hair.

“Good morning,” I greeted, being friendly on my first day.

For the second time, I was surprised as the guy just rolled his eyes and seated on the last row. Crossed arms and a devilish gape on mine.

I cleared the lump in my throat trying to forget the embarrassment and diverted my gaze back in front. Trying to forget about what the guy did to me. A guy, rolled eyes on me? Well, I don’t care, anyway. Minutes had passed and one by one came, and each empty seat was being occupied. The college will never be like high school. But each student's attitude remains the same. The moment I saw myself being surrounded by rich people, the thought of not belong, evoked. But my mother always tells me that, just be true to myself.

Positive vibes. Positive vibes. I whisper as our professor came in. Make your first-day count, Becca! Said the corner of my brain.

“Good day, everyone,” the professor started, and smiled on us.

“Chanter University welcomes you and hopes that you can make it until the end. Since this is your first day, and freshmen like you, supposed to be inside the gym, having their orientation, but C.U is different from other Universities, and let you on your first class. As one of the leading International schools in the world, we sent our warm welcome to you all. We hope that C.U gives you the guidance you need until you find your first job as a professional.”

The class ends with just like that and one by one, students leave the lecture hall. I was about to stand up when someone pokes me. I shift on my side and was welcomed with a smile from my seatmate.

“Hi, I’m Nena,” said the girl, and extends her right hand. Offering shaking hand.

“It’s Rebecca. You can call me Becca and it's nice to meet you,” I replied and did the handshake.

“What’s your next class?” she asked.

“Ethics,” she replied.

“It seems like we’re on the same block.”

I showed my schedule, and Nena took a glimpse at it. “We are.”

“Yeah. Let’s go,” she happily mumbled, and snake her arms on mine.

Seems I have a friend on my first day.

As we walk upward, I try to look for someone—the guy who enters next to me, but I failed. All I saw was a vacant seat.

Why on earth does I bother myself to look for that guy again? The abrupt thought leaves me hanging on a cliff.