It was like the wolf was looking straight at me, trying to get to me. I was starting to feel all the creeps so I took off the necklace and hid it inside the drawer of my study table.
I think this necklace Mom got from her mother is haunted or something.
To get my mind out of the creepy thoughts, I decided to continue fixing my stuff. My roommate might arrive and I don’t want her to think I’m sloppy.
When I got tired of fixing my stuff, I decided to take a rest and lie on the bed. When I did, I realized it was too boring to just lie there so I got the book I’m currently reading from my bag.
I have a lot of books at home. My hobbies are mainly book-related- reading a book, buying books, window shopping books, planning for a book, etc. Aside from family and academics, my life mostly revolves around books.
I want to be a writer and be able to publish books in the future. That’s why I took up Creative Writing as my major. I started writing when I was still young so I think as I grow older, that’s how I learned to better my writing. Plus, life growing up will teach you a lot, and that’s where I draw most of my inspirations from.
I’ve already finished 3 chapters when I heard someone fiddling with the knob of my door. It alarmed me so I closed my book and quickly stood up. I slowly walked towards the door, held my hard-covered book up and readied myself for whoever it was. The good thing about hard-covered books? You can also use it as a weapon.
My heart was beating so fast inside my chest while I waited for whoever’s planning to invade my room. And when it opened, it revealed a petite woman with a bob haircut. We both screamed upon seeing each other.
Good thing I didn’t hit her with the book I’m holding.
“I’m sorry!” I quickly said when I recovered. I was so paranoid I forgot the possibility that it could be my roommate.
“My God! I didn’t know someone’s already here. The RA did not inform me,” she mumbled, her right hand now clutching her chest. I guess we both surprised each other.
I expelled a sigh of relief. Thank God it wasn’t a thief or something. But I doubt a thief can break in. The security’s pretty much strong here in the dormitory.
“Sorry. I was too paranoid,” I murmured.
“Nah, it’s okay. I also have my paranoid episodes,” she replied. “I’m Taylor, by the way,” she added. She offered her hand for a handshake and I took it.
“I’m Jasmine,” I mumbled. I’m Jazzy at home, but I decided I’ll be Jasmine here in the University.”
“You got here earlier, huh?” She commented, looking at the stuff that’s still on the floor.
“Yeah. I’m sorry for the mess,” I just said. I never had a roommate before so I’m a bit conscious about what she’s gonna think about me.
“Nah, I don’t mind. It will get messier later when I get the rest of my stuff,” she grumbled. She walked towards the available chair near the study table. “So I guess the vacant ones are mine?”
“Yes. I’m sorry. I took the liberty of choosing mine when I got here.”
Suddenly, Taylor laughed and I wondered if I said something stupid or funny for her to laugh. I couldn’t think of anything funny about what I said.
“I couldn’t count how many times you said sorry. You don’t have to apologize all the time. You got here first so that’s just fair,” she mumbled. Another sigh of relief right there.
“Oh,” I uttered. “Cool.”
“Anyway, I still got a lot of stuff outside so I’ll just get those,” she said as she put all the stuff she had on the floor.
“Do you need any help?” I asked.
“Nah. You’ve already done your part with your stuff so it’s fine.”
“No, I insist. It seems like you need help.” I put my book on my study table.
“Oh, okay. Thanks.”
We went out of the room but we left it unlocked. I figured this is still inside the school grounds so I think our things will be safe. I just hope.
“Did your parents come with you?” I asked while we were walking down the hall. I noticed we’re almost the same height. I looked at her shoes and it has I guess just an inch heel. She’s probably 5’5 tall like me.
“Nah. Dad’s busy with work. He just sent me here with a car and a credit card which is better. I don’t want him here with his new wife,” she answered. That earned an ‘oh’ from me. I wanted to ask more about why his dad has a new wife but I decided against it. I guess it’s too early to ask such a sensitive topic.
Taylor paid a quick glance at me and gave me a small smile. I think she’s not bad to be friends with. I think she’s cool. I hope we get along in the next few days and years.
“How about you? Your parents came with you?” She inquired. We reached the stairs now. I had to tail behind her because there’s a number of people coming up.
“Yup. Mom and Dad, and my two sisters,” I replied.
“Wow. What a full house.”
I laughed at what she said. “I know.”
“At least you have siblings. I don’t know what it feels like to have one.”
“You’re an only child?”
“I am. Mom never got the chance to give me a sib. She passed away when I was 9,” she revealed. It made me sad and scared. Because I can never imagine my life without my Mom. I guess Taylor had to be strong at a young age when her Mom died. That’s such a responsibility.
“I’m sorry,” I can’t help but say. I just don’t know how to react to things like this.
“There you go again. Stop saying sorry too much,” she said. I could hear the playfulness in her voice. “And it’s not even your fault. Things like that are inevitable.”
When we reach the lobby, there are more people now compared to earlier. Now there’s a line in front of the Dorm Manager’s office. I guess it was a good decision to come here as early as we can.
“Oh, okay. Noted,” I replied. I heard Taylor chuckle.
We reached her car and there were indeed more luggages and boxes in there. I got two luggages, one for each hand, thinking it would be easy. Apparently, it won’t be because we have to climb the stairs. Now, that’s just stupid of me.
Good thing there were good samaritans in the dorm. I guess they’re seniors because they know their way around. They helped us with Taylor’s stuff.
“That’s so nice of you,” Taylor said to the two dudes who helped us. We finished getting her stuff so it’s time to unpack and arrange those.
“No problem. It feels good to help,” the other guy said. He was holding a ball so I figured he’s an athlete. He’s also tall. The other guy’s wearing glasses and is wearing a shirt that has a logo of a fraternity or an organization, I'm not sure.
I just smiled at them and attended to my things. I’ll leave Taylor to deal with them.
“So yeah, we have a Sem Starter party tomorrow. We were just thinking if you want to go,” the guy with glasses said.
“Oh, cool. We will. Where will that be?”
The guy mentioned a place. I haven’t heard it clearly though. I was so focused on what I’m doing.
“Okay. We will go! See you there!” I heard Taylor say. I also heard the door shut.
“You’re going?” I asked. She also started unpacking.
“Nah. I’m not really a party person. Are you?”
“Nope.”
“Good,” she said. “What did you say your major is again?”
“Creative writing. You?”
“Communication arts,” she murmured. I heard her stifle a sigh. “So this is it huh? We’re really college girls?”
I chuckled. “I guess we are.”
“Oh, we're gonna have so much fun,” she mumbled.
We unpacked our stuff first until lunch time. We were not yet done but we decided to have lunch first and maybe roam around the school a little. I already had a tour around before when we were looking for a school. But that was months ago and I haven’t really remembered everything. It was just a quick tour.
There was a canteen just beside the Dormitory so we decided to eat there. There are already a lot of students eating there. I guess they’re always packed. I could smell their food and it’s good. I hope the taste will meet my expectations.
While eating, Taylor and I continued getting to know each other. I learned she’s into music and that we are both Swifties which really made me happy. At least I know she won’t complain if I play Taylor Swift’s songs on repeat.
She likes The Game of Thrones, said she watched the movie but didn’t read the book. I read the book and watched the movie, which is great. And she also loves Twilight. I’ve watched the movie too and it’s good. I even wished I could become a vampire. What was I thinking? It was a fantasy movie. I doubt it’s real.
She had a boyfriend in High School but decided to break up with him before college. She said she doesn’t want to be that girl who goes to college with a boyfriend. I don’t really know what she meant by that. I never had a boyfriend.
“You didn’t?” She asked, her eyes both quite wide at my revelation. I nodded my head. “Are you planning on having one here in School?”
“I’m not sure. If I’ll like someone, probably,” I replied.
After eating, we got a cup of yogurt each and began our tour around the campus.
It’s still sunny outside so we just walked by the pathway, avoiding the heat. It was a long path, with the soccer field on our right. The field was very huge but there’s no one there. Simply because the sun decided to be a killjoy. Although there are people sitting on the benches under the trees. I’d like to hang out there next time. It looked refreshing.
Taylor and I continued to look around. We even reached the main Library, which looked like a White House. I heard it was newly built and actually, we can see it with all those fresh paints and glass doors so shiny.
Somehow it lessens my worries about College. Now that I have Taylor, who seems fun and friendly, I’m starting to think that even if it's hard, College will be fun. I really wish it will be.
When I was in High School, I didn’t have a fun experience. I was that nerd student who sits at a corner and only cares about grades and books. Don’t get me wrong, I want to mingle with people too. I just thought I was that boring so I just didn’t bother. I had friends though, but not close enough that we’ll still keep in touch in college. I should really put my A-game here in College.
After what felt like an hour of just walking around and observing and familiarizing the place, we went back to our dormitory to continue unpacking.
The unpacking was never boring because we had a playlist full of Taylor Swift songs. Taylor’s lucky she has the same name.
After unpacking, it still doesn’t feel right, plus I feel exhausted from all the drive earlier and all the unpacking. So I decided to take a nap to regain some energy.
Two hours later, I woke up to Taylor snoring at the top bed. It made me smile.
But I lost the smile on my face when I looked around the room and felt how un-home it was. I’m not even sure if there is such a word. But yeah, it doesn’t feel like home. And that made me get my phone and call my Mom.
She picked up on the second ring.
“Jazzy-“
“Mom, I need you here.”
The kind of bond me and my Mom has is something I will never trade for anything. She’s all in one- a mother, a sister, a best friend, my confidante. I told her everything and she would just listen. She’s a good listener, and that’s just one of the many things I love about her. I have two sisters, but I am the closest to my Mom. She’s cool and she always reminds me that my feelings are valid. She always says the best words. I went out of the Dormitory and waited for her at the gate. It’s already dark since it’s almost 10 pm now. The moment I told her I needed her, she quickly got into her car and drove here. Home is two hours away. I don’t want to hassle my Mom but I’m just too overwhelmed with all of these fuzzy feelings. And only she can help me feel at ease. There are still a number of students out so I’m not scared to wait for her here outside. It’s not yet the official start of classes so the curfew is still not valid. We’re still allowed to accept visitors. I just sat on the
It’s already past 7 and we’ve been standing in line for almost an hour now. But there’s still a LOT of girls ahead of us. It takes so much time for one to finish bathing. My heart’s already pounding crazily inside my chest. I think we're gonna be late for our freshmen orientation. “Okay, this is not gonna work,” Taylor murmured. She’s behind me and we are actually the last people in the line. How crazy is that? “I know. But I’m not comfortable going out without so much as washing my face,” I replied. “I’ll go downstairs and check if the line’s not as long. You stay here, I’ll come back,” Taylor said. I haven’t replied yet and she already left, leaving me with her things. I took a deep sigh as I wished people downstairs didn't take forever to shower. No one warned us about the long line in the bathroom. If I only knew, I would’ve just taken a bath last night. While on the line, I kept looking at the stairs to see if Taylor’s coming or not. I also checked the time on the clock dis
It’s our first day in the University, but we still don’t have classes yet. We do have a lot of orientations and meetings today though. The freshmen orientation was already done. We still have an hour for a break to have snacks or something and then we’ll head to our department orientation. After that, I’ll have my bloc encounter. They call it ‘bloc encounter’ because it’s the first time the students in my bloc will meet. For freshmen, the sections are usually by bloc, which means that for people who are in the same bloc, they will most likely have the same classes. This is like a default for the freshmen. But after the first semester, we will basically be on our own. We’ll decide on what classes to take as long as we still follow our prospectus. For now, we’ll enjoy this privilege of not having to beg teachers to include us in their classes. Luckily, Taylor and I are in the same department so we don’t have to part ways just yet. But when the most dreaded bloc encounter came, I had
I had crushes. I remember having a crush on William Santos back in Elementary because he knows how to comprehend while reading. But it didn’t last long because apparently, the guy is a jerk. I saw him punching another girl in my class and it was awful. It made me pledge not to ever have a crush on him. In High School, the guys are not really attractive. Well, what’s attractive to me are guys who know how to form words beautifully, guys who know how to solve Algebra problems. But the guys in my High School? Unattractive. They are good-looking, but looks are not everything for me. Looking at the guy now who’s also eyeing me with the same intensity as yesterday, gives me the chills down my spine. Sure, he’s good-looking, his black hair has this messy look which made him look like a bad boy. And his brows? To die for! It’s in perfect shape and it’s all hair I can say. It must be good to have the same brows where I don’t have to use a brow pencil or something. His nose was pointed and he
The moment I saw his mischievous smile, I felt like running away. But why the hell would I run away? I have a class here. Why is he here? He should be the one to run away! I believe he has no business being here. He’s not a freshman! This class is exclusive for freshmen! Even in this class, he’s gonna crash? I grunted and went back to facing the front. The Professor’s already in front and anytime now, the class will start. Just the mere look on his face, I can already see he’s just playing. I just don’t understand why he’s making the University his playing ground, and why does it seem like I’m the toy? God, how dare he. And the necklace is really bothering the hell out of me. I should stop wearing this but as Mom said, this will protect me. Maybe to protect me from assholes? Maybe this is some kind of necklace that can detect assholes? Because everytime Flint is near me, the weird sensation always comes out from this necklace. Huh, I should really ask Mom about this. The Professo
My first week as a University Student flew by so fast. The classes were somehow okay. Most of the classes for this week are more on introduction of the courses. So far, I’m slowly adjusting to the environment. I still miss home though. Sean’s still the only friend I got from the bloc. I tried talking to them, opening up to them, but I don’t think the problem is me. I was pleasant enough to introduce myself and approach first but these people just won’t talk to me. Seriously, what the hell is wrong with them? As much as I want to know these people in my bloc, I just decided not to think so much about it. After all, I have Sean as my friend so I didn’t mind as much. Although he said joining the sem starter of the bloc will probably help. So I decided to go. It’s a Friday night. The very first thing I did the moment my class ended earlier was take a nap. After an hour, I woke up feeling refreshed and ready to join the sem starter. “Hey, Tay?” I called. I’m still lying on my bed becau
“Hey, JV,” Flint greeted cheerfully. I quickly looked away and read the menu instead. I don’t think giving him attention will do any good to my mood.“JV? Why is he calling you JV?” Taylor asked. I just shrugged at her. Although I know why it’s JV- Jasmine Victoria. I don’t prefer to be called that way. I’m Jasmine!I heard Flint’s chuckle and that made me roll my eyes. “Do you mind?” He asked. I saw him pointing at the vacant chair at our table. We occupied the table with six chairs.“No,” Taylor and I quickly replied in chorus.“Wow, that was quick,” the guy in glasses commented laughingly. Can’t they feel we don’t want to share the table with them?“Look, I know we started rough, but can we start over?” I heard Flint ask. I scoffed.Maybe this is me being judgmental, but this is also me being careful. I can’t just let these strangers continue forcing their presence in my life.“You’ve been annoying me the entire week,” I finally said. I looked at him and maintained a straight face.
I didn't care about having friends before. One or two was enough for me. I thought, what would I do with a lot of friends? It's not like I'm running for Mayor or something.But I was good with being civil with everyone. The kind where I know they don't hate me for something. Sure, sometimes they're intimidated or can't stand the thought of me because I was competitive. But not competitive enough that I would harm anyone. No. I'm not friendly, I don't have that social skill, but I don't wish harm on anyone.Seeing my blocmates throw me looks that I don't understand, I realized I can't stand it when people treat me like an outcast. All these days, I tried my very best to show interest in knowing them because again, high school isn't like college. My Mom said