2 •CHAPTER 2: DRESS•

9th of June 1812

The dress I was wearing today was red and emphasizes the curve of my body. This day is special because it is my birthday. We will go to the town of Floresca for flowers and food for the feast later.

The surroundings were amazing as I peeked out of the small window. Colorful and full of life.

"It is really fun in town Ysay, isn't it?" I asked my friend and caretaker Ysay. She was assigned to watch over me whenever I left the house. We were the same age so we easily became friends.

"Yes Nirvana, let's just drop by to Madame's flower shop. Is that okay?"

I just nodded at her and smiled.

*****

First day of class today, fortunately I was able to pack my things yesterday before we left. I will stay in the dorm for the whole semester.

"Mama I'm ready" I caught her preparing as well. She looks more presentable, as if something important is going on.

"Okay daughter, let's go" looks good mood ah.

"Mama what's up? What's with the outfit?" She stopped. Still manage to smile after a few seconds.

"Nothing, I just feel happy today and that something will good happened"

I just shrugged and got into the car. Taking my last glimpse of our house.

I grew up without my father, mama and I are the only ones together in life, so I am really bothered to leave her alone.

"Mama you know I can travel from here to school. For you not to be alone" I held her hands and faced her.

"As much as I want to be by your side forever Eve, I can't. You need to discover some things by yourself okay?" She wiped away my tears that I did not realize were dripping.

In the few minutes I stay in the car and stare out the window while looking at the bright sky, I am thinking of things that could happen to me inside that school.

This is also the first time that I will be separated from mom for a long time and I will not go home.

I'm just spacing out until I realize we are already in our destination, my bags have already been taken out of the car.

"Child take this" my mom gave me a paper bag, it looks like it has clothes inside.

"It's not my birthday, what's with the gift?" I can't help but to chuckle and cry because I'm gonna miss my mom so much.

"Shhh stop being a cry baby, you're a big girl. That dress was special, wear it on your birthday next week! I'm gonna bring some goodies for you" she wink at me.

Right I'm a big girl! I'll turn 18 next week, I need to be tough!

"Alright mom!! I'll call you when I arrive in the dorm!" That's the last time I bid goodbye to her before entering the school premises.

The frontyard is still as beautiful as yesterday. I had a map this time not to get lost in the dorm.

I was busy following the direction when a stall caught my interest. It has colorful flowers all around the place! I can even smell its fresh scents.

"Madame's Flower Sanctuary" I read the signage.

I went inside but I did not see anyone, the place looks neat and refreshing especially it's sunny. The central part of the roof is mirrored so the beautiful sunlight can be seen.

But the I also decided to go out because there was no one and the owner might scold me. I continued my way to the dorm. When I saw the "Maiden's Dormitory" sign I went straight into the building and searched the front desk to get my key.

A beautiful lady caught me off guard. She is like a goddess incarnate! Her skin is fair and her eyes are blue as the sea. She is petite and has a brown curly hair. Her lips are perfect cupid's bow and red.

"Room number miss?" I was so starstruck by her beauty and I forgot my purpose.

"Ahm ... room number 24 ma'am" she chuckled and give me my keys.

"I am Thea Monclair, I am in charge of the entire dorm. You can call me Ms. Monclair if you have something to ask. Welcome in our dorm!"

I smiled at her and nodded then went straight to the elevator, according to the map the room is on 3rd floor so I clicked the elevator and wait for it.

When the elevator opened for the third time, I went out and looked at the hall. It's very classic. Maybe it has pictures of the former tenants and students here. Everyone in the picture are girls my age.

There is one portrait of two girls that caught my attention, it has a date at the edge of the paper says it was drawn on June 1812. The other girl is kinda familiar to me but then I just shrugged and passed through it.

I can also see plants through the hallway and there is a large window at the other end of the hall so it is brighter because it is still noon. It's only twelve o'clock and our class is still two o'clock so I still have time to rest.

Finally I arrived in front of my room or should I say our room 'cause as soon as I opened the door two girls welcome me.

"Hi! I'm Kristie and this is Sandra we are your room mates!" says Kristie who is so energize.

I don't think I can rest hayyss

"Come on in Eve! We are excited to have you" Sandra pull me and so I enter the room.

*****

The recommended flowers are pulchritudinous. Just right to be use for decorations later. I am delighted because Ysay is also good at choosing.

When we got home, I immediately went to the garden to pick my favorite apples to put in the desserts later, even though my dress has a little stain. I was running and just surprised to see two girls the same age as me waiting at my favorite spot.

"Who are you?" I asked them.

"I am Christina and she is Cassandra we are your new caretaker Miss Nirvana"

Confused, I just ask them if they can help me collect some more apples so we could still use more later. They are also very quiet but I hope they will become my buddies too just like Ysay.

Love,

Nirvana Hermosa