1~ Fresh Start

Grandma! Grandpa! , "It's already late, I took the bread, don't worry, " I said (as I walked past the main door). They waved me back standing by the front door, "Be careful Vincet". I plugged in my earphones, playing my usual playlist; I told myself, " It's gonna be alright ! " Took a deep breath three times and recollected what Drake taught me to do when I get anxious. Drake was the only good thing that had happened to me for the last two years preparing for medical entrance exams. He was there when I was happy or sad; from non-stop jokes to movie conversations,  he made my life happier. He came to be my best friend. Previously I had been in depression for a long time, but he was there to push me back to my fullest. Afterwards, he went abroad for studying law and I was all alone again. Even now when I miss him, tears roll down my eyes. Seeing him smile, made me yearn for more.

             I would turn 18 that year. Luckily I got admitted to one of the most reputed universities in town - "The Highway University," a dream of many students, which had an amazing infrastructure and curriculum.  Its campus comprises four departments - Arts, Commercial applications,  Computer science and Medical department. I always dreamt to grow up to be an Oncologist.  To help people get cured easier and faster was what I believed in. I was one step closer to my goal when the admission letter arrived home. There were many rumours that this university was mysterious in some ways but I couldn't help but go there, as my mom graduated from there. She studied Arts. Unfortunately, my mom died while having me in this world and dad never came back home - that's what Grandma told me when I was a kid. I didn't know much about my dad (grandma somehow skipped the topic whenever I asked about him). The only thing I was left with was a silver chain having a small golden locket given by my grandma. The locket was my mom's. I used to wear it beneath my casual tops.

             As these thoughts fluttered upon my head, making me emotional; I reached the university gate. I gave my head a sway jolting back to the present and got ready for a fresh start. "To New friends, New books and New adventures, " I thought to myself optimistically and walked past the gate. In front of me, I observed four tall buildings established in a semicircular pattern with a huge auditorium in the centre. The buildings were made of red sandstone and had five floors. The campus looked spacious. This was going to be my second home in the coming years.

           Quickly, I went to register my dorm room in the medical department,  so I could check out the auditorium !!!

          "Hello student, how can I help you ? " said the lady at the entrance (of the medical department). "Hello ma'am,  I'm Vincet Grace, it's my freshmen year," I said. She swayed her hand and suddenly a board came up in front of us. The board included all the freshmen applicant names along with their locker numbers. I rolled my eyes in awe. Is this magic? Her eyes told me that she was surprised to know - how I could see the magical board. She gave me a stare and then said loudly,  "Vincet Grace - locker 303, to the right block". "Thank You !" I said. She nodded and used her hands to shoo me away. I reached the right block. Before the common corridor, was an array of lockers, painted in silver colour which seemed to open automatically without any lock. There was a sensor on each locker - highly technology-oriented. I searched for 303 and then touched it gently. It opened on its own with a beep (my face was verified I guess ). There was a letter in it.

Dear Vincent Grace,

                                  We are grateful to have you as our student at Highway University.  I hope you study well and cherish the little moments in life. If u need anything, do approach Miss Wander.

You have been allotted room number 300 and bed number 303. The room will be shared amongst 3 more applicants. You get two keys to your dorm room.

Your dean,

Mr Fisher.

I saw next to my locker were three more - 301, 302 and 304. I felt a bit apprehensive.

            A lady with curly brown hair tied in a bun, tight blue jeans and a white top walked past me. There was a name tag on her that said, "Miss Wander ". She didn't seem approachable with her stern look. But I went to her anyways. "Excuse me, Miss Wander, " I said. "Yes, " she replied swiftly.  "I was wondering if I could practice dancing during the afternoon at the auditorium? " I asked gently. " Well, before your new semester starts, you could use the space anytime before 7 p.m. Please be careful with the props you use, as everything needs to be tidied up well before you leave, " she said speedily (maybe because she had other students to attend to ). "Yes, Thank you, ma'am, " I said.

          I used the staircase up to the third floor. Every tiny bit of the university from - the staircase to the corridors looked so profoundly polished and elegant. My eyes were happy to see a new atmosphere building up around it. I found room number 300 and opened it with my keys.

       "Okay, I'm the first one to arrive, " I mumbled as I closed the door on the back. I took my luggage and placed it next to bed number 303, then took a moment to look around the room. There was a wooden study table and a foldable lamp each alongside our beds. The room was large, enough for all four of us to study and have fun for the next five years. I felt grateful. I unlocked my suitcase and changed into one of my plain black one-pieces. It had half sleeves. So I paired it up with my green jacket (which was handmade by my grandma). It kept me warm and comfortable.

         It was almost noon. I usually ate lunch at 1:30 p.m.; so I could dance for a while. I closed the door and rushed to the auditorium as I didn't want to waste a single minute.

        I had majored in dance at school. Also, it was a way for me to relax when I was sad or too excited about something. Currently, I was having an anxious moment which made me want to dance.