#transcrip

Rosa: “Tetrakys! I can’t believe it! You are beautiful.”

Me: “Oh, thanks Rosalya. You are not looking too bad yourself! That haircut is totally sexy!”

Rosa: “Oh… Thanks. I have actually been wearing my hair like this for quite a while. I am so glad you got in touch with me when you got back.”

Me: “I was so excited about seeing you again.”

Rosa: “We have got lots of catch up on! The others are going to be thrilled to see you again!”

Me: “For sure! I haven’t heard from anyone in a long time. Have you stayed in contact with some of the old Sweet Amoris crowd?”

Rosa: “Lots of them have gone to live somewhere else. Others are still here… You’ll most likely get the chance to run into a few of them.”

Me: “And any news about Castiel?”

Rosa: “Well, you know, we never were real close. But his new band is doing really well! There are posters of him around town pretty often. I hope it hasn’t gone to his head…”

Me: “Oh really?! That’s great, I’m glad for him…”

After high school, Lysander left the city too. Castiel continued to play guitar, alone, but he told me he didn’t want to start another group. He must have changed his mind… At the same time, it’s been years since I’ve talked to him. I was so angry with my parents for having made me follow them back then. But we couldn’t afford to pay for an apartment or dorm room on campus. Plus, I don’t know if I would have been capable of taking care of myself at 17 years old… It was a real trial for Castiel and I to be apart from one another… In just one year, we were able to see one another three times. Mom and Dad couldn’t pay for my train tickets every weekend… And it was the same for him. The distance got the best of the both of us. Our separation wasn’t easy… It was very painful, but we couldn’t keep going like that.

Rosa: “Is everything alright?”

Me: “S-Sorry, I was lost in my thoughts.”

Rosa: “Well, that’s not everything, but I have to give you a tour of the campus! Did you register?”

Me: “Not in my major, I have to officially validate my arrival.”

Rosa: “I’ll come with you! Now that I have found you again, I’ll ne-ver-let-you-go, Tetrakys!”

Me: “It’s almost scary when you say it like that!”

Rosa: “Admit that you missed me.”

I looked at her, feeling a wave of nostalgia – that I’d tried to hold back until now – totally overwhelm me.

Me: “Even more than you think Rosa… Knowing that I am going to experience this new adventure in your company… That changes everything.”

She hugged me and I hugged her back, feeling kind of excited.

Rosa: “Okay, come on, let’s get a grip! Your registration isn’t going to get done all by itself. It shouldn’t be too complicated; pretty often registrations are held in a classroom.”

Me: “Great! Let’s go!”

Rosa: “Well, that’s not everything, but I have to give you a tour of the campus! Did you register?”

Me: “Not in my major, I have to officially validate my arrival.”

Rosa: “I’ll come with you! Now that I have found you again, I’ll ne-ver-let-you-go, Tetrakys!”

Me: “It’s almost scary when you say it like that!”

Rosa: “Admit that you missed me.”

I looked at her, feeling a wave of nostalgia – that I’d tried to hold back until now – totally overwhelm me.

Me: “Even more than you think Rosa… Knowing that I am going to experience this new adventure in your company… That changes everything.”

She hugged me and I hugged her back, feeling kind of excited.

Rosa: “Okay, come on, let’s get a grip! Your registration isn’t going to get done all by itself. It shouldn’t be too complicated; pretty often registrations are held in a classroom.”

Me: “Great! Let’s go!”

There are a lot of people in this university… It’s much bigger than where I was before… I am glad to have Rosalya coming along with me… It makes it less stressful… Whenever it’s the first day of school, whether it’s university or primary school, my stomach is always in knots…!

Yeleen: “You are kidding!”

Some people really think they own the place… Who is talking so loud like that? There is quite a crowd… What…

Yeleen: “Geez, exactly what I was afraid of… Even in the last year, there’s always someone who thinks they are at a circus! Cat got your tongue? You’ve come to the wrong place for sure, right? We are at the art college here, not in one of those hillbilly workshops you must be used to going to.”

Why isn’t anyone saying anything? Sure people are even daring to laugh their heads off!

Rosa: “Forget it Tetrakys, come on, let’s go. There are jerks everywhere, some things never change.”

Me: “Geez, I would have at least hoped not to see that kind of behaviour at the university!”

Yeleen: “People like you discredit the university and make the ratings go down. But fortunately, they never last for long… usually.”

I can’t let her get away with that…

Chani: “Watch out, I know voodoo rituals that could make you swallow your tongue!”

Yeleen: “Oh, so Morticia can talk!”

Me: “Aren’t we a little too old to be acting like that?!”

Yeleen: “Great, a know-it-all, at least you are ready with a quick comeback…”

Me: “Leave it at that. No one needs to hear your thoughts. Next time, keep them to yourself.”

Yeleen: “Why? Can’t she defend herself?”

Me: “Defending herself isn’t the issue – the issue is some people can’t keep from being offensive. Find yourself a more constructive pastime, you are not 15 anymore as far as I can tell.

Yeleen: “…I don’t have time to waste with you.”

Me: “So, what are you doing still standing there?”

Yeleen: “It seems to me you don’t own the hallway. We’ll be meeting again, believe me.”

Rosa: “Wow! Our little Tetrakys has really changed!”

Me: “I am not in high school anymore; I am done with that kind of thing.”

Chani: “Thanks, I was going to send her packing but I couldn’t have done it better!”

Me: “Sorry, I was fuming I couldn’t help myself… That kind of thing makes my blood boil!”

Chani: “I have stopped having an answer to everything, I am over that now… But I admit it feels good sometimes.”

Me: “I admit that let me work off some steam…!”

Chani: “My name is Chani by the way. Nice to meet you.”

Me: “I am Tetrakys and this is Rosalya.”

Rosa: “Nica to meet you too. I love your clothes! I am majoring in psychology here and Tetrakys is back in town to major in modern art history.”

Chani: “Oh we are going to meet again Tetrakys, we’ve got the same major! For that matter I just registered. It was moved to the main lecture hall. I’ll let you go. While I continue to avoid narrow-minded people!”

Me: “Good luck with that!”

Chani: “Yeah looks like that’s not going to be easy this year…”

Chani walked off in the other direction, giving us a little wave.

Rosa: “She is nice.”

Me: “Yeah, I think we are going to get along well.”

We walked into the main auditorium.

Administrative officer: “Everyone’s going to get a dorm room, don’t worry!”

Me: ”Boy, is there a crowd…”

Rosa: “Yes.”

Administrative officer: “And stop all the jabbering! I can’t even hear myself think! About my vacation in Italy… Pizza… Sun… No classes, no university, no noisy students…”

I lowered the tone of my voice as I spoke to Rosa.

Me: “Do you have a student dorm room, too?”

Rosa: “No, Leigh and I live together now.”

Me: “Really? I didn’t know that’s awesome! So I’ll most likely be roaming with a stranger… Since you don’t have a room here.”

Rosa: “Yeah… But that means you’ll be meeting people, you’ll see!”

Administrative officer: “Hello, young ladies, what can I do for you?”

Me: “I’m here to enrol in the modern and contemporary art class…”

Administrative officer: “Oh, right I see, it’s with our new professor… Mr. Zaidi!”

Me: “Ok. Do I have to go and meet him to enrol…?”

Administrative officer: “Absolutely! I don’t know exactly where he is. You’ll find him in one of the rooms in the building, or in the dining hall, or… Uh… That way you’ll get the chance to tour the campus! No better way to learn your way around.”

Me: “Right… I should be able to manage…”

Administrative officer: “Fine, good luck.”

Me: “And for the keys to my dorm room, are you the one I’m supposed to ask?”

Administrative officer: “Of yes! Let’s have a look… Your name is…?”

Me: “Tetrakys…”

Administrative officer: “With a name like that, I could I miss you…!”

He isn’t exactly nice…

Administrative officer: “Room 719! And, yes, you are with another student, no we don’t have any single rooms left in the dormitories. No, I don’t know who it is. Yes, that’s annoying. No, I can’t change things!”

Me: “I didn’t say a thing, sir!”

Administrative officer: “I was a step ahead, believe me, I’m used to it.”

Me: “Uh… Ok, thanks.”

Administrative officer: “Next! N-E-X-T!”

Boy is this guy adorable…

Once we moved again to the hall:

Rosa: “I didn’t think it would take it so long!”

Me: “Yeah, neither did I. We haven’t even started the year yet and I’m already tired.”

Rosa: “I’ve gotta run, I’ve promised Leigh I’d help him at the end of the day.”

Me: “For someone who said she never wanted to let me go again, you sure changed your mind fast!”

Rosa: “You are the one making me feel guilty! Miss ‘I-leave-town-and-loose-touch-with-my-friends-for-four-years’!

Me: “But I am back now!”

Rosa: “That’s true. For that matter, why don’t we meet up tonight at the campus bar, to celebrate your return home. OK?”

Me: “Before the first day…? I’d like not to have a permanent headache for my first class…

Rosa acted like she hadn’t heard me.

Rosa: “Besides, I’ll have a surprise for you, too.”

Me: “Alright… you’ve managed to stir up my curiosity. Way to go.”

Rosa: “I know you pretty well. See you tonight!”

Me: Yes! See you later. Hey! Wait up! Where exactly is the bar?”

That girl is faster than the speed of light… Well, I guess I’m going to have to figure out where everything is on my own. Either I find my new professor of modern and contemporary art… Or I go to my dorm room first… It’s up to me. I have time on my hands.

I walked into Auditorium 2.

Looks like there is a big crowd of students here… They seems to be hanging onto one of the students every word… I’m going to get closer to see…

Rayan: “For those of you who want to enrol in the modern and contemporary art class, you are in the right place.”

Oh finally, I thought I was going to miss signing up…

Rayan: “I apologise in advance to the students who had a hard time finding me. I didn’t manage to find a free room until now.”

Is he really the teacher? He seems so… young…

Rayan: “But now that we’ve found each other, we’re going to stick together for a whole year. It’s a dangerous journey. I don’t promise you’ll come out unharmed… but you’ll come out more educated! So how about that?”

Am I dreaming or did he look at me when he said that? I’m dreaming. I’m no better than all other girls eating him up. He’s amazingly charismatic… with a areal talent for charming his audience.

Rayan: “I’m not going to waste time on the details of this year’s syllabus; I’ll explain all that in the first class. Just be aware that if you chose this major, it’s because you’ve decided to focus on Art in all its forms. And that’s going to change your very perception of life. It’s a great major for students in their last year. So let me congratulate you in advance…”

Sounds like he loves what he does… The classes should definitely be interesting!

Rayan: “I’m ready to enrol you now. One at a time, please.”

Everyone seems to be drinking up his every word. I waited a few second for the most spontaneous students to line up, then I got in line. I didn’t have to wait long.

Rayan: “Hello! You want to enrol?”

Me: Uh, yes. I think so. I mean that’s why I’m here.

Rayan: “Seems like you’re having doubts.”

Me: “No, no, I’m sure!”

Rayan: “Don’t worry about not being sure: ‘It is the uncertainty that charms one. A mist makes things wonderful.’”

Me: “Oscar Wilde?”

Rayan: “I see you know your classics, young lady.”

Me: “He is one of my favourite authors…”

Rayan: “So, there are at least two of us here. Do you want to attend my classes…?”

Me: “Absolutely. And therefore as such “let myself be charmed”, as you so eloquently put it.”

He gave me a surprised look. Rayan: “…I see.”

Geez, what’s gotten into me!

Rayan: “You’re setting very high standard… I like challenges. I’m therefore making it a personal challenge: my classes won’t disappoint you, young lady. May I have a name to finalize your registration, please?”

Me: “Tetrakys.”

Rayan: “So you’re registered. Thrilled to have one more student in my class.”

Me: “Thanks!”

Rayan: “I’ve already told a few students: on my way here, I saw the café next to Sweet Amoris high school is looking for a student to wait tables. Maybe you’d be interested?”

Me: “Oh thanks! That’s exactly the type of part-time job I need.”

Me: “I’ll go try my luck as soon as possible.”

Rayan: “Between the two of us… There are only three students who know about it and you seem to be the most self-confident…”

He winks at me inconspicuously.

Me: “Thanks for everything, sir. I’ll go later this afternoon.”

Rayan: “You’re welcome. You’ve made me lose track of time, Tetrakys… I’m going to take care of the other students… Have a nice day.”

I headed towards the exit. But I couldn’t keep myself from looking back before leaving the classroom… This professor is… intriguing.

I went back into the hall and was about to leave the Art building when something on the bulletin board caught my eye.

That’s a poster… For Castiel’s concert! It’s a month from now…

I never thought he’d get so far… Seeing Castiel again… After all these years… When it was over between us, we never really talked about it… He was the first ever… to have loved me. Thinking back… If he and I hadn’t been forced to be so far apart, we might not have ever split up. I didn’t think our paths would ever cross again. I had kissed that period of my life goodbye… My stomach’s already in knots, just thinking about it… Still, Rosa and I should go to the concert; I’ll suggest it to her tonight.

While I was walking through the Campus Quad to get to my room I heard someone calling my name.

Melody: “Tetrakys! You are back in town?”

Me: “Melody! I wasn’t expecting to run into you here!”

Melody: “Yep! I never left town.”

Me: “Melody! We’re going to be able to get everyone back together in the old gang!”

Melody: “I would’ve loved to! But I don’t think… You know, lots of the Sweet Amoris kids left town…”

Me: “Yeah… That’s the impression I got…”

Melody: “So what are you doing here?”

Me: “I came back to do the Modern and Contemporary Art program.”

Melody: “Oh, with Mr. Zaidi! I’m his teacher’s aide this year! In fact, I helped him organise all the events related to the program.”

Me: “Oh right…”

Melody: “It’s the first time one of the students has been picked to be a teacher’s aide!”

Me: “That’s quite a responsibility…”

Melody: “You can say that again, plus Mr. Zaidi takes the role really seriously.”

Me: “By the way, heard anything about Nathaniel? Is he still around?”

Melody: “Oh yeah, he’s around… But I don’t have any news, no… I’m not interested.”

Me: “Oh really? I don’t have any news either… I wonder what he’s up to…”

Our break-up was so rough after high-school… Sometimes I think I would have liked to stay in touch. My stomach is in knots just thinking about seeing him again.

Melody: “Believe me, nothing interesting. Let’s just say… he changed a lot after leaving home… In any case, we never see him at university.”

Me: “Meaning?”

Melody: “Let’s just say he is more interested in student parties than studying.”

Me: “Uh… Are we talking about the same Nathaniel?”

Melody: “I assure you, we are definitely talking about the same guy. You’ll see. Anyway, I’ve gotta run, Raya… Uh, Mr. Zaidi must be waiting for me to finalize the registrations.”

Me: “Wait up! Tonight, Rosalya and I are having a drink at the campus pub to rehash old times! Wanna join us?”

Melody: “Oh, that’s so sweet! I hope I’ll have finished what I have to do, and if I do, I’ll join you!”

Me: “Great! See you later!”

Melody left and I walked toward the Dormitory Hall.

That’s the dormitory building. There’s a part for girls and a part for boys. And we are not allowed to mix. I would have thought that once at university, “rules” like that would stop… apparently not. The campus is really huge when you think about it. I must not be far from my room now… There’s an elevator. I’ll check that out. It must be over this way. Room 719… So, my roommate may not be here yet… Still, I can hear a female voice coming through the crack in the door.

Yeleen: “Yes! No, but wait a sec, it’s t-i-n-y! This space can’t be meant for two.”

Oh, it would appear that it is…

Yeleen: “I hope I’ll be with a little first-year student who’ll drop out during the year!”

She’s going to be disappointed…

Yeleen: “That way I’d have the other side of the closet… I can’t see how I’m supposed to fit all my stuff in there!”

OK, here I go! We’re going to spend a year together in the same room, now’s the time to make a good impression!

I entered into the room and…

That girl! Please, no…!

Yeleen: “You said you’d come!”

She’s on the phone. She hasn’t seen me yet… Maybe I have time to get away and beg the admin officer to find me a closet somewhere on campus!

Yeleen: “It’s always the same thing!! I… Alright, forget it. Whatever… Next month. Yeah, love ya.”

She ended the call and turned around to see me standing on the threshold.

Yeleen: “What the… You? Seriously?”

Me: “Yes, apparently.”

Yeleen: “There are over 3000 students on campus and the two of us had to end u together.”

Me: “Ironic, isn’t it?”

Yeleen: “You can say that again! Alright… We don’t really have a choice. So…”

Me: “So we’ll make do…”

Yeleen: “Here. I’ll let you get settled…”

Me: “I guess I get the bed without all the stuff already spread on it…”

Yeleen: “Aren’t you perceptive. That gives us one thing in common.”

Me: “Very funny.”

What nerve!

Me: “Think whatever you want, I’m going to take this side here, we’re not obligated to talk.”

Yeleen: “Well, I was counting on that anyway. I’m not the one who’s going to ask you how your day went or sing you bedtime lullabies.”

Me: “Believe me, that’s definitely not what I want.”

Yeleen: “Perfect, we’re on the same wavelength.”

I get the feeling I’m going to love this year…

Yeleen: “I’m Yeleen by the way, please don’t take all the space in the closet, I haven’t finished unpacking my stuff.”

Me: “I’m Tetrakys.”

Yeleen: “Awesome, great, thrilled, have a nice day.”

She walked out, slamming the door...

So, I can’t let this get to me. The first day of class hasn’t even started! Still, I’m going to change clothes before going to the café… Better to make a good impression right from the start.

I changed my clothes and headed to the café without further delay.

Let’s see if I can land the job… I have time on my hands before tonight.

Part 2 – Café and Orientation meeting

I walked out through the campus gate in the beautiful sunny weather.

The campus seems nice. I’m not used to the place yet, but I think I could be soon. Now off to the café. It mustn’t be too far. It’s the same café we used to go to back in high school. A part-time job wouldn’t be so bad… This is definitely the first time I’ve ever done anything like this… Great, here it is. I made it. It’s strange to be back here after all these years… Up until now, I’ve been checking out the campus that I’d never been on… but this… This is different. We used to come here on a regular base. The café’s changed. It doesn’t have the same name… It’s the ‘Cosy Bear Café’ now. Meeting up for drinks after class with Rosalya, Alexy, Iris, Violette, Priya and the others… All the memories are flooding back to me. A wave of emotion makes my heart ache… My eyes are all misty. I remember now… It was really heartbreaking to leave this town… And now I feel like I’m a foreigner. I shook my head to try and snap out of it. Now is not the time, Tetrakys! You’re not going to start crying tight in front your “maybe” future place of employment. Get a grip!

I made myself take a deep breath. I took a deep breath.

Come on, I have to go in!

Hyun: “Hi, welcome!

”Me: “Hi…”

Hyun: “Do you want to have a seat? Can I get you something?”

Me: “Thanks, but I’m here for the waitressing job… I’d like to apply.”

Hyun: “Oh great, you’re the first one to apply!”

I got lucky this time.

Hyun: “I’m going to ask you a few questions to find out if you have the profile we’re looking for.”

Me: “OK.”

Already? I didn’t prepare anything! He pulled out two chairs, as motioned for me to sit down.

Hyun: “Have you ever worked in a café bar before?”

Me: “No, not really. But I learn fast!”

Hyun: “Thanks for being honest about that. You’ll see, it’s pretty easy.”

Me: “I can’t wait to see that.”

Hyun: “What’s your main quality?”

Me: “My sense of humour.”

Hyun: “Oh really? It’s easier to bond with the customers. It’s the best way to make them loyal.”

Whew… looks like I didn’t handle that too badly.

Hyun: “What’s a macchiato?”

Me: “A fancy coffee with milk, for hipsters.”

Hyun: “Excellent, that’s a much better definition! I think I’ll change the name on the menu.”

I talk nonsense when I’m stressed out. Fortunately he has a sense of humour.

Hyun: “A little piece of advice nevertheless, just call it a macchiato in front of the boss.”

Me: “Sure, I won’t forget.”

Hyun: “One last question. Well… it’s a riddle.”

Me: “OK.”

Hyun: “Complete this series of words: lunch, chocolate, tea, eat…”

Me: “Atmosphere”

Hyun: “Exactly! The next word begins by the last two letters of the previous word. It was just a simple riddle to test your logic.”

Phew, that was a close call.

Hyun: “I’m going to take your application but unfortunately the boss is out for the moment… You’ll have to come back later…”

Me: “Oh, sure! No problem…”

Hyun: “But… Would you like a drink? There’s no one around, and I was about to take a break.”

Me: “Yes, great idea!”

“That’s really nice, but I have other plans unfortunately…”

Hyun: “What would you like?”

Me: “Coffee.”

Hyun: “I’ll have the same thing as you. I’ll let you take a seat outside.”

I walked out the front of the café and the sun warmed my skin immediately.

The terrace is practically empty. I’m going to choose the best table.

Hyun: “And here you are, Miss.”

Me: “Thanks! I didn’t even introduce myself. My name’s Tetrakys.”

Hyun: “Nice to meet you Tetrakys; my name’s Hyun. Tell me, Tetrakys, I’ve never seen you around before… And we run into everyone here. So I guess you haven’t been in town long.”

Me: “Touché, Sherlock!”

Hyun: “I love riddles. What brings you to our little town?”

Me: “I’m here for my last year university in Modern and Contemporary Art History. But several years ago I was a student at Sweet Amoris High, right next to this café.”

Hyun: “You actually know the town better than me; I haven’t been here long at all.”

Me: “Oh really?”

Hyun: “Yes… But that’ll change I guess.” Me: “I kind of know my way around, at least I did back when I was in high school. But I didn’t know my way around over on the campus, I mean the university and all. I get the impression a lot of things have changed…” Hyun: “Seeing how you’ve been around, I guess you already have your favourite places, friends and a boyfriend?” Me: “Well, I have a few friends from high school who still live here, yes. But I just got here this morning.” Hyun: “Oh, right, that’s what I call recent! Well, I volunteer…” Me: “Uh…” Hyun: “To show you around town! I wasn’t talking about…” He started blushing. We looked at each other for a second without saying anything. Then we both burst out laughing. Today isn’t getting off to such a bad start after all.

Hyun: “I have to get back to work; I kind of went over my break time.”

Me: “In any case, thanks! So here’s my application. I’m counting on you.”

Hyun: “And I’m counting on you to come back later in the week. Clemence will be here all week…”

Me: “Clemence?”

Hyun: “Yes. She’s the café manager…”

Me: “Oh, great. Thanks for everything, Hyun!”

Perfect, I’m going to be able to meet up with Rosa the bar!

I ran into Chani on my way back.

Chani: “So did you end up finding the place for registering?”

Me: “Yes, perfect, thanks again!”

Chani: “I’m going to check out my room now. I already met the charming admin officer…”

Me: “Yeah, I got the once- in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience him, too.

Chani: “He asked me if I wouldn’t prefer a coffin. What an adorable man.”

Me: “Believe me, as far as I’m concerned, I would’ve preferred a coffin.”

Chani: “The dorm rooms are that small?”

Me: “No, but guess what, you’ve already met my roommate.”

Chani: “Oh yeah, really?”

Me: “The charming Yeleen.”

Chani: “That doesn’t ring a bell…”

Me: “I’m the one who interrupted your conversation in the hallway earlier today.”

Chani: “Oooooh… Her. Boy, do I envy you.”

Me: “Don’t you though?”

Chani: “I know the admin officer doesn’t seem nice right off the bat… But you could maybe try to negotiate with him to change rooms.”

Me: “You think so?”

Chani: “You never know! With a little luck, there might be a student who didn’t show up for registration. Or a deadly virus infected part of the campus and the students had to be evacuated before they turned into zombies.”

Me: “The first hypothesis seems more realistic to me.”

Chani: “Never underestimate a zombie attack. Never!”

She might not be wrong, haha.

Chani: “In any case, you should hurry, don’t forget we have an orientation meeting in a few hours…

Orientation meeting! That had totally slipped my mind!

Chani: “Considering your face, I guess it was good I reminded you.”

Me: “Thanks Chani! I’m going to follow your advice. Want to meet up later for the meeting?”

Chani: “I’ll be there.”

Me: “I’m meeting a girlfriend for a drink at the bar on campus tonight. Want to join us?”

Chani: “To tell the truth, that would do me a world of good. I feel like today has lasted a whole year… I’ll reconfirm that at the meeting later on.”

Me: “Great!”

I’m going to go there right away. Otherwise I’m likely to miss the orientation meeting.

I have to go find the darn admin officer.

I reached the Main Auditorium.

This is where he was handing out keys for the rooms earlier… But it doesn’t look like he’s here. I don’t even know why I’m persisting. I’m sure it’s a lost cause.

Suddenly a cute guy with blue eyes wearing a brown leather jacket entered the Auditorium with a confused and somewhat resigned look on his face.

Morgan: “Uh, sorry, I must be in the wrong place.”

He’s about to go back out.

Me: “Wait! Maybe you can help me?”

Morgan: “Looks like I’m not the only one around here getting lost.”

Me: “No, it’s really huge here, don’t you think?”

Morgan: “That’s reassuring. I was afraid of being the only one looking like a moron.”

Uh well, at least there are two of us.

Morgan: “So did you need help?”

Me: “Yes, I’m looking for the infamous admin officer who was handling registrations here this morning. You wouldn’t happen to have seen him by any chance?”

Morgan: “Oh…Him! No, sorry. The last time I saw him he was carrying tons of files. And he seemed to be looking for a nice, quiet place to nap without being seen by anyone.”

Me: “That definitely sounds like him…”

Morgan: “He was mumbling something about Italy… or his vacation… or who knows what.”

Me: “Yes, that’s definitely him! All I have to do now is find him.”

Me: “You looked lost, too.” Morgan: “Yeah, I was looking for the dorms… All the same, a really nice guy gave me some pretty clear directions, but I guess I misunderstood. But that must be the only building I haven’t gone into yet. The one that’s at the back of the Quad.”

Me: “That’s the one.”

Morgan: “And for that matter, now that I think of it… I remember where I came across the infamous admin officer! He was going into the library.”

Me: “Oh thanks! I’ll head there now.”

I started walking away, then did an about-face.

Me: “By the way, my name is Tetrakys."

Morgan: “I’m Morgan. Glad I ran into you!”

Once outside in the Quad, I turned right and headed towards the library.

The library. Generally, the perfect place when you’re looking for a little peace and quiet… OK, if he isn’t here, I’ll permanently give up searching. I’ve barely got half an hour before the meeting starts… There he is! Gosh, he’s sleeping. I’m not going to wake him up for this. I’m likely to recklessly lower my chancer of him replying favourably to my request.

Wake him up gently.

Me: “…S-Sir?”

Administrative officer: “ZzzZz”

Me: “Ahem… Sir?”

Administrative officer: “ZZzz… sole… spiaggia…”

Tetrakys you can still make a run for it.

Me: “Siiiiirrr?”

Administrative officer: “GIULIANA!”

Me: “Uh no… I’m not Giuliana… I’m Tetrakys, remember me?”

Administrative officer: “Wh-what? Where am I?”

Me: “You’re at Anteros Academy, sir… You’re the admin officer…”

Administrative officer: “What in the world are you doing here?”

Me: “I’m honestly sorry to bother you, I didn’t want to, but…”

Administrative officer: “However, it doesn’t seem to have bothered you enough to make you drop the idea!”

This is getting off to a bad start…

Me: “It was to remind you about the orientation meeting! I wouldn’t want you to miss it.”

Administrative officer: “The orientation meeting! Oh my goodness gracious! I almost didn’t wake up!”

Right, fortunately I was around just for that… and nothing else.

Administrative officer: “That’s thoughtful. Thanks.”

Me: “And…”

Administrative officer: “So what, you want a gold star? A note to your parents so they’ll be proud of you?”

Me: “I can do without that. No, I would’ve liked to know if…”

Administrative officer: “Well… It’s nice to see a student come and talk to me about something other than dormitories and changing rooms. I appreciate that, young lady. I’ll be sure to remember it.”

Me: “Precisely… Speaking of which…”

Administrative officer: “Let me stop you right there; there are no rooms available. But seeing how you were concerned about me coming to the meeting, I’ll make sure I remember if ever a student is lost along the way!”

Me: “If ever a student is lost?”

Administrative officer: “Oh yes, accidents do happen!”

Charming…

Administrative officer: “Well, see you later, young lady. Have a nice school year.”

Me: “Th-thanks.”

I left the library and rushed toward the Dining Hall.

It looks like it just started.

Chani: “There’s quite a crowd; we’re going to have to stand.”

Me: “I’d rather stay close to the exit… You never know.”

Chani: “I see you glancing over at Yeleen… You didn’t manage to get what you wanted?”

Me: “No, not really.”

At that moment a lady with striking yellow glasses, hot pink blouse and cool tattoos on her right arm, addressed the whole room.

Miss Paltry: “Welcome to Anteros Academy! I’m here to present a very specific course that will allow you to exchange with other students in different majors.”

Different majors? So maybe I’m going to have class with Rosalya!

Miss Paltry: “Does anyone know what a self-improvement class is?”

Me: “A class that lets people talk about their day-to-day problems and the news.”

Yeleen: “No need to show off. You’re far from being the only one who looked into the topic.”

She said that softly, only Chani and I could have heard her. I turned bright red. But it’s better not to respond to that kind of attack. I’ll just encourage her.

Miss Paltry: “That’s exactly what it is. It’s a time for sharing about the news or about problems affecting the university or your lives, more personally.”

Mr. Zaidi still has that caring look in his eye… It’s nice, somehow I feel like he’s encouraging me. For once, I’m glad I wasn’t at a loss for words.

Miss Paltry: “To be more specific, it’s a totally optional class. It’s up to you to see if you feel the need to talk about certain topics.”

If it’s optional… Might as well use the time wisely for more important subjects…

Miss Paltry: “Be aware also, that those who attend will get a ‘bonus’ recorded in their transcripts at the end of the year. And it’s always good to stack all the odds in your favour.”

I get it, it’s optional… But attendance is ‘highly regarded’.

Miss Paltry: “The number of seats is limited per class. You’ll need to sign up early if you really want to attend.”

A wave of murmuring travelled through the group of students…

The class doesn’t seem to thrill everyone.

Miss Paltry: “I’ll be running the course. And I’ll always be attentive to the subjects you want to discuss.”

Chani: “Bummer, it would’ve been nice if Mr. Zaidi were running it… We’d never tire of looking at him at least.

Me: “Chani!”

Miss Paltry: “Don’t try to tell me you are indifferent to his face, even I got a little chill when I walked into the classroom to register this morning.”

Me: “I don’t know what you’re talking about…”

Chani: “Darn, my new college friend is a horrible liar!”

She winked at me.

Miss Paltry: “That’s the end of my presentation; it was actually more of an explanation about this specific class than a real orientation meeting. But I’ll leave it up to your various teachers to take care of that when you go to your first classes next Monday!”

A round of applause is heard.

Chani: “So I thought about your invitation. I’ve got two or three things to do and I’ll meet up with you right afterwards.”

Me: “OK, cool. It’ll be fun!”

Chani: “See you in a little while!”

Well, since Yeleen doesn’t seem to be rushing back to our room, I should go redo my makeup before meeting up with Rosa.

However, she joined me outside in the Campus Quad.

On no, I thought I was ahead of her.

Yeleen: “Don’t make such a face. It’s not as if we were going to be able to avoid each other all year.”

Me: “No, considering we share a room.”

Yeleen: “Believe me, I really tried to change things…”

What does she mean…? Did she try to see the admin officer, too?

Rayan: “My favourite two students!”

Her? His favourite? Instinctively, I wouldn’t have thought she was Mr. Zaidi’s *type*…

Rayan: “Rest assured, I say that to all my students. That way I’m sure they’ll all look forward to coming to my class on Monday.”

Yeleen: “To your class, for sure… That’s not a pain.”

Does she really want to talk to a teacher about that?

Yeleen: “Tetrakys can explain better than I can.”

Rayan: “I’m all ears.”

This girl definitely has a gift for getting me into uncomfortable situations.

Me: “It’s just the first day of school – that’s always overwhelming…”

Rayan: “Take heart, whether you’re a teacher or a student, you’ll always get that impression.”

Mr. Zaidi seems distracted, all of a sudden.

Rayan: “Ladies, I’ll leave you to the rest of your day. Stay focused on positive things. I know it’s not easy, believe me. But you’ll manage.”

He tightened his bag over his shoulder and left Yeleen and me to face. She headed towards the campus exit without another word.

I pass by the room and join Rosalya just after. Maybe that’ll help me forget the day. I get the impression today has been a series of misfires. The admin officer, my roommate… And now I wonder if I really made a good impression at the café… I have to stop dwelling on it.

I pushed my hand down on the door handle and managed to open it about 20 cm…

It seems like something is blocking the door. The idea that Yeleen could have changed the lock cross my mind… But the door was definitely unlocked; it just seems like

something heavy is keeping it from opening… All the same, I was here just a few hours ago and everything was working fine.

(Push on the door.)

Geez, after all, it’s my room too!

I pressed all my weight against the door, showing with my shoulder and knee. All of a sudden, I got the impression that the weight pushing against the door just vanished.

Right, better for me to go into my room before drawing too much attention. What in the world could have been pushing against the door…? Oh no… It’s my suitcase… It came open and spewed all my stuff on the floor, in front of the door. But what was it doing there? Yeleen must have moved everything… True, I left in a hurry… Now all I have to do is put everything away…

I started putting my clothes in the closet.

It’s not exactly big…

I energetically pushed the row of hangers to make room… A little too energetically apparently.

Darn!! It looks like Yeleen had put one of her cans of paint at the top of the closet… And it went flying onto her top bunk… There’s paint all over the sheets! If she comes in and sees this… I’ll be signing my own death warrant. Still, what a dumb idea to put a can of paint up there! If she had been the one trying to put away her stuff, the same thing would’ve happened to her.

I’m going to change the sheets on her bed and replace them with mine.

After all, I’m the one that screwed up, I’m the one who should fix the mess I made.

I took off her sheets and folded them in a corner next to the can of paint.

That will be sufficiently explicit, I’d say…

I took the sheets off my bed and remade hers.

My parents are supposed to send me the rest of my stuff this week. I won’t have any spare sheets. Which means tonight I’m going to sleep without sheets on my bed… Great. Really, the year is getting off to a better and better start.

I put on some perfume and redid my makeup before going out.

Perfect! I’m going to meet up with Rosa; things will be better there.

Part 3 – Night out

I don’t even know where the stupid bar is.

I left the university campus, walked for a while and ended up in front of Cosy Bear Café.

No, I’m in front of the café again! I must have missed a street, it’s not here… I have to backtrack… A street… With bars. It must be here.

Rosa: ”Tetrakys! You found it!”

Me: “Yes, thanks for giving such clear directions, Rosa…”

Rosa: ”I was counting on your sense of direction.”

I nodded, smiling. She doesn’t seem to have changed much, for sure.

Me: “Shall we go?”

Rosa: ”Wait, I told you I had a surprise for you…”

Me: “And so?”

Rosa: ”Tadaaaaaaaaaa!”

Me: “A-Alexy…”

I feel really weird all of a sudden… In a fraction of a second, I realised how much I had missed him.

Alexy: “Imagine that! Look who’s back…”

Me: “I…”

I don’t know what to say to him… And what if he were mad at me for not keeping in touch?

Alexy: “Don’t make such a face, I’m not a ghost!”

Without giving another thought, I threw myself into his arms.

Alexy: “Hey! The way I remember it, I was the one giving you the hugs!”

Me: “Sorry… It’s just that… I’m so happy you’re here.”

Me: “I missed you so much!”

Alexy: “I missed you a lot, too…”

He messed my hair up… Just as affectionately as before.

Me: “I’m glad to see things haven’t changed! The two of you who still hang out… and now I’m back and together with you!”

Alexy: “We can reunite the dream team from before!”

Me: “Gladly! Are you taking classes here?”

Alexy: “Yes, I’m doing sociology.”

Me: “What about Armin? Is he doing the same program?”

Alexy: “Armin was recruited by an IT security company. Since he pretty much hacked anything he could get his hands on, he was finally noticed… Things could have gone pretty badly for him. In the end, he was very lucky. He lives pretty far away now… But we still see one another for big family events.”

Me: “Oh, I see…”

Alexy: “Don’t be disappointed… He’s following the path meant for him!”

Me: “There’s no doubt about that.”

Still, he was a good friend.

Alexy: Don’t make that face, maybe we’ll run into him again; he comes to visit sometimes when he remembers he has a family beyond video games!”

Me: “That definitely sounds like the Armin I remember, haha.”

Alexy: “We’ll see.”

He winked at me.

Me: “What about you Alexy… Are you… Do you have someone?”

“So, what did I miss?! Tell me everything!”

Alexy: “In fact… Not much… Nothing really changes.”

Rosa: “And how about we talk instead about the guy we ran into on campus this morning!”

Alexy: “No, we will not talk about that for the thousandth time Rosalya, because there’s nothing to say…!”

Me: “Oh, now I’m curious…”

Alexy: “So, instead of staying on that topic, don’t you think we should go closer to…”

Rosa: “Oh yes!”

Me: “What are you two cooking up?”

Alexy: “There’s another surprise waiting for you, and she’s not going to be happy if we take too long… if you see what I mean, Rosa…”

Me: “Another surprise?”

Rosa: “Oh, yes! But I’m so glad to see you again I almost forgot about the rest! Let’s go to the bar!”

We entered into the bar called ‘Snake Room’.

Priya: “Tetrakys!”

Me: ”Priya! You are here too!”

Priya: “Apparently you are the only one who moved away.”

She hugged me.

Priya: “We’ve got lots of things to catch up on and tell each other.”

Me: “That’s for sure.”

Alexy: “Right, but how about we start by getting something to drink?!”

Me: “Excellent idea.”

Rosa: “Sit down, I’ll go order a round of mojitos.”

Rosa got up, ready to head for the bar.

Me: “I’d rather have a beer to start with.”

Priya: “Perfect! One for me too, please, Rosalya!”

Alexy: “A mojito suits me fine!”

Rosa ran off quickly to the bar.

Me: “In fact, lots of you didn’t leave town…”

Priya: “Nope! But we were all really sad when you left.”

Alexy: “You can say that again; I know one person who took forever to get over it…”

He nodded his head towards Rosalya who is ordering at the bar…

Me: “Really?”

Alexy: “Of course, really! What did you think? That a great friendship is forgotten just like that?! You left us high and dry, babe!”

Me: “Babe?”

Priya: “Hahaha some things never change as far as I can see.”

Rosa: “Here are your drinks, kids.”

Alexy: “Thanks, mommy!”

Me: “What are you studying, Priya?”

Priya: “I’m in law school.”

Me: “Does that means that we’ll run into each other on campus?”

Priya: “More or less, yes. I’m taking classes at Anteros Academy too! And you? What has brought you back to town?”

Me: “The only major I’m interested in is offered here. I mean, I could have looked elsewhere, but I knew that I’d be back in touch with Rosalya. But I’m really glad to see she’s not the only one!”

Priya: “Oh! So it’s fate that has reunited us, apparently…”

Me: “You could look at it that way, I guess…”

Rosa: “So, how’s your dorm room?”

Me: “A catastrophe… I’m sharing with the infamous girl we met in the hallway this morning…”

Rosa: “Chani?? But she seemed adorable…”

Me: “No… The other girl.”

Rosa: “The other girl? Oh no… you mean the one you sent packing this morning in front of almost everyone on campus?!”

Me: “Exactly…”

Me: “You know, maybe we misjudged her and things are going to go just fine.”

Priya: “You’re right to look at the bright side, in any case, if she gets on your nerves, we’ll make sure she eats dirt!”

Alexy: “Maybe we won’t go that far.”

Rosa: “Oh, we did much worse back in high school.”

Me: “To tell the truth I was trying to convince myself more than anything else…”

Priya: “Don’t worry, the law school building I’m in is next to the dorms. If anything whatsoever happens call me for help, I’ll come recite the constitutional law to her to put her to sleep.”

Me: “Hahaha, great method!”

Priya: “Gentle but efficient, believe me.”

We sipped our drinks, unhurried, and the conversation turned to happier topics.

Me: “By the way, this afternoon I came across a poster for one of Castiel’s concerts…”

Alexy: “The real question is: how did you manage not to come across it right when you got to town. The posters are all over the place!”

Me: “Oh yeah? I hadn’t really noticed…”

Rosa: “And you thought it’d be a good idea running to your ex-boyfriend’s concert to see how he’d grown up?

Me: “Well, I admit it intrigued me.  Maybe he doesn’t even remember me anymore.”

Rosa: “I’m convince he will.”

Alexy: “It’s a chance to go out, in any case! Personally, I vote in favour!”

Me: “Perfect! Are you in, Priya?”

Priya: “Oh, yes… Like everyone in town.”

Me: “Seriously? I didn0t think they were that famous…”

Rosa: “You have no idea…”

I was going to ask more questions, but the topic of conversation changed. Rosa, Alexy and Priya told me a few university stories. Their teachers, student parties, exams, etc.)

Exams… Just thinking about them makes me dizzy! This is my last year, I’d better not screw up.

Melody: “Hi! Hope I’m not too late.”

Rosa: “Melody??”

Me: “Yeah, I forgot to tell you I invited Melody, and Chani should be here soon, too. I didn’t realize there’d be so many of us!”

Priya: “Don’t worry Tetrakys, there’s enough room for everyone.”

Alexy: “We’re drinking alcohol Melody, I hope you don’t mind too much…”

Melody: “Not for me… But do exactly as you please…”

Chani: “Not for me, either. I only feed on blood. You understand…”

All my friends turned around to look a Chani with a shocked expression on their faces.

Chani: “I’m joking! Sorry, people tend to take me for a psychopath because I dress in black, so I like exaggerating some things.”

Priya: “Hahaha, I really like that kind of humour!”

Rosa: “Nice to see you again, Chani, take a seat, ladies.”

Melody sat down across from Chani instead of sitting next to her…

Me: “Have you had time to see your room, Chani?”

Chani: “Yes, but not my roommate, unless she’s invisible…”

Rosa: “That’s exactly what Tetrakys needs, an invisible roommate!”

Me: “Yeah, my really charming roommate…”

Melody: “What luck! I admit I feel a little lonely in my room… I’m going to have to decorate it to make it a little more welcoming.”

Me: “You have a room to yourself?!”

Melody: “Yeah, like I said, I’m Professor Zaidi’s assistant and I needed some room with my own desk. So they had no choice but to find me a room by myself…”

Me: “Priya, do you have a room on campus, too?”

Priya: “Yes! My parents decided to stay. I finally managed to stop making one move after another and enjoy my life as a student to the fullest.”

Me: “So do you have a roommate, too?”

Priya: “Yes… But she seems pretty shy. So I haven’t had time to talk to her much so far.”

Me: “My dream… A shy roommate. Who lets you be…”

Rosa: “You are dragging yourself down!”

Chani: “Hahaha!”

Alexy: “Maybe it’s a golden opportunity to get closer to her, Priya… Is she cute?”

Priya: “Not really my type, actually…”

At that point everyone started talking about sexy students. Which brought to mind…

Me: “By the way, have you heard from Nath?”

Melody: “We already talked about it; Nath has changed, end of story.”

Wow… There’s definitely a problem with him…

Chani: “Who is Nath?”

Rosa: “An old high school friend… You’ll soon see, Tetrakys. We haven’t exactly stayed friends.”

This is turning out to be intriguing. No one really seems to want to talk about it… It’s time to clear the air!

Me: “I’m paying this round!”

Chani: “Oh, thanks, that’s sweet”

Priya: “No, I’m the one who’s buying the second round. So glad to see you all again!”

Me: “Oh, thanks Priya.”

Priya winked at me and got up to go to the bar.

I had forgotten how comfortable she was at communicating with everyone… A kind of charisma, whether you like her or not she’s still amazingly fascinating…

We continued talking at the bar.

There’s definitely a relaxed feeling in the air. The alcohol most likely played a role… It’s nice to be here, with them. I haven’t laughed so much since I moved away… I ended up forgetting, but I really missed them all so much.

Rosa: “Are you OK Tetrakys?”

Me: “Yes! Sorry… I was lost in my thoughts. Were you talking to me?”

Rosa: “Alexy was saying that it’s getting late and we should all go home.”

Priya: “Yep, Alexy has turned into a granny now. We forgot to mention that too.”

Me: “A granny?”

Alexy: “All that because just one night a week I decide to go to bed early?”

Priya: “Well, yes, it’s surprising. You didn’t exactly get us used to that…”

Me: “I’m with you, Alexy. Considering my arrival early this morning and this busy day, I’d really like to take a little rest…”

Alexy: “Fortunately Tetrakys is the voice of wisdom.”

Me: “When you put it that way, I don’t feel like playing that role so much.”

Rosa: “In any case, we’ll have plenty of time to do this again since we’ve got a year ahead f us! I’m really glad you’re back.”

Me: “And I’m really glad we are all back in touch.”

Alexy: “Stop! Let’s go, if you make me cry I’ll make you regret it your whole life, I’m warning you.”

Alexy got up without another word and headed towards the exit. I definitely noticed his eyes were watery, but I didn’t add a thing…

We left and stopped saying our goodbyes outside the bar.

Alexy: “That was awesome, I wish it weren’t already over.”

Rosa: “Are you kidding? You’re the one who wanted us all to go home!”

Me: “How about we just meet up tomorrow?”

Rosa: “Now that’s a good idea. After all, you can’t start a year without a nicely filled closet.”

Me: “Well said.”

Alexy: “Does that mean an afternoon of shopping?”

Rosa: “That’s exactly what I had in mind.”

Me: “So, we’ll meet up tomorrow?”

Melody: “I would have loved to but… I already overdid it tonight, I have to seriously prepare the classes for tomorrow.

Chani: “Hmm… Thanks but I already have a nice filled closet, maybe some other time.”

Me: “Oh, bummer.”

Priya: “Count me out, too. I already have other plans…”

Rosa: “Too bad… It’ll just be the three of us! Like in the good ol’ days.”

Me: “We’re going to have a good time.”

Alexy: “With those final words, I’m headed home this way.”

Me: “Oh, you’re not going to campus?”

Alexy: “Not tonight!”

He winked at me.

Rosa: “And I’m going that way to my apartment.”

Priya: “Perfect, that’s the way I’m going, too!”

Me: “No one’s going to campus?”

Priya: “No, I have another party to go to. Sorry.”

Me: “OK, have a nice evening, I’m going home too… Except I’m going this way…”

Chani: “I still have a few things to do, too… See you in class on Monday.”

Melody: ”As for me, I have a bunch of work waiting for me… Have a nice evening.”

Me: “Oh… OK, take care!”

I really would have liked for someone to walk back with me… But everyone’s headed in different directions. So here I go. I can walk home alone no problem. It wasn’t very far from here, it shouldn’t be hard…

I left the busy street and headed toward campus.

This alley seemed much more welcoming to me during the daylight… I don’t like this at all…

Strange guy: “Hey sweetheart, you look frozen. Want us to walk you home?”

Dishonest guy: “For sure, you shouldn’t walk home alone at night…”

Oh no… Things are looking bad. There’s absolutely no one in the street… Except those two guys who apparently haven’t just been drinking water.

Me: “No, I’m good, thanks gentlemen, but I live nearby.”

Strange guy: “’Thanks Gentlemen’! Why you’re welcome, young lady. All the more reason we shouldn’t let you walk home alone, we’re ‘gentlemen’ and we’ll walk you all the way to your door.”

One of them walked around me and got behind me, while the other one kept blocking the street ahead…

Dishonest guy: “You look under the weather all of a sudden. I’d hate for something to happen to you, where exactly do you liver…?”

But… Those are… Brass knuckles he’s holding… I have to get out of here and fast.

Me: “Listen, I don’t want to have any trouble. Just let me go home.”

Strange guy: “Who said anything about trouble? Just the opposite, we want to have a good time. An unforgettable evening, how about it?”

Doesn’t sound like they want to give up… Maybe I can reach my phone inconspicuously…

Dishonest guy: “In your shoes, I wouldn’t try to grab your phone. We don’t need you to invite anyone else. We can have a good time just the three of us.”

Me: “But you know, the more the merrier!”

Dishonest guy: “You’re a real joker!”

Strange guy: “Oh, come on!”

He grabbed my wrist.

I’m going to knee him you know where .

I kneed him but the guy skilfully moved out of the way.

Strange guy: “Oooh, she is a fighter!”

Me: “LET ME GO!”

Dishonest guy: “Don’t fight it.”

Nath: “She told you let go.”

A shadow approached us from the other side of the street.

Strange guy: “Who are you?”

Nath: “LET HER GO IMMEDIATELY!”

Dishonest guy: “Sorry, man, I didn’t recognise you!”

Strange guy: “It’s OK, we’re going.”

Geez, my heart’s going to explode… I’m shaking uncontrollably. I hope the third guy isn’t…

Nath: “Are you OK, are you hurt?”

I have to get home…

Nath: “Tetrakys can you hear me? You must be in shock…”

Me: “No, it’s nothing… I’ll be fine…”

Wait…

Me: “You know my name?”

Nath: “Tetrakys… It’s me!”

Me: “Nath?! Nathaniel??”