The black leather chair I'm seated in is the cage that prevents the rush of wanting to leave. I'm a nervous wreck. Everywhere I turn there's someone looking back, giving a quick look. They probably think I'm crazy.
I calm down a bit and look at the walls of the brown coated reception room, comfortable to know none will judge me. The photographs of past and present campus Heads look ready to fall. I scan the ones in front of my vision and one in particular stands out. His face looks brushed, with shiny black hair and blue eyes and flawless contrasting skin, he's on the borderline of youth.
The golden plates of Prestwick West University on the reception's front desk remind me of orthodontists. They used to spook the hell out of me when Daisy took me.
Almost an hour since I arrived and more people have shown up.
Where are the Guides? The schedule says there should be seven Guides escorting their group number to their building. I'm in group two, Building B, the closest building to the reception and main entrance of Prestwick West.
I finally got to the receptionist to check my name and dormitory but I missed my group number and had my dorm changed.
It's a twin room instead of three. I think of Dad as we walk pass Building B and its built in dormitory. My mind races with questions as Paula, the receptionist leads us pass Building C and Building D. Where are we going?
Paula goes silent as we waltz through the glass doors and corridors. That smell of wood as we head out in the back door. The rushing currents and storms build up inside of me as I grip my phone tight.
This is far from campus civilisation. This is a private, isolated area.
We turn two corners and I see a private dormitory-looking-house. Colourful flowers brightens up the wood of the house, I've stepped into the land of the fairies.
"It used to be as a personal room for Mr Mariani. Sitting here for over a decade or so. Hasn't used it since then. "
"That's my dorm?"
"And your roommate's." She says
She turns to me with a formal expression
"Now rules. They're to be followed here at all times and depending on what is been breached you will risk expulsion. Our main rule is to be within campus before ten, or you will be locked out. Doors open again at six. You can read the remaining rules online. "
"Sure." I nodded.
"Let's meet your roommate."
I didn't want to, but I was excited all the same. I wonder if the person on the other side feels the same.
Paula knocks.
The English guy opens the door, shirtless.
"Bloody hell." He says. "I thought I could have some privacy here."
There is no air in my lungs when I look at Paula. She's complaining about his appearance.
"I'm sorry, but I don't understand what's going on here." I glance at the two before my eyes.
"Ms Petrakis, meet your roommate, Zion Mariani."
"My....my what?"
"Roommate." Zion says. "You know, living together, sharing the kitchen, bathroom and probably the bed."
My arms shake and my face burns. There's no endurance left in me.
"I can't. This is a joke and it's not funny. I can't room with in a boy."
"You'll realise Zion isn't just any boy." She says smiling.
"He's a boy no matter how you look at it. He has hormones and dirty kinks and tricks like any other boy does."
"What a nice way to leave first impressions." He says and leans against the door frame.
I glance at Paula for help but she was already dragging my luggage and bags inside. I didn't follow her. My body won't comply.
Instead I duck my head and stretch out my hand. "I'm Ashley." I say.
"Ashley." He takes my hand. The butterflies in my stomach flutter faster. "Zion."
"Hi."
"Hi."
I'm alone, again, I take my time to study my room. Zion isn't in. A glimmer of grey catches my attention as my eyes move to the edge of the wall. There, written in grey pencil, are two names with a heart around them. Jim loves Claire. I smile. I wonder when this was written.
The days went by fast and smooth, I made a couple of new friends and ended up discovering they're friends of Zion. I'm in the same circle.
Today is Friday and I don't have any class, so waking up hours later feels breathtaking. I finish brushing my teeth and my hair up in a bun. I plan on wasting today as much as I can doing nothing.
I only see Zion in the mornings as he comes in as late as possible just to give me my privacy. He has a class today so I'm by myself all day.
Hours disappear and before I know it, it's eight pm and I'm craving pizza.
This is okay. By myself, playing music as I make my way to the front of the building to pick up the dinner I ordered earlier. I don't know anyone when I'm in my world, and I prefer it this way.
I almost drop the warm pizza in my hands when I saw Zion walk out of the dorm.
"I came to get fresh clothes. Don't worry, I'm not staying or anything. Will come for my books in the morning."
He hasn't been sleeping in!!!
I nod at him "cool well thanks for letting me know."
When I step around to get inside, Zion gets in the way, a frown in his face. "I understand you don't want to share the dorm with me, but can you at least pretend to feel guilty about this?"
The pizza box in my hands starts to warm up. "I'm sorry. It's not like I said you had to leave. I didn't know you haven't been sleeping in but it's just that I feel uncomfortable. The dorm is yours in the end."
"That's not....." he stops, pointing at my hands. "Do you need me to grab that for you?"
I shake my head. "My bed's just there."
"Okay." He says. "Guess I'll see you in class on Monday."
I stood, puzzled. We have a class together. I didn't know.
I guess he saw the puzzle on my face. "I'm doing Bachelors of Fashion Design as well. Why else are we sharing the dorm?" He says with full clarity.
