Regina

Chapter 2:- The New Roommate

I had many hopes and expectations of what America would look like after so many years of being away. But what I saw, as I rode in my cab to the campus, was way beyond all my expectations.

Maybe it's just Los Angeles, but nevertheless, it was beautiful.
The bright blue skies showing no single trace of a gloomy weather. Other than that I checked the weather forecast on the plane, the sun will be shining brightly for many days to come. 
The beautiful palm trees and ocean views. Plus the beautiful people. Everyone looked so happy  and cheerful. Even the cab driver was humming to an upbeat tune playing from the radio.
With all the smiles around me, it's like the fourth of June 2006 never happened.

Oh well, maybe my past won't come back to haunt me. I put all that to the back of my mind as my cab makes a turn and UCLA comes into view.

Exquisite doesn't even describe the view before my eyes. I can see this being my new home. All the fun and excitement. I was already getting giddy as we drove further into the campus.

"We're here." The driver said as he parked in front of a tall building. A lot of young people with luggage are going in there which means that must be the way to the administration office.

"Do you think you can wait for ten minutes while I go inside and ask for directions to my hostel?" I say to him but before he has a chance to decline, I add "I'll tip you I promise."
After a second of consideration, he nods his hair.

"Five minutes" he says stiffly.

"Of course" I say and get out of the cab. Walking to be building, I couldn't help the smile on my face as i admire my surroundings.  one more time. You know when you do something or go somewhere, and deep in your heart it feels just right? That's exactly how I felt on the grounds of UCLA.

Sister Aurora made some efforts to convince me that I was going to regret my decision to come to California. Anybody that looks at me now will definitely not see any trace of regret on my happy face.

Snapping back to reality, I hurriedly go up the set of stairs at the entrance of the building.  Inside the building was a different ballgame. It was as if someone had let the horses out of their stables. I try to navigate my way through the crowd to get to the administration office. But my fragile form doesn't do me any good as people just push me out of their way like I weigh nothing.

College kids are like untamed dogs.

Words of sister Aurora ring through my head. I know I shouldn't be thinking these thoughts but in the current situation I'm in, she's not wrong.

I take a quick second to search my head for the mental picture I took of the directions to the admin office while I was applying online. When the image flashed in my head, I finally knew what direction I need to head towards. With all the  strength I could summon, I push back against big rocky bodies and walk to the east wing.

I finally find myself in front of a door that has Administration office written above. I knocked and wait for a few seconds before a deep voice permits me to enter.

The office was well spaced and very luminated.
With no one in sight, I hesitate before walking to take a seat in front of the large office desk placed at the centre of the room.

"I'll be with you in a second" says the deep voice again which seems to be coming from the door beside the large shelf across from where I'm sitting.

Tapping my feet anxiously as I wait for my administrator, I take a look around at my surrounding. Many incredible art pieces are hanging on the walls, along with trophies and awards in a glass shelf just behind me.