Bewildered (Finn Harries)

Chapter Three

‘Welcome to University of Leeds’ read the massive notice board at the entrance which invaded majority of the main gate. I gradually walked through the main reception doors alongside countless other first years who were equally if not more afraid than me. Then of course you got the fully confident ones.

“Welcome to the University of Leeds” smiled the cheery women waiting on the other side of the reception. She was rather round and plump, of an average height and she stood very sophisticatedly. “First years?” she asked me and a few other nervous wrecks around. We all slowly nodded as we looked at one another. She let a cute cackle. “Don’t be afraid, just follow the student ambassadors in the yellow t-shirts over there and they will kindly direct you to the gathering.” She pointed to a couple of students waiting by what looked like an ancient building.

“Hi” I said sweetly “umm… I’m a first year?” “Hello” smiled a rather short girl. “Just make your way through those doors and take a seat.” I smiled at her and made my way.

Finn’s P.O.V

Allen and I had finally arrived at Leeds University and yes, I was still keeping an eye out for Gemma. I’ve never considered it to be such a perfect name; Gemma.

A very friendly staff member directed us to the first years’ gathering. It was an old building which looked very fascinating. “I bet you there is a lot of history behind these buildings” murmured Allen as we walked in to the hall. “mmhmm.” As interested as I was, other interests had now taken over.

There were quite a few people in the hall already. I looked up at the filled seats; thinking anyone of the people here could become my new best friend for the next year. Allen was studying Advertisement and Marketing where I was doing IT Graphics & Communication so we were bound to have different timetables which meant spending a lot less time with someone I already knew and more time trying to make new friends which I guess was expected in university. As I browsed through all the different people that shy, worried look caught my eye. Possibly sitting between two unknown people? It was Gemma!

“Gemma! Gemma!” I screamed silently so I didn’t divert all attention to myself. “Gemma!!” I waved my arms in the air like a maniac which did catch quite a few odd looks. “Can the last few people standing please take a seat” shouted a man from behind me. “You could catch her after.” Allen whispered as we took seats in the front row.

*

Throughout the speech I kept looking back trying to catch Gemma’s attention but she had no clue where I was sat. “And we require our students to have full focus and determination.” The lady giving the speech came rather close and looked straight at me. I faced forward and sat up.

*

After a lengthy speech finally the presentation was over. “Can everyone living on campus please go to the tables through the doors on the right where you will be allocated to your accommodations and everyone else is free to leave. See you all around on fresher’s week.” The women gave a swish of her hands signalling everyone to make their way out. Our row was first to exit but I slowed down trying to catch up with Gemma. *pretend my legs ache, fix my belt, slowly put my jacket on, and fix my jacket…* suddenly there was a rush of people and once again I lost track of her. Can someone kill me already?

Gemma’s P.O.V

I got informed of my block and room then made my way. Luckily I got a room with a double bed all to myself yet it was very compact. There was a fitted cupboard and space for a computer desk, a mini bathroom and not much free space but I had to make the most of it. It was now home for some time. I met a lovely girl called Liz who had a room on the same floor as me. She had mid-length blonde hair and a very lively personality. I will definitely go and talk to her later and maybe meet a few more people on my floor but that was all later. I was bloody well tired now. Dropping everything onto my empty bed along with my body I fell asleep.