Dreaming Is for the Free

Three

I'm already tired, and there's still so much to do. We still have to make one more stop before we reach the dorms because now I have to go get my keys so that I can access my building.

"It'll be fast." KJ reassures me as he starts up the car.

He drives to the parking area behind Dorm LH-4. The short drive would've been even quicker if it weren't for all the speed bumps that pop up every five feet.

I don't know why I'm being impatient in the first place. We haven't even been at Lennon for an hour and all I want to do is eat and take a nap. I've barely even lifted a finger all day, and yet I'm already over it. I want to clap my hands and have everything be done. I wish I had powers. My worries would decrease expeditiously.

"Everything will be done in like two hours. My mama can move, for real." KJ says.

Sometimes I think he reads my mind. He always says the right things when I need him to. He knows me so well.

KJ parks the car and then hooks his car pass in front of his rear view mirror. We get out and begin walking. I follow him like a puppy does their owner. We pass Uncle Theo and Aunt Bev who have most of my belongings positioned on a dolly. We don't get too close to them, but I see the sweat glistening on Uncle Theo's forehead. We wave and continue the journey up a connecting sidewalk that weaves between buildings three and four. The sidewalk leads us to the front of the buildings. We make a right and pass building three before reaching a much smaller building on our right. We walk around a beautiful fountain and pass by royal blue benches.

KJ clears his throat. "It's usually packed over here. There's a pizza place here. They have pasta and salads too."

"Okay, cool." I will make a note of that. I love pasta.

This building is where all the students come for residential problems. This is where the keys and key cards are issued.

KJ quickly gives me directions on where to go before he sits on one of the benches. He wants to call Kiara so I'm going to have to go in by myself.

Luckily the visit is quick, just like KJ said. All I had to do was present my student ID, and a minute later I was walking out with the key to my bedroom as well as my key card for the building and dorm access.

I hope I remember not to place it next to my phone or it'll stop working. But I'm probably going to be back in here a few times throughout the year to get my key card reactivated. I was told it's a common mistake.

Next, KJ and I make our way back to where Uncle Theo and Aunt Bev are. They have all of the boxes sitting on the wide sidewalk that leads up to the dorm building, LH-4. Once we reach them, I see that Aunt Bev is sitting in the passenger seat snacking on a Payday candy bar. She's probably been chilling this whole time.

"Go ahead and check in with the RD." KJ instructs.

"Yes sir."

I do as I'm told and make my way up the long walkway. The red brick building is extended on both sides. I glance towards the windows and can spot some students peeking out.

Once I reach the entrance, I see a small white box with black outlining it. The white portion of this contraption blinks red continuously. I grab the double doors to see if they're unlocked. If not, I may have to use my key card to get in. But the doors are unlocked and open swiftly. I walk inside and see a small, older lady who's probably in her 50s positioned directly in the middle of the room. She seems occupied with other students and their parents so I take the time to look around.

To my left there's the RD's front desk area. In the center, which is where everyone seems to be gathered at right now, there's four black arm chairs that look extremely uncomfortable. One hallway runs directly beside the RD's desk. I can only see room number 101. Past that hallway are two different vending machines. One with snacks, and one with drinks. The hallway to my right is where the laundry room, elevators, and staircase is. There are a few doors past it so I guess it's more dorms.