Midnight Blues

𝐈𝐗. No Guidance

𝕱𝖑𝖆𝖜𝖘 𝖆𝖓𝖉 𝖆𝖑𝖑, 𝕴 𝖑𝖔𝖛𝖊 '𝖊𝖒 𝖆𝖑𝖑.
𝕿𝖔 𝖒𝖊, 𝖞𝖔𝖚'𝖗𝖊 𝖕𝖊𝖗𝖋𝖊𝖈𝖙.

          "Over here is where we house the telescopes. We recommend you invest in your own, as the school ones usually get taken up pretty quickly. Even if you get one that's just student grade, it'll be better than sharing once classes officially start." The chairman said, rounding the tour in front of his office, where Columbia University's Astronomy Department held its lockers and storage closets. Angel nodded at his words quickly, jotting down the information and tips he gave her in the notes app of her phone.

"Right above us is our 'Star Window'. Of course, you can only see a few stars since it's pretty early. But, students are permitted on campus buildings for extra research and opportunities to study, well into the evening." As the young woman peered up at the glass imbedded in the ceiling, amazement glossed over her eyes and a smile made its way to her lips. This is my school.

The Chairman of the department glanced over at his future pupil and relished in the amazement present in her eyes. It had been a while since he'd seen a new student actually enamored by the wonders of the sky, and not just the money that came with going to school for such a trendy topic. To him, Angel seemed ready and eager to learn. And that would set her up for a great future at his institution.

"Ready?" He asked gently, not wanting to disturb her sky-gazing. Angel looked back at him and allowed her smile to dwell on her face for moments longer.

"Yes." Walking out of the designated wing for her major, and back to the Admissions office, Angel found herself thinking of the possibilities of her career after the program. She knew it was early but she loved the field so much, she could see herself studying the solar system for years to come.

As she waited to be called for assistance on her application, she looked over all of the details she wrote in her notes about the school and the program itself. From the modern library with no borrowing limit, to the student center with immersive study rooms equipped with solar system projectors, and the regular college and social events available, her decision was made.

"So, how do you like it? Honest answers only." The chairman smiled, his words leaving his mouth with a tone of hopefulness. Angel pressed her lips together in thought, gathering her emotions.

"I really see myself here. Everything seems so surreal honestly, but it's perfect." Angel almost couldn't contain her love for the school. Though it felt too good to be true –to finally be touring the college of her dreams– she grounded herself in the thought that it was finally the right time now. Everything was falling into place as it should.

"That's just great! When I saw you looking at that skylight, I just knew we had you. Now don't get too high off of the pros, you still have to do the work and do your part. But, you seem like a promising young lady." Angel bowed her head at his kind remarks, and he returned the gesture, a smug, wise grin along his lips. With that, he looked down at his watch and glanced behind him at the open office doors of the Admissions counselors.

"I have to go but, I'll tell the counselor you're ready to see them." As he walked off and peeked his head into an open doorway, Angel could hear a murmur of conversation, before a bit of laughter, and then the man stood upright once again.