The Book Club

Chapter 1

"Flight 59934 to Oslo, this is your final call for boarding, I repeat, this is your final call for boarding"

I look down at my ticket. 59934. I silently nod my head before looking at my mother.

"Bye Y/N. Be good, okay? And don't forget to call me when you get there," she says, fighting back obvious tears.

"I will, mom. I have to go now, I'll miss my flight," I smile at her before giving her a quick hug and leaving with my suitcase, heading towards the gate.

Hi. I'm Y/N. I'm 19 years old and I'm currently moving to Norway to go to a prestigious college on a full scholarship. I've lived with my mum after escaping an abusive household from my father when I was 8. Since then, I studied really hard to become the top in my classes and got accepted into Unset International University, the top university for literature and history in Europe. It has been my dream ever since I was little to be a best selling author. So now, I'm moving halfway across the country to pursue my dreams.

...

My plane had finally landed and I was waiting in the baggage collection area. The conveyor still hadn't started, so I decided to go and order something from a Starbucks nearby. As I walked towards the coffeeshop, I heard yelling and shrieks from ahead. I get closer and see a crowd of people, mostly teenage girls, surrounding someone. Of course it had to be right in front of where I needed to be. I sigh, slowly making my way over to the crowd. I push through, trying to get to the other side when I slam into a hard, warm surface. I look up from the collision to see a handsome face staring back at me.

"Did you want a photo? All you have to do is ask," he smirks at me.

"What the hell? Out of my way, I want to order-" I try to shove past, but the man grabs my arm and pulls me back.

"Not so fast, Rosie. What's your name, cutie?"

I glare at him and yank my arm out.

"Not interested," I say and turn to the cashier. As I place my order, I can hear the girls behind me yelling:

"Lil Huddy! Can I take a picture?"

"I love you!"

"You're so much cuter in real life!"

Lil Huddy? What sort of name is that? I question internally. My name is called and I grab my drink and leave to go back to the baggage claim.

"Y/n, is it? Pretty name for a pretty girl," Lil Huddy says. I groan and turn to face him.

"I told you, not interested. I have somewhere to be, so leave me alone." He tries to speak again but I've already started speed walking away.

...

I excitedly jump out of the taxi, giving my thanks before grabbing my bags and rolling them along the cobblestone path towards the gate. The gates look like they came from a castle, large and intricate patterns made of iron. The gate is connected to tall, grey stone walls that tower over the footpath. As I stepped through the open gate, I sucked in a breath. The gardens were beautiful. Soft, green grass went on for miles with benches dotting the ground every so often. The trees were big and provided lots of shade where some students could be seen sitting on a picnic rug. The largest building was connected to the gate from the cobblestone path I was currently on. The main door to it was crowded with new students and student guides, standing out with their uniform and checklists in hand. I walked up to one of them to get to my room.

"What's your name, sweetheart?" She asks

"Y/N L/N, I'm looking for my dorm?" I ask.

"Ah yes, one moment," she says before diving into the crowd. She emerges a few moments later with a key and folder. "This is the key to your dorm, and this folder has the map of the campus, rules and contact info for every staff and student here. Uniform will be in your closet and any size or alterations you need, contact reception. Do you have any questions before you go?"

"Uhm, what about classes?"

"Those will be emailed out later tonight when everyone has settled in,"

"Alright, thanks," I smile and look at the number attached to the key. 418 it read. I quickly flipped to the map in the folder and headed towards the female dormitory building.

As the elevator dings open, I step into the hall. Whilst walking down, I glance at each room, trying to check the numbers and the people inside. I finally reach my dorm and pull out the key from my pocket. As it twists unlocked, I open the door to a sweet, floral smell. There was a girl with long, wavy, golden blonde hair wearing a white maxi skirt and crocheted green top. Her hazel eyes that match her golden skin met mine, giving a genuine smile.

"Hi! I'm Mariane. You must be my roommate, y/n," She heads towards me and holds out her hand. I put down my bag and shake her hand.

"Yeah, Y/N. It's nice to meet you too, Mariane. Cute decorating for your side," I say as my eyes scan her section. Her bed sheets are white with little flowers, many pillows and teddy bears scattered at the head. She has fairy lights strung across the ceiling and a shelf with an assortment of crystals and books. The centrepiece on her desk, is an incense and candle collection. The steam from the incense burner is rising high, being the culprit of such a pleasant smell. My eyes make their way to my side of the room, very white and boring in comparison.

"Thanks. I can help with yours if you want," she smiles and takes one of my suitcases from me.

...

A couple of hours later and we are done. The bed is white with a thick, fluffy grey blanket thrown over the top. The few pillows have a turquoise trim and little matching bows. My walls are decorated with The Smiths posters and as many books as the shelves could fit. I smile happily at my new room, feeling homey already.

"Have you checked your classes yet? I think they've released the timetables now," Mariane rushes towards her laptop, hastily typing in her password. I shake my head and pull out my phone, clicking my emails.

"Classic literature, Modern history, English creative writing, basic mathematics. Just what I wanted. You?" I ask.

"Modern history, painting, art theory, extended mathematics, English lit. By your classes, I'm guessing a literature degree?"

"Yup. I've always wanted to be an author since I was little. It was calming and allowed me to put my words somewhere," I give Mariane a small smile before continuing, "You're doing extended maths? Why on earth would you willingly choose that?"

She giggles. "I like it and I'm good at it. If we have to have a maths course, I might as well challenge myself, you know?"

"Yeah, I guess. Wanna go grab dinner now?"

"Let's go!"