Dark and light: The Shadows

Chapter 2

"Ok, remember to review your notes now. We're on week three. We should've done three quizzes by now. So expect a quiz with thrice the impact." Our lecturer joked.

I don't think they heard a word after "we should've," however.

I was almost out the door with the other eighty per cent when she called me back.

Ms. Wallace. A great teacher with a kind heart. There was unmistakable African descent within her curls. And her copper skin tone. They were curly, just short of the corkscrew coils. The first few times I saw her I had this minor anxiety just from her back profile. But I just reminded myself It must've been the academic anxiety. Anyway, I just wanted to return to my dorm -or Anya's for the rest of the day- but I smiled and walked over to her with a wave.

"How are you? Understanding everything well?" She spoke and signed.

'Yeah, everything is going great... how are you?'

"I'm good, Just making sure you're all up to speed. That quiz is a big one, next Monday. so, don't go partying too hard." She laughed and signed.

'Oh, I won't I don't drink. I'll probably be in all weekend... You don't need to sign for me, you know? I can hear you.'

"Yeah, I figured since you don't look at the interpreter much. But yeah, I just wanted you to know I'm a safe space if you ever want to rant or vent. I know it's a far push as a teacher but I see something in you... and. Such." She smiled. It seemed genuine. Shit, it was. Her eyes said it all,

But I felt a pang of anxiety again as the words reverberated in my mind. I hope my consequent smile didn't show that.

' Ok, thanks. This means a lot. Enjoy your weekend.' I signed and went away.

Straight up to my dorm.

I leaned against the last set of stairs before my floor came into full view. I needed to calm myself from the stray thoughts and scenarios before I went up to Anya's room. I needed her to tell me if this obsidian was blocked and needed to do some Alchemy or if it was just me.

I took the last few steps up and my fitness watch marked 11.5k steps done. I could never get over how large this compound was. And man, was my day tiring. I'm just glad it was the end of it at 4pm. I could use a nap after this.

I promptly knocked on Anya's door, which was second to the last dorm before the staircase. The way she opened the door and yanked me in was nearly comical. She had called me over to help her redecorate her bed. She got new decor and she would use half to decorate mine too, since "your dorm looks like it could use revival"

"Have you got a roommate yet?"
I sighed and shook my head no. I kinda hope I don't. I've gotten used to it. The space isn't as big as it first seems once you unpack. I still have plenty, but having to share that?? No thanks.
"You like the solitude?"

'Of course,' I signed and quirked a brow. 'I'm in my hermit era'

"Mhm, and here you are with me. I'm surprised you didn't text Brina in class." She raised her brows with a smirk.

'Hey, I can't be mute and inattentive.'

She chuckled and I did too, silently.

Some minutes went by before we were done... laying on the bed, admiring our work. Then there was silence. Anya retrieved her phone and showed me an old picture that guaranteed laughter. She began recalling the memory and revealed more details that I didn't know before. I had my mouth agape by the time she was done with it. All I could properly do was shake my head and stare back up at the ceiling again.

I could feel her energy shift from happy to concerned.

"Please talk to me," it nearly sounded like a plead as much as it was sudden.