Games Of Hearts

21. Tingling sensation

The shrill alarm blasted in my ear, jolting me out of a hazy sleep. Groggily, I reached over to silence it, my heart racing. Suddenly, reality hit me like a ton of bricks - it was orientation day! Panic set in as I threw off the covers and leapt out of bed.

"Wake up, Jamie! Idiot, we're going to be late!" I yelled, hurling a pillow at her sleeping form. The pillow hit her square in the face, and she jolted awake, rubbing her eyes in confusion.

I was already brushing my teeth, trying to shake off the remnants of sleep. "Come on, Jamie, move it! We don't want to miss the opening speech!" I mumbled through a mouthful of toothpaste.

Jamie groggily sat up, her hair disheveled, and yawned. "What's the big deal? It's just orientation..."

I spat out the toothpaste and glared at her. "Just orientation?! This is the start of our college life, Jamie! We need to make a good impression!"

Jamie rolled her eyes good-naturedly and swung her legs over the side of the bed. "Fine, fine. I'm up. But you're buying me coffee if we're going to survive this day."

"It'll start in 20 minutes!" I exclaimed, grabbing my towel and dashing towards the bathroom. I couldn't believe how fast time had flown – orientation day had finally arrived!

As I turned on the shower, my mind raced with excitement and a hint of nervousness. I had heard so much about Greenslade University, how it offered a comprehensive education that covered almost every field imaginable. And I was thrilled to be a part of it, pursuing my passion for fashion designing.

I couldn't help but think back to the anxiety I had felt when my first three university choices hadn't accepted me. The rejection letters had left me feeling defeated and uncertain about my future. But then, like a ray of hope, Greenslade had offered me a spot, and I knew I had to seize it.

As the warm water washed over me, I felt a sense of determination to wash away my doubts. Today marked a new beginning, a fresh start to chase my dreams and make a name for myself in the fashion world. I was ready to soak up every bit of knowledge and experience that Greenslade had to offer. Bring it on, university life!

I grabbed my coffee and snatched a quick bite of the bread lying on the kitchen counter, washing it down with a hasty gulp. My frizzy hair was a mess, but I didn't have time to tame it, so I just rough-dried it with a towel and left it at that. Skipping breakfast wasn't ideal, but I was running dangerously late.

Meanwhile, Jamie was taking a shortcut of her own, dousing herself in perfume instead of taking the time for a proper shower. I raised an eyebrow in distaste – it was a bit gross, but I didn't have the time or energy to lecture her on hygiene right now. We had to get moving, pronto!

"Come on, Jamie, let's go!" I called out, already heading for the door. "We don't want to be late on our first day!"

At least Jamie had the sense to fuel up for the day, I thought, feeling a pang of envy as my own stomach growled in protest. I was running on fumes, and the anxiety churning in my chest wasn't helping. As we rushed towards the college, I couldn't help but feel a sense of unease wash over me, like a lingering shadow from my past.

The memory of submitting my documents to the university, feeling like a small fish in a vast pond, came flooding back. The same feeling of loneliness and uncertainty crept up my spine, making my heart race. I pushed the thoughts aside and focused on the present moment, but the nervous energy lingered, refusing to be shaken off.