Bridges Of Time

Chapter 13

2004
Winston-Salem

Magnus steps off the bus in the morning and lets out a tired yawn, rubbing the back of his head. He is finally in North Carolina. It's a bright sunny morning in Winston-Salem, and he quickly asks around for the best way to get to the campus, and hops into another bus that is supposed to take him to the UNCSA. As he steps down, he feels his heart pounding in his chest, in excitement mostly, even though there's a hint of anxiety.

The university campus is a blend of modern buildings and ancient architecture, nestled among lush greenery and blooming flowers. Magnus walks through the main gates, awestruck by the energy of the place. Students are hurrying to and from classes all around him, some carrying musical instruments, other students with paint-splattered clothes and script-filled notebooks. It's a home for artists of all kinds. It's a home that Magnus wants to call his own one day.

He walks further ahead into the campus toward the central courtyard, where a group of dancers are practicing under the shade of a large oak tree. He pauses and observes their moves for a few minutes. He appreciates their talent, but more than that, he can see the freedom in their eyes, the passion in their moves. Further ahead from the dancers is a quartet of musicians playing a lively tune. There's a small crowd assembled listening to them. Magnus peers through the crowd, seeing the Performing Arts Center in the distance. He unfolds the brochure in his hand, which also includes a map, and makes his way to the admissions office right next to the arts center building. A tour group is gathering outside the office. Magnus scans through the people to find the tour guide, when a young girl with a batch that reads "Evelyn" notices his nervous demeanor and greets him, "Hi there, are you here for the campus tour?"

Magnus nods, feeling relieved, "Yes, I am."

"Great, we're just about to start." She claps her hand, gesturing him to join other people.

Evelyn begins the tour with a walk through the main academic buildings. She points out the different departments, explaining how each is dedicated to a specific discipline within the arts. "This is the Gray building, home to our School of Drama. Many of our Drama majors go on to perform in major theater productions and films. Over there, is the School of Music where you'll find state-of-the-art recording studios and practice rooms.

She continues to show them the School of Dance, where Magnus' heart skips a beat. Evelyn explains the rigorous training program and the numerous opportunities for students to perform. "Our dance program is one of the best in the country. Students here train with renowned choreographers and get the chance to perform in major productions." Magnus looks at the building, his gaze not moving from the intricate architecture. He can already picture himself here, immersed in the world of dance, surrounded by like-minded people who share his passion for this craft.

The tour moves to the residence halls, a mix of traditional dorm rooms and modern apartment-style living. "Living on campus is a big part of the UNCSA experience," Evelyn says. "You build lifelong friendships and collaborate with students from all disciplines." Magnus watches as students rush out of the dorm rooms, pulling their jackets on, holding their backpacks in their hands. A memory flashes in his mind, that of him and Alec rushing through the school hallway to their history class. His lips curve into a smile and he taps the back of his head to get his attention back to the tour guide.

They pass by the library, a stunning building with large windows, offering a serene study environment. "This is the Semans Library, where you'll pretty much find anything and everything to the arts. It's also a great place to just relax with a good book." Magnus recalls his library sessions with Alec, sitting in the quiet Lightwood corner, going over their history project and notes. It dawns on him as to how much of his life has become entangled in Alec's. Every happy memory from back in Cooperstown somehow leads him to Alec Lightwood.