A Little Lost

Chapter One: The Path Forward

LOUIE

The sun blazed overhead as I navigated the worn pathways of Marquesa College. The campus, though modest in size, had a certain charm with its quaint buildings and patches of greenery. I had spent most of the morning trying to find my way around, and by now, I was feeling thoroughly disoriented.

The campus map I'd received during orientation seemed more like a puzzle than a guide. My backpack felt heavier with each step, weighed down not just by textbooks but by the anxiety of my first day. Finding Room 204 for my Introduction to Accountancy class had become a daunting task, each turn feeling like an exercise in frustration.

I stopped to check my phone, squinting at the small screen, when I accidentally bumped into someone. Startled, I looked up to find a guy whose presence was impossible to ignore. He wore a crisp red polo shirt that accentuated his athletic build, suggesting a life of physical activity or sports. His features, a striking blend of Filipino and Korean heritage, were complemented by dark, expressive eyes and a confident smile that hinted at secrets. A subtle, refreshing scent lingered in the air, adding an unexpected layer of comfort to the encounter.

For a moment, I was thrown off by his striking appearance. "Ron?" I blurted out, my voice trailing as my mind scrambled to place him.

The guy's smile widened, a touch of amusement flickering in his eyes. "For starters, I'm Ian and not Ron."

"Sorry," I said, feeling a rush of embarrassment. At a certain point, he resembles someone I know from my old town but this one's younger and way more handsome.

Ian chuckled softly, his laughter warm and disarming.

His easygoing manner helped ease my embarrassment. "I'm actually trying to find Room 204. It's my first day, and I'm completely turned around."

Ian's expression turned sympathetic. "Room 204 is in that building," he said, gesturing towards a nearby structure. "It's on the second floor, just up the stairs over there. I was heading there myself. You can walk with me."

I appreciated the offer, though I couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to this guy than met the eye. "That would be great. Thanks."

As we walked towards the building, the oppressive heat seemed to recede, replaced by the cool, calming presence of Ian. There was something oddly comforting about him, yet I sensed an intriguing complexity beneath the surface.

"I'm Louise, by the way," I said, trying to steer the conversation away from my earlier awkwardness.

"Ian," he replied, his voice carrying an undercurrent of something unspoken. "I'm a third-year student here. I remember my first day—quite a whirlwind."

I laughed, feeling a bit more at ease but still curious. "I major in Accounting. It's a lot to take in."

Ian's eyes briefly flickered with a thoughtful glint. "I can imagine. I'm in Engineering. It's overwhelming at first, but it's all part of the adventure, don't you think?"

We reached the building, and Ian pointed out the stairs. "Room 204 should be just up there. You'll find it easily now."

I looked at the stairs with a mix of relief and curiosity. "Thanks a lot, Ian. I appreciate it."

Ian gave a final, almost cryptic nod before turning to head back down the hallway. As I climbed the stairs and found Room 204, the sense of accomplishment was tinged with a bittersweet note. The classroom was bright, with sunlight streaming through large windows. I chose a seat at the back, next to the window, where I felt I could blend into the background. This spot offered a bit of solitude, away from the center of attention, which suited my nerves just fine.

From my vantage point, I could see outside to the campus grounds. The trees swayed gently in the breeze, their leaves rustling softly. Birds flitted among the branches, their movements adding a lively touch to the tranquil scene. In the distance, a group of students played basketball on the field, their laughter and shouts a distant but pleasant backdrop to the otherwise quiet classroom.

As I settled into my seat, the sense of being in a new and unfamiliar place began to ebb away. The view outside, with its simple yet soothing sights, helped to ground me. I took a deep breath, letting the calm of the scene outside ease my lingering anxieties. Marquesa College was beginning to feel less like a maze and more like a place where I might find my own rhythm.

The classroom gradually filled with students, and as the professor entered, I focused on the lecture, feeling a growing sense of belonging. The morning's chaotic search for Room 204 felt like a distant memory. Perhaps Marquesa College was smaller and simpler than I had imagined, but it was beginning to feel like a place where I could find my footing—and maybe, just maybe, uncover a few mysteries along the way.