Beyond: Beyond the Lights

Chapter 8

MADELINE

The first day of classes was always a mix of excitement and nerves. I had spent the morning navigating the labyrinth of campus, clutching my class schedule and trying not to be overwhelmed by the influx of students. By mid-morning, I decided to take a break and grab a coffee at the campus café. An iced vanilla latte was just what I needed to keep me going through the whirlwind of new schedules and introductions.

The café was packed, the buzz of students catching up and discussing their schedules filling the air. I waited in line, mentally calculating how many minutes I'd have before my next class started. As I approached the counter to place my order, I noticed a familiar face-Jamie. He was standing a few spots ahead of me, looking equally focused and slightly disheveled.

I hesitated for a moment, unsure if I should approach him or wait for a more opportune time. But before I could decide, Jamie turned around and caught my eye. His face lit up with a genuine smile.

"Madi! It's great to see you," he greeted, his voice warm and welcoming.

"Hey, Jamie! I didn't expect to run into you here," I said, returning his smile. "How's your first day going?"

"Pretty good so far. Just trying to stay caffeinated and get my bearings," he replied. "You?"

"Same here," I laughed. "Trying to juggle all the new information and find my way around."

Jamie's eyes crinkled at the corners as he smiled. "Well, let me make your day a little easier." He motioned to the barista, who was just about to take his order. "I'll cover both of our drinks. Consider it a little welcome-to-the-semester treat."

"Oh, you don't have to do that," I protested, though I could see the barista already preparing two iced vanilla lattes.

"Trust me, it's my pleasure," Jamie said, giving me a reassuring look. "After that great party, I owe you at least this."

I couldn't help but smile at his generosity. "Well, thanks. That's really kind of you."

As we waited for our drinks, we caught up on how our semesters were shaping up. Jamie told me about his classes and the professors he was excited to have. I shared some of my own expectations and a few of the classes I was looking forward to. The conversation flowed easily, and I felt grateful for the friendly face amidst the chaos of the first day.

When the barista handed us our iced lattes, Jamie and I grabbed our drinks and found a small table near the window. We settled in, and I noticed how Jamie's presence seemed to make everything feel a bit more manageable.

"So," Jamie began, taking a sip of his latte. "I just realized something. We're in the same accounting class this semester."

"Seriously?" I exclaimed, my eyes widening. "What are the odds?"

Jamie chuckled. "I guess it's a good thing we ran into each other. We can be study buddies."

I grinned, feeling a sense of relief at the thought. "That would be great. It's always nice to have someone familiar in a class."

We spent the next few minutes chatting about our class schedules, our expectations for accounting, and our previous experiences with the subject. And it was at this moment that I learned Jamie was an Accounting major. Jamie's enthusiasm was infectious, and I found myself feeling more optimistic about the class and the semester.

As we finished our coffees, Jamie glanced at his watch. "We should probably head to class soon. Want to walk over together?"

"That sounds perfect," I agreed. "It'll be nice to have some company on the way."

We walked across campus side by side, the conversation flowing effortlessly. Jamie talked about his previous experiences with accounting and shared a few tips he'd picked up over the years. I appreciated his insights and found that talking with him made me feel more prepared and less anxious about the class.

When we finally reached the accounting building, I felt a renewed sense of confidence. Jamie's friendly presence and our shared conversation had turned what could have been a stressful start into a positive and encouraging experience.

As we parted ways to find our seats, Jamie gave me one last reassuring smile. "See you in class, Madi. And thanks again for being such a great company today."

"Anytime, Jamie. See you in class," I replied, smiling back.

I took my seat in the classroom, feeling a sense of comfort and anticipation for the semester ahead. With Jamie as a friendly face in my class and the support we'd shared today, I was ready to tackle whatever challenges came my way.