surrounding me

chapter 15 - Evelyn

The morning light filtered through the thin curtains of my dorm room, casting a soft glow across the space. As I lay there, the memories of last night's kiss with Christopher played in my mind like a captivating dream. His hands, his touch, the warmth and comfort—it was all still vivid, lingering like a sweet aftertaste. I couldn't shake the memory, the way his lips had felt against mine, the intensity of his gaze. It was a moment that seemed to defy reality, and yet, it was real.But today was my first day of classes at Stanford, and I needed to focus. With a sigh, I pulled myself together and started to get ready. The room, still unfamiliar in some ways, had begun to feel like a second home. It was cozy, with the soft hum of the campus life outside adding to the ambiance. The newness of everything—my surroundings, my routine, the people—was exhilarating and a little daunting.As I made my way downstairs, I met Sara, who had texted me beforehand to let me know she'd be waiting. She stood there, her usual bright smile on her face, and together we walked the path to our first class. The air was crisp, filled with the promise of a new beginning. The campus buzzed with excitement, the energy infectious as students hurried to their destinations, laughter and chatter filling the air.

Entering the lecture hall was like stepping into a whirlwind. The room was alive with activity, students milling about, finding their seats, and greeting new friends. It was chaotic, yet thrilling. The walls were adorned with posters of past events, the seating arranged in a semicircle around the professor's podium. There was a palpable sense of anticipation, the kind that comes with the start of something new and unknown.Sara and I found seats near the front, eager to absorb everything the day had to offer. As we settled in, we exchanged excited whispers about the day ahead. The lecture hall gradually filled, the noise level rising as more students poured in. It was a melting pot of personalities and stories, each person bringing their own unique energy to the room.

During a break between classes, Sara introduced me to two other students, Juli and Mary. They were both bright-eyed and full of enthusiasm, with a contagious zest for life. Juli was studying psychology, fascinated by the workings of the human mind, while Mary had a passion for environmental science and sustainability. We quickly bonded over our shared excitement for the future, swapping stories about our backgrounds and dreams.Our conversation flowed easily, laughter punctuating our exchanges. Juli had a sharp wit, always ready with a clever remark, while Mary had a quiet but confident presence. As we talked, it became clear that we all shared a sense of adventure, a desire to explore new ideas and challenge ourselves. It was exhilarating, the kind of connection that made the world feel a little smaller and more inviting.

The four of us spent the day navigating the campus, exploring the various nooks and crannies of our new home. We discovered cozy study spots in the library, admired the art installations scattered around the grounds, and even made a pact to try out every café on campus. There was an unspoken agreement among us to make the most of our time here, to seize every opportunity and create memories that would last a lifetime.As the day drew to a close, I felt a sense of contentment settle over me. The chaos of the morning had given way to a comfortable rhythm, and I knew I had found a good group of friends in Sara, Juli, and Mary. The first day of university had been everything I had hoped for and more. It was a day filled with new beginnings, unexpected connections, and the thrilling promise of what was yet to come.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a golden glow across the campus, the anticipation for the evening's festivities grew. Our seniors had arranged a welcome party for us freshers, a chance to mingle and celebrate the beginning of our university journey. Despite my natural inclination to shy away from large gatherings, Sara's boundless enthusiasm was infectious. She practically dragged me along, insisting that we couldn't miss such a key event. The party was held in a spacious, elegantly decorated hall, filled with students from every department. The soft hum of chatter and laughter mixed with the upbeat music playing in the background, creating an inviting atmosphere. Fairy lights hung from the ceiling, casting a warm glow over the room, and a buffet table lined one wall, laden with an array of delicious snacks and drinks. It was a world away from the quiet corners of the library and the solitude of my dorm room.Sara, Juli, Mary, and I navigated our way through the crowd, introducing ourselves and making small talk with fellow students. Despite my initial reservations, I found myself enjoying the experience. There was something liberating about stepping out of my comfort zone, shedding the label of introvert, if only for the night. The room buzzed with excitement, stories of past adventures and future dreams being shared with strangers who, in time, might become friends.As the night wore on, we found ourselves in the company of a group of seniors. Among them was Keane, a name that seemed to elicit a wave of admiration and whispers wherever he went. Tall and charismatic, he had a presence that was hard to ignore. His confidence and charm were palpable, and it was easy to see why my classmates were drawn to him. Keane was in the law department, reputed to be one of the brightest students, consistently topping his class. There was an air of respect and fascination around him, a mix of awe and intrigue.