The Popularity Games

Welcome to HedgeWood U

Friday

8.30 AM

At home

It was about time. Camilla Bridge nonchalantly stuffed her belongings into a luggage that had a picture of Spongebob Squarepants on it. As embarrassing as it is , she still loved that cartoon. The reason for transferring was solemnly about people making fun of her love for childish stuff. Perhaps people wouldn't make fun of her anymore in this new university she was enrolling to. They would rather study than to pay attention to such trivial things. But she was a normal girl after all. She even attended parties during her college life and had plenty of hangovers that lasted for days. Camilla grabbed her cashmere sweater in one hand , the other her luggage. Tugging tiredly at the luggage , she finally managed to pull it down the stairs and out of the house.

"Goodbye Mom , Dad ! I'll miss you two.." She hollered.

No response.

She was used to it anyway, no big deal. Her parents died a year ago when they met in a horrific accident. She somehow made it through the sorrow and sadness and moved on with life. She also inherited their fortunes , what could possibly be better? Camilla scampered out the door and hailed a taxi.

"Hedgewood University please."

The driver looked at her through his rear mirror and gave her a nod. He looked impressed.

"Pretty smart to be able to enter that school , eh?" He asked.

"I guess. Maybe it was luck." She moaned.

"Darl , let me tell you something. There's no such thing as 'luck'. There's only hard work. Believe me , I've gone through many things and luck is a taboo." The driver affirmed.

Camilla agreed with him on that. Certainly has she worked hard for her entrance exam , but to her it was as easy as ABC. She turned to look out the window. The pastel blue sky complimented the azure golden sun rays. Fluffy white clouds hovered in the sky. A smile creeped across her face, today was going to be great. She could feel it. The crowded surroundings of skyscrapers soon disappeared into thin air. The car drove down a long and empty road with the forest surrounding it. They were nearing the school. The taxi came to a halt just before the magnificent aureate gates.

"We've arrived! I'll help you take out your belongings." The taxi driver offered.

Together they pulled out her many boxes of things and kiddy luggage. She flushed a dark shade of red after the driver mentioned her childish taste. Camilla hurriedly paid him and sprinted away before he could discriminate her any further. She stroke the shiny bars that prevented her from walking in.

"Hey you! What are you doing?!" A security guard wearing a smart blue uniform barked at her.

The sudden alarm shocked her.

"I'm a student here! Could you let me in?" She asked before handing her student pass over.

The guard examined the card closely before signalling to another guard sitting inside the guard house to open the gates. The gates slowly opened , extending it's grand arms to welcome Camilla.

"You may enter."

9AM

Entrance of HWU

After getting permission to enter , she strolled in. No doubt was it colossal. A huge building appeared in front of her as she walked towards the central. Beautiful sculptures flowered the land which made it look grand. Surprisingly , campus was quiet. Too quiet. Birds and cicadas sang a alluring song. She reached the steps of the building and on the door read :