When I met him

Moving in day

I still couldn't believe I was finally here. I gazed around the picturesque campus of my university, that shone in comparison to the muted colours on the leaflets.
The campus was bustling with life. Almost everywhere I looked there were freshman standing in groups or with their parents, lugging huge bags and suitcases with them.

'Nat, earth to Nat...' my mum joked waving a hand in front of my face. I swiftly snapped out of my reverie, glancing at her. She motioned to the piles of boxes we had struggled to unload from the car.
'Right, yes,' I murmured- making a conscious effort to keep my mind on the task. We had finished collecting my student id at admissions and they had told me where I was staying: at the furthest end of campus (an enormous walk away from all of the lecture halls)- just my luck!
I sighed we had a long task ahead of us.

We trudged through the never ending fields of grass for what felt like ages. Oh well, at least I wouldn't have to worry about keeping fit. At last, we came to a stop in front of the building. Despite its  age and traditional architecture, it had a homey feel to it, which I immediately took a liking to. I liked that it was kind of secluded and on the edge of campus.

Apart from me, there were other freshman who were also moving in with their parents. As I stood idly by lost in my thoughts, I heard a 'hello'. Turning around, I found myself face to face with a short Chinese girl with pigtails. Involuntarily, I found myself smiling back at her.

'Hi,' I replied, ' I'm Natalie but you can call me Nat.' I extended a hand towards her, which she ignored; instead embracing me in a friendly hug. It wasn't long before we were chatting like best friends and socialising with the other freshman, who thankfully felt as lost as I did.

My mum, having finished her conversation ushered me over to the desk, where I collected my room key.

The building's  interior was surprisingly spacious and posh. The wooden door frames and golden door knobs looked almost regal next to the beautiful glittery chandelier that lay suspended in the main room (across from the hall). Countless picture frames adorned the wall showcasing expensive-looking expressionist artwork.

As we ascended the stairs, I could already feel my eye lids drooping; the jet-lag catching up to me. As we landed on the penultimate (3rd) floor, I paused to regain my breath, immediately setting down the stack of boxes I had been carrying. My arms felt incredibly sore and I longed to be in bed relaxing.
'Well at least you won't have to worry about keeping in shape,' my mom joked, 'with that mike and a half walk at those three floors I'm sure you'll be fit as a sprig when you come back home.' I tried to smile back but there seemed to be a strange lump in my through. I cleared it, unwilling to think about the fact I would soon be living on my own.

Two hours and a bunch of coffee later, we had finally done it! Not like the whole room but transporting the boxes inside, which was a huge achievement. The boxes lay teetering on a rather fragile looking dresser, but I had neither the strength nor the willpower to move them.

There were still stacks of posters and wall decor I was yet to put up including toiletries and my clothes all of which were still inside my suitcase. I would have a long day organising everything tomorrow: I wasn't ready to think about that yet though, exhaustion already overcoming me.

'Ok honey, I guess this is it,' my mum said smiling rather tearfully at me. I gripped her in a hug that was far too short. 'Take care of yourself in college' she whispered into my hair stroking the tendrils back.
'I will,' I replied not wanting to let her see me cry, as that would only set her off again.

I watched her retreating figure through the window and turned back to my room. It was nearly evening and more than anything I needed an early night. I glanced over to the empty bed opposite me. Still no sign of my roommate. I let myself drift off into an uneasy sleep.