Oh, Chicago! (H.S)

2nd chapter.

8 long hours, 3 movies, and a bunch of snacks later, I arrived. Even though I was still inside the plane, I could already feel the difference in the atmosphere. The weather, the language and the culture were all different, and even though I was only in contact with the people around me, I could tell I would get used to it quickly.

After all, the United States were a place I've always wanted to go, no matter if it was with my parents, to study abroad, or simply because me and my best friends felt like going on another adventure.

My friends, my best friends. The family that I chose in high school. I had never had a fixed group of friends in middle school for example, or that one friend you have known your whole life. But the people I met in high school were for sure the best ones I have ever met so far.

We were all different, physically and in terms of personality as well. We all also chose different universities when high school ended because we wanted to pursue different careers, and I have to admit. It was extremely hard letting them go after 3 years.

Sounds cliché, I know. And it probably is. But once you are used to see the same people you love everyday, being apart from them for a single day is already too hard. We got used to it though. And the distance didn't affect our bond at all. If anything, it only made it stronger.

I decided to turn off the airplane mode from my phone, just so I could text my mom a simple text message.

To Mom:
Hiiiii. The plane just landed and I'm exiting now to get my luggage. Everything's okay, wasn't able to sleep though, so I'll probably rest as soon as I get to the dorm. Love you, call you later. Say hi to dad for me.

After sending the text to my mom, I decided to also text my friends to let them know I was already in foreign lands and everything was ok. They knew I hated flying and they were a little worried because I was doing it alone for the first time in my life, so a simple message would make them feel relieved.

To "Squad":
Guuuuuuuuuuuys! I'm already in Chicago! Everything's fine, and I already miss you all.

I locked my phone and put it inside my bag, getting ready to leave the plane. With my laptop and the rest of my stuff all packed up, I grabbed my backpack and the small carry on where I had a few of my clothes, and started making my way to the airport.

I was lucky enough to see my luggage as soon as I went to the place where you are supposed to pick it up. I grabbed it with a little difficulty (since I had clothes for six months in there) and made my way to pick up a taxi to go to my university campus.

I smiled when I saw a man around his late 70's signaling me to take his taxi, since everyone seemed to get in the ones I called myself. The old man, that I soon learned his name was Manny, helped me put my luggage inside the car and took me to the university dorm blocks.

"Here you are, young lady. Let me help you taking the luggage to the entrance." He said kindly, wanting to make sure I was safe. Throughout the drive, he mentioned that I reminded him of his granddaughter that was now married and living abroad with her husband. He was genuinely a really kind man. He reminded me of one of those grandpas that dress up as Santa during Christmas to make their grandkids happy. He also told me that he had been a taxi driver since he was able to drive legally, and because his father was once one.

"Oh no sir, don't worry about it. It's right there, it's okay." I assured him that I was able to take everything at once. I put my backpack on my back, my carry on in one hand, and the bigger trolley on the other, ready to say goodbye to the sweet grandpa. "Thank you for the drive sir." I say with a small warm smile on my face.

"Nonsense sweetheart, I hope everything goes well. Enjoy this new chapter of your life, you will miss it once you reach my age." He laughed as he patted my shoulder in a reassuring way.

"I have to reach your age first, then we will see." I laughed along with him, finally saying my last goodbyes to him and making my way towards the entrance of the block.

As soon as I walked in, I could tell everything was exactly like the website. The space was enormous, with big clear windows, modern furniture and different people everywhere. Students were checking in, others checking out, and even some just checking if they would like to attend next year.

"Hello, I'm Elsa and I'm here to help the new students. Do you need anything?" She asked sweetly, and I smiled politely to her.

"Oh yes, sorry I was a little distracted. I'm checking in, I'm an international student from Italy." I say as I crack my neck, feeling a little sore from the weight of the backpack.

"You are on your last semester right?" She asks as she motions for me to make my way to the front desk, and I nod in affirmation. "Ok, well just give me your name and I'll check the number of your room. Just to let you know, international students already have mattresses and blankets and everything included, so you don't need to worry about it. Were you informed about this?" She asks as she grabs a few information papers and opens a laptop.

"Yes, yes. When I payed for it, they told me everything that was included. It's one less thing to stress about to be honest." I chuckle slightly. "Oh, and my name is Eleonora Fields." I say as I take my backpack, ready to take my wallet and show her my student ID card.

She grabs it and types some information on her laptop. After a few minutes, she prints a couple papers with all the information that I need to know, like the dorm number, a map of the city, numbers I should call in case I'm in trouble, and a few other important things.

I thank her and make my way towards my dorm. Since I was an international student and I was in my last year, my dorm was in fact an apartment. It had a small living room with a kitchenette and two rooms with a small bathroom each.

I was going to share the dorm with one of my friends from uni, but she was arriving at a different time due to personal reasons, as well as the rest of our classmates.

I was alone, so I decided to choose my room. Even though they were basically the same, I decided to choose the one that was not near the door, simply because if a murderer broke in, I wouldn't be the first one dying and I would have time to hide and call the police. Weird. I know. But you have to be prepared for the worst case scenarios.

Once I got inside my room, I took it all in. I looked around to see my fairly large bed with gray and white sheets, my wardrobe that was big enough to put everything I had, a desk, and a bedside table matching the rest of the furniture.

It was simple yet pretty, and I had to get used to it since it would be my safe place for a whole semester. Still looking around, I decided that I would change things up a little bit, and adding photos and a few plants seemed enough and a good idea.

Too tired to unpack, I decided to take a power nap, since I wasn't able to do it during the flight.

I grabbed my phone from my backpack, checking the messages from the ones I loved.

From Mom:
Glad you are okay. Talk to you later. Your dad says hi. Love you and miss you lots already, my baby.

I smiled at the sweet message from my mom, feeling a little sad that I had left them behind.

From "Squad":
(Steph) Thank God! Have fun baby :)
(Ana) Gotta tell us everything! I miss you already :(
(Maria) Vlog everything you hoe...
(Tony) Please try Chipotle and tell me if it's anything special.
(Cara) Stay a virgin!

I laughed as I read them, their personalities coming to the surface with each message they sent me. I will miss them too much, I already feel it coming. FaceTime and phone calls would definitely be my best friends during the semester.

As my eyes started wanting to close, I knew I had to let go of my phone and put it aside so I could take the so wished nap. Locking it, I put it on my bedside table, taking my shoes right after and laying back on my bed. And just like that, I fell asleep in Chicago.

Author's Note:
The room looks pretty much like the one in the first picture, except for the frame on top of the desk where she will have prints black and white photos of herself with her family and best friends (like in the second picture)! Also, in the vases she will have different coloured tulips, just to give the room a little more colour.