Sugar. (H.S.)

blink.

"Good morning everyone. I'm Professor Murray, and welcome to Communications 106. My goals for this class are to help you increase your probability for success with others by helping you understand the way you communicate and increase your knowledge of conflict resolution and negotiation."

The professor drones on as I slump further into my seat, shaking some of my hair in front of my face. If my mother were here she would be appalled at my posture. I can almost hear her voice scolding Poppy and I, and the thought brings a smile to my lips.

Poppy.

I make a mental note to call her later. She must already be finished her classes for today. I wonder how they went? 

"God I hate the first classes of the year. It's always so boring!" Chloe leans over, interrupting my reverie and I remember where I am. Another strange coincidence. In a college of more than 26,000 people, my across-the-hall-neighbour-turned-closest-friend shares my very first class.

Chloe's wearing her purple hair down, and it compliments her stunning yellow dress. She looks completely flawless.

"I know." I agree fervently. "I'm just replaying Grey's Anatomy re-runs in my head until its over."

Chloe giggles, swatting my arm playfully as I lean back and close my eyes.

"Beatrice!" Chloe's hand waving in front of my face brings me back to reality, and I realise she's called my name more than once.

"Sorry what?" I blink.

"Come on let's go! Where's your next class? I've taken a bunch of tours of the university last year so I know where everything is if you need help." Chloe says and with a start I realise the students around us are filing out of the giant lecture hall. I frown.

Did I really not pay attention for that entire class?

"Oh." I breathe, grabbing my sweater and bag. I stand up and fling the bag over my shoulder, glancing at the folded paper in my left hand. "Uhm. I have Child Development in Thorvaldson 111, and then Statistical analysis in the same building in room 214."

"Oh that's kind of on the way to mine. I won't have time to show you both but 214 is up the stairs to the left, it will make more sense once we're inside but it's one of the big lecture halls."

I am annoyed at myself as we push our way through the crowds of students and out the front doors. Why did I not think to take any campus tours? Why didn't I look at my map more thoroughly last night? I shouldn't have to rely on Chloe to show me the way. The sun hits me as we walk down the steps of the building and it's such a strong reminder of home that I almost feel like crying. I close my eyes for a second and enjoy the sensation until I run straight into the back of Chloe.

I stumble back with an apology and she gives me a goofy look that makes me laugh. She points out the building that my class is in.

"Can you figure out where you're going once you're inside?"

"Uhm." I say unconvincingly.

Chloe squints at me for a second and then glances down at the stylish watch on her wrist. "Oh I'll just show you where it is. Walk fast or I'm going to be late!"

"Thanks." I mutter as we start walking. There's several building's that make up the campus, all mismatched but equally huge and intimidating with giant staircases and pillars and windows everywhere. They're arranged in a giant oval, with a beautiful grassy park in the middle full of different pathways and trees and shrubs. We pass under a particularly huge tree that blocks us from the warm rays of the sun and sends a slight chill down my spine.