Just Friends

Chapter Eighteen

I wrap my hands around the warm mug and stare into its dark contents. It's only 6 am and I'm struggling to keep my eyes open. If anything is going to get me through today, it will be this coffee.

It's only Wednesday. I groan to myself; how can it only be Wednesday?

After going to class on Monday and having yet another excruciating conversation with my tutor Sean, I had to come to the hard realisation that I haven't been doing all that I can to catch up with my fellow classmates.

Every day so far, I have been spending the rest of my spare time in the university and not coming home until late at night. It makes my already long week, feel as though it will never end.

On the plus hand, it means I have done a successful job at avoiding any conversation surrounding my birthday and not having a phone has certainly helped with that.

I don't have any classes today, so, I plan to spend the whole day studying, but as my eyes try to drift shut, struggling to stay open, I'm finding it difficult to locate any motivation.

I lower my face, closer to the cup and inhale its bittersweet contents. The smell alone seems to help my exhausted state.

Lifting it to my lips I drain the rest of my coffee and reluctantly, collecting my things from the kitchen floor beside me, stand up. At least, at this time in the morning, I don't have to worry about traffic. I am not making the mistake of using public transport again. Although I suspect it would be quiet, I can't help but flashback to the horrifying 'sardine-packed' adventures I have suffered through many times in the eight months I have been here.

I play my music in the car, loud, in the hopes that by the time I get there I may be awake enough to start my day. If it doesn't then my brisk, ten-minute walk is my last line of defence.

The parking around uni is a nightmare and not to mention expensive.

On Monday, knowing my intentions were to come in every chance I get, I drove around, for what felt like hours, trying to find an affordable, and reliable place for me to park during the week. I eventually found one in a residential area but unfortunately, it's a ten-minute walk away. Silver lining though, it's free!

It doesn't take me long to drive there, and the fourth song is just about to end as I am pulling into a spot.

I can't say that I am particularly ready for the long day ahead of me, but at least I'm more awake than I was twenty minutes ago.

I step out of the car and begin to walk. The sky is still quite dark, but I can see a light begin to present itself on the horizon as the sun starts to rise.

The walk is peaceful, and apart from an odd couple of people, presumably Strolling to work, there's barely anybody else in sight.

Slowly watching the sunrise as I listen to my music, walking to the beat, is beautiful and mesmerising. A sight, I hope to never forget.

The orange and reds burn bright, lighting my way down the street. The air crisp and fresh, I expect it will warm up soon.

Due to classes in the mornings, I haven't been in this early yet and a part of me is almost looking forward to it again tomorrow. Almost.

I reach the library. A large, stone building, completely separate from the rest of the university.

It's one of my favourite places here. I love the grandness and the old, traditional feel of the place.

Hate is a strong word, but I really dislike it when people try to 'modernise' libraries like this.

Although one piece of modern tech they have installed, besides the computers, I absolutely love. I already know that over the next few weeks, I will rely on it more than anything; an amazing coffee machine, and not one that leaves a burnt, awful taste at the back of your throat either. Real coffee!