Vivid Memories

Chapter 1

When I arrived at the UCLA campus, I never imagined how big the place was. There were different faces, new people, new accents and honesty, such a new atmosphere.

Americans are so different from British students. Less subtle and more direct with what they want. (There were a lot of older guys trying to shark me but I wasn't interested.) They also sounded weird, but then again I suppose my dialect would be strange to them. 

I managed to make a few friends who were in my course. One of them was called Caitlyn, who was a bit mysterious but she means well. The other was called Penelope. She was a rich, talkative kid but she seemed nice. They tried to make me join their sorority, but I'm not going to join one. It's a waste of time. I preferred to not have to deal with the drama.

I lived just outside the campus. It wasn't too bad. It was my aunt's place, but she bought the place already and moved to New York. She said I can move into place. The place would be rowdy every few nights because there were parties often. I went to a few of them, but I didn't drink too much. Some boys aren't meant to be trusted.

As far as lectures go, I was adjusting to the accents and the timetabling. Being an abroad student was sometimes difficult since I didn't know much about the area and how some areas function. It wasn't like back home, where I knew every inch of the place and knew almost everything about everyone. But I didn't want to be stuck in one place forever. I wasn't that type of person.

"So, what do you think of America?" Caitlyn asked me during lunch. "Pretty cool right?"

"Darling, I don't know if you want to hear my opinion," I teased, chuckling at her question. "But, it's not bad. I had been here before, but that was for a vacation. Things are different now. For example, your tea here is completely different. Also, everyone here is a coffeeholic."

"Oh I'm sorry governer, would you like a spot of tea?" Penelope teased in the corniest and inaccurate British accent and we all laughed. "Anyway, I'm glad you're liking it here. If you need anything at all, you know who to call."

"Phish, you guys always say that," 

"Yeah, because we mean it, Ava," Caitlyn chuckled and smiled. 

"Yeah, I don't doubt you," I rolled my eyes to piss her off and I stood up to return my tray. Someone bumped into me whilst I was standing up. He looked so pale and so broken. He reminded me so much of Xavier after Mayuri died. "Hey... are you-"

"Sorry," I bowed and moved on. Everything he wore was as dark as the night. 

"That was weird," Penelope looked around for an answer from someone to break this awkward silence. "Uhhh... guys?"

"Girls, I got to do something," I put my tray away and rushed to get my stuff together. "I'll see you in chem in the afternoon. If I finish early, I'll call you okay?"

"Okay?" Penelope replied, but Caitlyn remained silent. 

I rushed to find this person. There was nothing special about him. But Xavier... he changed so dramatically. I initially thought he was being melodramatic. But I understood his pains. Losing someone you love wasn't easy. He loved her more than anyone. He wanted to spend the rest of his life with her and now... his plans are ruined. He crumbled. Xavier knew that he shouldn't fail in school, so he did well. But if he could join Mayuri... shit I know he would if Gerald and I weren't there for him.

I could sense the same thing to the guy I bumped into.

He's in a mood of grief. Or at least in pain.

I promised Xavier, Gerald, and Mayuri that I would ensure no one else would feel that pain. 

I don't know why I'm trying to this for a stranger. But something about him compelled me to do it. 

"Hey! Wait up!" I called out to him, but he didn't reply or look back. I grabbed his arm when we were by the entrance of the school. "Hey, hold up. Could I talk to you?"

"I rather you did not waste your time with me," He replied coldly, pulling his arm away from me. 

"Listen, I think you need some help here," I answered, walking in front of him. His eyes were hazelnut brown, but those eyes were filled with emptiness. "I'm Avalon Lancaster. I'm British if you couldn't tell."

"I could," He continued walking away from me, but I persisted. "Do you mind? I need to get to class."

"At least could you tell me your name?" I sighed, raising my eyebrow and dropping a hip. "And something to keep in contact? I don't know. There's just something about you which... which makes me want to know you more..."

"My name is Dante," He sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. He typed something on his phone before showing me. "Here's my school email address. Just use that."

"Hmm... fine," I shrugged and took a picture of his phone. He did follow my conditions, so I couldn't say he didn't. "Alright, well, sorry for bothering you. Hope to speak to you soon Dante."

"I can't say the same, Lancaster," He walked around me before leaving for the biology building. Biologist huh. 

I just hope I didn't befriend an ecologist.