CHAPTER 2.

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"Like a pack of cards, it all came crashing down..."

Bee

After a few naps and one gasoline stop, we finally get to the gates of the California University of Pennsylvania. I gasp as we drive-in. This place is huge. Its buildings spread across acres of land adorned with beautiful flowers and trees. It really is indeed a sight to behold. Pictures and videos didn't do justice to its wonderful structures. I couldn't wait to see the library.

My dad stops to ask a security guard for directions to the building for checking new students in. Unfortunately, orientations had long ended so he directs us to the dorms instead.

When the car finally rolls to a stop, I feel kind of relieved as I walk in to present my papers to the matron in charge of the dorms. It was barely 11 am and the campus was swimming with students of different backgrounds and ethnicity.

"Good morning ma'am". I greet the middle-aged woman in the tiny cubicle office.
She nods a reply and I continue.

"I'm new here, just resumed today. I-"

"Can I see your credentials?" She interrupts. I hand her the necessary requirements and wait.

"Name?"

"Bee Relish" I reply

"Billard Relish" she corrects sternly. Screw it. I really hated that name.

"I prefer being referred to as Bee". I argue like I have been doing for the past 18 years since my dad decided to name me after his favorite sport.

"I see." The woman began. "Well, you could have informed your parents before they enshrined it in your birth certificate and credentials Ms. Relish".

I keep my mouth shut when I see where this chit chat was taking me. Nowhere.
I watch as she types in my details into the computer. My dad walks to me with his lips curled and phone in hand.

"What's wrong dad?" I ask him.

"I'm so sorry Billy but I have to go". He pleads. I flutter, barely surprised.

"It's Patrick isn't it?" I roll my eyes and stare deep into his eyes.

"Patricia." He corrects and paused for a breath. "She needs me. She's having minor contractions. Something might be wrong"

"Yeah, I understand. You can go. Before something happens to your child. That's right isn't it." Tears well up In my eyes. "

"Today is the day I need you. Today was supposed to be about me but somehow Patricia knows a thing or two about stealing people's happiness and making everything about her".

"I'm sorry Billy".

"And for the umpteenth time, it's Bee. Thanks for the ride. You can go back to your lovely wife and kid. I walk past him to unload my bags from the trunk of his car. He looks so sad but I don't care. I don't even wave and try not to look at him as he reverses the car and speeds out.

Now I'm finally alone again. In a totally alien world where I have zero familiarities. I drag up my boxes to the matron's office. At least once I get my dorm room key and move to my room all I have to do is spend my entire Friday unpacking.

"Excuse me, ma'am. Can I have my room key?" I ask.

"Oh, dear. About that, there's a little problem. The only room available is room 403". She replies adjusting her reading glasses.

"No problem ma'am. I'll take it."

"No sweetie that's the problem. Someone just moved in yesterday. The dorms rooms are all filled up".

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