YOUTH

2

The ride to Alvis Mendel was shorter than what Wendy expected. The university was quite far from her house – at least that's what she knew, but she didn't know it would only took less than an hour and a half to get there, since she expected it would take a longer time. Especially with the traffics that occur occasionally in the area – from what she read before.

Wendy had everything prepared. Instead of just doing the registration today she had decided she would also request to visit the dorm she's assigned to stay in – she needed to know what her room looked like, how big it is so she can estimate and sort what she must and what she can bring to the dorm a few days before moving in. The more time to sort and prepare the better, she has always felt. It's something she had always done over the years – and it's becoming a habit more than an option. Growing up in a family of doctors is as uptight as what people stereotyped – at least in her family it is. She had even searched for what she must know about the area – the streets, the nearest hospital, nearest ATM, nearest subway, nearest police station, usual traffic hours, usual traffic zones, everything. Wendy doesn't like being unprepared – and she has grown to feel anxious about anything unplanned.

"Did you bring the files, dear?" her mom asked from the passenger's seat, snapping Wendy out of her reverie. She glanced at her side, checking the presence of the pile of documents slipped in one big folder for the 3rd time since the whole ride. "Yeah, I brought it," she replied, leaning her head against the window as she stares outside, taking in the new view.

The car comes into a stop, Wendy unbuckled her seatbelt and so does her mother. She grabbed the folder and her bag, stepping out of the car. Her mom takes Wendy's hand in hers, giving it a gentle squeeze as she gave her daughter a tender smile before they walk out of the parking lot, hand in hand.

"We're going to meet a friend of mine!" her mom said as they arrived at the Pallas. Wendy raised her eyebrows. "Is she or he one of the professors?"

Her mom shook her head. "She's here with her son. It'll be great if you can meet him and become acquainted."

"You're not playing Cupid like last time right?" Wendy frowned, instantly reminiscing the time her mom took her to one of her friend's house and was practically setting her up on some sort of blind date with her son – it happened more than once and each of them was so awkward and uncomfortable she almost swore never to join her mother on any more grown up girl bonding times.

It's during those times Wendy realized her mom is a neurosurgeon and not a matchmaker or love counselor for a reason – and she's utterly grateful.

Her mom giggled. "Not this time, dear," she shook her head. "But I heard he's a keeper so if you feel the sudden need to be more than acquaintances once you get to know him then go for it!"

Wendy sighed, rolling her eyes. "By keeper I hope you mean he's intelligent and well-mannered."

"Inna!" a squeaky voice identical to those mothers in dramas exclaimed. Her mother's eyes lit up, finding the woman who called her name. Wendy's eyes trailed to where her mother is running towards – and her eyes grew wide as she realized who it was – Park Nami, her favorite author.

Wendy's mouth grew agape as she saw her mom hugging the woman whose books are stacked in Wendy's shelf of favorite books. She can't believe her mom didn't tell her she was friends with her favorite author. But then again, she probably didn't know – she's always busy, only opening the door to her bedroom to check on her studying, but never actually paying attention to the other shelves of her books other than the ones from school or her many tuition centers.

She's actually surprised her mother could have a few hours off of work to take her to the registration.

Wendy took careful steps towards the two, then realizing the presence of a tall boy – around her age it seems, standing next to Park Nami. She assumes this is the boy her mom wanted to introduce her to.