Maria's heart hammered loudly in her chest as the university bus wound through the city streets, finally pulling into the sprawling campus of Bota University. She pressed her forehead against the window, the glass cool against her skin, and watched the world outside blur past—lush green lawns dotted with students, towering buildings lined with windows reflecting the large afternoon sun, and trees swaying gently in the breeze. This was everything she had dreamed of: the start of a new life.
She adjusted her backpack nervously. For Maria, this place was more than just a university—it was a chance. For years, she has been the quiet girl in the back of the classroom, the scholarship student who kept her head down and her dreams tucked away like fragile treasures. But now, standing on the threshold of this new world, Maria felt something shift inside her—a fragile mix of hope and fear.
The bus screeched to a stop, and the doors hissed open. Maria stepped down, her legs slightly trembling from exhaustion and excitement. She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself, and walked toward the campus center where the registration tents and welcome booths were set up.
A tall girl with bright eyes and an easy smile waves at her from a distance. "Maria! Over here!" The voice was warm and inviting, and Maria's face broke into a small smile.
Mina Lavi. Her roommate and, so far, her only real connection in this vast new place.
As Maria approached, Mina threw her arms around her in a quick hug. "You're Maria Ailenie right? You actually made it. I was worried you'd get lost or change your mind.
Maria laughed softly, the sound trembling with relief. "Yes, I am, and l most did, but here I am."
They walked side by side through the throng of the students, the buzz of chatter and laughter mixing with the scent of freshly cut grass and late spring flowers. Maria felt a strange mixture of belonging and alienation. Everywhere she looked, there were people who seemed so sure of themselves — confident, loud, and free. She envied their ease but tumried to remind herself that she had her own path to follow.
"So, have you met anyone yet?" Mina asked, glancing sideways at her.
"Not really. Just some faces in line."
Mina raised an eyebrow. "Well, you're about to. Bota isn't that big once you get inside the social circle."
Maria nodded, hoping she would find her place sooner rather than later.
They reached the dormitory, a large brick building with ivy crawling up it's sides. Inside, the air smelled faintly of cleaning products and old books. Mina's room was cozy, filled with bright posters and a collection of books on psychology and art.
"This is your room," Mina said, pointing erhebsmaller adjacent room with a single bed and a desk. "I figured you'd want some space to get settled."
Maria smiled gratefully. "Thank you."
As Maria unpacked, she thought about her scholarship and the counselor who had helped her get it — Mrs Lien. That woman's sharp eyes and cold smile haunted her thoughts. Mrs Lien had been strict, demanding perfection, but she believed in Maria's potential. Yet, something about her had always felt... watchful, as if she was waiting for Maria to slip up.
The university promised a fresh start, but Maria knew better to expect a clean slate. Bota was bigger, yes, but she had to be careful.
Later that evening, Maria and Mina attended the welcome mixer in the student center. Musice thumped through the hall, lights flashing in rhythm, and students mingled with easy smiles and loud laughter. Maria felt overwhelmed, clutching her cup of juice as she scanned the room.
That's when she saw her.
Liz Runbert.
She was standiynear the punch table, surrounded by a group of admirers, her laughter clear and captivating. She moved with a natural grace, her dark eyes sparkling with mischief and confidence. Maria felt her breath catch in her throat. Something about Liz unsettled her — a magnetic pull she didn't understand.
Mina noticed her staring. "You like her?" she teased.
Maria shook her head quickly, embarrassed. "No, I don't even know her."
But the truth was, Maria has already felt the stirrings of something she couldn't name. Something dangerous.
As the night went on, Maria tried to lose herself in conversation with Mina and a few other students, but her mind kept drifting back to Liz. When the mixer ended, and students spilled into the cool night air, Maria found herself walking towards the dorm alone.
The campus was quiet now, shadows stretching long across the pavement. Maria felt both free and exposed, the excitement of possibility mingling with an icy thread of fear.