2. Chapter 2

Chapter 2

Laura

The weather is a lot better today. It feels like I can finally breathe and there's no risk of rain in sight.

I make sure I bring my umbrella regardless, just in case. When I have my umbrella with me, it's almost guaranteed that it won't rain.

The first lesson of the year went smoothly. I yawn as I get out of the lecture hall, making sure the foldable umbrella is inside my backpack.

For my first week, I think I should walk around the school area to get familiar with places. I take a breath of the fresh scent of trees and plants. This place is famous for its historical aura and greenery, which is pretty obvious when I'm here.

This is what I enjoy and part of the reason why I choose to study here. It feels like I'm studying in a museum.

Across the road leads to the gate and the gargoyle statue, which is still sitting there, watching the streets with those sharp, intense eyes.

If it was a living thing, it'd be scary.

There are a few tourist-looking people taking photos with the statue. Technically, the statue and what's behind it is private land, but usually, the guards will let people take photos.

There is green moss on the statue, which... kind of look sad.

A statue doesn't have feelings and surely can't be upset about what's growing on it. It probably has been standing there for decades. What's there to stare at anyway?

Someone taps my shoulder, and I jump at that, spinning around to see...

I clear my throat. "Sorry, I don't mean to stand in your way."

I take a step back from the group of other students. I hate this... College should be a time for me to start fresh, but I still don't want to make myself to get to know new people, even though I probably should.

One of the guys says, "You're in the same class as us, right? In cultural studies."

I nod. "Yeah, I think so." I think those of us are the only ones around the lecture hall at this time of the day.

He asks, "We're trying to arrange for a dinner for everyone in the class. Will you join?"

No, thank you, I'd rather be on my own and spend my evenings reading instead of attempting and failing at small talk. "Sure, that sounds like a lot of fun."

Fuck my life... Why do I feel the need to agree to that stupidity? I'm going to be the odd one and it just won't work...

He grins. "That's great. We'll meet at the restaurant at the school at six. Look forward to seeing you!"

He leaves with the group, looking like they already know each other.

How did that even happen?

I don't understand people with a lot of friends, maybe I'm too introverted for my own good.

Now that I've agreed to go, maybe I should take my time and enjoy solitude while I still have it.