Chapter Draft: New Beginnings, Old Routines

With the peak winter morning came an early sunrise today, signalling the start of a new semester. It was time to finally get my schedule in order and, maybe, shed my lazy habits. Well, we’ll see how that goes!

I got out of bed and did my morning chores. Apparently, it was the first day back to college, so yeah, it did require some extra effort to get ready. Honestly, though, it’s a task to think of an outfit that’s appropriate enough to meet your expectations every day, but is there any? Ever? A question I think all my girls will agree to!

By 8 AM, I was all set, and just then, my friend Ian showed up to pick me up.

Now, a little about Ian: I met him during freshman year of college, and ever since, he’s been a relentless pain in my ass— the kind of person I’ve learned to love (and tolerate). When offline classes kicked off again, we made it a routine to go to college together.

We headed to our class and began with the very first lecture: Calculus. Seems like the stars weren’t in my favour today. Plus, the uncomfortable seats weren’t helping either. We decided to address this issue with Mr. James, our ever-patient administrative head. Yes! we started complaining already. So adjusting right?! While the lesson was still going on, I noticed a group of guys passing by, and one in particular caught my eye. He was wearing a black shirt and blue jeans, but what really struck me was that he was carrying a maroon scarf with such ease and flair. It was like he was born with that scarf around his neck— perfectly paired with his vibe. I couldn’t see his face, but I could definitely tell: he caught my attention.

Later, during break, the canteen was swarmed by people, and the commotion felt quite normal. It seemed like we were all waiting for this part of college life: the food, the gossip, checking people out, and of course, the gaming time that we had to squeeze into that one-hour break.

My high school friends Claire, Samantha, and Chelsea (except for Natalie) were all in the same college, pursuing the same course. Ian, being related to Claire by family, somehow became one of us. It’s my comfort circle— my best friends in every sense.

As I entered the campus, it finally hit me: it’s time to get serious about it all! No more luxury of online exams and easy access to lectures. We had to attend everything in person. But why do I have to be the buzzkill on the very first day? Seriously, what’s wrong with me?

The rest of the day passed quickly as we adjusted to the new seats and, of course, our new curriculum.

When I got home, I felt drained, as if I’d been doing some heavy weightlifting during those college hours— or maybe it was the pending sleep that made the day feel like a blur. Next thing I knew, I was having dinner with my family, followed by one of our usual chit-chat sessions where we discuss everything and nothing. It’s always been a tradition in our home to sit together and communicate. It was instilled in me from a young age, and needless to say, it’s the best habit I’ve developed. Credit to my dad for that!

So, that sums up my day— stepping into the college era with full force, already spotting a guy (God, I hope I see him tomorrow, please!), and getting my daily dose of friends and family.