Steps

Recap

"Uncle Bob stays, end of discussion."

Whatttt. Uncle Bob is originalllll.

The amazing person on the bike just rolled his eyes, and gots off his kawaski legendary awesome fantastic - you get the idea - bike. I was only then able to see just how damn tall he was, almost 6 foot, but not exactly there, maybe 5"11 against my 5"2 self. I guess you could assume that I was...intimidated to say the least. He walked up to me and bent down a bit resting his hand on knees to whisper "You're messing with the wrong guy, princessa"

"Ooooo, intimidateddddd" I replied with a winning smirk of my own, he just smirked back and walked off, leaving his bike in the middle of the parking lot and not giving a care in the world.

Interestingly I was fascinated by his attitude but I knew I would have many chances to see his attitude in the future, even if I didn't want to…

>>>>>>>>>>

I had to now overcome the biggest obstacle of all, stepping inside the palace of hell. That was so cool I love it. Anyway, the way I see it, the first step is always the hardest no matter what it is about. You find a person cool? How do you approach them? You going to a new school? The what ifs are infinite. But once that first step is done, the next seems harder but what people forget to see is how far they've come from before. Looking back allows a moment of self-reflection and appreciation. It motivates you to move forward, whilst being proud of your past.

My monologue is over, and so I took the first step. It wasn't too bad, I didn't even realise it but I was taking one step after the other, getting closer and closer to the entrance of the school.

Up close it really is an incredible piece of work. Each pillar is embedded with latin quotes that I could't translate. Probably some reassuring words and motivational quotes to help the students.

I made my way to the reception where I would need to collect my dorm keys and my schedule, as well as my school ID to assist in getting food and getting inside the school. Nearing the receptionist, she seems busy and (being the patient person that I am) I wait for her to finish what she was doing.

"I'm so sorry, I'll be with you in just a moment" She rapidly said to me while picking up the phone and punching some numbers in.

I hastily replied "No, please take your time, you seem to be busy" so that I didn't accidentally speak when she's on the phone.

Whilst I was waiting, I had nothing better to do so I thought I might as well familiarise myself with the receptionist.

She seemed young, possibly late 20s or early 30s. She had thick round glasses that were most definitely too big for her face, but made her seem innocent and younger than she appeared to be. Her age was evidently shown in the lack of harsh lines and wrinkles around her forehead and eyes, as well as her millennial style of dressing. There was a floral pattern on the loose sweatshirt she was wearing, paired with mom jeans. She didn't seem that tall, only around 5"5, of course she was still taller than me, but not that tall compared to average height. She had a heavy ring on her ring finger, meaning she was married.

I was forced out of my gaze when I saw her put down the phone and walk towards my direction.

I straightened my back and leaned forward in hopes of being seen as a good student who wants to be involved.

She smiled at me and apologised for the wait.

'I am so sorry for having you wait that long. How can I help you now?' She sat down on her chair in front of the computer, resting her hands on the keys, waiting for me to respond.

'I'm actually a new student so I was hoping you could help me with the dorm keys and schedule.' I looked around the area and realized I might need one more thing,

'Maybe a map might help too.'

She chuckled and typed up some things.

'Must be scary, New school, specifically this huge school. Don't worry, you'll be fine, you get used to the route… and the people' She whispered the last part, leaning in closer. Almost as if someone would hear.

She asked me for my name and then proceed to give me my keys and schedule, with a map with which she gave me a shy wink.

I smiled and started walking away with one of the many questions in my head rising to the surface.

"Why did she need to whisper the people…?"

....

The school was a maze in which I felt like a lab rat being tested on. It was quite overwhelming and the thought of going in the wrong direction was even worse. I tried to follow the map for about 30 minutes only to end up outside the school and at a dead end. Or at least I thought it was a dead end at the time. I had a strong feeling of attachment to the place for an odd reason. The street lights and alleyways were bringing a strong sense of deja vu which was strange because I never usually felt deja vu.

I started walking back the way I came and finally decided asking for directions was the best way to reach my room. I saw a young lady who looked like a student, therefore i walked over to her repeating in my head what it was that i was going to ask.

"Hi, do you possibly know the way to the dorm rooms for the new students?"

The girl turned around and flashed the brightest smile I had seen in ages. Almost as bright as mine. Am I right or am I right?

"Of course! What room number I'll lead you right to it."

I told her my room number and we started walking to rooms. I have to admit i was quite jealous… I was used to being the happiest and liveliest in the room but she just seemed like she had no worries in the world and I was jealous of how she was so effortlessly elegant at the same time. I looked at her shiny hair bouncing and reflecting light which made it seem so silky and soft and then i looked down and my split ends and hair that i haven't even brushed, it probably still had bits of dried up blood in it. I shook my head and told myself that I shouldn't judge a book by it's cover and decided she would probably appreciate my thoughts right now so I tapped her shoulder so she would turn around.

"I was just admiring how pretty and elegant you are! I am soooo jealous!" I paired it with a little wink to make it seem more lighthearted and she replied with a joyous thank you and we continued up the stairs.

We had passed 3 flights of stairs and after the 4th she gestured to my left and said it's the 3rd room on the right.

"Thank you so much…. I'm sorry i don't know ur name."

"Oh it's fine, I'm Maria"

"Nice to meet you maria" I shook her hand and she waved a delightful goodbye and i took a deep breath and turned the lock on my door.

What i saw next was absolutely unexpected

"WHAT THE ACTUAL FU.."

"Language red" He said with a smirk.