Chapter 2: Expecting Heaven

Two more stops. Two more stops left to my college. I looked out of the window and noticed how beautiful the streets were compared to where my house was located. The beautiful bungalows with manicured gardens. Tall skyscrapers with an arrogance of its own. Expensive cars that crowded the road. Everything over here screamed rich. 

The bus conductor came to check my ticket. I handed it over to him from my shabby purse. I looked at my appearance and frowned. A white blouse that my mom scrubbed very hard to make sure it was sparkly clean from all the stains it had accumulated over the years. But unfortunately, all that scrubbing had made it a bit worn out. A pair of trousers that I bought from the second-hand market. The colour of the trousers is a bit faded but otherwise, it is alright. My brown shoes were from my mom and my coat belonged to my grandmother. I know I looked like a beggar to all the people over here but this is honestly the best way I could dress up.

"Elegans Comprehensive! Elegans Comprehensive!" 

This woke me out of my trance. I rushed out of the bus. Several more people went out of the bus. Maybe they are scholarship students like me. 

I hope I can make good friends over here. 

Most of the students over here look like they are from affluent families. Would I be an outcast among them? No, I am here to change my life. I cannot think of such negative thoughts.

I followed the other students to where they were walking. 

"Elgans Comprehensive" I finally saw a board with my college's name written.

I looked up to see my college but what I saw made me gasp. 

This is not a college but a castle.

A huge iron gate with the name of the college written in vintage style stood before me. A bunch of students were making their way into the college. I found myself moving with the crowd.

Elegans Comprehensive—the name whispered through the air like a forgotten secret. As I stepped beyond the wrought-iron gates, I felt the weight of centuries settle on my shoulders. The sun, filtered through ancient oaks, cast dappled shadows on the cobblestone path. Each step echoed with the hushed reverence of countless scholars who had walked this way before me.

The gardens flanking the path were a symphony of colour and fragrance. Roses, their petals like velvet, leaned toward the sun as if seeking its approval. Lavender bushes released their soothing scent, and bees danced in lazy circles around them. Statues of long-dead philosophers stood sentinel, their marble eyes following my progress.

And there it was—the heart of Elegans Comprehensive—a majestic white manor that seemed to defy time itself. Its turrets reached for the sky, their slate roofs weathered by storms and secrets. Ivy clung to the walls, weaving intricate patterns like forgotten spells. Stained glass windows, each a masterpiece, told stories of wisdom, bravery, and love.

I smiled to myself unconsciously. This time I am going to live my life. I am not going to give up. I am going to fight.

"Ouch!" I shrieked in pain as I suddenly fell on the stone path.

"Look where you are going beggar!" a mocking voice said.

I looked up to see a group of boys surrounding me with faces mocking me.