Reg-1

"You're next!" he called out the moment he caught my signal.

He held my gaze for a second, studying me like he was reading between the lines, then turned back inside.

Mom had already slung her bag over her shoulder and taken the first step forward.

Dad followed right behind, then Bob, and.... .as always... .I brought up the rear.

We stepped into the office, where Mom and Dad made a beeline for the desk, where two chairs had been set up across from a man who looked like he was in charge of student assessments.

Bob and I, meanwhile, sank into a plush blue couch just a little away from the desk, sinking into its cushions.

The man greeted my parents with a polite smile as they settled into their seats.

"Good morning! Welcome to SkyView College of Sciences." His voice carried a practiced warmth.

"I'm Mr. Collins, and I'll be assisting you with the check-in process today.

My assistant, Riel Leonard, will be helping as well."

Mom responded with an equally polite smile.

"Good morning! We're here to check in our daughter, Brenda, for the semester."

"Bring in one more chair," Mr. Collins instructed, with an easygoing voice.

Curious, I glanced up to see who he was talking to, and sure enough, it was the same guy who had called me in earlier.

So, he wasn't the one assessing us after all….just the assistant.

Riel nodded and disappeared into another section of the office before returning with an extra chair.

Mr. Collins flicked his eyes between Bob and me, then asked, "So, which one of them is it?"

Mom chuckled. "Uhhh… the girl, of course."

The realization dawned on Mr. Collins, and he let out a small laugh.

"Right, right! Brenda….definitely a girl's name. Come on, dear, have a seat." He gestured toward the chair, and I stood up, making my way over with measured steps.

"Alright! Congratulations on this exciting milestone," he said with a smile.

"Can I see your child's registration confirmation, please?"

Dad wasted no time pulling a file from his bag and fishing out a sheet of paper. "Here it is."

"Thank you," Mr. Collins said, then passed the document to his assistant.

"Riel, can you verify the registration details?"

"Of course. Give me just a moment." Riel's fingers danced over the keyboard, the soft tap-tap filling the brief silence.

After a pause, he nodded. "Everything checks out. The registration is confirmed, and all required documents are in order."

"Perfect, thanks, Riel. I'll just print out Brenda's student ID card."

"Meanwhile, can you confirm her contact information and emergency contacts?"

"Of course. Let me just update that in the system," Riel responded, his fingers flying across the keyboard again.

A few moments later, he looked up. "All set!"

"Appreciate it, Riel," Mr. Collins said before turning back to my parents with a nod.

"Here's Brenda's student ID card. If you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to reach out to us."

Mom and Dad nodded in acknowledgement, and then Mr. Collins shifted his attention to me.

"Now, Brenda, about your room assignment. You'll be staying in Room 314 in Maple Dorm.

Your roommate will be Alisha."

Alisha. The name lingered in my mind for a second. Who was she? What kind of person was I about to share a room with?

"Got it," I finally said, pushing the thought aside for now.

Mr. Collins handed me a booklet. "Here's your class schedule and a campus map to help you get around. You'll also find a student handbook inside, it covers our college policies and procedures."

I took the booklet, running my fingers over the cover as he continued.

"If you've signed up for a meal plan, you can use it at the cafeteria. We also offer parking options for students with vehicles. And make sure your emergency contact details are up to date in case of any urgent situation."

I nodded. "Thank you," I said, genuinely appreciating his kindness.

He turned back to my parents. "That should be everything. If you have any final questions, now's the time."

He laced his fingers together and rested them on the desk, with an open expression.

Dad opened his mouth, about to give the usual, "No, not at all," when Mom, in her classic inquisitive fashion, cut in with a firm, "Yes."

I held back an exasperated sigh, rolling my eyes slightly.

The nervous jitters that had gripped me earlier were gone now. Instead, excitement buzzed through me… I just wanted to get to my dorm, meet my roommate, and start exploring the school.

'Can we just get out of here already?' I thought to myself as Mom dove into her question.

"Ahhh… actually, yes. Can you tell us more about the student support services? Things like academic advising and counseling?"

A small smile tugged at my lips. Of course. This was classic Mom.. always making sure that discipline and guidance followed us no matter how far from home we went.

Mr. Collins nodded. "Absolutely! We provide a range of support services to help students thrive.

Our academic advisors are available to assist with course selections and study strategies. We also have a counseling center that offers confidential mental health support and well-being services."

Mom, clearly satisfied, gave a pleased nod. "That's good to know. Thank you."

She took the first step to stand, signaling the end of our little session.

Dad gave a polite bow of thanks, and the rest of us followed her lead as we made our way out.