A New beginnings

Elaine hurried through the crowded hallways, clutching her bag tightly as she glanced at the paper in her hand. Room 302… Where is it? She turned left, then right, frustration growing as she failed to spot the classroom.

"Miss, you're going to be late," a voice called from behind.

Elaine spun around to see a professor giving her a pointed look. "Oh! Yes—sorry!" she stammered before breaking into a run.

As she rounded a corner, she crashed into someone with full force, sending books and papers flying.

"Oh my God! I'm so sorry!" Elaine blurted, scrambling to pick up her things.

"No, it's my fault! I wasn't looking either," the other girl said, laughing breathlessly as she gathered her own scattered belongings.

Elaine finally looked up and saw a girl with bright eyes and an easy smile.

"You're in a rush too?" Elaine asked, brushing dust off her notebook.

"Yeah! First day, and I'm already running late. Not a great start." The girl grinned. "I'm Mary, by the way."

"And I am Elaine " she introduced and shakes her hand.

"Oh sorry I am also late for the class" Elaine apologise in a hurry to leave.

Mary stopped her. "Wait… what's your class?"

"Room 302."

Elaine's lips parted in surprise before she let out a relieved laugh. "Me too! Guess we're in this mess together."

Mary grinned, linking arms with her playfully. "Then let's go before we get kicked out on day one."

They took off down the hall, laughing as they ran—because somehow, the chaos didn't feel so bad anymore.

______

Break Time

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By the time the first few lectures were over, Elaine and Mary were already inseparable. As the lunch bell rang, the two made their way to the cafeteria, chatting about their classes.

"So," Mary said, taking a bite of her sandwich. "Any hot guys caught your eye yet?"

Elaine nearly choked on her juice. "What? No!"

Mary smirked. "Come on, this is college. There has to be someone."

Elaine hesitated. She knew exactly who came to mind—but she quickly shook off the thought. Alexander was in a different world.

Before she could respond, a sudden commotion caught their attention.

A loud voice echoed across the cafeteria. "Stay the hell away from me!"

Elaine and Mary turned just in time to see a girl throwing her drink at a guy. Gasps and whispers spread through the students as the guy—clearly annoyed—grabbed some napkins to wipe his shirt.

"Damn," Mary muttered. "That's Ryan, the campus flirt. Heard he's been messing with a lot of girls."

Elaine raised an eyebrow. "Looks like someone finally called him out."

"Yeah, but it won't stop him," Mary replied. "Guys like that think they own the place."

As they watched, Ryan suddenly turned, locking eyes with Elaine. A smirk played on his lips before he strolled over to their table, confidence dripping every step.

"Oh great," Mary whispered. "Looks like he noticed you."

"Well, well," he drawled, resting a hand on the table as he leaned in slightly toward Elaine. "Haven't seen you around before."

Elaine sighed, already regretting making eye contact. "I just started today."

Ryan's smirk deepened. "Lucky me, then." His gaze swept over her before he tilted his head. "You've got this… untouchable vibe. Like you belong somewhere higher than the rest of us."

Mary rolled her eyes. "Oh, please. Don't start with your usual lines."

Ryan ignored her, his attention fully on Elaine. "What's your name, princess?"

"Elaine," she said curtly, he wait expectantly for her full name , than she whispered slowly "monroe"

He let the name roll over his tongue. "Elaine. Pretty." Then his eyes glinted with something sharper—recognition. "Wait… Monroe?"

Elaine stiffened slightly. She hated how people reacted to her last name.

Ryan let out a low whistle, leaning back. "Now that explains everything."

Elaine frowned. "Explains what?"

"That aura. The way you carry yourself. You're rich, aren't you?" His smirk returned. "So tell me, Elaine Monroe, what's a girl like you doing in a place like this?"

Elaine crossed her arms. "Studying. Like everyone else."

Ryan chuckled, clearly enjoying himself. "And here I thought college was about making connections." He winked. "Maybe we should… get to know each other better."

Mary scoffed. "Oh, give it a rest, Ryan."

Elaine stood up, grabbing her tray. "Not interested."

Ryan, unfazed, watched her go with amusement. "We'll see about that, princess."

As Elaine walked away, she whispered, "He's going to be a problem, isn't he?"

Mary sighed. "Yeah. I can already tell."