CHAPTER 2 : Howling University

CHAPTER 2

Howling University

Grimson… is a little different from what I expected.

It’s not that it brought a creepy vibes. My point is that-- am I inside a fairy tale book? This is beyond comparison from the metro! It left me a strayed the moment me and Imelda walk out the train station.

Now we’re waiting for a cab that will deliver us straight to her house. And while waiting, the view left me breathless. I was like inside a medieval era kind of town. The houses are made in bricks that tells me that it was a century old one! Plus the factors that some cartage is roaming. I mean it’s 2021, who would use that vehicle? But Grimson is really a different scene.

Imagine seeing things that is only found at the early era? The post, bookshop, store and coffee shop. It was filling my craving for a new start. Imelda was right, this feels like home. The six hour travel that made me feel torture was all worth it!

I want to dive deeper into the town. Although it’s giving me a different feeling in the chest, something hideous I still want to see what Grimson has. I might even meet good guy, huh? Well I wish there is really good guys somewhere in here.

“Hey, we’re up,” Imelda poke me. I nodded after giving a last look at the surroundings. I entered the cab, and I saw more interesting things at the way. “Enjoying yourself?” she asked.

I cleared my throat “Well, kinda.”

“Good to hear. Just wait for a moment, we’re near the destination.”

“Okay. I’m fine with that.” When I turn outside the window, my eyebrow curve seeing a large castle-like establishment down the mini slope we are thriving. It was colored gray and is being protected by great walls around it, it look… fantastic. “What is that?” I pointed the foundation.

Imelda blink like remembering a good thing. “It’s Grimson’s only school. Howling University.”

What the? That?! University?! Is she for real?! My lips parted by the sudden urge to get excited. Things from here… is really making sense. Howling University, huh?

I saw a lot more wonders in Grimson before we reached our destination. The cab stop in a gorgeous street filled with lively green bushes. In front of us is a huge mansion. It’s painted in golden white with a large front yard and veranda, I couldn’t believe that I’ll be staying here from now on. I didn’t know that Imelda is a rich grandma here at Grimson! “Tell me I have a princess like bedroom,”  I told her after entering the house filled with scented candles. So aesthetic.

“You do have.”

I controlled my grin. “Great, now where was it?”

“Second floor, the third door with your name.” I scoffed and snap.

“Can I? You know.” She sat at the white couch before nodding.

“Break as much as you want.”

That was a great news, I quickly saw my room. I found the room so hot, a poster bed with curtains, a walk in closet with things I needed and even more. I got carried away when I saw a veranda, I opened it and was astonish to have a full view of the golden sun set. Gosh, that’s why it was a tiring day, because it’s almost night time.

I inhale the clean air far from the metro, I stand my arms at the railing. I think I’m enjoying Grimson for a bit knowing this is far from dilemma. I puzzled out what is clearly happening at the moment.

I am finally at Grimson, I will be living from now on in my grandma’s house. And by tomorrow, surely I’ll be attending the magical Howling University since I will be having a rough year if I run late on the lessons. I once again heaved.

Searching for the a new start isn’t that difficult as I thought.

Imelda knocked on my door cutting my marveling. “Time for dinner.”

“Ah yes.”

I went down to eat. I wasn’t expecting much of a show at the diner since  it’s just the two of us, but I still find it so boring. I wish I can finally find a friend tomorrow to fully distract me. “Did you saw your uniform and school stuff?”

I put my spoon down with that. “No, was it there?”

She wipe her lips classy. “Yeah, it’s better if you try it on early.”

She was right. I finish my food then head straight back at my room, I saw the things she mention at the walk-in closet. I gasp seeing how cute the school uniform is. The coat and skirt is plain indigo, the blouse is white, and of course the red necktie. It was amazing when I try it on, not bad for my size. I turn around in front of the mirror then just simply scan myself. I traveled my hand at the silk then smiled.

“I hope home would fine me here.”

--

Imelda already finished fixing my documents for transferee at H.U, I intently woke early to get ready. I even used my favorite cologne to spice up. I must make sure that I don’t look like an introvert or some geek, I am so tired of having no friends. And that’s my top priority, make friends. And the grade… ahm, ahm… I’ll worry the grade later on.

When I got contented with my appearance, I meet Imelda at the garage. She’ll take me to school today, then from the gate I’ll be on my own. I assured her that I’ll be doing fine, it’s not the first time that I got transferred. Back in middle school, I change school three time because of the damn bullies.

While on our way, I didn’t expected that Imelda can be this so parental. “Make sure that you’re at track, tightly remember your classroom and don’t ever bark into someone else.”

“Why are you even sweet?” I mocked that made her forehead creased.

“Just a reminder  because you look stupid.”

My eyes widen, it was clearly a hate comment. “What the!” She stop the car making me shut up. She’s so mean!

“Make sure to avoid making a fuse, get that?” She lastly ordered before I get out of the car. I just secretly smirk.

“Yes ma’am.” She looks a little hesitant to leave me alone, but by seeing me courageous to take the day by myself, she simply pressed her lips before driving away. Watching her go gave a little spark of loneliness. Can I really take the day alone?

I am doubting myself when someone bump into my shoulder without even saying sorry. I find it so disrespectful plus the fact that I am a woman, I turn to him to yell when everything went clear in there.

Students with the same uniform as mine is walking inside the gigantic gate. Oh… gad.

I... am now in front of the huge castle. Howling University, the one that delivers goosebumps to my veins. I bit my lips to find salvation, I am really feeling uncomfortable and lost by now. And the student’s who wear this gloomy features didn’t lessen my nerve cracking anxiety. Am I really going to be all right?

With a heavy breath I took my step toward the gate. I am clouded with worry in every step, I almost flinch when I saw a group of girls scanning me from head to toe. I was hoping they’re kind but when I smiled at them, the witches smirk and flip their hair. Ugh?! What’s wrong with them? Trolls, tss. I think where ever  I go, mean people wont leave me alone.

I wasn’t that stupid as much as Imelda thought, I reached the registrar office of the big campus. I told them about my intention, after giving me a copy of my class scheduled they pointed where my classroom is. It was really hectic for a first day. I went to the building they guided me, the classroom number is printed in the paper so I had no struggle finding it.

After knocking in the classy wooden door it open showing up a tall guy maybe around 30? He looks casual in his attire, I bet his my teacher. I raise my hand awkwardly. “H-Hey, I’m… a transferee.” He studied me taht loosen my confidence.

“Ah, the one they mention.”

“Yeah..?”

He put a smile before welcoming me inside the assigned room. My heart started to palpitate same goes to my trembling hands. “G on, faster.”

“S-Sure.” I walk inside, I only look at the floor until I reached the middle. I almost had an heart attack when the teacher closed the door. Even nervous, I tilted my head up. The classroom beam in my eyes. The numbered students have this serious look.

“And you are?” I glance at the teacher. “I am Professor Dal. You are?”

“Ah, h-hi. I am Georgina Hidalgo, Gina for short. 18 and I came from the metro.”

“Oh metro huh?” Only Prof Dal had the say. “Interesting. Then class, do you have any words?” Silent stare, that’s what they gave me. Due to that Prof Dal motion me to find my seat.

“Okay.” The one at the back was the last seat, I took it as Prof Dal continued his lecture about Chemistry. I gently put my bag at the side analyzing the room.

“Hey,” someone called. I look at girl and found a cute one. She has this glasses and does look nice at first sight. She raise her hand.

“Ow, me?” She nodded.

“Nichy by the way.” I bit my lips and excitedly accepted it. A go flag for friendship! This is my chance! “Just cared to introduce myself since we’re a space apart.”

“It’s alright with me. I also wanted to talk to someone.” She silently giggle.

“You’re cute Gina from the metro. If I may ask, if you’re really from the capital then… what does it looks like?” I smiled shyly.

“It’s really great in there, you can do so much and…” the accident. “And many stuff could happen.”

“Sorry for asking, I was really curious about the metro when I heard you came from there.” The way she talk sound so sincere.

“No it’s really nothing. Glad to answer you--”

“Ms. Hidalgo?” The moment Prof Dal called my name I knew something wont go right. I stood slowly.

“Y-Yes Prof?”

“You two look having fun back there like I’m just shitting in here.” My eyes widen and gaze at Nichy who look sorry.

“Ah, about that--”

“You’re just starting your day but you already showed up your color huh? Are you messing up with me young wolf?”

“No, no it wasn’t like that--” He keeps on cutting me with a dark face. Oh gosh, what now?

“How dare you ruin my class hour?! Who do you think you are?!”

“Prof , we just ahm. Like--”

“I think Ms. Hidalgo is clever enough to take my effort to teach for granted.” Before I could even explain my side he slam the black board calling me in front. “Then show us your skill! Answer the problem!”

I only stared at him not knowing what to do. I do not know what the hell is he talking about! I do not even know why I have to find the X! I gulp when he called me again, with nothing at hand I walk toward him with eyes all over me. I am so ashamed. He cross his arms watching my next movement. I pointed the chalk at the board. Damn why am I wasting time if I don’t really know? I closed my eyes and faced him. “I’m sorry if I disrespect you in any aspect. But I do not really know the answer--”

He… he threw the eraser at my head making the chalk dust explode all over me. The classroom then was filled with laughter leaving me in deep shock. Prof Dal wasn’t contented that he even throw the chalk he is holding directly at my forehead. My lips parted from the humiliation.

“Stupid!” He picked up his book and mockingly slammed at my head. “You have the guts to play around yet do no know the answer to this simple problem?! Truly you are stupid then!”

Right in that spot, I realized that the hell I gone through was just starting.

“Get out of my face!” He ordered not minding how hurt I was. While heading out, the faces of my classmate bothered me, they were enjoying what just happen. I balled my fist controlling it all in before running as fast as I can to secrete the hate I had.

But with that, I accidentally bump into someone, he was hard as rock that I almost fell on the floor. I groan massaging my shoulder from pain. I wanted to yell hard that it was painful, everything is painful! But I paused… a good looking guy with a soft feature is now in front of me. He was taller by 7 inches and giving me that worried face seeing the chalk dust everywhere.

I hissed from shame. “D-Don’t look at me!” I ordered arrogantly to pushed him away. However his look didn’t change, he even offered his handkerchief before smiling that made me shut up.

“Sorry for what happen.” He turn his back and waved goodbye. “Stay safe.”