CHAPTER 2

I took a deep breath when I got to the university. Even though it's not the school I dreamed of, it's better than Daddy deciding not to let me go to school.

I just need to graduate in peace right? It is not important anymore if I don’t like my course and school as long as I’ll graduate without any problems that may cause my Dad to disown me.

I took my schedule from the envelope I was holding to look where I was going first. Based on my online research, there will be an orientation for all the freshies so I need to know where they will be going to hold the event.

"Hi! Are you from CBA?"

I moved my gaze to the direction where I heard the voice. I'm not sure if she was talking to me because I didn't see her coming, but it was safe to assume she was because she's standing next to me and there's no one else there except the two of us. She has shoulder-length hair streaked with blonde highlights and has a boyish appearance. In addition, she has three earrings in her left ear. Her face is angelic, but her heavy make-up makes her look like a villain in a movie. She has thin, heart-shaped lips with dark lipstick. Her eyes are also jet black with long lashes, and her dark eyeshadow emphasizes them. She was dressed in an open checkered polo with a black tube inside where her navel could be seen, black ripped jeans for her bottom, and converse rubber shoes. To sum it up, she appears to be the lead singer of a rock and roll band. 

"Uhm, yes?" I answered hesitantly. I don’t want to answer her but I felt that it would be rude if I just intentionally ignored her presence. 

"Finally!” I got a little startled because of her sudden squealing. I just looked at her questioningly. Did I just bump into a weird human being on the first day of the class?

“I've been wandering around here for hours already but didn’t find any single soul that belongs to CBA. This school is damn huge," she said while fanning herself with the envelope she was holding similar to mine. She’s right. This university is damn huge and you’ll get lost if you really don’t know the right way. In my case, I just asked every security guard I saw on the way here.

"What's your block?"

"Block A," I replied and turned my gaze back to the building in front of me.

"Shoot! We're on the same block. We're friends now?" My eyebrows rose because of his question.

Friends? Immediately? She hasn't even introduced herself to me then she wants us to be friends right away? Wasn't she taught not to talk to strangers? I’m sorry but I really have trust issues when it comes to this matter.

"Oh, it’s early in the morning and you’re raising your eyebrows like that. Don't be like that my dear. Your pretty face will be ruined. I'm Mace by the way." She finally introduced herself and she extended her hand to shake hands, I guess. 

I just let out a long sigh and held out her hand, "I'm Tiarra."

"Your name is cute." She giggled. "Anyway, let's go. We might be late for the orientation." I just nodded and we walked into the building together.

Upon entering, we were welcomed by the huge tarpaulin with the inscription “WELCOME TO COLLEGE OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION”

In the center of the entrance, there was a huge space and there were long tables assigned per block and per year. There are already quite a few students entering the building. It looks like the orientation will be held here because there is also a mini-stage set up on the right side.

I can't determine if all of us here are first years because this school doesn't have a uniform. Maybe we will have a faculty shirt to identify who’s who. 

"It's freaking huge." I heard Mace whisper. She also seemed amazed at what she saw.

Yes. It's really huge. This is basically my first time here since I’m not the one who took care of my enrollment. I was surprised that I was already enrolled and Margaux just handed me my schedule last week. Maybe Dad used his connection to enroll me without asking what I really want. He just needs to send me to school, well out of obligation maybe.

It's good that I have someone with me this first day at least, in case I get lost here, I have someone with me. Mace and I will get lost together. 

How is Margaux?

I was just shaken by the thought that crosses my stupid mind. Why do I need to worry about her? She’s probably enjoying it right now. Aside from getting the school and course she wanted, she was really a social butterfly so most likely, she already has friends right now. Who would not love Magie tho? Everyone loves her and everyones wants to be with her.

Mace and I went to the long table together to register our names. I don’t even know why we need to write our names here. Is this some part of attendance? Well, who cares. When we were done we went to the side where the mini stage was placed. 

"It seems that they will do our orientation here. Well it's good on our part since they could announce all the things they want to say just once.”

I just let Mace blabber. It looks like she's only talking to herself. I simply roamed my gaze around me. I think this building is the only one reserved for CBA. Because if not, well they are not stupid to put that huge tarpaulin in front of the entrance.

"Good morning freshies!" Our attention was caught by a cheerful greeting by a petite woman standing on the mini stage. Everyone inside stopped on what they were doing and listened intently to the person on stage. Mace and I did the same.

"I'm Hazel, the current president of the student body in CBA. For this orientation, I just want to welcome you as the new Junior Executives of our faculty. Aside from the mission, vision and core values ​​of the university, we also have our own in the handbook  you are holding. It also contains the rules and regulations not only of the school but also our faculty. After this orientation, you can go to your respective blocks and we want you to elect officers per block since there will be a new student body next week. That's all and enjoy your journey as part of the CBA Family!"

After Miss President’s speech, people began to leave to follow her instructions.

"Let's go?" Mace asked. I just nodded to her and started walking. 

We went up to the second floor since that was stated on our schedule based on time after this quick orientation. It looks like we're also a block section and there's no need to move around the building for switching rooms. 

When we got to our classroom Mace and I immediately looked for a seat. We chose the one in the second row near the window.

"Can I sit near the window?" I asked. Mace looked at me like I had asked a silly question.

"You can sit wherever you want. There’s no need to ask.”

I thanked her before I sat down near the window. I feel more relaxed when I see the swaying trees and a clear blue sky. That's why I always wanted a seat near the window.

I pulled out my phone while we waited for the professor. Since it’s our first day, I doubt if they will give us any homework already. I decided to open my social media and upon scrolling, my twin’s beautiful face popped up on my news feed.

“Having a lot of fun with my new squad!”

That's the caption of her post with a picture with her new friends. I couldn’t help but smile and feel a pang of jealousy. The course she took was fitted for Margaux because she loves to socialize with people and people love her easily.

If we put aside her bad attitude, she will be a perfect example of a good friend.

"Who's that?" I was surprised when Mace suddenly spoke. I didn't notice that she was peeking at my cell phone.

"My twin." I saw how her brows furrowed because of my answer. She looked at me then looked back at Margaux's picture.

"Why aren't you two alike?"

I was no longer surprised by her question. Aside from Margaux being more sophisticated than I am, we are actually fraternal twins.

Margaux and I have the same height and almost the same body shape but her body frame was better than mine because I was sickly. We both have naturally wavy hair but mine is light brown while hers is as black as night. At first glance when we are together you will think we look alike but when you look at us closely, you will see all the differences.

Margaux's eye color is brown and mine is black. Her nose is pointed like a foreigner while mine is just normal. Not that pointed but not to the point of being flat.

And she’s the only pride, love and joy of our father.

See? We are not really alike. We have big differences.

I shook my head because negative thoughts are starting to envelope my mind. I can’t afford to be distracted right now. Atleast, not here in school.

I stared at Mace as she alternated her glances between Magie’s picture and my face.

"You don't really look alike. If you don't say you're twins, I'll think she's older than.”

I decided not to answer and just chose to turn off my phone. Honestly, I don’t want to have a friend now that I’m in college. My priority is to graduate in peace and having friends is out of the option. 

Why?

Because when they learn that I have a twin, they will start asking questions. And answering their questions about my twin is my greatest dilemma in life. Because when they found out that it was much better if they were friends with Magie, they would all leave me.

All of them always choose Magie. Even if my twin doesn't do anything, it seems natural for her to stand out among everyone. When they set their eyes to Margaux, suddenly everyone's attention is on her

And what about me?

I’ll be left alone. Just like always. I’m always an outcast. 

So when Mace said earlier that we are friends?

Nope. I don’t want to hold on to that. Because I know in the end, she’ll leave me eventually just like others do.