CHAPTER 3: Department Of Creative Writing

‎A loud yawn broke free from Alicia’s lips as her body stretched across the entire mattress like a cat claiming its territory. The faint morning light streamed through the half-drawn curtains, warming her cheek as she blinked herself awake. For a blissful moment, she didn’t remember where she was. Then her eyes adjusted to the unfamiliar ceiling, the neatly stacked books on the desk, and the faint scent of citrus and cedar that clung to the sheets.

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‎Her heart gave a small jolt.

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‎Right. She wasn’t home. She wasn’t in her mother’s cozy guest room, either. She was in Moonlined College. In a dorm. Sharing a room with…

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‎Her gaze swept instinctively to the other side of the bed. Empty.

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‎No trace of Raymond.

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‎Relief unfurled in her chest like a balloon. “Thank God,” she muttered, rolling onto her back with a stretch that made her joints pop. She hadn’t exactly been eager to start her morning with another round of bickering.

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‎Alicia pushed herself upright, rubbing her eyes with the back of her hands, and stole a glance at the clock on the nightstand.

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‎7:15.

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‎Her eyes bulged.

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‎“Jeez! I’m going to be late!” she shrieked, stumbling out of bed in a tangle of limbs. Panic rose sharp and hot in her chest. She had wanted to wake up early, to prepare calmly for her first official day of classes. Instead, here she was, hair a mess, pajamas wrinkled, and time already slipping away like sand through her fingers.

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‎She tore open her suitcase and began digging frantically. A pile of clothes spilled out, dresses and tops tumbling onto the floor. Her fingers closed around two gowns, one a pale lavender and the other a sunflower yellow. She held them up on either side, squinting between them.

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‎“Should I wear this… or this?” she asked the empty room, tilting her head left and right as if the dresses could answer her. “I need to look good on my first day.”

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‎The lavender looked soft and calm. The yellow looked bold.

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‎Her indecision knotted tighter. “Ugh, I can’t decide. Maybe I should pull out some more..”

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‎Within minutes, her suitcase looked like it had exploded. Clothes littered the floor, the bed, even the chair by the desk. She finally stopped when her hand landed on a deep red dress, patterned with intricate floral designs. It was bold without being too loud, graceful but playful. Above-the-knee length, perfect with flats.

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‎Alicia smiled in triumph. “This one. Definitely this one.”

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‎She glanced toward the closet. Raymond’s side was barely filled, clothes hanging neatly, shoes aligned with military precision. Beside them, empty hangers dangled invitingly.

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‎Her lips curled into a small smirk. “This is my room too. I have to feel comfortable.”

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‎She hung the red dress carefully, then added a few more clothes she knew she wouldn’t stuff back into her suitcase. It felt good, like she was claiming her space inch by inch, no matter how much Raymond tried to make her feel like an intruder.

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‎Armed with her dress, toiletries, and a makeup bag, Alicia darted into the bathroom. The hot spray of water was quick comfort against her skin, washing away the travel grime and lingering frustration of yesterday. She emerged minutes later fresh and glowing, her soft pajamas swapped for the red dress, her slippers tapping quietly against the tiled floor.

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‎Her reflection in the bathroom mirror made her pause. She wasn’t one for heavy makeup, but today demanded a touch of extra effort. A hint of blush, a swipe of lip gloss, a dab of eyeliner. Just enough to say, I belong here.

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‎Back in the room, she dragged a brush through her thick curls, muttering under her breath. “Behave, you wild thing.” It took several minutes, but eventually, her hair framed her face in loose, bouncy waves.

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‎Satisfied, she turned in search of her school bag only to find nothing. Her eyes darted around the room, scanning every corner. “Where is it? Where is my bag?” she groaned. Then it clicked. Still buried in her suitcase.

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‎Groaning louder this time, she yanked the zipper halfway open, rummaged briefly, then gave up. Time was ticking. She snatched her phone off the desk, along with a random pen she was pretty sure wasn’t hers. Likely Raymond’s.

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‎“Borrowed. Not stolen,” she mumbled, shoving the pen into her pocket.

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‎She grabbed her keys and bolted, slamming the door shut behind her.

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‎The hallway greeted her with an odd silence. Room 210 was the only room on the third floor, tucked away like some kind of forgotten secret. Alicia had thought it eerie the night before, but this morning it felt… isolating.

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‎Descending the stairs, she found the second floor buzzing with life. Students, boys and girls alike filtered through the halls, some chatting in small groups, others adjusting ties or tying shoelaces. A few carried stacks of books, others balanced trays of breakfast. She didn't expect the opposite gender to share the same dorm. It was intriguing.

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‎Nobody spared her more than a passing glance. To her relief, no one pointed or whispered. It was like she was invisible, and for once, Alicia was grateful. She wasn’t ready for drama. Not on her first day.

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‎Still, she caught the subtle shift in the air. Eyes lingered longer than they should have. A group of students at the corner paused mid-conversation, watching silently as she passed. Their gazes weren’t hostile, exactly, but curious. Measuring.

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‎Her stomach tightened. She quickened her pace, muttering under her breath, “Focus. Just focus.”

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‎Outside, the morning sun painted the campus golden. The dormitory stood at her back, while ahead sprawled the neat stone pathways and towering academic buildings. Thankfully, her department’s building wasn’t far from the dorm. She followed the digital map she had downloaded during admission. Moonlined College, required it for all freshers.

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‎Her heart thudded with a mix of nerves and excitement as she approached the imposing building.

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‎The Department of Creative Writing.

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‎She stood at the entrance for a beat, swallowing hard, before forcing her legs to move. Inside, students bustled about, laughter echoing down the halls. A large noticeboard stood just beyond the doors, directing freshers to their various offices. She wouldn't have to ask anyone for direction.

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‎“Thank goodness for you,” she whispered to the noticeboard with a relieved sigh before hurrying toward the registration office.

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‎She paused at the door, straightened her dress, and knocked.

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‎“Come in,” a woman’s voice called.

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‎Alicia opened the door and stepped inside.

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‎Behind the desk sat a striking woman with round glasses perched elegantly on her nose. Her sleek hair was pulled back, and her smile carried a mix of warmth and authority. A plaque on the desk read: Mrs. Yvonne Gerald – Part One Adviser.

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‎Alicia’s nerves fluttered. Everyone here looks so put together.

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‎“Good morning, ma,” she greeted with a wide smile.

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‎Mrs. Gerald’s eyes lifted. “You must be Alicia Adams. Welcome. Please, take a seat.”

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‎Alicia sat, smoothing her dress nervously as Yvonne shuffled a few papers.

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‎“You’re two weeks behind your class,” the adviser began, handing Alicia a printed schedule. “So, you have quite a bit of catching up to do. Here’s your timetable for the week.”

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‎Alicia accepted the sheet gratefully, though her stomach twisted. Two weeks behind. Great. As if she didn’t already feel like an outsider.

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‎She filled out the forms Yvonne provided while answering questions. “Year of birth?”

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‎“January 12, 2006.”

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‎“Mother’s maiden name?”

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‎“Grace.”

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‎Yvonne typed rapidly on her computer, then offered Alicia a bright smile. “Welcome officially to Moonlined College, and to the Department of Creative Writing. Your first class will be Literature.”

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‎Something inside Alicia brightened at that. Literature. At least that was familiar ground.

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‎“I’ll assign someone to give you a tour,” Yvonne added. “Since you missed the general one.”

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‎Alicia hesitated. She didn’t want to impose, but at the same time, why make life harder? She nodded. “Yes, please. That would help a lot.”

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‎Yvonne’s smile widened knowingly. She rose, and Alicia followed, both of them moving toward the door. Alicia opened it first...

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‎And froze.

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‎Right there, leaning against the corridor wall with his arms crossed, was Raymond.

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‎Her smile instantly flipped into a scowl. His mirrored hers.

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‎“Oh, Raymond,” Yvonne said brightly, clearly oblivious to the storm brewing between them. “Perfect timing. Give Alicia a brief tour of the department.”

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‎Alicia’s brain hiccuped. So his name is Raymond. She narrowed her eyes at him.

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‎“Argh, really?” Raymond groaned, dragging a hand down his face. “You’re assigning me babysitting duty?”

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‎Yvonne gave him a look that was both amused and stern. “Think of it as atonement for your sins. Don’t argue.”

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‎Before Alicia could protest, Yvonne dismissed them both with a polite wave and retreated into her office. The door clicked shut.

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‎The hallway fell into silence. Alicia and Raymond stood locked in mutual distaste.

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‎“You don’t have to give me a tour,” she said quickly, forcing her voice steady. “I know you don’t want to, so run along.”

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‎Raymond tilted his head, smirk curving his lips. “Follow me, I have to do it even if I don't have to”

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‎He turned without waiting, his long strides carrying him ahead with infuriating arrogance.

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‎Alicia rolled her eyes so hard it hurt. But she had no choice unless she wanted to wander the halls lost all morning. With a reluctant groan, she hurried after him, muttering under her breath, “This day just keeps getting better.”