5. The Second Encounter

It’s our first day in the University, but we still don’t have classes yet. We do have a lot of orientations and meetings today though.

The freshmen orientation was already done. We still have an hour for a break to have snacks or something and then we’ll head to our department orientation. After that, I’ll have my bloc encounter. They call it ‘bloc encounter’ because it’s the first time the students in my bloc will meet.

For freshmen, the sections are usually by bloc, which means that for people who are in the same bloc, they will most likely have the same classes. This is like a default for the freshmen. But after the first semester, we will basically be on our own. We’ll decide on what classes to take as long as we still follow our prospectus. For now, we’ll enjoy this privilege of not having to beg teachers to include us in their classes.

Luckily, Taylor and I are in the same department so we don’t have to part ways just yet.

But when the most dreaded bloc encounter came, I had to be by myself. Which is scary.

“Creative writing?” Someone asked. I’m the first person who came to the meeting room. I'm a few minutes early. With what happened earlier? I'll definitely practice being an early bird. I hate attending something and not being able to have my own chair.

I nodded at the girl who just asked me. I guess she also belongs in this room.

“Hi! I’m Erica,” she says as she takes the seat beside me.

“I’m Jasmine. Nice meeting you,” I replied with a smile.

“What bloc do you belong to?” She asked. I had my class schedule on my hands so I checked it once again even if I already knew what bloc I’m in.

“Bloc A,” I replied.

“Oh. Smart ass,” she mumbled. “I’m from bloc B.”

“Too bad. I wish we were classmates.”

“Nah, sis. You’re too smart to be my classmate. You didn’t know? Bloc As are the star section. They’re composed of valedictorians and honor rolls from high school,” she explained. Well, I didn’t know about that.

I thought this is for our bloc only. Apparently, it’s an encounter between students under the same course. They should’ve called it a ‘Course encounter.’

“So which student are you?” She suddenly asked. I didn’t know what she meant so I furrowed my brows.

“What do you mean?”

“I mean, were you a valedictorian, honorable mention?”

I felt shy when I understood her question. “Valedictorian.”

“Wow. You go girl!” She mumbled with a grin.

I still want to talk more to Erica but the room was slowly filled with students and soon enough, the encounter started.

We were grouped based on our bloc and those who belong in Bloc A sat on the first few rows of chairs. I had to say goodbye to Erica because we’re parting ways. But it was nice to meet and talk to her. I hope she becomes one of my friends. I don't have much social skills based on my experience in High School, and I want to change that here. So might as well try to be friends with people who are pleasant enough to talk to me and not find me intimidated.

The moment I went to the front, I felt this weird feeling of competition going on. I feel like all these people near me are so smart and competitive.

Mom told me that ranking doesn’t really matter in College. But I feel like these kids would kill just to be on top. That’s scary.

I tried to introduce myself to my seatmate but I think she’s not interested in knowing me. I suddenly feel bad for myself. And it feels so wrong to be in this bloc. They’re kind of mean.

The meeting started with me not being able to know anyone from my bloc. Being around them feels so intense so I just didn’t bother introducing myself again to anyone. I feel like they’ll eat me up.

So these are the people I will be classmates with for the rest of the semester huh?

I can’t wait for this meeting to end.

-

After the very intimidating meeting, I was so happy to go back to the dormitory. That meeting drained my energy.

“How’s your bloc encounter?” Taylor asked when she saw me entering the room. She’s already inside and is now lying on her bed.

“Aweful,” I replied, to which she answered with a laugh.

“I can see it on your face,” she commented.

“They’re scary.”

“Well, you belong in the star section. I just figured it will be like that,” she mumbled. Taylor’s in Bloc B and she seemed happy about it. I wish I just belonged to Bloc B. I feel like the people there are nicer.

“Well, guess what. I think I’m gonna bury my nose on my books during class,” I said.

I changed into a new set of clean clothes and lay on my bed. I really have no energy at this moment. I’ll just take a nap and maybe have dinner when I wake up.

“I’ll just take a nap, Tay. Wake me up if you’re going to eat so I can go with you,” I said.

“Okay!”

-

The following day’s officially the first day of classes. I woke up earlier than yesterday- it’s still 5 am. I also woke Taylor up. We can’t make the same mistake we did yesterday.

When we went to the bathroom, there were no lines and we quickly got our spots. So I guess I’ll be waking up everyday at 5 am.

My first class is at 8 am so I still have time to grab some breakfast with Taylor. Her first class is still later at 9.

We happened to pass by a cafe just near the dormitory and there were still a lot of vacant seats so Tay and I decided to just eat there. Plus, I’d be happy to order that huge cup of coffee someone ordered just now.

“Ohh, I want that!” I told Tay.

We are already at the counter and it’s already our turn. Taylor quickly said her order, asked for the rest room, and left me there.

“I want that huge cup of coffee the lady ordered just now. What is it?” I asked the girl taking our orders.

She smiled and said, “That was a Cappuccino, Miss.”

“Yes, I’ll have that,” I said smilingly. It just smelled so good and so strong. I hope it will help me get through the day. I also ordered their breakfast special because it sounds yummy and... well, special.

Caffeine’s really a necessary part of my day. Without coffee, I become a weak, sleepy person with no ability to function. So I’m definitely taking that very huge cup.

“So you’re into coffee, huh?” Someone spoke behind me. The voice was unfamiliar so I had to turn.

And lo and behold, it was the guy from yesterday. The one who kept staring at me!

“I’m Flint, by the way,” he murmured, offering his hand for a handshake. I just looked at it.

I couldn’t quite move when I felt something weird from the necklace again.

What the hell is wrong with this necklace?!