Rude Awakening

As is for most people joining a new school, the experiences one is bound to go through are unknown. From making new acquaintances, new study material for new modules, new accommodations, some times, a new city, getting a new crush, all come with this. This was the same for Maria Audrey Nampeera. She was a happy child. Not too many expectations up her sleeve, especially from people. She was the ambassador of the "extending grace to others association," though not so much was given to her in return. Her best friend from high school had joined campus a year ahead of her due to unavoidable circumstances. A month before she became a freshman, she had already acquainted herself with the surroundings of the university through her best friend Celine Mabanji and her sister Irene Mabanji. Maria's high school sweetheart Rodney Omir was at the same campus. They had been in their push, pull and shove relationship for close to five years now keeping it long distance. Outside looking in, one would say they were forcing things to work for the longest while the absent attraction between the two was evident. If anything, Maria was afraid of expressing her true self whenever she would be with him. They both were too careful to have fun like most young love birds rather than an old 40 year married couple that has lost the spark for one another. This was however not a cause for concern for Maria. According to her perfectly planned out life, she was supposed to date one guy, marry him and have a happily ever after regardless of the change of dynamics in their supposed relationship. Rodney had cheated on her countless times, humiliated her with hurtful wording and had never once done anything swoonworthy to prove his in as much as likeness for Maria. Her self esteem was in the gutters. Ria took her time attending the first classes as she skipped the orientation week for it's known absence of serious activity. "Will you have some ice cream," Celine asked Ria as they stepped off campus after her first day. "Yeah sure," she responded. "My classes are crazy already I am battling over ten course units this semester 5 of which being Physics." "Oh yeah! My colleagues already have assignments they were given the weeks I skipped but I know I will catch up. You know school work excites me more than it scares me." "Good for you bookie!" They arrived at their famous ice cream spot that had the mint and lemon flavour which was Ria's favorite. Being a stubborn lactose intolerant individual, she always opted for the tastes that had a lesser sweet sensation that comes with them. Also, she really wasn't much of a sweet tooth unless the craving was induced by hormonal changes. "So, Joe, tell me all about him," Ria asked Celine. While in high school, the circle of girlfriends had agreed to stay virgin till they make it to campus and had lived up to it. One dull morning Celine called Ria to tell her about this boy Joe that she was crazy about and was optimistic about him taking her v-card, and did! They had continued to be goals for a while now and most evenings after school Cel would spend most of her time in Joe's room. "Well he's alright," Cel responded. "I think for the first time I really am in love with a boy and want this thing to be long term." "Already? You go girl. " "There you go feeding my delusions. You know we have to always keep an extra eye open You can't trust these boys." "Bet." "And yourself? Tell me all about Rod miss ma'am. That man of yours whom we all despise." "Well, he's been house hunting and I have been helping out. He is sick of hostels and he wants to start buying furniture to start his life off." "I see. Hope after you help him pick out everything other girls won't be the ones enjoying the fruits of your toils." "Well, whatever happens happens. Won't make me less of who I am." "You're too good for this world." ***************************************