Episode one, chapter two: Second encounter.
1108 Words
As the vehicle disappeared from view, Anna slowly returned to reality — and to the reason she had come to Crownville in the first place.
Dragging her suitcase toward the reception building, she was suddenly approached by a red-haired girl who looked overly cheerful and energetic.
For a moment, Anna wondered if she knew her from somewhere.
“Hey! I’m Doreen — but you can call me Dee,” the girl said with a bright smile. “I’ll be your new roommate, and I’ve been assigned to give you a tour of the school. But first, let’s get you settled in.”
Before Anna could even respond, Dee grabbed one of the bags and led the way down the hallway.
They stopped at a door.
“Here we are — room 302. Anna, right? Welcome to my… now our humble abode.”
She pushed the door open.
“The room on the left is yours. It has its own bathroom. Here’s the seating area, and next to it is the kitchen.”
Anna stepped inside, surprised. The dorm was spacious — far bigger than she expected. It almost felt like a small two-bedroom apartment rather than a school dormitory.
But one thing kept bothering her.
“Hey, Dee… how do you know my name? Have we met before?”
“Oh, no, not really,” Dee replied casually. “Mr. Bernard — the Head of Department — had a copy of your file. He asked me to help you move in. The file had your name and picture. The rest was confidential though.”
Anna nodded. “I thought you recognized me from somewhere.”
“Now,” Dee clapped lightly, “let’s continue the tour!”
They visited everywhere — the cafeteria, classrooms, library, gym, and field — every corner of the campus.
By the time they returned to the room, Anna was completely exhausted from both the flight and the long walk.
She didn’t even bother putting bedding on the mattress.
She simply collapsed onto the bed and fell asleep instantly.
---
Meanwhile
Inside the car, Stanley glanced at Luke through the mirror.
“Who exactly was that lady we just dropped off at Crown Lake?”
“Stanley,” Luke sighed, “why are you so nosy?”
“I’m not being nosy. She seemed like a nice young lady. I wouldn’t want to see her get hurt.”
Luke frowned. “What do you take me for? I don’t intend to hurt her.”
Stanley gave him a knowing look.
“With all due respect, I’ve been your driver for seven years. In those seven years I’ve watched you move from one woman to another. It would be unfortunate to see that young lady become one of your pawns.”
Luke leaned back in his seat.
“I’ve changed, Stanley. And to tell you the truth… Anna is different. Not physically — I know she’s not like the girls I’ve dated before — but something about her draws me in. I actually enjoyed talking to her.”
“If you’re serious about her, I assume you got her contact details?”
Luke paused.
“…No. But she studies at the same university as me. I’ll see her again.”
The car stopped.
“We’re home, sir.”
“Send my suitcase to my room,” Luke said as he stepped out.
“Welcome back!” a voice called.
“Hey Mom.”
“You didn’t tell me you were coming today!”
“I asked Stanley not to tell you. I wanted to surprise you.”
“Go upstairs and rest,” she said warmly. “I’ll have the cook prepare your favorite dishes.”
---
Later…
“Steph,” she called.
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Inform Luke dinner is ready.”
A knock sounded on his door.
“Come in.”
“Sir, dinner is ready. Your mother is waiting.”
“I’ll be there in a second.”
---
At dinner:
“Will dad not be joining us?” Luke asked.
“He traveled to New Haven for a business conference. He’ll be gone about a month.”
“So how was Greenwood?”
“It was amazing. The air was fresher — not polluted like here. I even went hiking in the mountains. Maybe next time you and Dad should join me.”
“You know we’re always busy with the company and the children’s organization,” she smiled, “but we’ll make time for a family outing.”
“Thanks for dinner, Mom. I’ll head upstairs.”
“Goodnight, son.”
---
Back at the dorm
Anna woke in the middle of the night, hungry. She hadn’t eaten dinner.
The fridge contained only a bottle of milk.
The pantry held a single pack of instant noodles.
“This will have to do,” she murmured.
After eating and drinking warm milk, she went back to sleep.
---
The next morning, she unpacked her clothes, arranged the closet, and made the bed. With nothing to eat, she decided to have breakfast at the cafeteria.
Dee tagged along to help her register for classes.
“Since classes start next week,” Dee said, “we should go to town after registration. I’ll show you around.”
“Sure. We also need groceries — there’s literally nothing to eat in our room.”
“I mostly eat at the cafeteria,” Dee admitted.
“Well, now that I’m here, I’ll cook. You can wash dishes.”
“Deal!”
---
After registration, they returned to freshen up and make a shopping list.
“All aboard!” Dee announced.
“You have a car?” Anna asked, surprised.
“The school has a parking lot too,” Dee grinned. “Now let’s go.”
They drove to the town center, bought groceries, and loaded everything into the trunk.
“Before we continue the tour,” Dee said, “I know a nice place for lunch.”
She dragged Anna inside a modest but elegant restaurant.
“Good evening, ladies,” the waiter greeted politely.
“Table for two, please.”
They sat.
“What will you have?” Dee asked.
“I’ll have whatever you’re having,” Anna smiled. “And… thanks.”
“For what?”
“For being kind to me. We only met yesterday, but you’ve made adjusting so much easier.”
Dee softened. “Honestly, you’re one of the few genuine people I’ve met.”
Just then—
“Hey, gorgeous.”
Anna froze at the familiar voice.
“I didn’t think I’d see you again so soon.”
- Writer
