Episode 02
Hailey's Point Of View
I’m a mix of anxiety, nervousness, worry, and fear. I’m unsure if I made the right decision. I’m completely confused. However, I want to be strong and prove to my parents that I can be a better person without them for a while. I want them to see that I can excel academically and become a good student.
This is my first time living alone, and I must admit, I’m not accustomed to making my food and drinks. It’s my first time living without relying on my parents.
“Don’t forget all my instructions, Hailey, you’re my sweetie baby girl. Please study before getting into a love life or a boyfriend, okay?” A quick reminder from my mom.
“Mom, you know I want to have a boyfriend.”
“You’ll have a boyfriend later when you’re done with school and have a job.”
“What if someone flirts with me?” I quickly asked.
Mom was stunned by what I said and looked at me from head to toe. “Don’t worry, sweetheart. I’m sure you don’t have a lover yet. Like a mango, you’re just ripe and no one likes it yet. Wait until later. Okay?”
“Okay.” I knew Mom was referring to my body size. No one would like me. No man would love me.
Mom and Dad drove me to school. I was surprised because I wasn’t screened for tests or other school gimmicks anymore. I have to quarantine for another two weeks before I can get in here.
“Your Dad gave them money,” Mom said as my only explanation for how I could get inside so quickly without any trouble.
It seemed like Dad was still concerned about me. He didn’t want to bother me, so he paid for the school to make my admission easier. But what if others had done the same? They didn’t carry out their testing to make sure there wasn’t a virus in the school.
I suddenly felt worried. What if Mom was right, and I got the virus here and died? Oh! Please don’t. Screw my mind for thinking about that.
We had a disinfecting session, and the registrar gave us the key to my dorm. I have a special room, which means I’m alone in the dorm and don’t have a roommate. Maybe that’s even better. I can avoid trouble. Maybe my roommate will just fight with me if I happen to have one.
Mom and Dad inspected the school, including the room they had chosen for me.
“This school is excellent. I feel reassured,” Mom said with a pleasant tone.
“Our daughter didn’t transfer. She’ll just stay here to study. We only selected her room. You’re acting as if it’s a new school for her,” Dad said sternly, his voice serious.
“Her room has a lovely ambiance,” Mom ignored him and simply mentioned that I have a room with a pleasant ambiance.
They both agreed. Mom stayed for three more hours, while Dad had to go to our company to work.
After Mom left me alone, I got a chance to go for a walk and ended up at the nearest park. Many students, like me, were there—some were refreshing their minds, some were with their friends, and some were just seeking peace of mind.
After observing for a few minutes, I decided to head back to my dorm. However, I sensed that no one was interested in talking to me. My parents had informed me that they would transfer money to my bank account for my allowances, which I greatly appreciate.
By the way, I had already had enough of making my food and decided to go to the canteen. I still had some money left in the wallet Mom had given me earlier, which I thought might be enough for dinner tonight.
I chose the most affordable food option, knowing that I needed to save because my allowance might not be sent for a few days or even weeks.
As I sat down at the canteen, I felt a sense of isolation. I’m not as noticeable as the other girls here at school, so I don’t get much attention. It’s only my first day at Haven, but I can’t help but feel like no one wants to be friends with me. They seem to mock me whenever they look at me.
The other girls were still laughing after looking at me. They were all just laughing at a woman like me.
I can’t help but wonder what’s wrong with me. I only have a big body. I’m not a bad person, and I don’t think it’s ugly to have such a body.
I understand that my weight for my age is not normal, but does that mean I need to conform to their standards to earn their respect? Absolutely not! I’m still a human being, and I deserve to be treated with the same respect they expect.
“Look at that girl, she’s so gross!"
“Yeah, her dress is way too big!"
“She must lock herself into her room. She’s disgusting!"
“I know right? Duh!”
I especially feel this when I’m eating. The whispers I hear while I’m eating make me feel weak and ashamed. I know they’re talking about me, and it hurts.
Why do they have to let me hear those mocking remarks? I don’t deserve this kind of treatment. Or am I?
“She even got to eat, she’s not ashamed anymore.”
“I hope she doesn’t just spend. She would have just been on a diet. Even better.”
I ate quickly so that I could run out immediately and return to my dorm. I simply wanted to rest and have enough to eat.
I’m full and even more satisfied with their whispers, which are just pure mockery of me. They thought they were perfect if they could talk to me.
I got up and picked up the tray that contained my food earlier.
Just before I could walk away, a group of men surrounded me, all laughing.
“Hey, do you want to come over?” one of them asked.
“Our dorm is wide open for a lady like you,” he winked at me.
Now, they were playing with me. I shook my head and said, “No thanks. I’m not the kind of woman you’re thinking of. I’m decent.”
They laughed even harder.
“Please, we want you,” another man begged, moving closer to me. “Just one night.”
“Jako, take the tray she’s holding. Be a gentleman,” another man said, his voice filled with lust.
I counted the six men surrounding me, each with a devil’s plan.
“I’m not interested,” I begged, trying to get some space. “I want to leave.”
“No. No. Stay here,” one man held my wrist, preventing me from walking.
“I said I’m not interested!” My voice grew louder. “Leave me alone!”
Was this the start of my living hell at Haven University? Or so I just thought.