Chapter Two
1412 Words
Maya Pov
The car rolled to a stop just outside the administration building.
"Finally." Annie groaned from the backseat, already reaching for the door handle. "If I miss attendance again, I swear I'm dropping out."
"You say that every time." Kathy said adjusting the strap of her bag as she stepped out of the driver's side.
I didn't move immediately.
I hate school I just can't explain it.
I sat there for a second longer, watching the campus through the windshield - the clusters of students, the laughter, the movements, the quiet chaos. it reminded me I was back, to this godforsaken place.
"Maya, are you coming or what?" Annie called from outside.
I exhaled, softly and pushed the door open. Cool air slipped in, to greet me, crisp and light, brushing against my skin like a quiet welcome.
The faint scent of dry leaves and something earthy lingered in the breeze. I stepped out, my boots meeting the ground with a soft crunch as scattered leaves shifted beneath my weight.
The campus looked different in this light- trees lined the walkways, their leaves painted in shades of amber, gold and fading green. A few drifted lazily to the ground, carried by the gentle wind.
"Girl, why do you look like you're about to walk the runway?" Kathy mused looking at me.
I groaned "I'm tired, and the day has not even begun yet."
"You'll be fine my love, don't worry." Kathy encouraged. "Let's go. We are walking you down to your class before we go to ours."
"Why? Your classes and mine are in very different locations. There's no need to walk me down to my class." I protested.
"Maya please, you hate attending classes and if you're left unsupervised you will end up skipping classes and we don't want that. We promised your aunt we would look out for you, remember?" Annie complained.
"You're late for your class Annie, you don't have to walk me to my class. I will try to attend all my classes today, I promise." I said assuringly.
"That's very reassuring." Kathy muttered in distrust.
I glared at her.
We walked past a group of guys sprawled against the wall like they owned the place. The moment they noticed us, whistles rang out, followed by bold, unfiltered catcalls that trailed behind us as we kept walking.
Annie rolled her eyes immediately. "Here we go again."
Kathy chuckled.
I threw a lazy glance over my shoulder and flashed them a slow, seductive smile, adding a quick wink for good measure.
Behind us, the whole group erupted- Cheers, whistles, and loud roars chasing after us down the path.
"See that?” Annie whispered harshly as we started walking. “You’re encouraging them.”
I shrugged, unbothered. “I didn’t say anything.”
“You don’t have to. Your face did all the talking”
Kathy laughed softly. “Let her breathe. At least somebody is enjoying this attention.”
"Oh, I am.. very much." I giggled.
They both rolled their eyes at me.
After few minutes of walking, we stopped where the path split.
"Okay, I'm this way." Kathy said.
"Why are we not offering the same courses?" I asked sulking. "How do you guys expect me to seat through four lectures today without you guys?"
Kathy smiled in amusement.
"You're a big girl you will do just fine." She said blowing me a kiss and walking away.
Annie linked her hand with mine as we walked away.
"What time is your class going to end?" She asked.
"By 4pm, I guess. What about you?" I asked.
"By 2pm. I just have two classes today."
"Lucky you." I sighed. "I have four classes, waiting to ruin my life."
Annie smirked. "Dramatic."
"I'm serious. If I don't text you in two hours assume that I've passed away."
"I'll send flowers." Annie replied.
"You better."
"Alright later." Annie said turning in the opposite direction.
"Bye." I called, watching her leave.
And just like that I was left alone.
The shift was immediate.
The noise didn't change, the crowd didn't thin- but something about being by myself made everything feel....sharper.
I walked towards my faculty building, my expression settling into something more alert.The playful edge from moments ago faded, replaced by something quieter.
Focused.
Inside, the air was cooler, the scent of old books and polished floors mixing in a way that felt oddly comforting.
Students filled the hallways, some leaning against the walls, others rushing pass like they were already late.
"Maya!"
I turned at the sound of my name.
Nathan waved at me from down the hall.
I stopped walking and waved back at him smiling, waiting for him to catch up.
Nathan is my friend, we met on the first day of college and we've been friends ever since.
"Hey." He greeted, as he approached me.
"You're early today." I teased.
"Today is the first day of lectures after the summer break. I had to come early." He grinned.
Nathan always come late. Every single time.
"Well, I'm glad you did. Cause I was already thinking of ditching classes. But I promised Kathy and Annie that I'll attend all my classes for today." I complained.
He laughed.
"That's a very bold promise to make." He mocked.
I groaned. "I know, right?"
We walked into the lecture hall together, the chatter already filling the space.
I scanned the room automatically, I spotted a few people I know and waved at them before choosing a seat at the back.
I rather be shot dead than be found sitting at the front of the class.
Nathan slid into the seat beside me dropping his books with a sigh.
"I'm tired and we've not even gone halfway through the day yet." He complained.
Nathan hates school, and I do too. That's the reason we are friends.
"Same." I concurred. "Should we ditch class to buy ice cream later?"
"As much as that is tempting, this is the beginning of the semester. We can't afford to be caught slacking. And if your friends finds out, I'm dead. Especially Annie she will kill me." He replied.
"Loser." I murmured
Nathan may not like school, but he doesn't hate it as much as I do. And I know you'll ask me. 'Maya if you hate school then drop out.'
Well I can't, for the sake of my mom and Aunt Lily.
My mom was a renowned writer and she wanted me to become one.
I can't fail her, not after everything she sacrificed for me.
The lecturer walked in a moment later, cutting through the noise like a switch had been flipped.
Guess who it was?
Prof. Martins.
"Good morning everyone."
The class responded in a series of half-hearted chorus.
"Hope you all enjoyed your holiday?"
I stared at him in disbelief. What's he doing here?
I looked around trying to catch sight of Lucy but she was nowhere to be found.
I turned to Nathan, whispering in a hushed voice "Did you hear about Lucy and Prof. Martins scandal?"
"Yes, I did." He whispered.
"So, what's he doing here? isn't he supposed to be suspended or something?" I asked.
"I heard he has connections. He knows some people in the higher ups."
"So what? He gets to go scot free and Lucy doesn't? that's not fair." I scoffed in annoyance.
"I know but in this life everything is by money and connection. The strong will always trample on the weak." He said.
I sat in silence thinking of what he said.
'The strong will always trample on the weak'
That's exactly what happened to the florist daughter.
That's what happened to my... mom.
I zoned out for the rest of the class uninterested in what Prof. Martins is lecturing about.
*******
And before you knew it the day passed by like a blur.
"Okay, everyone submit your assignment by Wednesday. I will not listen to any unnecessary excuse. Read up the remaining part we were not able to cover today. Let's call it a day." The lecturer said, picking up his bag to leave the class.
I did it.
I didn't break my promise.
I sat down through four different lectures.
It was pure torture, by the end of the 2nd lecture I was already feeling restless and wanted to leave but I didn't. Because I didn't want to go back on my promise.
I'm genuinely so proud of myself for keeping my word.
- Writer
