Lost in Paradise

Chapter 7

Riding her car, Nadia drove around the place again. She wanted to explore and see more of the town. Ivana is, indeed, full of attention-grabbing and breathtaking sceneries. She was so comforted and relieved. She later reached the beach. She decided to hang out for a while and wait for the sunset. While waiting, she thought of photographing the beautiful scenery in front of her. She grabbed her phone and photographed the view. As she was looking at the pictures saved in her phone’s gallery, she couldn't help but notice her only picture with Joshua. She had deleted all their pictures before but she failed to erase this one because the picture meant so much for her. While she was looking at it, Nadia's memories on that day returned.

~~~

[First Year College]

It was Freshman Orientation Day at Taesan University so almost all freshmen from different courses gathered to prepare and celebrate their admission to the university.

As she walked into the assembly hall, Nadia received a text from Rebecca, She read it immediately.

“Sorry besh. I can't go, constipation sucks”

“Why now Rebecca, You are the only one I’m relying on to” Nadia whispered to herself after reading the text.

Nadia had no intention to attend this event in the first place, but Rebecca forced her and assured that she will take care of everything. Nadia was a reserved person at that time and not comfortable interacting with many people, especially to those she doesn’t know. So she just always relied on Rebecca, who has been her friend since high school. She is courageous and friendly opposite to Nadia's temperament.

Now that her friend could not go, she does not know what to do. Will she proceed or not. The girl's mind is arguing. She does not know how she will socialize as she’s aware that there are several “getting to know each other” activities prepared for participants of the event. The girl wanted to go back but it was too late because she just realized that she’s now in the assembly hall and currently seeing an event organizer approaching her direction.

“Hey, it is starting. What is your department?”

“Ha? Aah… Ummm…” Nadia wanted to say that she’s no longer joining but the organizer was in a hurry.

She may be noticed Nadia's ID and immediately checked it.

“Nadia Nunley, College of Liberal Arts” said the organizer while reading the girl's ID. She immediately wrote it on a sticker card and then attached it to Nadia’s shirt.

“There, you’re all good. You must remove your ID now. Then go inside because the event is starting. Enjoy!”

Nadia had no choice but to follow the organizer and head straight to the venue. As soon as she entered the assembly hall, she was immediately surprised by the number of students inside. She did not expect there were such several freshmen enrolled in Taesan University this school year.

From where she stands, she could hear the person on mic asking everyone to sit down as the event is about to start. But Nadia is still unsure where she should sit. The students were randomly sitting on the ground and most of them seemed to know each other. She wants to sit in a place where she won’t feel any awkwardness. While the girl was busy finding a place…

“Hi! Nadia right?” She heard a man’s voice. She looked for the voice and saw the man next to her. She wondered how he got her name.

"How did you –"

"I'm Joshua" he said while pointing at his name tag, which was also attached to his shirt, same with Nadia.

Nadia suddenly remembers the name tag attached to her shirt by the organizer as she entered the hall.

“Is this place vacant? Can I sit here? Joshua asked.

“Ha? Umm…” 

“Everyone, please sit down now. We will start the event in a few seconds” the organizer announced.

Joshua immediately sat down. Everyone was already sited at well, so Nadia had no choice but to sit down next to the man.

The event started with the lead of students from senior years. They first introduced the university to the freshmen buy discussing its history, core values, mission and vision, achievements and so on. They also oriented the freshmen about campus policies, dos, and don’ts, different campus organizations, practices, etc. After some introduction and orientations, the seniors began to make the freshmen engage in interactive activities. The freshmen were tasked to form groups. The students started to become active and roam around the hall looking for groupmates. But Nadia stayed and she noticed Joshua doing nothing as well. Later, a group of students approached Nadia and Joshua’s direction. But Joshua was their only object.

“Hi Joshua! We are still lacking member, wanna join?” said one woman.

“Ok. But I am with someone. Can you accompany two? " Joshua replied which surprised Nadia.

She did not want to assume but she knew she’s the one the man was referring to. Nadia didn’t stir and pretended to hear nothing.

“Ha? Who?” the woman replied.

"Nadia" Joshua said pointing at her.

"Well…” the woman didn’t answer right away. She first looked back to her groupmates and some of them nodded.

“O-okay, let's go... Our group mates are waiting on that side" the woman added after her groupmates’ confirmation.

Joshua turned his look to Nadia.

“C’mon?” he asked.

“Me?... A-alright” Nadia hesitantly agreed.

Nadia no longer objected and just followed him closely. While walking, she looks over at Joshua from behind.

"Joshua" she whispered to herself.