THE BOY I NEVER FORGOT

Amora’s POV I had already packed up for school. Though nervous about going to a new environment. I didn’t have a choice but to move on to the next step. “Amora.” I heard my name loud and vibrant. My mum had called me. It was time to go. I went down with my load, then she drove me to school. The drive was longer than usual. I sat quietly in the passenger seat, staring through the window as familiar streets slowly disappeared behind us. “I won’t be here for a while,” I said to myself. Though nervous, I wasn’t exactly scared. At least that was what I kept telling myself. Everything about this place was going to be different, new faces, new classes, new colleagues. A completely new environment where nobody knew me and I knew nobody. My mum noticed how worried I was. “Everything will be fine, my love.” I looked at her and replied, “Thanks, I guess so.” She smiled before focusing on the road. After hours of driving, the school gates finally came into view. My stomach suddenly tightened. Students were everywhere, some were dragging suitcases behind them, some were standing around with their parents, while others were already greeting friends they hadn’t seen in a while. I watched them quietly as Mum drove through the gates. This was really happening. She parked near one of the buildings, and for a moment, neither of us said anything. Then she turned to me. “Ready?” I sighed. “As ready as I’ll ever be.” She laughed. We both got out of the car and started taking out my things out of the truck. I grabbed one of my bags while she helped with the heavy suitcases. As we walked towards the hostel, I couldn’t help but look around. The buildings were huge, everything felt unfamiliar. I wondered how long it would take for me to get used to this place. When we finally got to my room, I pushed the door open and stepped inside. There were two girls there. One of them looked up from her phone and smiled. “Hi.” I smiled back nervously and replied, “Hi.” “What’s your name?” “I’m Amora?” I’m Vanessa. She pointed towards one of the empty rooms. That’s yours. I nodded. “Alright, thanks.” Mom helped me arrange my things while I tried to get comfortable around Vanessa. She seemed nice but I was completely ignored by the other girl. Which I later discovered was Mary. I felt awkward so I moved to my side. After a while everything felt in place, my clothes were folded. My shoes were tucked under my bed, and my books were stacked neatly on the table. There was nothing left to do. Which meant it was time for mum to leave. She pulled me for a hug, while tears were rolling down my cheeks. “Everything will be fine my baby, you can always call me whenever you need me.” “I know mum, I would miss you.” She kissed my forehead and patted my back. “I love you so much my baby girl.” I watched her walk towards the door. “I love you too, bye mum.” She turned and smiled. “Bye Amora.” Then she left. The door closed behind her. And suddenly, I was alone. I looked around the room and sighed. I felt alone and sighed. I looked around the room. This was my new beginning. I had no idea what the few months would bring. The next morning, I woke up earlier than I expected. For a few seconds, I forgot where I was. Then I looked around the unfamiliar room and I remembered. School. I sat slowly and looked around. The room was already beginning to feel less strange than it had the day before. I rushed to the shower to get cleaned up, then brushed my teeth. After dressing up, I stepped out and saw my roommates. “Good morning,” she said when she noticed me. “Good morning,” I replied with a smile. “You look nervous. Just take a deep breath. Everything will be fine.” I forced a smile and replied with “thanks.” I opened my notes to confirm where I was to go for my registration. I picked up my bag and said goodbye to my roommates. As I stepped out of my hall, I felt my heart tighten again. I forgot how to walk. I was alone and nervous. I need to walk with someone, I said to myself. Not long after waiting outside my hall, I noticed a girl. Still nervous and shy, I had no choice but to walk to her. “Sorry, can I walk with you?” I raised my head and asked. “Oh sure, but I’m headed toward the Mass Communication departmental office.” I smiled and replied, “Wow, I’m also heading there.” “I’m Zara and you?” “I’m Amora.” She tried bringing up conversation, but I wasn’t paying attention. I was still nervous. She noticed and stopped talking. A few minutes later, we got to the office, submitted our files, and headed out. She tapped me and said, “I have somewhere I need to go now. Do you mind sharing your contact with me?” I said, “Alright,” and gave her mine. I watched her walk away and disappear into the hallway. I was alone once again. “This can’t be avoided. I have to get myself together.” I took a deep breath and looked around. There were students everywhere. Everyone seemed to know exactly where they were going. Everyone except me. I sighed. I adjusted my bag and whispered, “Amora, you can do this.” I tried looking confident, even though I had no idea where I was going. After walking for a few minutes, I noticed I had passed this same building twice. I stopped. “Seriously?” I looked around, hoping someone would notice me. I didn’t want to ask anyone again. I was still feeling embarrassed for what happened in the morning. Standing wasn’t helping me, so I gathered the courage to approach a group of students nearby. “Excuse me,” I said softly. One of them turned towards me. “Yes?” “Please, do you know where the students’ affairs office is?” She pointed toward the building ahead. “It’s just straight down there. Then take the stairs on your left.” I nodded quickly. “Thank you.” “You’re welcome.” I smiled and walked away, not knowing this was only the beginning of everything that was about to happen.