Madison was supposed to be excited about her first day as a college student, but instead she was overcome with a flood of terror that had been building up inside of her for quite some time. It had been years since she had last attended a school or other type of learning facility. It was inevitable for her to experience a sense of disorientation now that she had been granted permission to obtain a degree and was admitted to an institution that only accepted students of American or Italian nationality. Luckily, Dylan was the one who drove her and Emily to the university. Even though he wanted to come inside with Madison, she requested that he leave the building immediately. Emily was there with her regardless. But how would she adjust to the new atmosphere, especially when Emily was not there and the other kids came from a variety of various places?
Madison, while having lived in the city for over an entire year at this point, still had trouble locating her way around shopping centers, much less a campus that encompassed hundreds of acres and featured facilities and buildings with Italian names. Her fear of making mistakes when communicating in a foreign language paralyzed her resolve to ask complete strangers for guidance. Emily made the decision to join Madison as she navigated the campus in search of the library, labs, dining halls, and faculties. As she and Emily had arrived on campus a little bit earlier, this was a feasible option. Madison kept her head lowered the entire time, but her eyes were constantly darting around the room to make sure she was familiar with the directions. Emily had worked for the Carters for a number of years before to this, and during that time she had been accustomed to hearing them speak in Italian. As a result, she had a basic understanding of the language. Without her, there is a good chance that Madison will be tardy to her classes.
Madison saw a peek of situations that every first-year student can anticipate to encounter as a result of nagging Emily to teach her the previous night. Examples include a larger class size, fewer than average good seniors, an overwhelming amount of work, and a more diverse student body. Emily gave Madison some counsel because she was aware of the potential difficulties that could arise for Madison as a result of the change. Emily gave Madison the piece of advice that, as she did not know anyone on the campus, she should respond to someone's greeting of "Salve" with the more formal greeting "Buongiorno." Emily gave the instruction to Madison that, should they introduce themselves, she should say "Piacere di Consuela" to them and then shake hands with them. Emily meant for it to be understood that in the event if nobody spoke to Madison, it would be preferable to simply observe in silence as opposed to evading any potential conflict.
Madison thought that she could handle brief contacts with her lecturers and the other students in her block. The most difficult obstacle for her to overcome was the difficulty of passing the accelerated exam. At Campbell University, the subject of hospitality management was presented in both English and Italian just like many of the school's other classes. Because of her limited command of the Italian language, Madison found it difficult to cope with the pressure that she was putting on herself. It was an honor for someone who worked as a maid to be able to follow a dream. She would never want to let down either the Carters or her own family in any way, shape, or form.
"I really should have invested in a book that teaches Italian grammar and vocabulary to people who are just starting out. It would be helpful in times when you are not present, "Madison said. When they arrived at the lecture hall, she clung to Emily's arm tightly because of the worry that Emily would have to leave her by herself too quickly. Madison couldn't help but act her age, behaving as though she were a preschooler when she voiced her concerns. "I wish that we were headed in the same direction. Emily, why don't you consider working in hospitality management instead? "In a begging manner, she made the suggestion.
"It's just that Madi and I don't share the same interests, and I can't do that. Before my class starts, I'll be there to accompany you. Nonetheless, you are aware that it is time for me to go for my lessons, correct?" Emily elucidated while making an effort to cheer up Madison. Madison realized that it was meant to serve as a reminder that they needed to navigate alternative routes within the school, and as a result, she could only nod her head and make a dejected expression.
They entered the lecture auditorium and made their way to the center of the tiered seating that accommodated at least eighty students. The convention center had some contemporary touches. It also had automated shades and lighting in addition to projection screens.
"What would you say if your professor asked you a question in Italian a little bit later?" The question came out of nowhere, and Emily wanted to make sure that Madison had retained what she had taught her the night before.
Madison then turned to Emily and responded in a nonchalant manner, "Then I will provide my response. What exactly is so challenging about posing a question?"
Emily gave Madison's self-assurance a raised brow in response. "Well, let's act as if I'm one of your teachers for a moment, shall we? I'm going to speak to you in Italian, and I expect you to respond. If you do well in this class, I have no doubt that you will do well in the rest of your classes as well."
Emily assumed the posture of an authoritative figure as soon as she noticed Madison inclining her head in agreement. "Introdurre te stesso," she questioned. "introduce yourself." There was a trace of an Italian accent that could be heard in her native American voice.
A line started to form in the space between Madison's eyebrows. "I expected you'd ask me questions. Emily, are you serious? I can't believe that "She made a statement.
"Oh my gosh, Madi!" Emily exclaimed with a rolled-eye expression on her face. "It is very likely that the lecturers will bring it up on the first day of class. This is why I'm going to prepare you. Have I not already taught you that? "She continued, expressing her annoyance.
"You did," Madison stated unequivocally. "But you said you'd ask me a question. You didn't! "She debated it.
Emily's lesson was about to start in a few minutes, so she restrained herself from getting into an argument with Madison about the fact that she bothered to correct her. She admitted that she was wrong and said, "Okay, I made a mistake." "One last time, but this time let's start with something completely different. Come si chiama?"
As Madison reflected on what Emily had instructed her in the previous night, the two were both stunned into silence. "What exactly does that entail once more? Wait on, let me give this some careful consideration. I have to ensure that I reply in the appropriate manner, "She said while gently tapping her chin with her index finger. She took her time to think back, staring at the ground as she did so. On the other hand, the Italian words and sentences that Emily had taught Madison were jumbled up inside her skull. When Madison finally turned to the one and only person she knew on the campus, she discovered Emily in a state of complete shock.
"Oh god, Madi!" Emily screamed as her head hit her hand and she tumbled to the ground. "You have shown a lack of comprehension by not being able to answer that simple question. You're driving me insane!"
After seeing and hearing the exasperation of the one person who was helping Madison, she was unable to prevent herself from staring at the ground once more. "I'm sorry, Emily," Madison cried out in contrition, apologizing to her friend. She understood Emily's position, despite the fact that she considered it was likely that other novices would make the same error. After all, Madison kept bugging her during the night to give her a lesson. She then turned to Emily and made a solemn pledge, "I'll remember it for the next time."
The timidity that Madison felt could be seen in her eyes. Emily was aware of the fact that Madison had a lot on her mind to be concerned about the previous night. But, the former also had knowledge of the latter's resoluteness. "Alright. Do you remember what your name is now? "Come si chiama?" translates to "What is your name?"" Emily gently reminded in the appropriate manner.
'Come si chiama? Madison kept running the phrase over and over in her brain, "It's a formal question asking about someone's name." In answer to Emily's query, Madison nodded to indicate that she thought it was a very important question.
Emily continued by saying to Madison, "Remember that direct eye contact is anticipated when someone asks you that question," as a cue for her to follow.
Madison paused to take a few deep breaths before beginning her attempt to accurately enunciate Italian words. She engaged Emily's gaze and then proceeded to provide the customary introduction of herself. "Mi chiamo Madison Lopez." When Emily's lips turned into a slight smile, Madison realized that she had done a good job.
After that, there was another inquiry. "Lei di dov'è?"
Madison recalled that the inquiry was a polite manner of inquiring about the background of the person being questioned. "I'm an American," she announced with a proud grin on her face.
Emily was about to inquire further when her phone abruptly rang, alerting her that it was time for her to depart from Madison and that she should get ready to go.
"I'll get going, Madi," Emily responded. "Remember all that I instructed you on the previous night. It's okay if you apologize and say "Mi scusi, non sto capendo" if you don't understand what they're telling you, right? "Madison was reminded, and she was given back her sling bag.
"I will," Madison said in response as she continued to watch Emily.
"Since I have so many tasks to complete, I won't be able to come have lunch with you today. In any case, I'll accompany you on the journey back to the mansion. Thank you for your time, "Emily was in the know. "I believe in you, Madi. Consider your loved ones as a source of motivation, "She also urged with a cheery smile, and then she exited the hall as a large number of other students appeared.