What is she?

Chapter 2 Arriving on Campus

The two hour drive to the college campus seemed to take forever. My mom was making sure to list off anything and everything that could be dangerous or considered questionable behavior. Times like this I wished they had either had a child of their own or adopted another so I didn’t have to shoulder the entire responsibility of being a good child that they were proud of. Not to say I’m not a good child because technically I was. I never did anything to get into trouble, always following the rules. I wasn’t valedictorian like they were but I certainly kept my grades up and while dad is a book worm he was always proud of my sport accomplishments. As mom rattled on with her list, I put a headphone in and turned to the window watching the outside world rush by.

Finally the car entered the forest that held Evergreen State College. As we slowed down entering the campus I sat up in my seat taking out my headphone and taking in the amazing sight of a whole college campus hidden in a beautiful forest. A unique feeling started to come over me seeing the campus for the first time. My fingers and toes started to tingle while my body felt like it had come to life for the first time. Shaking the feeling off as just excitement to finally having my first taste of freedom, I continued to take in the campus as my dad found a parking spot.

Exiting the car, I took a deep breath of the fresh air but a faint scent on the air caught my attention. Looking around the parking lot for a clue as to where the scent had come from, all I found was a group of girls standing around an old Jeep talking with one another. Before I could give it anymore thought my mom shoved the campus map in my face and started explaining that we needed to go to the admissions office to get the information for my classes and find out about my dorm. Nodding to my mom she turned and with my dad started heading in the way she had pointed out on the map. With one more quick glance around the parking lot I followed after my parents eager to find my dorm and start getting settled in.

An hour later my parents and I were heading out of the admissions office and back to the car. My dad looked tired as he gently guided my mom out of the office with her still trying to turn around and go back to ask more questions. Making it outside, I was once again hit with a scent that grabbed my attention. Quickly looking around, all I found was what looked like a Professor talking with one of the girls I had seen earlier in the parking lot, near one of the other buildings. The breeze seemed to change directions then and both people looked over at me with what I could only guess was disgust. Unsure what could cause such looks from them, I quickly shifted my gaze down and followed after my parents to our car.

Once back in the car my mom directed my dad to my dorm. I was in building D which was a first year dorm and my mom had made sure I was on the first floor in case of an emergency. First we stopped at building A, which was the housing office to check in and sign paperwork, which wasn’t much since I was moving in a little earlier then most first year students who wanted to enjoy every last second of summer vacation. I had wanted to get settled in and memorize the campus before classes actually started. Plus, since I was also joining the soccer team I wanted to start my training which wasn’t something I could do at home. After the housing office my parent’s helped carry all my boxes into my dorm.

My mom seemed pleased with the dorm and started opening boxes to set up my room. Giving my dad a questioning look he just shrugged his shoulders. Rolling my eyes, I let out a huff and went to my mom.

“I can set up my room mom.”

Finally my dad moved forward and placed his hand on my moms shoulder saying “Honey, let Eliza set up her room. We really should be getting on the road home.”

Furrowing her brows, she glanced at both my dad and myself. Letting out her own huff she set down the open box she was holding and turned to me.

“Fine, set it up how you like. If you have any trouble with it you can video call me and I’d be happy to help.”

I smiled at her, I knew this was not easy for her to let me do on my own.

“I will definitely call you if I need any help mom.”

She gave me a questioning look but smiled and moved in for a hug. After hugging both of them and saying our goodbyes, I was left in my dorm alone.