Who Am I

Chapter 7 In the School

On this fine, sunny morning, the campus of St. Margarette University buzzed with energy as students hurried to their classes, books in hand and minds are brimming with anticipation. Among them was Elise, a determined young woman with dreams as bright as the sun that illuminated the sprawling campus.

As Elise stepped out of the car, her father Richard's warm smile filled her with reassurance. "Have a great day, Elise," he said, his voice tinged with pride."I'll see you later."

With a wave, Elise watched her father drove off to his workplace, leaving her to navigate the bustling campus on her own. Taking a deep breath, she squared her shoulders and set off towards the Business Administration Building with a heart filled with excitement for the day ahead

Inside the classroom, Elise found her seat among a sea of eager faces, her mind is already buzzing with anticipation for the day's lessons. As the professor began the lecture, she immersed herself into the world of business, eager to soak up every bit of knowledge like a sponge.

As the morning classes came to an end, Elise felt a familiar pang of hunger gnawing at her stomach. With her books tucked her arm, she made her way through the bustling corridors of St. Margarette University, her mind is already drifting to the prospect of lunch.

The campus was alive with the hum of conversation as students chatted and laughed between classes. Their energy was infectious as they moved from one lecture to the next. Elise couldn't help but smile as she traversed the familiar pathways, her thoughts are turning to the delicious meal prepared by her mother for her.

As she reached the entrance to the canteen, the aroma of freshly cooked food greeted her like an old friend, drawing her closer with it's tantalizing scent.Inside, the canteen is buzzed with activity as students lined up to order their meals, their voices blend together in a cacophony of excitement and anticipation.

Elise scanned the place trying to look for a spot to make her self seated.She found a quiet corner of the canteen and settled into a seat. Her thoughts drifted as she savored each bite of her lunch.Around her, the chatter of her fellow students provided a soothing backdrop to her meal, filling her with a sense of belonging amidst the busy campus atmosphere.

As she ate, she couldn't help but reflect on the morning's classes. Her mind was abuzz with knowledge and insights she had gained.

Lost in thought, Elise barely noticed the group of fellow female students approaching her table until they were standing right in front of her. Their sneers and mocking glances snapped her out of her reverie, sending a chill down her spine.

"Look who it is," Brenda, one of the girls sneered, her tone is dripping with disdain. "Little Miss Scholarship, trying to act like she belongs here."

Elise's heart sank at the familiar taunts, her cheeks are flushing with embarrassment as the girls began to circle her table like vultures. She knew these girls from classes, their privileged backgrounds and expensive designer clothes a stark contrast to her own modest attire.

"What's wrong, Elise?", another girl named Stacy, chimed in, her voice is dripping with sarcasm."Did you forget your silver spoon at home today?"

The words stung like a knife, each barb striking at the heart of Elise's insecurities. She had worked hard to earn her place at St. Margarette University, studying tirelessly to pass the qualifying examination and secure the scholarship that allowed her to attend. But no matter how hard she tried, she could never escape the whispers and taunts of her wealthier peers.

As the girls continued to hurl insults at her, Elise felt a wave of anger rising within her. She knew she shouldn't let their words get to her, but it was hard not to feel hurt by their cruelty.

But then, just as Elise was about to respond, a voice cut through the air like a beacon of light in the darkness.It was Sarah, a kind-hearted classmate who had always treated Elise with respect and kindness.

"Leave her alone," Sarah said firmly, her voice is ringing with authority."Can't you see you're upsetting her?"

The girls exchanged glances, clearly taken aback by Sarah's intervention. For a moment, there was silence as they considered their next move. And then, with one last sneer, they turned and walked away, their laughter echoed in the air behind them.

As Elise watched them go, a wave of relief washed over her, followed by a surge of gratitude for Sarah's support. She knew that she wasn't alone, that there are people who see her for who she truly is and accept her without judgment.

With a deep breath, Elise turned back to her lunch, her appetite returned as she pushed aside the hurtful words of her bullies. She knows that she has a long road ahead of her, but with friends like Sarah by her side, she's confident that she'd overcome any obstacle that comes her way.

After his class,Darwin hurried through the bustling corridors of the campus, his heart is racing with anticipation. He had just finished his morning classes and is eager to catch up with Elise over lunch. As he approached the canteen, he scanned the crowded room, his eyes are searching for a familiar face among the sea of students.

Spotting an empty table in the corner, Darwin made his way over, his heart is sinking when he saw that Elise wasn't there. Disappointment washed over him as he realized that he might have missed her, but he refused to give up hope just yet.

With determination in his step, Darwin began to wave his way through the maze of tables and chairs, his eyes darting from one group of students to the next. He checked every corner of the canteen, hoping that he would find Elise sitting there, waiting for him.

Just as he was about to give up, Darwin spotted a familiar figure sitting with someone at a table near the window. His heart leaped with joy as he recognized Elise, her radiant smile lights up the room like a beacon in the darkness.

With a sense of relief and happiness flooding him, Darwin made his way over to Elise's table, his steps quickening with each passing moment. As he approached, Elise looked up, her eyes light up with delight when she saw him.

Elise invited Darwin to have a seat with them.As he settled into his seats, Elise introduced Sarah to him and vice versa. They then exchanged stories of their morning classes. Sarah tried to mention the bully incident earlier, but Elise interrupted and signaled Sarah not to mention it to Darwin.

As they finished their meal and prepared to head back to their afternoon classes, Darwin felt grateful for moments like these, moments spent with Elise's presence, where time seemed to stand still and the rest of the world faded away.

They walked their way together out of the canteen and said goodbyes as they went separate ways heading to their respective classrooms.