layla

part 2

The day of reporting to the university. I knew it was going to come but I didn't expect the week to flew very fast.

My hand tightened against my suitcase, cold running through my body, tears threatening to spill, my knees buckled standing infront of the campus gate.

"Umma I can't do it.."escaped from my mouth. Turning to her she gave me a small smile rubbing my arm.

"I know my love, but our financial situation doesn't allow us to send you to a university farther away,"Umma said, wiping my tears with her thumb"But Ummah...i-i heard terrible things about this town" I whispered, a sob escaped my lips.

"I know little lady but... I promise that after a year or a two months if you don't want this school I will try my best to to take you to another one," she said.

A sigh escapes my lips. How can I be so ungrateful? She works so much for me to get a good life here I am complaining about what we can afford.

"I know Ummah... take care of yourself," I said. Giving her one last hug.

"You too hunny, I love you," Umma said squeezing me.

I turn and walked towards the school gate, waving my hands at her, as she was wipping her tears.

third person pov

Inside the school, the gardens were well maintained, and the pathways were neatly paved with nothing blocking them.

Layla was impressed by the school compound. A small smile tugged at her lips before it quickly faded.

Students moved around every corner of the campus. Some sat beneath the shade of trees, busy typing on their laptops, while others lay on the grass with headphones on, enjoying the peaceful afternoon.

Layla made her way to the building labeled Administration Block. As she stepped inside, she found a woman seated behind the reception desk.

"Good m-morning," Layla greeted nervously.

The receptionist simply nodded before handing her a form to fill out.

"Layla, is this your first day reporting?" the woman asked, her eyes never leaving the computer screen.

"Yes," Layla replied, glancing at the students passing by outside, laughing loudly.

"Did you complete the online registration documents?" the receptionist asked, briefly looking up before returning to her typing.

"Yes," Layla answered, already growing tired of the questions.

"Good. Go to Office 272, where you'll receive your room keys. And here..." She handed Layla a thick document. "These are the school guidelines."

Layla looked down at the booklet.

Fifteen pages.

"Make sure you read them carefully. Then sign them and return the first thirteen pages to me," the receptionist added.

"Okay. Thank you."

Layla headed to Office 272, where she received her dorm assignment and room key.

After finding her room, she dropped her suitcase beside the bed. Exhaustion washed over her, and she decided to take a short nap before unpacking her clothes.

"Can you believe it?!"

A girl's voice suddenly rang through the room.

Layla jolted awake and turned toward the sound.

The moment their eyes met—warm brown eyes staring into dark ones—they both let out startled screams.

"Why are you shouting?!" they asked at the same time.

The new girl burst into laughter, placing a hand over her racing heart.

"Sorry!" she said between giggles. "I really wasn't judging, but with the piercings and all the accessories you're wearing... I thought you were..." She trailed off, nervously fidgeting with the hem of her shirt."My name is Siya," the girl introduced herself.

"Layla," Layla replied with a small nod.

Later that evening, the room slowly began to fill with their roommates.

Some introduced themselves, while others busied themselves unpacking their belongings.

The room had six occupants in total.

Layla finished arranging her clothes in the closet. She picked up the forms she had been told to fill out and carefully looked through them, signing where necessary.

Then, one sheet caught her attention.

Make sure you read and memorize the following guidelines.

A frown creased Layla's forehead.

1. Do not look into the mirror at night.

A quiet gasp escaped her lips.

She glanced around the room.

Are they pranking me?

She waited, expecting someone to laugh or admit it was all a joke.

No one paid her any attention.

She continued reading.

2. After 12:00 a.m., you must not be found in the washroom.

What...?

Layla wasn't ready for a lifestyle where fear was part of everyday life.

3. If you hear screams or loud whispers, never interfere.

4. If you find anyone talking to themselves at night, do not try to listen to what they are saying.

5. If you feel someone touching you or calling your name, do not turn around.

Layla quickly folded the paper and hid it inside her closet.

Her breathing became uneven.

Maybe I should call Umma to come and pick me up...

Her thoughts were interrupted by someone standing beside her.

"Layla, are you okay?" Siya asked.

"Were you given these forms when you joined?" Layla asked without answering the question.

Siya giggled.

"Yeah. We're all supposed to follow the guidelines," she replied. "Honestly, I thought you were some fearless goth girl with all those piercings and that skull necklace."

She chuckled, clearly amused.

"I want to sleep," Layla said dismissively.

"Oops... did I hit a nerve?" Siya teased before walking away.

Layla pretended not to hear her.

But Siya was right.

She had hit a nerve.

This whole goth look wasn't who Layla really was.