chapter :1
# Arrival at the University
Alex stepped off the bus and onto the university campus, her heart racing with excitement and nerves. She had been waiting for this moment for what felt like forever – the chance to start fresh, to pursue her dreams, and to become the person she knew she could be.
As she made her way through the bustling quad, she asked around for directions to the girls' dorm. A friendly upperclassman pointed her in the right direction, and Alex followed the winding path to the dorm building.
# Meeting the Roommates
When Alex arrived at the dorm, she checked the room assignment on her paperwork and made her way to room 304. She knocked on the door, and a bright, bubbly voice called out, "Come on in!"
Alex pushed open the door and was immediately struck by the colorful decorations and lively atmosphere. Three girls were busy unpacking boxes and chatting, and they turned to greet her as she entered.
"Hey, you must be Alex!" said one of the girls, a blonde with a warm smile. "I'm Emily, and these are Sarah and Maddie."
The girls welcomed Alex with open arms, and they quickly began chatting about everything from their summer vacations to their favourite TV shows. Alex felt a sense of relief wash over her – she had been worried about making friends, but it seemed like she was already off to a great start.
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Alex was always focused on her studies. She was a little scared since she wasn't socially active, but when she attended her classes, she at least got close to someone, and they became close, doing school projects together. After that, when she went back to her dorm, her roommates were easy to get along with, and everything was great.
When the school holidays were approaching, they all sat down in their lounge, chatting about their plans.
Sarah: "So, girls, the school holidays are here. What are your plans?"
Emily: "Well, I had a talk with my boyfriend, and we decided to go on a little vacation, just the two of us. What about you guys?"
Sarah: "I'm going to visit my boyfriend since his older brother is getting married. We have to go shopping for gifts and my new dress that I'll be wearing. And, oh, damn, there's a new dress that has been released from X brand, and it's a limited edition, so I want it." (giggling while clapping her hands together)
Maddie: "Wow, your boyfriend surely has a lot of money to spend, huh?" (chuckling) "As for me, I'm going to see my mom. I miss her so much."
While chatting, Alex was lost in her own thoughts, not listening to them. When they all realized that Alex wasn't saying anything, they turned to her and called her name altogether: "Alex!"
Alex almost jumped from the couch. "What?" she asked with her eyes wide open.
When they saw her reaction, they burst out laughing.
Maddie: "Alex, what's wrong with you? We're talking, and you're in your own world. Mind sharing your thoughts with us?"
Sarah: "Yeah, are you okay?"
Alex: "What were you guys talking about? Yeah, I'm okay. Forget about that. What were you guys on about?"
Emily: "What are your plans for the holidays?"
Alex: "Uhm, I haven't thought about it that much, but I don't think I'm going home. I was thinking of looking for a part-time job to have some extra earnings, rather than just sitting at home and doing nothing."
They all looked at her with raised brows.
Emily was the first to come back from whatever they were all thinking. "Whoa, girl, are you sure you can handle that? I mean, holidays are meant for us to take some rest, but you're on the other side, wanting to do the opposite."
Sarah: "Why don't we just hear her out and see what's on her mind?"
Maddie: "Even before hearing her out, I think it's not a bad idea. And plus, it's about being independent. If I had the chance, I wouldn't hesitate to do it too." (with a warm smile)
Alex smirked. "I like the fact that you get me. That's my aim – I want to learn independence at a younger age, have my own hard-earned money. Don't you think it's a good idea?" (looking at Emily and Sarah)
Sarah and Emily looked at each other, then Sarah said, "Well, I don't need to work. My boyfriend spoils me left, right, and center. And plus, my parents wouldn't agree to their princess working herself out like that. But I don't mean it's a bad idea. You can do it, girl."
Emily: "I'm with Sarah. My dad would be so mad if I worked. He gives me pocket money, so why would I want to work? But you can do it for real, and I'm here for you if you need support." (giving Alex a light tap on her thigh)
Maddie: "Yeah, we're here to support you. Plus, we're friends, and friends are there for each other, right?"
Alex was flattered, not knowing what to say.
Alex: "Oh, thank you, girls. I appreciate it a lot. And I mean it." (with a big smile)
Sarah: "Since you mentioned it, I think I heard my brother saying that he needs more staff at his newly opened hotel. So, if you want, I can talk to him. But... (she hesitated to say it) they need cleaners. I'm not sure if it's suitable for you."
Alex, seeing her hesitate, smiled. "Ah, don't worry about that. I really don't mind. As long as I'm earning money at the end."
Emily: "Are you sure you can do it? I mean, cleaning is no child's play." (asking meaningfully)
Alex: "Yeah, you can talk to your brother, please. I really don't mind."
Maddie: "Okay, that's sorted then. Well, I have some news. (with a smirk) I have something for you girls." (She then stood up and ran to her
Alex..:"...And....what is she on about..?..(she asked with a questioning gaze..)..
Emily..:"I wish I knew"..(.she said with a helpless look..)
Sarah..:"maybe she painted us.. drowning.."..after saying that they all burst out with a laugh..
Maddie made her way back holding a big present paper ...that showed that there was something inside like a square..she put it on the table and signaled them to open it..with a grin on her face...
They looked at each other..with smiles...and without any thoughts...they scattered the present paper cover with their hand until they finally reached a beautiful... painted drawing of the four of them sitting on a couch laughing..The painting was crafted to beautifully with different colours...They all looked at it with amaze in their eyes... Without a warning..they got up on their feets and approached Maddie with tears in their eyes...Maddie was startled with their actions.. and was caught off guard..with their warm hug...while sobbing...she hugged them back...no one said a word..and they stood there in each others embrace..with sobbing...after what felt like eternity...they parted...then..looked at each others faces...after realising that all their eyes were red...they burst out with laughter.... laughing so hard..that their stomach started ache ...they loved the painting and from then...they started being in love with each other....
Sarah had a chat with her brother..and he agreed to hire Alex at his hotel....Alex then notified her parents back at home that she won't be coming for the holidays....when her parents got notified..they were worried about her..but she assured them that she was doing great and will be careful...
The holidays arrived.. Sarah,Emily and Maddie...left for their holidays..which then left Alex to be alone... that's when her journey as a hotel cleaner started...
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