Lost at Heart

The morning sun cast it's golden, soft light over Campy University's sprawling campus but the air was thick with unspoken tensions. Ayla approached the security gate, her heart steady despite the strange mix of excitement and apprehension. As a transfer student, this day was more than a fresh start - it was a mission. Who knows? Maybe she will make a good impression on her first day. Her advanced electronic ID glowed faintly in her hand, a key granted by connections known to few folks. The chief security officer glanced at the screen, then up at her with a brief nod. "Welcome to Campy," he said in a low but firm voice. And then he added"And keep yourself out of trouble." Ayla smiled, relieved. Beside her, her hawk perched gracefully on her shoulders, ruffling it's feathers. The officer gave a respectful glance but said nothing more, allowing them passage. Inside the campus, everything shimmered with the promise of new beginnings - but Ayla could sense the currents beneath the calm and beautiful surface. Faces passed, some friendly, some hostile or guarded. The light and heavy sound of footsteps were like melody to her ears. Then she saw Ray in the distance. His presence was like lightning bolt - an enigma wrapped in silence. Having those dark eyes that seemed to pierce through her and a face she couldn't decipher. Nearby, Ben lingered, radiating warmth and ease, a stark contrast to Ray's aura - having this cool vibe. Ayla adjusted the butterfly brooch pinned to her sweatshirt and increased her pace. Hers was no ordinary transfer - her mother's past and tangled legacies led her here. And like the ocean, it didn't matter how still and peaceful it looked from above - things were already shifting underneath Later that afternoon, Ayla found solace on the shiny stone bleachers in the nest of Campy University's serene garden. She had a comfortable posture - one leg stretched out, the other leg tucked under tapping it rhythmically as she listened to the serenading music from her earbuds. Just then came Ben who joined her on the bleachers. She didn't say anything to him - just gave him a warm smile which he returned. Not bothering to ask, he reached for her chips. Ayla raised an eyebrow in utter amusement and astonishment. She now facing him with those piercing eyes "Are you always that friendly with strangers?" He gave her a long stare "Are you always this hostile?" Ayla smirked, but before she could respond, he leaned in slightly and asked "Do you recognize me? From the past?" Her eyes narrowed a bit as she studied his face "Should I?" He exhaled sharply "Maybe later. see you around, Ayla." Ayla plugged in her earbuds, scrolling through her smartphone with eyes sharp and focused, but the screen blurred when she let her thoughts spiralling. Campy University was supposed to be a fresh start, yet she already felt like she was standing at a crossroads she wasn't prepared to handle. She sighed, and then rose to a standing posture and then proceeded to walk towards the canteen nearby. Later in the day when Ayla returned to the lodge - precise location being in the room her sense of smell was greeted by the rich aroma of bean porridge simmering with smoked fish. Without saying much, Ayla sent her bag flying onto the bed and gently unknotted her sneakers and slid out her feet, wiggling her toes slightly as if releasing the pressure of the day. She then hopped onto the bed and pulled a soft pillow behind her, resting her head gently against the bedstand. Her eyes were weary, but her fingers moved with ease on her smartphone screen, lost in a game she cared less on winning. Her roomie, Titi not yet ready to eat as she was tidying up some school work asked her whether she was ready to eat. She didn't utter a word - just a nod of the head was enough answer. Ayla received the bowl of soaked garri and bean porridge with thanks. The smoky scent of the fish wafted upwards, mingling with the citrus fragrance of her body mist, but her appetite eluded her. She stirred the meal lazily with her spoon, eyes vacant. Her roomie, Titi looked up from her smartphone, arching an eyebrow "You are eating like someone who just got dumped. Am I wrong?" Ayla smiled. "I didn't even begin anything...So there's nothing really to worry about - end of story." Titi folded her legs and leaned forward and said in whispery note "Is it about what exactly?" Ayla paused briefly, her fingers tightening slightly on the spoon"What do you know about Ray and Ben?" Titi pursed her lips and then,"Ray has this rather intense personality - very unpredictable. Ben's a cool guy by the way." Ayla smirked faintly"I thought I was the only one - you noticed too." Titi nudged her on the shoulder "Stop being overly dramatic. Isn't it obvious?" Ayla took a spoonful of the garri "I don't know. Ben feels like history - like something I had rather cling tightly to. And Ray...he appears to be something else entirely - the uncertainty." Titi exhaled sharply "Girl, you are really in an entangled mess." "I didn't ask for this," Ayla muttered, eyes falling to her meal again "I came to this uni hoping for a fresh start and...I just don't know." Titi took her hand in hers but didn't press for answers "Well, whatever happens, this porridge is too good to be wasted." Ayla pushed the bowl of soaked garri and bean porridge towards her. "Titi baby, help me finish the meal." Ayla c****d an eyebrow, then chortled. "You want to feed me or you want me to feed you?" With a mischievous smile, Titi replied, "I want to feed you, of course." That did it - Ayla burst into laughter, nearly choking on her soaked garri. "You are hopeless, girl!" Their laughter echoed softly in the room, easing the tension that had taken over the day. Nevertheless, laughter couldn't silence the sharp ping of a new message on Ayla's smartphone - one that almost startled her. It was from Ray.