The bus slowly halted to a stop outside the University grounds. As the new students pooled out of the bus, Alice stepped off and breathed in the air. The scent of nearby bakeries and coffee shops filled the air, and she smiled.
Just months ago, she was anxiously waiting for the letter that had finally arrived, confirming she had been accepted into Spagonia University to study further Chemistry. Her parents were thrilled, and had taken her to dinner and shopping that very same day. Earlier today, they all said their teary goodbyes as she set off to the next chapter in her life.
She picked up her bag and slung the strap over her shoulder. One more deep breath, and she started walking to the entrance. The rising pillars that towered above her would be intimidating if she weren't already excited. She could already tell that this was to be the beginning of an ecstatic time.
“Sorry, comin’ through!” A purple blur moved past her, bumping into her shoulder. Alice couldn’t make out who it was, but she could make out a leather biker jacket in the blur that went past. She shrugged, and walked to the office.
A quick exchange with the receptionist, and Alice was on her way to her dormitory. It wasn't that hard, she thought. Maps are easy to memorise given a few minutes. She unlocked the door, and moved into the main room. Funnily enough, she noticed a leather jacket already hung up on the hooks by the door. It didn't take long to find out who it belonged to.
“Oh! Are you the new tenant?” A purple cat was sat in the living room area, cereal in a bowl in front of her.
“Yeah, I think so? Nice meeting you, again.”
“Again?”
“Yeah, this morning. You pushed past me?”
“Oh shit, that was you? My bad. Running late.” The cat spooned another scoop of cereal in her mouth and stood up. “Lucy. Digital Forensics. You?”
“Oh! Hey - Alice, studying further Chemistry.”
“Oh yeah, I know a few guys who took that last year. They're not too bad at it, I'll introduce you to them sometime.”
“Oh! Oh thanks, that would be a big help!”
Lucy went over to grab a glass of water. “There’s a thing going on tonight. Since we're going to be living together for the next year, maybe we could go together? Hang out?”
Alice sat down, taking her coat off. “Yeah, that sounds great! Hey, who knows? We might actually have a lot of fun!”
