Chapter 3: MSU
I woke, cramped and generally unhappy. Turning off my alarm, I yawned and looked around. Light, illuminating the spiders and the dusty air, softly spoke of the morning and I could hear only the faintest sound of the hustle and bustle awaiting me outside. "Hey, that's one good thing about this place. It's sound-proof." I muttered to myself with a small smile.
Then I got up, pulling the covers with me, only to be accosted by icy water under my feet. That darn air conditioning unit must have leaked all night long. I quickly ditch the covers which, sadly, leaves me shaking uncontrollably. I wish I were joking; but, the the air conditioner is currently blowing snow into the room. Which is barely uncommon for one going full blast.
Snatching my small case out of the water and grabbing my purse and my phone from the night stand, I quickly head to the bathroom to hopefully find some refuge from the cold. The bathroom wasn't as bad as I thought it might be with the state of everything being what it was. The water was not yet so far reaching and it shielded me from the cold air. I wasn't going to be able to leave my things here, not that I wanted to spend another night anyway. But I hadn't thought I'd be lugging them to the school with me.
Deciding not to think on it further, I hop in for a quick shower. After drying off and getting dressed for the day, I take a peek past the bathroom door and into the room. I better be leaving soon so they can fix this mess before it makes it's way into the hall. I pack up my carry-on and pull my suitcase out of the closet. "I've got this" I say to reassure myself as I dash out of my room.
The girl from before is still here and attending the front. slouched over the counter top and tapping away at her phone, she looks exhausted. "Good morning, Elisee." I say as I stride into the room, mustering up a smile. Started, as if from sleep, she straightens and greets me with a tired grin.
"Good Morning, Miss ... um" She blushes with embarrassment, scratching the back of her neck. "H-how, do you say your name again?"
With a small laugh I sigh. "Did I register here under my full name? I use a version of my name so often... I am so sorry I made that mistake." I start then smile as I say. "Just call me Ellie. All my friends tend to due to the same mispronunciation problem."
"Okay, then. Did you find everything well, Miss Ellie?" She says, a bit hesitant.
"It was fine but the air conditioning unit is on the fritz. You should find someone to fix it before it floods the place..." I reply, feeling sorry that she has to deal with such a catastrophe. Her face contorts and she looks quite aghast at the prospect. "It's also blowing snow." I add wearily and she whines, placing her head in her hands.
"I am so sorry you had to deal with that, Miss Ellie. Thank you for your kindness, considering the circumstances." She says finally. "Wh-" She is about to say something else when the door opens and a lady comes rushing in.
"Elisee, I'm so sorry I'm late! Go. You're going to be late for your class." The lady says as she slips through the side door and behind the counter.
"It's okay Aunt Marge. The A/C in room 042 is on the fritz, by the way." Elisee says before turning to me, Smiling and typing quickly on the computer. "Miss Ellie, I have you checked out, may I help you with anything else?"
"No, thank you though. Have a good day you guys!" I say as I exit the hotel. Picking my phone out of my purse that's now swinging low on my elbow, I open my Uber app and order one to pick me up at the tiny cafe I see across the street. The streets weren't as crowded as I thought they might be but there was, nonetheless, quite a number of people moving about the early morning. As I crossed to the shop, the aroma of it hit me like a ton of bricks and it felt as though I were starving.
Struggling with my luggage, I make it into the shop. Hoping that I'm not disturbing anyone with such bulk around be. I put a protective hand over my stuff in front of me and look around the shop. Small round planters hang from the ceiling near the windows and flowers are in full bloom on the windowsills. It's warm and the rustic vibe just adds to it's charm. I watch as people come and go and one gingerly sips his coffee at a table near the door while reading his morning paper. The line moves rather quickly and soon I'm next.
I order a filled morning crepe and a barley tea to go. I move to the side and wait as the cook fills my order. I take this moment to look down at my phone to see where my Uber is and he's nearly here. My barley tea is first up and I mix it how I like at the small station they've set up for cremes and sugars.
A horn blares as my crepe comes and I hurriedly leave with my breakfast and things in hand. The driver gets out and it's definitely my Uber and gives me a small sorry smile.
"Sorry for startling you. I just meant for a dog to move to let me park." I laughs and I do see a dog down the street..."may I help you with your bags?" He asks as he pops the trunk.
"Yes, please." I smile as I hand him the big one and he easily slides it into his car. He end up being able to fit the small one with it and I take my seat with my purse and my breakfast in hand.
Slamming the trunk, he moves to get into the car and as he starts it, he looks over at me for a quick second. "So, are you going to be going to MSU?" He asks, his blue eyes scanning the road before moving along.
"Yes. I'm moving here for the college, actually. It seems like a really nice place, Mystery Spell." I say before digging in to my crepe.
"It really is a great place. Although people still tend to be pretty basic. Like girls eating like birds." He says.
I scrunch up my nose at this as I swallow my last bite."Look, I'm hungry. I don't care if a boy watches."
He chuckles a little. "I can see. I was just saying that you don't seem to be like most girls." He smiles and it's like being around my favorite cousin. They could even be twins, actually. Same black hair and blue eyes. But Iacob has incredibly light skin. You've thought he'd never known the sun! But this guy looks like a football player. He looks like he knows some sun.
"Thank you? I guess..." I display a small smile and laugh at the thought I had. "You remind me of my cousin."
"Oh? Is he as devilishly handsome as I am?" My driver asks.
"Oh, I see your vanity is showing. But you two do look a lot a like. He's the best." I say, laughing at his remark.
"You two sound close. Was it hard leaving everyone?" He asks.
"We are close and no, not really." I respond with a sigh. Looking off I notice that we are approaching the school and it's almost tome to hop out.
"Hey, I go to this school too. If you need anything you can hit me up, gorgeous." He says with a sassy wink as I get out of the car.
"Thanks. Umm..." I almost look down at my app but he replies quickly.
"Loan... it's Loan." He says as he pops the trunk and gets out to help me with my luggage.
"Hey, where are you staying, by the way?" He asks.
"I got a job as an au par and will be staying with that family." I say.
"Will you need another ride from here? I could just stay." He adds.
"That would be great, actually. Thanks." I smile.
"I'll just wait out here, then. Text me when you're done. You have my number through the app, right?" He asks, leaning back against his car.
I look down at my phone and, sure enough, he is right. "Yes, thank you so much for this, Loan!" I say as I race off. As I run through the doors, I run into another girl.
"Ouch!" She exclaims.
"I am so sorry!" I say as I look up to see two daring caramel eyes. Wow! She's a real show-stopper.
"Why the heck were you going so fast?" She asks, bewildered.
"My Uber is waiting and I need to find my couselor's office as soon as possible to get my schedule." I explain. "Oh, pardon, my name is Eilidh, by the way."
"My name is Sarah. You're new, aren't you? I can show you to your counselor's office if you'd like. What is the first letter of your last name?" She says with a smile.
"Oh yes, thank you! It's M. Is it that obvious that I'm new here?" I say as we begin to walk down the hallway. The colors of the hallway intermingling with the dancing of the sunlight through the huge arched windows.
"Well, we don't get many people from out of town..." She says as we round a corner.
"Oh.. Okay. I guess this is really more like a small town than it seems." I add with a small smile.
She nods and shrugs her shoulders. "Yeah. So, what classes did you sign up for?"
"Oh, just the regular classes. So I can get those core grades. I did choose one intriguing one for myself, though." I say as we walk past the admissions office near the front of the school.
"I get what you mean. There's so many credits you need! What did you do for your special? I chose Mythology." She offered.
My eyes lit up, elated. "Oh my goodness! That's the same class I signed up for!" I squealed.
She laughed but I couldn't deny the pep in my step at having found a new friend.
"Well, here we are. Madame Hugh's office. I guess I'll be off now. Do you want to exchange numbers so we can talk shop sometime?" She suggests.
"Absolutely! It was such a pleasure meeting you, Sarah." I say as I type my information into her phone.
She smiles and we hug goodbye before I slip into Madame Hugh's office. I cough to get her attention and her green-hazel eyes slowly glance up from the page in her hands. She has chestnut brown hair and a very french look about her which I am a bit surprised by. Maybe she's a language teacher?
"You could have knocked..." She says with an air of distaste and a thick french accent. "Name please."
"Eilidh Maonaigh... I'd really have to spell it for you. It's quite odd. I'm here for my schedule, ma'am." I stutter as I sit in one of the chairs facing her desk.
"Yes, and you are very punctual, Ms. Maonaigh. Ah... I have your information right here. Please wait a moment while it prints." She says as she turns to start the large printer behind her.
"Thank you, madame." I say while twiddling my fingers.
"Do you know any french, Eilidh?" She asks, probably to pass the time and because it's on my schedule. At this I stop my twiddling and answer:
"Oui, madame. Je parle un peu francais." (Yes, madame. I speak a little french.)
"Porquoi tu parles francais?" She asks bluntly. (Why do you speak french?)
"Ma Mere es francais, madame." I explain and she nods her head in approval. (My mom is french, madame.)
Honestly, I'd never been able to learn very much. My mother tried but it seemed to be in vain. So, I have it in my head to learn french for her this year. Maybe that'll be one thing she can be proud of me for... The printer let off a strange noise when my schedule was done printing. Madame Hugh handed me the papers with a small smile.
"A bientot!" She said as I gave a small wave and was out the door. Racing back to were I came, I slammed through the doors.
"Well, that took...." I said but was cut off by the sight of Loan and some blonde arguing about something. They both turned to look at me and a hot rage seemed to seep even deeper into the girl's face.
"Who is this?!" She yelled at him. I couldn't help but feel sorry for him as he looked exasperatedly at her.
"Hun! I drive UBER! I'm just her ride!" He says in a raised voice. She softens, but only slightly. Sneering at me, she says to keep away from him before passing me and going through the double doors. To say I am baffled by this predicament is an understatement.
"Ready?" Loan askes before I can inquire into his emotional state. I nod and hop into his vehicle. "Okay, so... Where to?"
"Oh... um... Let me pull it up." I say as I try to get my phone to work. "Ah, that's right! The Bartholy's, Please!"
Loan gives me an odd look that's full of concern and doubt. "You sure?"
"Yes, Why?" I ask tepidly.
"No one goes to the Bartholy Place."
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone