Amelia
It took me a few seconds to open my eyes and notice that we've arrived at the Central. The train is nearing the station, giving me a few minutes to take in the view of the city before I walk out there. My eyes were wide open and my mouth parted slightly as I watched the beautiful scenery in front of me. This was all I've ever dreamed of, to live in the city. And now I'm here.
The train comes to a halt, and I happily bring my bags with me to the platform, taking it all in with an inhale. I'm finally here and I am ready to explore the city all by myself.
Noah would've loved to come here, but he had things to do back in our village. When he has the chance, he'll come here to live with me and find a job. Papa has been here a few times when he was younger, but he got settled in our village when he got older, a few months before he adopted me. I would love for them to live with me if I had the chance, but I don't mind living alone in the city. In fact, I've always thought about living on my own here in the Central.
I got out of the station and I saw the plaza surrounded by many vendors, with the marketplace located at the South Village. The city looked busy on a Sunday, much like how busy it is back in our village. The only difference is how crowded and how small our village is compared to the Central.
I decided to search for a dormitory somewhere near the plaza. I approached an old woman who appeared to be the owner of the clothing store.
"Good morning, miss. How may I help you?" she smiled at me.
"Hi. Do you happen to know any dormitories nearby?"
"Yes, dear. At the East Village," she points at a street across. "There are a few dormitories that could suit a young lady like you."
"Thank you." I replied to her, and she gave me a warm smile.
"New here?"
"Yes. A little overwhelmed, to say the least," I admitted with a soft voice.
"You'll get used to the busy scene. What made you come here?"
"I have a scholarship for ballet classes at Crystalia School of Arts. I live in the country side, so I needed to find a place here to live."
"Lucky girl."
I nodded. "It was my dream to do ballet."
"Good luck with that," she spoke with a smile, and I found myself smiling to a kind stranger.
I waved goodbye at her and went on my way to East Village. True to what she said, there are a few dormitories for boys and girls aligned on both sides of the street. I picked one of the girl dormitories and went in. It was nothing ordinary, but nothing extravagant, too. Exterior walls were painted white, brown painted trimmings completing the whole look of the old-looking building. It appeared to be a five-story dormitory, with the rest of the dormitories being ten-story or close to five-story. It didn't matter to me if it had ten floors or fifteen or eight. As long as I have somewhere to live, I'll be fine with it.
A lady in her late 30s walked out of a room, and upon seeing me, she welcomed me in. She had on a yellow summer dress which almost swept on the floor if she wasn't wearing heels. Her hair is golden, styled in curls that sat on her shoulders. Her aura in the room is comforting, and I just knew that she's that kind of a woman who could be my aunt or someone's aunt.
"Hello, dear. Looking for a room?"
"Uh, yes. Do you have any recommendations?"
"We have rooms with a single bed and rooms with two beds. We also have rooms for four, but they're occupied as of now."
I nodded. "I do kind of want to have a roommate. But I don't mind being alone."
"I'll give you some time to think about that."
"Thank you, miss."
She chuckled. "Just call me Imelda. Now, what brings a lovely lady like you here? I reckon it's your first time in the Central."
"I actually live in the countryside, but I need a place to stay here in the Central. I have classes to take in Crystalia School of Arts."
"Then you must come from a wealthy family. That school is a prestigious one if you ask me."
"Oh, no. I'm not from a wealthy family."
"Really? I can barely tell. You look so beautiful."
I blushed. "Oh, um, thank you. But I'm just a scholar."
"Hmm," she hummed softly. "You must be lucky. Talented?"
"I guess so."
"You don't have to be shy, my dear. Be proud of your talents. My daughter studied music lessons at that school when she discovered her talent in playing the flute. Now she can play the piano and harp."
"That's wonderful."
She must be wealthy, judging from how she can afford her daughter to go to a prestigious school. But her aura wasn't intimidating. In fact, she seemed to be kind and generous. I then felt comfortable after just a few minutes of talking to her.
I looked at my baggage and finally decided. "You know what? I'll take the single bed."
"Wonderful. I'll just have you sign a few papers and I'll give you a tour of the dormitory."
After settling my stay here, Imelda took me to my room on the third floor, and upon seeing the room, I knew this one is perfect.
It had cream-colored walls, two small windows that gave me the view of the palace and the streets, a twin bed with white sheets sat next to the windows, a wooden desk across the room, and its own bathroom. It wasn't nearly small, but not so huge either. It was just perfect for a single person.
"This is lovely, Imelda," I said while my eyes roamed around the room.
"Glad you like it. Now, if you need anything, I'll be downstairs. Don't hesitate to ask if you need a friend or if you have any concerns."
I nodded, and she walked away with a smile, going back probably to the desk.
I sat on the bed and took it all in. Half of the weight of nervousness lifted from my body, knowing I got settled in right away. The only thing I would have to worry about is the school. I'll need to go there tomorrow morning to meet Mrs. Wendy.
In the meantime, I decided to make two letters, one each for Noah and Papa. I sat on the desk, grabbed few papers that I packed, and started writing, glancing at the window from time to time and watching the surreal scenery from the window.