The train ride to Gainesville, Florida was smooth but not so calming for Julianne as she keeps recalling her dream from a few months back which was the reason why she applied for this school.
one month before___
"Julianne finds herself standing herself in the middle of the forest. her heart starts to race as she recalls going to sleep in her bed then how did she get here? is this even real? the unusual situation and surroundings started to scare Julianne. she frantically roamed her eyes around herself examining everything. checking if she can find anything or anyone to who she can ask for help. but to her disappointment, she did not see anything except large trees. the forest is so dense that even moonlight can not pass to show the way out of the jungle.
" standing here won't help, I have to find my way out of here." Julianne tries to calm herself down while walking ahead on a random path to search for the way out. but after taking a few steps ahead something caught her eyes. something unusually familiar. a newspaper. "it wasn't here before. " she muttered under her breath with squinted eyes. she took careful steps toward the rock on which the newspaper is placed. after examining she can see this is the today's newspaper on which she had seen the advertising for university of Florida admission opening. the news is in the left corner of the front page to make it unnoticeable. and the strange thing is the semester is already started still they are allowing new students. before she can think more about the situation a blurred figure approached her from her left. she took a few steps away from it alarmed with wide eyes. the bright light surrounding the figure making it impossible to make out who it is. only the outline of the figure is visible. Julianne squinted her eyes to take a better look at who is it. but after failing to do it she musters her courage to ask who it is.
"w...who are y..." Julianne stammered due to the fear but got interrupted by a voice.
"apply for it." a melodic voice rang in her ears. the figure pointed its finger at the newspaper in her hands. Julianne's brow furrowed. then her eyes widen at the realization.
"do you mean I should apply to this university?" she asked surprised
"why should I? why would they even accept my application? and before all that who are you? why should I listen to you?" she started to fire all the questions that came into her mind.
"if you want to know about your true identity, apply for it. you will get answers to all of your questions." the figure stated.
Julianne stands there confused. she wanted to know more. like where is this place? how did she get there? why she has to listen to the person she can't even see clearly. before she can utter a word her eyes open in a dark room. she was back in her room. she sits up and searches her surrounding if that figure is there. only to see nothing. then her eyes fell on the newspaper at the foot of her bed. and without thinking too much she applies to the university. even after graduating early from the school Julianne didn't apply for University because she is not at the legal age to be independent so she can not leave the orphanage and no university will accept her without any guardian. but after her dream despite knowing all the problems she applies to the university.
Juliane clutched her backpack tightly as she stepped off the train onto the platform at Gainesville, Florida. The journey from her small hometown had been nerve-wracking yet exhilarating, filled with visions of the bustling university campus where she would soon begin her studies. With determination, she walked away from the station, refusing the allure of a taxi to save a few dollars. She had already spent too much on textbooks and dorm essentials.
As she wandered through the unfamiliar streets, the sun beating down on her shoulders, Juliane spotted a quaint coffee shop nestled between towering buildings. Pushing open the door, she was greeted by the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the comforting hum of conversation. She approached the counter, where a friendly barista handed her a latte and offered directions to the university.
"And there's a shortcut through the woods," the barista added with a knowing smile. "It'll save you some time."
Grateful for the advice, Juliane nodded eagerly and set off again, her heart racing with excitement and a touch of apprehension. The thought of forging new friendships, exploring academic passions, and finding her place in this new world filled her with hope and determination.
The shortcut through the woods was dappled with sunlight filtering through the thick canopy of trees. Birds chirped overhead, and a gentle breeze rustled the leaves, creating a serene atmosphere that calmed Juliane's nerves. She walked briskly, her eyes scanning her surroundings with a mix of wonder and anticipation.
Emerging from the woods, Juliane saw the imposing gate of the university ahead. It stood tall and grand, a symbol of new beginnings and endless possibilities. With a deep breath, she stepped forward, her eyes bright with dreams of the future.
Suddenly, a sharp sting jolted her out of her reverie. A hand had slapped across her cheek with surprising force, leaving Juliane stunned and bewildered. She staggered back, her heart pounding in her chest, as she registered the sight of a girl standing before her with a smirk on her face.
"You're the first one through the gate," the girl declared, surrounded by a group of friends who chuckled behind her. "Looks like you're the lucky winner of our little dare."
Juliane's mind raced as she tried to make sense of what had just happened. Her cheek throbbed, not just from the slap but from the shock of being accosted moments after stepping into her new life at university. She felt a mix of indignation and confusion, wondering why someone would greet her arrival with such hostility.
Despite the sting, Juliane straightened her shoulders, refusing to let this unexpected encounter dampen her spirits. She glanced around, noticing curious onlookers and sympathetic faces among the crowd. Taking a deep breath, she summoned her courage and met the girl's gaze with determination and slapped the girl back with same force.
"I'm here to start fresh, make friends, and learn," Juliane said firmly, her voice steady despite the tremor in her heart. "If you're looking for a fight, I'm not your opponent."
The girl's smirk faltered slightly, surprised by Juliane's response. For a moment, there was silence as tension hung in the air. Then, one of the girl's friends nudged her with a grin, and she shrugged nonchalantly.
"Fair enough," she said, her tone more subdued. "Welcome to Gainesville, then."
With that, the group turned and walked away, leaving Juliane standing by the gate, shaken but determined. As she rubbed her cheek tenderly, she felt a surge of resilience wash over her. This was just the beginning of her journey, and despite the rocky start, she knew she would find her place in this new world.
Looking up at the university gate once more, Juliane smiled faintly. She was ready to embrace the challenges and adventures that lay ahead, with a newfound strength born from overcoming her first hurdle in Gainesville.
And with that, she stepped through the gate, leaving behind the sting of the slap and stepping boldly into her future.