The Westham college campus was in full autumn bloom. The trees that lined the walkways were dressed in shades of gold, orange, and red, creating a scene that felt like a page out of a storybook. The crisp air carried the faint scent of pine and fallen leaves, making it a perfect day for a stroll.
The days leading up to the campus Fall Festival were a flurry of activity. Westham College fall festival was known for its vibrant, community-driven events, and this year's fair promised to be bigger than ever. Students were busy decorating the quad with colorful banners and fairy lights, while booths and rides were being set up under the crisp autumn sky.
Mira and Jenna had just finished their afternoon classes and decided to take a walk through the college garden. The garden was one of their favorite spots on campus, a tranquil oasis where they could escape the hustle and bustle of college life. As freshman students, they were still getting used to the rhythm of college life, but they found comfort in the familiar beauty of the garden.
"I can't believe it's almost here," Jenna said, adjusting the scarf wrapped around her neck. "This is going to be the highlight of the semester!"
"I'm so excited for the festival this year," Jenna said for a thousand times now, her dark curls bouncing as she walked. "I heard they're bringing in some amazing food trucks and live bands."
Mira nodded in agreement. "I can't wait to check out the haunted house."
"Food, games, rides—what's not to love?" Jenna replied. Then, with a mischievous glint in her eye, she added, "Maybe you and Jake can ride the Ferris wheel together."
Mira rolled her eyes, though a faint blush crept up her cheeks. "You're impossible."
They laughed, enjoying the shared memory and the anticipation of more to come. The garden was relatively quiet, with only a few students scattered around, some reading, others chatting in low voices. The gentle rustling of leaves and the soft hum of conversation created a soothing backdrop for their walk.
"Do you know what you're going to wear to the festival?" Jenna asked, looking at Mira with a curious expression.
"I'm thinking about going for something vintage" Mira replied. "What about you?"
"I want to do something fun and unique," Jenna said thoughtfully. "I love the idea of dressing up and really getting into the spirit of the festival."
Mira nodded, imagining the fun they would have planning their outfits. "It's going to be amazing. And we should definitely try all the food trucks. I've heard there's going to be some incredible options this year."
"Absolutely," Jenna agreed. "I plan on eating my way through the festival. And the live bands! I've been looking forward to hearing some new music."
As they continued to discuss their plans, they made their way deeper into the garden, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere. The garden was a mix of winding paths, blooming flowers, and secluded benches, perfect for moments of reflection or catching up with friends.
Just then, they heard the sound of laughter coming from a nearby bench. As they rounded a corner, they spotted two familiar figures sitting under a large oak tree. Jake and Mark were deep in conversation, their faces lit up with excitement. The boys, had just finished discussing their own plans for the festival and were looking for a place to relax before their next class.
"Well, well, look who we have here," Mira said, her eyes twinkling with amusement.
Jake looked up at the sound of her voice and broke into a grin. "Hey, Mira! Jenna! What are you two doing here?"
"We could ask you the same thing," Jenna replied with a smile. "Mind if we join you?"
"Not at all," Mark said, moving over to make space on the bench. "We were just talking about the festival."
Mira and Jenna sat down on the grass in front of the bench, crossing their legs and leaning in to join the conversation. "Looks like we were all thinking the same thing," Mira commented.
Jake laughed. "I guess great minds think alike."
Before running into Mira and Jenna, Jake and Mark had been sharing their own plans for the festival. Jake, who had a competitive streak, was particularly excited about the pumpkin carving contest. He had spent the past few weeks practicing his carving skills and was determined to win.
"I think I can take first place," he had told Mark confidently.
Mark, on the other hand, was looking forward to the live music performances. As a budding musician himself, he always found inspiration in watching other bands perform. "There's something about live music that just gets me every time and that's what am looking forward to the most," he had said.
Now, with Mira and Jenna joining the conversation, the excitement only grew. "So, what are you guys most excited about for the festival?" Jenna asked, eager to hear their thoughts.
Jake leaned back on the bench, a thoughtful expression on his face. "Honestly, I'm looking forward to the pumpkin carving contest again. I've been practicing, and I think I've got a pretty good chance this year."
Mark nodded. "And I'm all about the music. There's this local band playing that I've been wanting to see for a while now. Plus, it's always fun to discover new artists."
Mira clapped her hands in excitement. "This is perfect! We each have our own interests, but we can experience everything together."
Jenna beamed. "Absolutely. And don't forget about the food. I've heard there's going to be some incredible options this year. I plan on trying as much as I can."
The group continued to discuss their plans, each person contributing their own ideas and suggestions. They talked about which events they would attend together, and which ones they might split up for, depending on their interests. The conversation flowed effortlessly, filled with laughter and a shared sense of anticipation.
As the sun began to set, casting a warm golden glow over the garden, they realized they had spent hours talking without even noticing the time. The tranquil setting, combined with their infectious enthusiasm for the festival, had made for a perfect afternoon.
"We should probably head back," Mira said reluctantly, glancing at her watch. "But this was fun. I'm glad we ran into you guys."
"Same here," Jake said, standing up and stretching his legs. "Let's meet up again soon to finalize our plans."
Mark nodded in agreement. "Definitely. The festival is going to be amazing, and it's even better knowing we'll be experiencing it together."
They all stood up, dusting off their clothes and stretching their legs. As they walked out of the garden, the conversation continued, each step bringing them closer to the excitement of the festival.