It's been a few days since we arrived, and although classes haven't officially started yet, we're slowly getting used to college. The campus is huge, with imposing buildings and corners full of history. The routine is not yet established, but that has given us the opportunity to explore without haste.
Sack and I have spent several afternoons touring every corner of Stanford. It's strange, but being with him makes everything feel easier, more natural. We don't talk too much about personal things, but somehow, their company is comforting. Sometimes we walk aimlessly, other times we end up in a café on campus, observing the other students who, like us, are trying to find their place.
"I didn't think you'd be the type to wander aimlessly," I commented as we walked through one of the main gardens.
Sack shrugged, his hands in his pockets.
"I'm not, but Stanford is big. I'd rather get to know it before everything fills up with people running from one class to another.
"Wise decision," I admitted. Although I find it hard to imagine you rushing through a class.
He smiled sideways, unresponsive. I had learned that Sack did not always respond with words, but with gestures, glances or silences. And in a way, that made it interesting.
That day we ended up in the main library, an imposing structure of classical architecture. We were surprised to find it almost empty, which allowed us to explore without interruptions. Sack flipped through random books as I walked the halls curiously.
—Have you always been one of those who spend time in libraries? He asked suddenly.
"Why do you say that?" I replied, amused.
"You look like a bookworm," he said in a neutral tone, but with a slight curve in his lips.
I rolled my eyes, but couldn't help but smile.
"Maybe. But you seem more like the type who prefers to sit in a corner and watch others.
"Perhaps," he replied, returning the book to its shelf.
We continued exploring until the sky began to darken.
Just as we were about to leave, a nervous voice interrupted us.
"Oh, thank God!" Can you help me? I'm completely lost.
We turned to see a girl with curly hair and thick glasses holding an upside-down map of the campus. She was wearing a Stanford sweatshirt that looked several sizes too big and had an expression of utter despair.
"Hey... where do you need to go?" I asked, trying to hold back my laughter.
"I have no idea!" I thought I was in the science building, but I ended up here. Then I tried to find the coffee shop and ended up in a lab. A professor mistook me for a research assistant and almost made me label biological samples! She said everything at once, waving the map as if it were a flag for help.
Sack raised an eyebrow, clearly amused.
"And how did you end up in the library?"
"I tried to get help and somehow ended up here. I don't know how this university works, it's like a maze with traps for freshmen.
I exchanged a glance with Sack before sighing.
"Come on, we'll help you find your way... before you accidentally end up at a neurosurgery conference or something."
"By the way, I'm Olivia," the girl said with a nervous smile as we began to walk.
The girl heaved a sigh of relief and followed us as we left the library. As we walked, she began to tell us about her misadventures, which included mistakenly opening the door of a classroom full of teachers and almost joining a fencing club thinking it was a yoga class.
"I also accidentally walked into an astronomy club meeting," she continued. I thought it was an orientation session for new students, but before I knew it, I was signed up for a night expedition to observe meteorites. I have no idea about astronomy!
Sack let out a low laugh.
"Maybe you should stop following signs and start following people.
"I tried to do that!" But I ended up in the registration line for a debate competition. They almost made me talk about international politics and I had to flee.
I couldn't help laughing. Definitely, the adaptation to Stanford was being quite an experience.
"Well, to help me not get lost again, I'm inviting you to dinner," Olivia said excitedly.
Sack and I agreed without thinking too much, but my surprise came when she took us to an upscale restaurant in the center of town. The dim lights, classical music, and impeccably dressed waiters raised an eyebrow. Olivia, however, seemed totally relaxed.
"Do you come here often?" I asked in a whisper.
"Oh yes, it's one of my favorite places," she replied, flipping through the menu as if she were in a fast-food restaurant. They have the best crème brûlée in the world.
I looked at Sack, who simply raised an eyebrow. It wasn't the kind of restaurant I expected her to take us to, but Olivia seemed to move naturally.
"Don't worry about the bill," she said with a smile. My family owns a chain of hotels. Technically, this restaurant is ours.
I nodded, unable to help but smile at the unexpectedness of the matter. Sack and I came from wealthy families, but Olivia had such a relaxed, chaotic air that I would never have imagined her owning a place like that.
"Does anyone want to share a giant plate of pasta?" Because if I order one just for myself, I'm sure I'll end up with the sauce on my shirt.
Sack laughed quietly, and I shook my head. Olivia was a box of surprises.