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The shusher began knocking on the front counter while we chatted, then rang a bell loudly. Repeatedly. Piper yelled at him, saying she’d be right there.
“I need to go to campus. Thank you, Piper. I’ve made up my mind. I’m going to do this. I can register for classes now that I’ll have the money.” Things felt settled now. I could do this. My only hesitation now was not having Eli there. Otherwise, my excitement at the possibility of paying off everything was bubbling up inside until I almost giggled.
“I’m friends with a porn star,” she yelled, ambling towards the front desk to care for the irritated customer.
With the money I could make, I would be able to pay for my tuition and books. I wouldn’t even have to take a part-time job if I needed to study. Despite having my finances taken care of, I would still want to work because it would bring in an income and be something to fall back on once things inevitably went wrong. Like they always did. I’d never had a job, but I’d start looking soon.
Parking in the university campus lot, I saw groups of students wandering about, probably shopping for new university gear and books before the semester started. Various student organizations’ booths lined the square of the main quad, advertising their groups on colorful banners hung from folding tables. I decided to peruse the offerings.
Picking up a flyer for an intramural running club, I also spotted a real crimes club that solved mysteries together a few times per semester. A few sorority sisters approached, asking if I was interested in pledging. Fraternities begged me to attend their next party.
Even though I found a campus map at one table, I was lost. Student government officers were helpful in pointing out the college of allied sciences building, and I found my way to the advisor assigned to me.
In the hall outside the office were three chairs, and I took a seat in one, hearing another student already inside the office. Glancing at my phone, my heart sank. There was no text from Eli. It had been a few days since I had heard from him and loneliness struck. Should I message him?
As I considered sending him a hello or “just checking in,” the other girl left the office, and a young woman with a caramel-highlighted afro popped her head out of the door.
“You next?”
“Yes.” The plastic chairs she offered were hard and uncomfortable.
“I’m Aniyah Ellis. What’s your name?”
“Inessa Minsky.”
With her long, painted nails, she typed my name into her system and brought up my information.
“Welcome to Northview University.” Aniyah handed me a sample schedule for my major and showed me how I could complete my degree in four years. She helped register my freshman general education classes.
“There is a shadowing opportunity for clinical laboratory science students if you want to visit a hospital, blood bank, microbiology lab, or forensic lab... The full list is here.” She pointed to my paper. “You can also get credit if there’s somewhere else you want to shadow.”
Now that I’d made one big decision today, the next came easy for me. Confidently, I said, “I’ll take the forensic lab.”
“Are you thinking of forensics?”
“Either that, or perhaps cancer research, but I’d like to start with forensics first.” Pushing my blonde hair over my shoulder, I nodded the confirmation with my reply.
“The forensic shadowing opportunity is in the DNA lab, so you’ll get to see how they test for matches. Usually, the samples come from the FBI, but they also do paternity tests. It’s pretty interesting, I’ve been told.” She smiled. “Are you excited to start college?”
“Now I am. Everything feels more real.” My shoulders eased some tension there as I thought about it. I was going to be an actual college student! Things were looking up.
Aniyah said I could schedule office hours with her any time and wished me luck.
Once I found the campus bookstore, I purchased the supplies and books I needed for my first classes. Feeling excited and hopeful about my future, I bought an NU sweatshirt. I put it on and walked into the warm summer air. Even though it was hot, I still wanted to wear it, proud of my new role in life. The Northview University sign was a perfect place for a selfie. As soon as I posted it to my social media account, I got a comment from Eli.
Elijah Griffin: Congratulations. You deserve this!
I smiled and texted his phone.
Hey. Just registered for classes. I decided to take that job offer.
Eli
Can I call you?
Rushing back to my car, I flew into the driver’s seat, eager to call him. Scanning my face in the rear-view mirror, my cheeks flushed red, remembering his deep voice.
“Hey! You’re a university student! How’s it feel?” Each time I heard him, my stomach did back flips.
