~MONA’S POV~

I stepped through the iron gates and at that moment, I knew I had made a choice. The place was noisy as it was pulsing with unfamiliar energy. It was jammed and over packed with Students rushing over each other, laughing, dragging suitcases, shouting names I didn’t recognize. I barely had a second to breathe before someone slammed into me.

“Look well!” Her voice is as Sharp as a knife. More like she could have slapped me.

I stumbled back and looked up, it was a blonde, her designer shades, and a smirk that could slice steel.

“Sorry,” I muttered, trying hard not to fall.

“Sorry?” she bathed, eyeing me like I was a bug beneath her heel. “Next time, when in the hallway, especially it's middle, try not to stand like a lost goat.”

Heat surged into my cheeks. People turned. Some snickered. I wanted to disappear or probably let the ground swallow me.

I swallowed my pride and kept moving, dragging my suitcase like it was a hundred bricks. Finding the Dean’s office was hell. I asked at least five people, and they all pointed in different directions. I moved around the school like a lost sheep for what seems like an hour or more, my frustration boiling over with each wrong turn.

Finally, I stood in front of the office door, heart racing in my chest. I fixed my hair quickly, wiped sweat from my brow, and stepped in.

A tall woman with tight lips and a tighter bun barely looked up from her desk.

“I’m... I’m a new student. Mona Stone,” I said, trying to sound composed.

She looked at her watch before meeting my eyes. “You’re late.”

My heart dropped.

“Your admission was finalized a week ago. We expected you sooner,” she continued, her voice cold and clipped.

“I... had some personal matters to handle,” I said, swallowing the truth like a bitter pill. It's not like she could provide a solution and relate with it.

She didn’t care. With a sigh, she reached for a thick file and threw it across the table toward me.

“There’s your dorm key, room number, map, student ID, and some general rules. Make sure you read them. And don’t be late for your actual classes. We value punctuality.”

I nodded almost like I didn't as I held on tightly to the file on my chest as I turned to leave.

Standing in front of a door that bore the number 307. I am finally here. My new home. My fingers trembled as I knocked once. I steady my breath and anticipated what it would look like.

I stared at my reflection in the small mirror nailed beside the dorm door,as I exhaled.

Well... I guess it’s time to make friends.

Easier said than done.

The hall was filled with chatter and the faint thump of music from someone’s speaker. Girls were settling in, claiming their corners, throwing around clothes and laughter like confetti.

As I walked into mine, I saw her.

A tall, stunning blonde with silky brown eyes and a smile that could probably get her out of any trouble. She wore a tight crop top that hugged her curves perfectly and loose cargo pants more like this was what she was born for, to rule the runway.

She strode around like the floor was her red carpet.

Her eyes landed on me—and lingered.

“Well, well, look who finally showed up after many decisions,” she said as her head tilted, lips curling with amusement. Her gaze swept over me slowly, assessing. “You are the new girl, right?”

I stepped forward clearly. “I’m Mona,” I said, trying too hard not to sound nervous. I wasn't really nervous, it was just my first time and you know.

She rolled her long hair to her hand and shifted it to the other side of her shoulder in a more theatrical motion. “Sienna,” she replied smoothly, her voice soft. “I’m basically the queen of this dorm. And, honestly, the only reason you’ll survive college without losing your mind.”

I blinked.

Was that a threat or... a promise?

Before I could respond, someone else darted into my view. A petite girl with big brown eyes and a high ponytail bounced forward.

I’m Lena!” she said brightly, and before I could realize it she was throwing her arms around me and I couldn't react.

I tensed, startled by the sudden affection.

Lena pulled back just enough to beam up at me. “Oh my God, I love the smell of your hair! What shampoo do you use?”

I stood frozen, still clutching the file the Dean gave me. Like the content in it could help give an answer.

“Uh... I don’t really recall” I muttered, stunned by her energy.

“When you give this awkward look, you are beautiful,” she giggled. “We’re totally going to be best friends, you and me.”

Sienna's eyes rolled as she moved it away. “Lena’s like that with everyone. Don’t let the glitter and hugs fool you.”

Lena stuck her tongue out at her. “Says the girl who cried during The Notebook and denied it for weeks.”

“Shut up,” Sienna clicked her hands for a brief moment, but her smirk gave her away.

I stood there, caught between chaos and comfort. I was unsure whether to cry, laugh, run. But I knew I loved it and somewhere deep inside, I felt it.

Maybe—just maybe—I wasn’t completely alone here after all.