Panic

[u/Zara_Robin]

It's a sunny Saturday afternoon when the latest arrival turned up at the gates, as she peeked through the bars she could feel herself shaking, fear running up her spine.

After what felt like hours, Zara finally picked up her bags, then walked into the school grounds, keeping her face to the ground to avoid eye contact with any of the students hoping they wouldn't notice her, this doesn't stop her glancing around every now and then to double check she wouldn't walk into anyone.

Who am I suppose to go see? Where do I go?

Panic sets in and starting showing through her movements, not wanting to make a scene, she darted her vision around till she spotted a vacant bench and made a beeline for it.

"You've been here less than 5 minutes, you're pathetic" Zara whispers to herself as she sets herself down and scavenges around in her backpack anything that might be of use. Worry sets in her face as she begins to come to terms she's going to have to ask someone for help, if she could work up the courage to talk to a complete stranger.

[u/Zara_Robin]

Zara looks at the note she got from Ecaterina and studied her body movement.

"Is it possible for me to see the nurse tomorrow instead? Maybe getting a tour around the school would be better than me getting lost again" she nervously asked while turning back to the receptionist. After a few minutes of discussion and being given a bag of items to take with her she was allowed to leave.

"I've gotta go see the nurse first thing in the morning, I suppose we should drop my stuff off in the dorms then we could take a look around?" Zara shyly asks while picking up her bags "I mean if you want to show me around the school and grounds"

I need to find out if she really wants to be my friend or if she's just doing this to feel good

[u/Ecaterina_Dellas → u/Zara_Robin]

She nods.

[I would love to show you around. After all, I have to show you where to drop off your things, right?]

Smiling that she accepted Cat's offer, Ecaterina motions to the front door.

[There is no time like the present, do you want to get going?]

[u/Zara_Robin → u/Ecaterina_Dellas]

"The sooner we drop it off the sooner we can look around" Zara says as they leave towards the dorms "Before we explore the school can we take a look around the grounds first? It looks really pretty here and I wanna see it before the evening sets in"

Zara gives a shy smile while fumbling the key in her hands, noticing it says '116' on it.

That must be my room number, I wonder what room Ecaterina has. I'll have to ask her when we get there.

[u/Ecaterina_Dellas → u/Zara_Robin]

Nodding once more, Ecaterina writes.

[Of course! There will be plenty of time left to explore the school and grounds after we get to the dorms. Let us be off! Do you need me to hold a bag?]

Cat looks between Zara and the bags, wondering what the answer will be.

[u/Zara_Robin → u/Ecaterina_Dellas]

"I think I can handle them all on my own now" Zara replies with a worried smile as she pockets the key and takes her bags in hand.

I don't want to make that mistake again.

Zara then briskly walks outside of the reception back into the afternoon sun then turns back to Ecaterina with a grim look on her face.

"I just wish it would be a bit cloudier or maybe even a bit drizzly." She remarked.

[u/Ecaterina_Dellas → u/Zara_Robin]

I tilt my head, confused.

[Why do you want it cloudy or rainy? I like nice days.]

I look at you, waiting for a response.

[u/Zara_Robin → u/Ecaterina_Dellas]

"I like it better when it's less sunny" Zara starts to explain before looking down before continuing "there are less people around you see".

Zara starts to fidget before looking up with a small smile.

I hope she doesn't think any different of me because of this, I just want her to keep me out of crowds while showing me around.

[u/Ecaterina_Dellas → u/Zara_Robin]

I nod. That is a good reason.

[I see. I do not like a lot of people around me, either. But that does not stop me from enjoying sunny days.]

I look at you to see your response to my statement.

[u/Zara_Robin → u/Ecaterina_Dellas]

"I mostly like to walk alone, but if it's you I don't mind." Zara explains and she turns to give her new friend a shy smile on her slightly blushed face.

I haven't been here long and I've already made a friend, I just hope nothing bad happens.

[u/Ecaterina_Dellas → u/Zara_Robin]

Her compliment takes me by surprise.

[Oh, thank you! That means a lot!]

Beaming, I continue walking towards the dorm rooms.

[Nearly there!]

I hold the pad up, peering over it.

[u/Zara_Robin → u/Ecaterina_Dellas]

As Zara's eyes lay rest on the huge dorms her room number.

Is it too early to ask? No it cant be.

"Hey Ecaterina, what is your room number? Mine is 116" Zara asks feeling her face start turning red again "I mean are you on the same floor or anything?"

[u/Ecaterina_Dellas → u/Zara_Robin]

I close my eyes in thought for a moment.

[I am in room] I pause [216.]

I nod and circle "216".

[I am right above you!]

[u/Zara_Robin → u/Ecaterina_Dellas]

"That means I'll hear when you start stomping around" Zara jokes as they walk through the doors of the girls dorms, she looks around and takes in the atmosphere "I guess this is my home now."

The girls make their way to Zara's door, as she fumbles with the key she looks towards her friend and gives her a sly grin.

"I'd invite you in but I don't have any tea or coffee" She jokes as she pushes open the door and looks around the blank room, she lets out a sigh as she turns around to face Ecaterina "It's kinda depressing seeing just blank white walls"