Chapter 5 Five

Emma

The alarm on my phone went off at 7:30 a.m. and I groaned, pulling the blanket over my head for a few more seconds. My body still felt heavy from all the unpacking and emotional whirlwind of yesterday. Every muscle ached a little, but I forced myself to sit up.

Jade was already awake, sitting on her bed scrolling through her phone with messy purple-tipped hair. She looked up and smiled.

“Morning, roomie. You look like you got hit by a truck. Long nap yesterday really got you, huh?”

I laughed tiredly and swung my legs off the bed. “Yeah… I didn’t mean to sleep that long. I’m still exhausted but I have to do registration today before classes start properly. I need to get my schedule sorted and pick up some paperwork.”

“Ugh, registration is the worst,” Jade said, stretching her arms above her head. “Lines everywhere. But you’ll survive. Want me to make instant coffee before you go? I have a kettle.”

“That would be amazing, thank you,” I replied, already heading to my side of the room. Our dorm room was actually pretty big for a shared space — spacious enough for both beds, desks, and a surprisingly large closet we were sharing.

While the kettle boiled, I picked out my outfit carefully. I wanted to look put-together but not try-hard. I chose a simple light blue button-up blouse that tucked neatly into high-waisted black jeans, and a comfortable pair of white sneakers. Nothing flashy — just the classic good-girl scholar look. I brushed my long dark hair until it was smooth, then tied it into a neat ponytail with a few soft strands left out around my face. A touch of lip balm and I was ready. I didn’t have many clothes with me, so I was glad I had packed practical pieces.

Jade handed me a mug of coffee. “You look cute and responsible. Perfect for bureaucracy day. Where are you heading first?”

“Thanks,” I said, taking a sip. “The main admin building for registration, then probably the academic advising office. The scholarship packet said I need to confirm everything before full classes start. I’m kind of nervous but excited too.”

“You’ll be fine,” Jade reassured me. “Just smile politely and don’t let them rush you. And hey — if you get lost, the campus map on the Hawthorne app is actually decent.”

We chatted a bit more while I finished my coffee — she told me about her own registration chaos yesterday and warned me which lines were the slowest. Then I grabbed my bag, phone, and the registration slip.

“Wish me luck,” I said at the door.

“Good luck! Text me if you need company later,” Jade called after me.

I stepped out into the hallway and immediately felt that flutter of independence again. Using the map on my phone, I navigated across campus. It took a few wrong turns, but I eventually found the admin building. The lines were long, but I used the time to review my scholarship documents. When it was my turn, the lady at the counter was surprisingly nice.

“Emma Harper, pre-law scholarship?” she asked.

“Yes, ma’am.”

We went through everything — confirming my classes, updating my contact info, and getting my official student ID activated. It took almost two hours, but by the time I left that building and handled the advising office, it was already past noon.

I was starving again but pushed through. The scholarship covered so much — meals, books, everything. I whispered a quiet “thank you” to whoever made this possible as I headed to the campus bookstore with the official slip in my hand.

The bookstore was huge and overwhelming in the best way. I handed over my slip and they loaded me up with all the required textbooks for my pre-law courses, plus a few recommended ones. I also grabbed some notebooks, highlighters, and pens. Everything was free under the scholarship. I felt a wave of gratitude hit me hard — Mom wouldn’t have to worry about book costs this semester.

As I was paying for a couple extra supplies (my own money), my phone rang. It was Mom.

“Hi baby!” her voice came through warm and tired. “How are you? Did you sleep okay? Have you eaten?”

I smiled, holding the phone between my ear and shoulder while organizing my bag. “I’m good, Mom. A little tired but registration went well. I just picked up all my books. The scholarship covers everything — it’s crazy. I feel so lucky.”

“You worked so hard for this, Emma. I’m so proud of you. Lily keeps asking when you’re coming home. She wants to video call tonight.”

We talked for almost fifteen minutes — about her job, how Lily was doing in school, and how much they both missed me. I reassured her I was eating well and making friends. By the time we hung up, I felt recharged.

I stepped out of the bookstore with two heavy bags. A student volunteer near the entrance shoved a colorful flyer into my hand.

“Back-to-school party this weekend! Biggest one for freshmen. You should come!”

I took it politely but waved it off mentally. “Thanks, but I’m not really the party type.”

I stuffed the flyer into my bag anyway and headed back to Evergreen Hall.

When I opened the door to our room, Jade was inside, painting her nails on her bed.

“Hey! You survived!” she said brightly. “How was it?”

“Long but good,” I replied, dropping the bags on my desk. “Got all my books and supplies. The scholarship is a lifesaver — I can’t believe it covers textbooks too.”

“That’s awesome. Come sit and tell me everything while you unpack.”

I started putting away the notebooks and books in the big closet while we talked. Jade asked about the lines, the advisors, and whether I met any cute guys in the offices. I laughed and told her about the chaotic registration process.

Then she spotted the flyer sticking out of my bag.

“Wait… is that what I think it is?” Jade’s eyes lit up. She snatched the flyer and let out a loud screech. “Emma! The back-to-school party! This is the biggest event for freshmen! Everyone goes!”

I blinked at her, confused. “Why are you screaming? It’s just a party.”

“Just a party?” Jade clutched the flyer dramatically. “This isn’t ‘just a party.’ This is the party. Music, free drinks for freshmen, dancing, the works. We have to go. As freshmen, it’s basically required!”

I shook my head immediately. “Jade, I’m not really into parties. I’m here on scholarship. I need to focus on grades. Law school is competitive. I’m the good girl type — studying, early nights, that kind of thing.”

Jade pouted and gave me puppy eyes. “Please? Just this one. You don’t even have to drink or stay long. I’ll stick with you the whole time. It’ll be fun, I promise. We can leave the second you feel uncomfortable.”

I hesitated, biting my lip. She looked so excited. “Only for you. And the moment I want to leave, we leave. Deal?”

“Deal!” Jade squealed and hugged me. “You’re the best roommate ever.”

We talked more while I finished organizing my supplies — about what to wear, what time to arrive, and funny stories from her gap year parties. Eventually Jade stood up.

“I have to run and meet someone real quick. Do you need anything from outside? Snacks? Drinks?”

“Ice cream would be amazing,” I said. “And maybe some chips or cookies if you see any.”

“Got it. Be back soon!” She waved and left.

I sat on my bed, flyer still in my hand, wondering what I’d just agreed to.

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