It's orientation week. Unlike everyone, Rose hasn't stepped outside of her room yet to explore, except for having food. It's London, a dream for every student, yet she is determined not to make it home. They are supposed to visit Oxford today. Ann has been dolling up since the morning while Rose is still reading 'The Man Who Wanted To Be Happy' by Laurent Gounelle.
"Rose, you have to get ready now, we are leaving in 15 minutes. You know it's mandatory now. I haven't forced you to go anywhere yet since they were not."
"Okay! I will be done within 10 minutes."
"Not wearing makeup?"
"I never like to wear makeup, you know that!" Rose speaks as she stands up and starts searching for the outfit.
"But it's Oxford. Who knows, you might make someone fall in love with you?" Ann teases her friend.
"You know, I wouldn't go for someone who would fall for the face."
"That's what people say when they know they are the BEAUTY! You don't really need any makeup anyway."
As soon as Rose wears her shoes, there is a knock on the door. It's Peter Huffman, a boy who looks like fifteen for his baby face, from Rose's class. He's 6 feet and handsome. Rose has little knowledge about him that his mother is Japanese from whom he got the look and father is Australian. He was born and raised in Oxford, England, and decided to go to college in the USA; his parents are still living in Oxford. Everyone thinks of a local guide now rather than a classmate. All of the students are invited to his house tonight to have a feast along with the faculty members.
"Hey Peter!" Rose speaks.
"Hello. I hope I didn't interrupt." He speaks in a strong British accent.
"Of course not. We are about to go out now."
"That's well then. I came here for that. Actually everyone is out already, they are waiting for you."
"Oh Gosh! Ann, let's go. Peter, can you please hold this bag for me?"
"Sure."
Rose locks the door as Ann comes out. "So, are we taking the train?" Ann asks.
"Yes. It's more that way." Peter replies.
It's already 10 pm when they reach Peter's house. It's a two storied house, which clearly resembles the Japanese style building. Everyone exclaims in excitement.
"Both of my parents are architect, so he wanted to have a Japanese theme." Peter says.
"That's wonderful, Peter! I was in Japan last year. It feels like I'm there all of sudden." Max speaks.
"You haven't seen it all yet. Let's go inside!" Peter's expression clearly tells them, more shocks are coming, and they are about to entire a whole Japanese themed house in Oxford.
And the house interior is beautiful, like crazily soothing and relaxing after a long day. Rose studies every single corner, the backyard has a sauna and hot tubs besides the pool, even though it's not that large. Peter's mom is very pretty and easy going. She greets everyone with a sweet smile while his dad is cooking.
. . .
"Wow. Take a look at this, Won!" Jonah Hartington, Silas' best friend since elementary school shows him the photos from their program's common instagram group chat.
"What is it?" He asks, glancing at Jonah's phone.
"The freshmen, they are at Peter's house, having a blast."
"Is that so?" Silas' replied, trying to be nonchalant.
"Maybe you should facetime Aaron. He set the message as disappearing within 5 minutes. Maybe trying to make us jealous of them having a good time. You won't be able to see the message after 5 minutes. Facetime him. That kid will definitely show you everyone."
"And waste my time, is that it? Jon, you need to stop talking now and let me do my stuff."
Once Silas finishes writing up his assignment, it's already 7:00 pm, Jonah has fallen asleep, he is sleeping in Silas' bed. He takes a quick shower and goes to his balcony. He texts Aaron, not hoping to get an instant reply.
Silas: Saw you guys chilling at Peter's, still there?
Read within a second.
Aaron: Oh Hi! Actually we are already on the train, getting back to the dormitory.
Silas: Is everyone alright? It must be tiring on the first day.
Aaron: Care for a facetime?
Silas: No, it's okay. Just wanted to check up on you.
Aaron: Sent 23 pictures
Silas swipes left all the photos until he stops at one particular photo, Rose smiling widely at the camera, holding chocolate bars which Silas bought for her.
Silas: Is the girl who got sick at the airport okay now?
Aaron: She seems alright now but she hadn't come out from her room for the last two days. Seems like she avoids people unless it's mandatory to talk. As the semester starts today, she is finally out.
Silas: Oh.
Silas doesn't know how to respond to this statement. He shouldn't act too easy going with it..
Aaron: She's really nice. She talks really well when someone gives her space.
Silas: I know what you mean.
Aaron: Maybe I should talk to her more. She's a good friend.
Three dots appear multiple times and stop.
What should I reply?
Silas: I will text you again.
Four months passed by just like that, with Silas regularly checking up on his juniors through Aaron. Sending them gifts and stuff in London, using Clia's name.
During these four months. Neither Rose, nor SIlas had any direct communication. It's always through someone else, or someone's facetime.
Time came and the freshmen returned to Berkeley.