The bustle on Stanford University's campus was palpable, a mix of excitement, nerves, and anticipation hanging in the air. It was the first day of the academic year, and the atmosphere was full of life. Returning students walked calmly, as if they owned the place, while freshmen moved cautiously, eyes wide open, trying to absorb every detail of the campus that would now be their home.
The Californian sun shone brightly, illuminating the well-manicured paths and gardens. On the green lawns, small groups of students sat in circles, some sharing laughs while others studied campus maps with expressions of confusion. Near the main building, a winding line formed outside the registration office, where new students patiently waited to enroll in their classes and receive their dorm room assignments.
Fraternities and sororities were also in full swing, set up at tables decorated with banners and balloons, handing out flyers and offering charismatic smiles to passing students. Freshman girls, in particular, were the main target of the sororities, who invited them to join their exclusive communities.
Among the crowd, Eliza stood out. With her long, slightly wavy hair cascading like a golden waterfall down to her waist, she was impossible to miss. Her deep blue eyes shone with a mix of curiosity and nervousness, while her lightly tanned skin reflected the Californian sun. At 18 years old, Eliza was ready to start this new stage of her life, though she couldn't deny that the campus felt overwhelming.
Eliza walked slowly along the paths, holding a map she had received during orientation. Her height of 1.50 meters made her look younger than she was, but her elegant posture and determined gaze revealed an inner confidence. She carefully observed the buildings around her, trying to memorize every corner of the place.
"First time here?" asked a tall boy with messy brown hair and a friendly smile.
Eliza turned her head, surprised.
"Yes, it's my first year," she replied with a shy smile.
"I guessed so. All freshmen have that lost look," the boy said with a soft laugh. "I'm Marco, by the way."
Before Eliza could respond, a red-haired girl suddenly appeared, almost running toward them.
"Hey, darling!" she exclaimed as she lunged at Marco. "I've been looking for you everywhere!"
The girl had freckles scattered across her face and an overflowing energy that seemed to fill the air around her. Her eyes landed on Eliza with curiosity before she smiled widely.
"Hi, I'm Amanda," she said warmly and friendly.
"Eliza," she replied, feeling a bit intimidated by Amanda's intensity.
"Are you new too?" Amanda asked, pointing to the papers Eliza held tightly in her hands.
Eliza nodded, and to her surprise, Amanda quickly hugged her as if they were old friends. Though not usually fond of hugs, Eliza accepted, feeling a strange warmth in the gesture.
The three continued walking together across the campus. Marco explained some useful shortcuts to get to the classrooms faster and pointed out the best places to eat. He also talked about extracurricular activities and upcoming social events, including the famous "Welcome Night," where all new students were invited to a big party organized by the fraternities and sororities.
"Will you join a sorority?" Amanda asked curiously.
"I don't think so," Eliza replied, feeling a little embarrassed about being a legacy of Alpha Phi and preferring to keep it to herself. "I don't think they'd accept me."
"But you're beautiful, with those eyes, that hair, and your curves—" Amanda teased, making Eliza feel slightly uncomfortable.
"It's really not my style," she said, blushing slightly. "I'll just settle into my dorm."
"I'm really glad to hear that," Amanda said, giving her a warm hug.
Amid laughter, they finally reached the building where freshmen had to register for their classes. While waiting their turn, Eliza observed the other students around her. There was a fascinating mix of people: some seemed as nervous as she did, while others chatted animatedly with friends or checked their phones. The campus's diversity impressed her, and she felt excited thinking about all the stories she might hear and the adventures she would have now that she was no longer under her mother's watchful eye.
When it was finally her turn, Eliza handed over her documents and received her schedule along with her dorm key. Stepping out of the building, she looked at the paper in her hands with a mix of relief and excitement. Everything was starting to take shape: her classes, her new friends, her temporary home, her new life at Stanford.
Once registered, they were able to relax under the shade of a tree. Eliza was delighted with all the funny stories Amanda shared and loved seeing the way Marco looked at her. They were clearly in love. From what she had heard, they had been together since high school.
She enjoyed the breeze brushing her face, eyes closed, savoring the moment—until a sudden wave of heat pulled her out of her small private moment.