A New Beginning

I slipped into the middle row of the orientation program, wearing a white top with a red houndstooth-patterned skirt. Comet was fast asleep in my pocket as I began to take notes.

Right behind me, one of the girls said aloud, “Psst. Is it true that Saphyr’s gold digger, wannabe princess, is also attending?”

I got goosebumps at once, but didn’t bother looking behind.

Oh, jeez, there are bullies in this life, too? But I need to be the top scorer! Never mind them.

The chairperson walked in, and I tried to draw a flower at the corner of my notebook.

“That’s just a rumor, Cathy. Besides, we aren’t colonized by them anymore. That gives more power to us.”

“Yeah, and even obnoxious Lady Edith was too much for the guy.”

Excuse me?! I’m no gold digger, and certainly not a wannabe. But I should concentrate. And yeah, Edith was too lame for my prince.

“You three at the back, you are far too loud!” said the chairperson.

“Sorry,” said the girl.

“Moving on, welcome to our prestigious, world-renowned institute of design. We cover all sorts of design, from animation and character design to the latest fashions.”

“Psst, Cathy. Doesn’t the girl in front of us match her description?”

“Whose description, Florian?”

“Janessa Drexel!” whispered Florian, loudly.

“No way.”

“Heh, they were right when they said she dyed her hair a weird color. Neon orange, huh?”

It’s nowhere near neon, you dimwit! I didn’t have to dye it either.

“Heh, imagine wasting your nation’s tax on tuition for someone who doesn’t deserve it. I bet she doesn’t know a thing about her discipline.”

That’s it! That’s the last straw!

I cursed at them in my mind quite a few times.

I’ll see if they can fight me in a fair and square costume design segment!

“Guys, don’t be so mean. What if it’s not really her?” said another girl.

“Yeah, you’re…”

At that moment, Comet chose a brilliant time to wake up. She flew up and sat at the desk, rubbing her eyes.

“Janessa, you’ll be late for class. Hurry up…” said Comet.

“Shush, quiet, Comet.”

“What’s wrong? Oh, you’ve already made it to class.”

The trio behind me burst into laughter. The whole lecture stopped, and the rows all looked around me.

“Silence. The three of you should learn to behave.”

Comet went back to sleep.

“But it was Janessa who provoked us!” lied Cathy.

I looked back with scrunched eyebrows as I gritted my teeth.

“That’s not true,” I mumbled.

They all smiled at each other and the speeches went on as usual.

“Hmph.”

I pouted and crossed my arms. Soon, I put away all my materials inside my bag.

“And that is why it is a pleasure to have all of you as our dear students. Study well, study hard, and illuminate the path for your descendants.”

Everyone clapped loudly, including myself.

We all got up and left, but the two of them stood on the left of the doorway and the boy stood on the other side of the door.

What are they going to do?! They might even extend their leg to make me trip over. Whatever, I will shine on!

I straightened my back and marched out, right when they followed me and took out their phones. They all had dark hair and tattoos.

It’s time to pose for the fans!

I struck not one pose, but three different ones; a pose was with one hand on my waist and another on my waist. Another was one of me framing a picture with my fingers as artists do. The last was me making my hair into twintails with my hands.

“Weirdo…” they said, walking away.

“Heh, delete those.”

I had goosebumps once again while thinking.

What if they edit my photos?! Nah, they’re probably not smart enough.

A girl with blonde, curly hair, flower tattoos, and red dress came up to me and said, “Oh my gosh, that was so iconic!”

“Oh, thank you!” I said.

“Yeah! I wish I had half of the confidence as you did,” said another girl, with a black pixie cut and a shirt with shorts.

“Yay, thanks. Oh, what are your names?” I asked.

“I’m Hazel, and she’s Violet!” said the blonde girl.

“Nice to meet you, I’m Janessa,” I said, twirling around.

The two of them looked at each other and said, “Janessa, as in the princess?!” in unison.

“Yes, but I’m not a princess yet.”

“Amazing!” said Hazel.

“Thanks, well, see ya later!”

“Bye!” said Violet.

I waved goodbye and walked down the steps to another block, and almost tripped. A few old-fashioned cars raced by.

As soon as I entered the dorm room, I checked my messages. The Prince sent me what seemed to be more of a letter than a text message.

Dear Janessa,

How are you? I am rather anxious, as I will be traveling to the island to see what the condition is. I am afraid that it was quite a distance from here, and there is no electricity or WiFi. Please keep me in your prayers, so that you may return back into my arms once you are done with your degree. Furthermore, I hope you will be able to visit during the holidays.

Do not forget to reply to my message. I will be waiting.

With Love,

Prince Cassius

I exhaled softly, staring at my mini portrait of the prince. And so, I began writing.

Dear Prince Cassius,

The day started in a rather obnoxious manner. There were a bunch of bullies trying to stir up drama. However, I think I managed them well enough. I guess I might have made two new friends, too. Gosh, why didn’t I ask for their contact info?

Of course, you are always in my prayers. I hope you will stay in great health. I miss you.

Bye,

Janessa Drexel

The message was sent, but not delivered. It would soon be time to prepare my meals, but all I could think of was whether my time with the prince was nothing more than a pipedream.