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First Day at Princeton Legacy College

I am back in my fluffy bed, clad in the most comfortable, fluffy pajamas I have ever worn. The ceiling above me is a marvel of crafty design, and I find myself lost in its intricate patterns as I reflect on the conversation I had with the young crowd earlier.

During our interaction, I discovered that four of the boys and two of Alexander's sisters attended the same college, while the remaining three boys were going to join them this year. I guessed it all through their conversations which were filled with topics that seemed foreign to me.

Curiosity got the better of me, and I asked Ethan how they were all able to attend the same college. He explained that they go to a prestigious institution called Princeton Legacy College, where only children from upper-class families are enrolled.

The college does offer scholarships on a need basis, but the competition is fierce.

Remembering the name of the college that was one of my top choices, memories of my entrance exams flood my mind, and tears well up in my eyes. I miss my father terribly, and the wounds of his loss are still raw. Even the slightest mention of him is enough to make my emotions overflow.

I wipe away the tears, trying to compose myself. The room feels suffocating, and I step outside onto the balcony to breathe in the fresh air and clear my head. The night sky is adorned with stars, each one twinkling like a distant memory. It's in moments like these that I find solace and try to gather the strength to face the challenges that lie ahead.

What I didn't know was that I would be witnessing Jack and Nick sneaking out of their villas in the middle of the night on their bikes. Even in the darkness, I could recognize them, mainly because those two idiots weren't even wearing their helmets.

As they noticed me watching, Jack's mischievous eyes met mine, and he couldn't resist sending a flying kiss my way. My irritation flared as I glared at him in disgust, and I could see him chuckling from a distance as I rolled my eyes at his audacity.

However, his amusement was short-lived as a slap landed on his head for the second time today, but this time, it wasn't from Ben—it was Nick who seemed to be scolding him for bumping into him while being distracted. I couldn't help but smirk, feeling satisfied that someone was reprimanding him.

In response, Nick gave me a two-finger salute while Jack waved his arm over-enthusiastically before they both sped away on their bikes, leaving Edencrest Gardens behind. I shook my head with squinted eyes, tutting at their irresponsibility for still not wearing helmets.

I could tell just by a single glance at Nick that he indeed is an adrenaline junkie but I guess Jack was no less reckless.

"Little did I know that my mood had changed a bit due to their antics, as I returned to bed, looking forward to a deep sleep to ease the soreness in my muscles after an eventful day.

...

A few days have passed by, and Grandma has once again called me, this time into her study. I settle into the chair opposite her while she goes through her files, switching her glasses to read the finer print.

Finally, she looks up at me as she finishes going through the file, she pushes it toward me, and I raise an eyebrow, curious about its contents.

"I am afraid of repeating any mistakes that might have upset or exhausted your father," she begins, her voice tinged with hesitance. "But going to college is a crucial part of one's life, although it does not define you as a person."

I nod in understanding, knowing that she still carries the pain of my father leaving her alone. However, I appreciate the effort she is making to be more considerate toward me.

"These are some top colleges' information, including some excellent ones from abroad," she continues as I spare a glance at the file which seems to be the brochures of those colleges. "Although I do wish for you to stay by my side, I will not repeat the same mistake. You shall have the freedom to choose your own path with college. Even if you decide not to go to college at all, I will never bother you about it."

"Grandma, don't worry. I was already thinking about going to college, and Princeton Legacy seems like a perfect choice. How about Princeton Legacy? All the residents of Edencrest Gardens go there and I am sure you like it as well," I suggest, even without giving a look at the file that she gave me.

A sweet smile spreads across her face, illuminating her eyes with pride. It warms my heart to see her happy about my decision. After all, she's my only family now, and I couldn't bear the thought of being far away from her and going abroad.

"But the entrance exam date has already passed-- It was a horrible day--" I take a deep breath, trying to push back the memories of that painful time. The ache in my chest has lessened over time, but the scars still remain.

Grandma must have sensed my momentary sadness as she clears her throat, gently drawing my attention back to her. "Princeton Legacy primarily admits students through private admissions. The entrance exam is usually for those applying for scholarships. However, you can still apply for a scholarship in your second year if you wish. But, my dear, we are fortunate enough to afford the tuition fee, so it would be wise not to take away resources from those who truly need them," she advises with great care.

I nod, grateful for her guidance. I trust her judgment wholeheartedly.

As the evening sun casts a warm golden glow through the window, I find myself lost in thoughts about the place my father went to and eventually dropped out from during his junior year, it is something I just recently found out about.

I desperately hope to uncover any clues that could shed light on what might have happened to him there. I want to unravel the truth about his past.

...

Stepping out of the car, adorned in branded clothes and clutching my MacBook, I shield my eyes from the scorching sunlight with a pair of expensive sunglasses perched on my nose.

This isn't my usual style at all, but Mr. Adams insisted I dress up, even when I simply wanted to throw on a casual tee and pants.

The driver assures me he'll be waiting in the parking lot, ready to pick me up whenever I need. I feel a tinge of awkwardness as the only means of travel I've ever known was on foot. The world of privilege and luxury is still foreign to me.

The campus is surrounded by lush greenery, with tall trees swaying gently in the breeze. In the distance, I can see a serene lake, its waters reflecting the vibrant colors of the sky. Students are scattered across the campus grounds, chatting and laughing, their vibrant energy filling the air. The college architecture is a mix of modern and classic, with ivy-covered walls and grand pillars adding a touch of elegance. It's a picturesque setting, and I can't help but feel a sense of excitement and wonder as I take in the beauty of my new college environment.

"Hey Lila!" a familiar voice calls out, and I turn to see a smiling Ethan jogging up to me.

"Hello, Ethan," I greet him, taking a deep breath after all that jogging, and we share a chuckle.

"Should we walk to the auditorium together?" he asks, and I figure why not? I nod in agreement, and we set off together towards the orientation.

...

Turns out, all four of us will be taking the same classes for business administration: Ethan, Jack, Alexander, and I. However, there's a slight difference in our academic paths.

Both Ethan and Jack have business administration as their minor, while Alexander and I have chosen it as our major, which makes me feel a bit crappy just thinking about it.

As we settle in for our first class right after the orientation, students are sharing their opinions about the upcoming year, with some expressing excitement and others already feeling drained.

Jack, true to his nature, lets out a groan as he plops down on the seat behind me. "Who needs classes on the first day of college? I just know this year is gonna suck," he complains, sounding quite whiny, and I can't help but chuckle.

"Well, you might not be feeling so crappy if you had slept last night instead of going on some adventure," I tease him. I had caught sight of him and Nick sneaking out of the colony last night once again while I felt restless about my first day of college and went to take some fresh air on the balcony.

Ethan looks at me with wide eyes and asks, "Did you see them too?" I nod in affirmation, and we share a chuckle while Jack just rolls his eyes playfully.

"Whatever you say, Miss Beautiful. Oh my, I forgot to mention, you are exceptionally beautiful today," he says with a flirty tone, causing me to roll my eyes in response. Ethan, witnessing Jack's antics, shakes his head and tuts at his friend, clearly used to his playful behavior.

"Blending in with the crowd is not always everyone's trope," the grumpy sloth adds as he finally enters the class and takes a seat right beside Jack. I can feel his comment was directed towards me, and it irks me slightly.

Sensing a potential conflict, Ethan intervenes by engaging the grumpy sloth in a conversation, diverting his attention. I decide to turn around and face the front, avoiding any further interaction with the irritable boy.

"What is with these two?" Jack asks, raising his eyebrows at Ethan, who leans in to whisper something in Jack's ear. I can't help but scoff, annoyed that they're talking as if I'm not sitting right beside them.

Suddenly, Jack gasps loudly, drawing the attention of other students around us. I facepalm, regretting my decision to sit next to Ethan now.

"What is wrong with you, dude!" Jack still has yet to realize how loud he's being. But he continues, seemingly oblivious to the stares he's attracting. "I've told you multiple times, you shouldn't be rude to guys who have daughters," he explains, using a weird analogy. "What if you end up catching feelings for the daughter? The father will kill you in one go."

"What the fu#k is wrong with you?" the grumpy sloth interjects, his frustration evident. I also glare at Jack, disgusted by his strange remark. Meanwhile, Ethan bursts into fits of laughter, thoroughly amused by the situation.

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