The hustle and bustle on Stanford University's campus was palpable, with a mixture of excitement, nerves, and expectations floating 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 first-year students moved cautiously, their eyes wide open, trying to absorb every detail of the campus that would now be their home.
The Californian sun shone brightly, illuminating the perfectly maintained pathways and gardens. On the green lawns, small groups of students could be seen sitting in circles, some sharing laughs and others reviewing campus maps with expressions of bewilderment. Near the main building, a serpentine line formed in front of the registration office, where new students waited patiently to register for their courses and receive their room assignments.
Fraternities and sororities were also in full activity, set up at tables decorated with banners and balloons, handing out brochures and offering charismatic smiles to passing students. First-year girls, in particular, were the main targets of the female sororities, who invited them to join their exclusive communities.
Among the crowd, Eliza stood out. With her long, slightly wavy hair that fell like a golden cascade to her waist, it was impossible not to notice her. Her deep blue eyes sparkled with a mixture of curiosity and nervousness, while her slightly tanned skin reflected the Californian sun. At 18, Eliza was ready to begin this new stage of her life, although 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 5'0" made her look younger than she was, but her elegant bearing and determined gaze hinted at an inner confidence. She observed carefully the buildings surrounding 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 responded with a shy smile.
"I figured. All the freshmen have that lost look," the boy said, laughing softly. "I'm Marco, by the way."
Before Eliza could respond, a redheaded girl suddenly appeared, almost running toward them.
"Darling!" she exclaimed as she threw herself at Marco. "I've been looking everywhere for you."
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 smiling widely.
"Hi, I'm Amanda," she said in a warm, friendly tone.
"Eliza," she replied, feeling a bit intimidated by Amanda's intensity.
"Are you new too?" asked Amanda while pointing at the papers Eliza was holding with both hands.
Eliza nodded and, to her surprise, Amanda quickly hugged her as if they were old friends. Although she wasn't much for hugs, Eliza accepted it, feeling a strange warmth in the gesture.
The three students continued walking together across campus. Marco explained some useful shortcuts to reach classrooms more quickly and pointed out the best places to eat. He also told them 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 any sorority?" Amanda asked curiously.
"I don't think so," Eliza felt a bit embarrassed about being a legacy of the Alpha Phi sorority and preferred to keep it to herself. "I don't think they'd accept me."
"But you're beautiful, with those eyes, that hair, and those curves," Amanda said, making Eliza feel a bit uncomfortable.
"It's really not my style," she said, slightly blushing. "I'll settle in the campus dorms."
"I'm actually really glad," Amanda said, giving her an affectionate hug.
Amid laughter, they finally arrived at the building where first-year students needed to register for 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 was, while others chatted animatedly with friends or checked their mobile phones. The campus diversity was impressive, and she felt excited thinking about all the stories she might hear and adventures she would have now that she wasn't under her mother's constant supervision.
When it was finally her turn, Eliza handed in her documents and received her schedule along with the key to her room in the residence hall. Leaving the building, she looked at the paper in her hands with a mixture of relief and enthusiasm. Everything was beginning to take shape: her classes, her new friends, her temporary home, her new life at Stanford.
Once they had registered, they were able to relax under the shade of a tree. Eliza was enchanted by all the funny anecdotes she heard from Amanda and loved seeing the way he looked at her. They were truly in love. From what she had heard, they had been a couple since high school.
She enjoyed the breeze that brushed her face, with her eyes closed and savoring the moment. Until an intense heat pulled her from her private moment.