Mr. Garfield, Williams Garfield, is that right?"
A woman behind the counter, who seems to be in her 40s, raised the question as she goes through some series of clipped documents.
"Yes, that's correct."
I answered with some slight hesitation as I was busy taking in the view of the metro styled reception hall, quite matching the "Southside's Bay" given to the dorm facility as a name.
One could tell that this receptionist doesn't give a fuck, like a literal example of someone who's tired of her job and could care less of the way she carries herself.
Can't blame her, most people here are just getting into adulthood, so of course, a lot of unfavorable attitudes are going to be thrown around and she's ready to give out the perfect response.
Then, as she lift her eyes, she had her mouth open up wide while her popsicle drops to the ground from it.
She made it obvious that she was taken aback, lost in thought while stuttering in a lower tone.
"Darling…"
I said as I reached out and aided with getting her mouth shut and calling her back to the present.
"…I still don't know my dorm number and my roommate's details."
"Oh my God, I'm so sorry but sir… are you sure you are meant to be in the dorms and not in an apartment or villa?"
The receptionist inquired while still being lost in my eyes.
Now, my hand moves from her jaw to her left cheek.
I did have it caressed a bit before responding to her question with a smile,
"Let us just say that I have a dad from humble beginnings who happens to want his own son to go through some of that experience."
"Bless his soul."
She made the statement subconsciously as she had her head rest up on my palm, still locking her eyes with mine.
"What?"
I asked as I let out a chuckle.
"My word, I'm sorry once more, I meant to say that your dad really does seem humble."
"I understand…"
I retract my hand as I place it on the table before continuing with my statement,
"…so, what's my dorm number and can I have my keys."
"Absolutely…"
She quickly gets back to searching through the clipped documents before calling out the written details about my lodging,
"…Here, due to the extra payment you made, you will be getting a room with a single roommate.
Promisingly spacious than the other rooms, separate bathrooms, bedrooms and unlike a normal dorm, you have a conjoined room which we considered it to serve as a living room and a kitchen.
Here, the rent is $14,800 per year, excluding the emergency dues, security charges and community fees.
As for your roommate, he goes by Ash, Sanders Ash and just moved in last week.
Here's your keys…"
Casually placing it on the table for me while she reads on,
"…and the number is 120, yes, you guys are the last to obtain our deluxe dorm room."
She air quotes the "deluxe dorm room" before going through another set of documents before handling to me the dorm's lease to sign both the original and copy as well as a drawn map for directions to the dorm's facilities.
Did the signing, had my files arranged, took my key and with a smile, I stated,
"I'll be taking my leave now, lady?"
"Don't worry, I'm know as just the receptionist."
"Sorry to ask once more, lady?"
With a visible expressive blush from her, she succumbed and gave me the response I needed,
"Alright, it's Deborah."
"Nice knowing you… Debbie."
I said as I headed towards the elevator but was stopped by her.
"Wait! Uhmm, your room is at the top floor while the cloud symbol is the building's open terrace."
This time around, with a wide smile, I responded with some thanks which made her smile brightly than the past few minutes we were having our conversation.
Finally, I got into the elevator, tapped on the button, got to my floor, to my dorm's door, got it open with the key handed to me and behold, the living room was dark but only the television was emitting some dim light to the room.
I could also hear the sound of chips being crushed and munched on.
I find my way to the light switch and switched it on and then did I hear a yell.
"The fuck!!?"
A figure rose up from a bean bag as a pack of some chips fell on the floor while crumbs of it was stuck on the figures hoodie.