Danitza POV
Sanika finally made it to the auditorium. The so-called orientation went pretty smoothly; they told us we'd receive our timetable on our student portals. After they told us what they expected, they got really repetitive, so I clocked out.
After orientation, we were dismissed, so Sanika and I decided to take a quick campus tour. "Sanika, look. This could be a really cool picnic area." I pointed it out because the scenery was magnificent.
I probably sound repetitive, but I never once believed I'd be in this position. I have been failed and disappointed by many people in my 19, almost 20, years of life, by family, friends, and even boyfriends.
"Dani, can I be real with you?" Sanika asked, kind of sad. "Of course you can come; let's sit down," I said, trying to sound reassuring as I gestured to the bench.
"Ok, so I am not sure what you really think of me. I know some might say I'm a whore or an attention seeker, but to be honest, I just have this ache for love and care. I don't know; maybe it's because I rarely received it from my parents, but I recently realized that money can't ease that ache. I really appreciate you, Dani. You never judged me or ridiculed me. I know we had our differences when we first met, but you never once undermined me, and for that, I just want to say thank you." Nika vented.
I don't know what to say; this is the first time she's ever said something like this to me. It warms my heart.
"And also, Dani, before you say anything. I must admit it kind of makes me sad that you don't really share private things with me the way I do. You're always so reserved, and you always hold things back. We've been friends for a while, and I just wish you could open up to me the way I open up to you. I know you have Ryker, but sometimes you want a female perspective on things, don't you?"
Well, damn, "flabbergasted" would be an understatement. Now I definitely didn't know what to say.
"Nika, I honestly don't know what to say. I really appreciate everything that you've said; it really warms my heart. To be honest, nothing in my life is so drastic that I need to share it. I do tell you things; I just leave out certain details. That doesn't mean I am withholding information from you, and Ryker is my best friend. He has done so much for me. I do ask for your opinion on things, but as I mentioned, my life is pretty boring, so I will always be here for you and everyone else, Dacari, Jadira, and you."
Yeah, so I lied. My life has been a drama series; I feel like if I share that side of me, everyone will pity me and see me differently, and I really don't want that. Some things are meant to stay private; not every aspect of our lives is to be shared.
"Also, be so for real: when that bastard left me, I came crying to you and told you," I said, laughing a little to lighten the atmosphere. It worked, because Sanika cracked a little smile.
"What made you want to mention all that, though?" I asked curiously.
"No reason, just wanted you to know you are an amazing friend."
Sanika and I went our separate ways, since she doesn't live on campus (internal eye roll). We literally have to get ready for school in the morning.
I logged into the student portal and checked my timetable, and damn, it was overwhelming. I have four classes each weekday and two evening classes on weekends. When would I get time to party? The weekend classes were practicals, so I knew those would matter more.
Sigh, I can already feel the pressure.
After I got everything, I needed to build my timetable, so I did a quick school prep. Then I realized I needed to call Marie. I dialed her number from memory and waited for her to pick up. She did on the second ring.
"You remember me now?" Marie answered with an obvious attitude, and I sighed.
"I was busy settling in. We had so many things to do and work on, and school literally starts tomorrow, Marie." I tried my best to reason with my mother.
"Yes, yes. Excuses and more excuses. Marie said. I could sense the eye roll from the other side of the phone. "But anyway. Have you eaten yet? Is your room clean? Are you still dorming with that snake?" Marie bombarded me with questions.
I sighed internally; now I knew why I'd taken so long to call.
"No, I haven't eaten. Yes, my room is clean because I cleaned it, and no, Sanika chose to dorm off campus." I answered calmly. "When are you going to stop referring to Sanika as a snake, Marie? What did she even do to offend you?" I asked curiously.
"I don't know; she just rubs me the wrong way- call it a mother's intuition- but on lighter topics. I am so happy you are settling in over there; remember, cleanliness is next to -"
"Godliness, yes, Marie, I remember." I finished her statement with a chuckle.
"I have to go now. The gates of hell open tomorrow, so I need to prepare." I will call you every night before bed, okay?" I said to Marie, wrapping up the call.
We said our I love yous and hung up.
I need to mentally prepare for classes tomorrow, because I need to conquer this educational system again. After a quick shower and a glance over my timetable, I snuggle into my bed, trying my best to think about anything but school. For example, my life if I had listened to my uncle and started selling drugs. 'Sigh,' what a bummer; I could be making six figures right now.
Well goodnight...