Merlina woke up groggy, sunlight filtering into her room. The pillow was suddenly yanked from beneath her head. She groaned, rubbing her face.
"Wake up, sleepyhead! College girls don't get to sleep like babies," Alistair teased from across the room.
Merlina grumbled, eyes still heavy with sleep. "Ugh, I hate everything about school," she muttered, stretching as she pressed three fingers to her forehead. The scent of freshly baked cookies wafted in, and her stomach growled in response.
"You're the one going to college," Alistair remarked. "It's funny how everyone's excited... except you."
He pulled the curtains open, flooding the room with light. He sat by the window, eyes curious. "How do you feel?"
"About college?" Merlina sighed, leaning back against the wall. "Great. At least I don't have to see Dad and Fiona make out."
She cracked a faint smile, resting her head against the cool surface, lost in thought.
In her mind, she couldn't help but think of the road ahead. I'm heading to college. I'll meet new faces—some I'll hate, some I might like, maybe even love.
But then she shook her head, No, scratch that. This isn't about falling for anyone. I'm going to Belview for a reason... a reason I can't share with Alistair or Melissa. Not yet.
Alistair was still watching her with an odd intensity. "Are you sure about Belview? After everything that's happened?"
Merlina snapped out of her thoughts. "Mom always talked about Belview like it was special. There had to be a reason. She wanted this for me—so I'm going." She dodged his gaze, not ready to share the full truth.
He watched her for a moment longer, then smiled and walked out of the room. She exhaled deeply.
A few moments later, Merlina quickly showered and went through her morning routine. The sound of the water splashing against the tiles and the rush of brushing her teeth seemed like a blur of motion as she got ready.
In her room, she stood before her closet, eyeing her clothes. What says confident, no-nonsense college girl?
She discarded floral print dresses, designer bags, and high heels, opting for something more understated. A chic, simple outfit. A gold shell necklace, a Cartier watch, and a spritz of perfume finished off the look.
Downstairs in the dining area, she ate waffles, sipped lemon juice, and swallowed two aspirin, her mind still on the day ahead.
"Dad?" she called out into the living room, her voice barely above a whisper.
Footsteps approached, and soon Melissa and Alistair appeared downstairs, excited. Dad was dragging her suitcase behind him.
"You ready?" Aiden asked, his eyes sparkling with a mix of pride and apprehension.
Merlina hesitated. She wasn't sure if she was ready, but she nodded anyway.
The drive to Belview College was a blur. When they finally arrived, Merlina stepped out of the car, her eyes wide as she took in the campus. Everything looked so big, so daunting. Her dad walked her toward the administration building, but she was feeling overwhelmed.
"Seriously, Dad. I can take it from here," she said, trying to hide her embarrassment.
He didn't stop, continuing forward.
Inside the Dean's office, Dean Masters greeted them warmly. "Mr. Sanchez, good to see you."
Aiden smiled and shook his hand. "Oh, I just couldn't help but stop by and personally hand her over to you. She's Marjorie's first, literally our jewel."
Dean Masters chuckled, but there was a heavy pause. "I can see that, I only wish she was here to witness this moment."
Aiden's voice faltered slightly. "She would want you to keep an eye on her."
The Dean nodded, "You have nothing to worry about, Mr. Sanchez."
Merlina cringed inwardly, embarrassed by her dad's overprotectiveness, but she kept her expression neutral.
Outside the dorm hallway, Aiden gave her one last hug. "Take care of yourself, honey"
Merlina smiled weakly, "I will"
He left, and Dean Masters gestured toward a door. Merlina hesitated before entering, her heart pounding. Inside, two girls were already there—Phoebe, a bright redhead, and Megan, a cool brunette.
"Hey... um, I think I'm your new roommate?" Merlina said, holding up her dorm slip, still unsure of herself.
Phoebe's eyes lit up. "Shut up—no way! You're so pretty. I'm obsessed already!"
Merlina blinked, taken aback by the excitement. Phoebe pulled her into an impromptu hug.
"I'm Phoebe. Phoebe Johnson," Phoebe grinned.
"Merlina," she replied, still adjusting to the warmth of the greeting.
Megan smiled from across the room. "Megan O'Conor."
They exchanged a quick handshake, and Merlina shifted, still getting used to this new space and the people in it.
"What's your major?" Phoebe asked eagerly.
"Law," Merlina answered.
"No way! Me too! And Megan! This is like... the universe doing its thing," Phoebe squealed, pulling Merlina into another hug.
Megan rolled her eyes but smiled. "Can you maybe let her breathe first?"
Phoebe stepped back. "Right! Sorry—I just get excited."
They all laughed. Phoebe grabbed Merlina's suitcase, and for the first time that day, Merlina found herself smiling—a real one.
Okay... maybe this won't totally suck.