Forging your own personality by carving out your soul in search of a deeper purpose in life was never on my bucket list, but you know what they say? It's all part of the cycle of time, and HIS plans are meant to astonish you. And believe me when I say that my entire eighteen years of existence have been a series of HIS manipulations. Stepping forward in my life was about much more than merely admitting my ennui and enlightening them with pleasure. It was actually to liberate myself from my own sins or my own terrifying anxieties, and to finally live the life I desired. Indeed, living the life I aspire to!

With these nerve-wracking ideas in mind, I organized my backpack, filling it with all of my essentials. "Ethel, are you done packing?" I heard mum shouting from the kitchen. I took my last bag and gave one last look at my room before I got off.

"Yes, mom." Ethel, my brother, yelled back. I looked around to see dad talking with him while mum was busy packing lunch for us. I sat next to my father, my bag near the suitcase, and inquired about their gossip.

"Oh honey! Just casual talk. By the way, are you thrilled about your university life? " He asked, grinning. I returned the gesture, saying, "Should I lie or tell the truth?"

"Lie!" Ethel chimed in.

"I'm very excited. Excitement pervades my system. Oh, from the excitement I remember, I'm not nervous at all. Since I won't be missing anybody, I won't be calling you every day. I hope you got the answer. " I sighed, resting my head on my dad's shoulder.

"C'mon, sis, university isn't that bad. Moreover, I'll be checking up on you every week or two." Ethel said, marching towards the kitchen.

"Why won't you say that? You were, after all, an ex- student. Anyway, it's time for our flight. We must leave. " I scoffed, arranging my things.

"Oh sweetie, we're going to miss you a lot. Please be cautious, eat properly, take your medications on time, and remember 'that talk'. " She said, emphasizing the last part. Memories from last night flashed through my mind as my mother told me... Wait, scratch that! She was giving me a lecture on the do's and don'ts of college life.

"Mum, I'm going to college, not the Civil War. So, please chill! " I hugged her.

"Ah! One more last thing. If, I mean... by any chance, anyone catches your eye, then don't forget to tell me. " She winked at me. I chuckled at my mom's naughtiness. "Shouldn't you be like all those moms... not to date and all that stuff? Be like, 'Listen, honey, no parties, no boys, and no fun. Focus on your studies. '" I tried imitating her. She chuckled, kissing my forehead.

"If you mother-daughter are over with all that talks, then we should leave as we a have flight today, not tomorrow; remember?"

Stupid brother!

"Last time I checked, bro, I was not suffering from Alzheimer's or Dementia or short-term memory loss. So yeah, I remember we have a flight to attend to, but more importantly, you've got a date with a girl. Now, do you remember? "

Here you go, big bro!

"What did you say, Soph? Who's having 'what' today? " Ethel gave me a hard glare, which said—'Tell them and you're done. '

I gulped, nodding. "Um... I was saying that... Ethel will gift dates to one of his female friends. You know... Dates are healthy. We all should eat it. Poor girl is suffering from don't know how many diseases! " I said, smirking at my dear brother, who was still busy giving me the look that said—'Be ready for revenge!'

"Bro, when does your work start?" I asked, facing him. After bidding our goodbyes, here we were sitting on the plane to New York. He was busy reading some files about which I had no clue.

Did I mention he was a lawyer?

He closed it facing me, "Next week, I hope so. This meeting just came up all of a sudden, and my presence is very much needed. " I hummed in response.

"When is your meeting starting?"

"Tonight, at 7. Anyways, your university isn't that far from my workplace; hardly a few miles or something. I guess you should take some rest. " He paused, looking at his watch. "There's still an hour left." I nodded and closed my eyes as I began to drift off.

"Soph, wake up! We're here. " I felt someone nudging me. My eyes fluttered open. I stretched my hands before picking up my things.

Welcome New York!

Ethel's friend was coming to pick us up. Ethel guided me the way. "Hey man!" They did the bro hug and all. I cleared my throat, reminding him of my presence.

Hey, Ethel! I've been all alive here.

"Dude, she's my sister, Sophronia, and Soph, he's my friend, Jase Derick." I gave him a small smile with a hand shake. Jase was about my brother's age, 23, with dark brown hair and blue eyes. He, too, was a lawyer.

Throughout the car ride, they both made small talks, which were mostly based on cases, all the while my mind kept wandering-gazing at the passing scenery. No doubt, New York was full of beauty. Back in North Carolina, I had a very bad habit of gazing at things, trying to absorb all of its goodness. Elysian visions or something like that!

The car came to a halt, retrieving me from my stupor. In front of my eyes stood the great New York University, exuding power, excellence, and wisdom.

I smiled, stepping out of the car, but honestly, I was nervous as hell. Who wouldn't be nervous about visiting that university for the first time!? The campus was teeming with students and their parents, both of whom were bidding their final goodbyes. There were various sounds, or more like noises of talking, chattering, and laughing.

Those things reminded me how fast I grew up! How fast time passed! It felt as if—weren't I in high school yesterday and look, today I was in college!! I was going to spend four freaking years there, in that place.... And there would come a time when I would graduate from there. The smile never left my face. Ethel squeezed my shoulder, giving me a reassuring smile. We made our way towards the office area to grab our dorm information and materials. My dorm was in Brittany Hall.

NYU was even more beautiful than I'd imagined. It was just spectacular, with contemporary textures, sculpted pillars, enormous space, and breathtaking surroundings. We reached the Brittany Hall successfully without getting lost. All thanks to God! It was already crowded with youngsters, some dragging their luggage, while others helped them. The hall was big and elegant. What more could you expect from an elite school?

While searching my dorm, I noticed some girls looking my way or more like Ethel's way. And Ethel, being Ethel, had to return the gesture. Though there was no denying that he was handsome and all, but eww! He was my brother, after all! With dark blonde hair, hazel eyes, and a tall, well-built frame, he sure knew how to attract attention.

"Dude, this is my college; have some shame at least," I nudged him on the side. "You know, there are places called clubs where this type of staring and flirting is valid, but not here! At least not right in front of me! Moreover, wouldn't you like a girl to gift dates? " I chuckled. He rolled his eyes and mumbled something under his breath.

"Walk fast, we have to search your room today only!" He said he'd drag me along with him.

"Dude, do you realize that I'm not a robot or have wheels instead of feet, right?"

He huffed, saying, "Can you, for once in your lifetime, stop exaggerating?"

Wait and watch, bro!

"Ah! There's your room 315. "